(Full Disclosure: As mentioned in the original article, the opportunity to drive Jesse Pinkman’s 1984 Toyota Tercel came via Chieh Huang, CEO of Boxed.com and a dedicated Breaking Bad enthusiast. He acquired the vehicle for approximately $4,500, arguably the highest price ever paid for a Tercel, with the proceeds benefiting charity.)
When you picture Jesse Pinkman’s Toyota Tercel from the hit series Breaking Bad, the word “reliable” probably isn’t the first to spring to mind. More likely, you envision a battered, barely-roadworthy machine, perfectly suited to a man whose profession involves cooking and occasional consumption of methamphetamine. And in reality? You wouldn’t be far wrong. This particular Toyota Tercel, boasting over 215,000 miles on the clock and all-wheel drive, is a testament to surviving hard times, much like its fictional owner. It’s safe to say, it has character, and plenty of issues to match.
Let’s delve into the driving experience, shall we? Imagine a steering wheel that feels more like a suggestion than a direct link to the front wheels. That’s the Tercel. The gearbox? Let’s just say “vague” is an understatement. Finding the gear you’re aiming for is more of an educated guess than a precise engagement. Adding to the symphony of automotive quirks is a vacuum leak, causing the engine to rev enthusiastically, and often unnecessarily. The suspension feels like it’s constructed from the cheapest, most elastic rubber bands imaginable, offering a ride that’s bouncy and unpredictable in equal measure. And let’s not forget the general patina of age and use – it’s dusty, it’s dirty, and it proudly proclaims its 74 horsepower, each one working overtime.
Yet, despite this laundry list of automotive sins, driving Pinkman’s Tercel is, surprisingly, utterly fantastic. This is the essence of appreciating cars for what they are, quirks and all. Chieh Huang, a self-confessed Breaking Bad fanatic, understood this perfectly. For him, acquiring this specific Tercel wasn’t about owning a pristine classic car; it was about owning a piece of pop culture history. While acknowledging the need for a mechanic to ensure it’s roadworthy for occasional use, the beauty of this Tercel lies in its unrestored, authentic condition. A full restoration would erase its story, its very essence.
This specific 1984 Toyota Tercel carries its history etched into its very being. The sunroof is welded shut, a testament to some past repair, and a fake gas tank on the side adds to its visual eccentricity. Starting the engine requires a screwdriver – a charmingly unconventional feature. The functionality of the 4WD remains a delightful mystery, best left untested. To enhance the Breaking Bad connection, Chieh has thoughtfully included a replica Jesse Pinkman hoodie, a stack of cash for impromptu window-throwing moments, and a copy of Walt Whitman’s Leaves Of Grass, a literary nod to another famous W.W.
Objectively speaking, the Toyota Tercel in this condition is far from a “good” car in the conventional sense of driving dynamics and refinement. However, it’s undeniably a cool car. The 4WD Tercels, in general, have always held a unique appeal. They possess a quirky charm that sets them apart from mainstream vehicles, and their relative rarity makes spotting one on the road a noteworthy event.
For many car enthusiasts, affection for certain vehicles is deeply rooted in personal experiences and memories. Cars can become intertwined with significant moments in our lives, forging emotional connections that transcend mere transportation. For Chieh, the Toyota Tercel became an object of fascination during his Breaking Bad obsession. Having the means to acquire this iconic vehicle, he simply followed his passion. And despite offers exceeding double his purchase price, he has no intention of selling. Instead, he plans to use it for promotional purposes for his company.
Imagine this: a lucky customer placing an order with the code “boxingbad” might find their delivery arriving in Jesse Pinkman’s actual Toyota Tercel. They might even get a ride! For those unfamiliar with Breaking Bad, it might elicit a shrug. But for fans, it’s a uniquely memorable and engaging marketing idea, bringing the fictional world of the show into reality.
From a car casting perspective, the Breaking Bad production team deserves applause. They resisted the temptation to select a pristine, showroom-condition 1984 Tercel 4WD (assuming such a unicorn even exists). Instead, they opted for a vehicle that visibly reflects a life well-lived, a car that embodies the spirit of Jesse Pinkman himself. It’s a reminder that true character, in both people and cars, is often forged through adversity and experience. The Tercel, much like Jesse, is a survivor, a unique and unforgettable character in its own right, as integral to the show’s narrative as Walter White Jr. It visually establishes Jesse’s persona, his background, and his journey. This beat-up Toyota Tercel is more than just a car; it’s a symbol, an automotive embodiment of a beloved and complex character.
