It takes turning the key 100-250 times but then the Tercel starts right up

Could be faulty "start" contacts in your ignition switch, could be faulty wiring between the ignition switch and the starter relay or between the starter relay and the starter solenoid, or could be a faulty starter. You don't mention what year your Tercel is, but if it uses a Nippondenso gear-reduction starter, which a vast number of Toyotas do, just about the only failure mode they experience with any regularity is with the solenoid contacts. When that happens the symptoms are as you describe. Sometimes you can hear a click, sometimes not. The fix in that case need not be expensive or difficult; the challenge is in finding a tech who's willing to fix the starter rather than replacing it.

Starter solenoid contact info for the Denso OSGR starter is here:

Hey Daniel,

Thanks for the remarkably quick and helpful reply. Sounds like you're right on the money about the solenoid. I'll see if I can find a mechanic who'll give the starter some lov'in--not replacement (unless it absolutely needs it). The Tercel is an '87, two door.

Thanks again!

Regards,

Abe

You could easily be describing dirty battery cable ends.

After trying it for a bit, I would go and feel the ends of the cables. If one is hot, that would be the bad connection. Don't forget, the cables have 2 ends, but I suspect the bad connection would be at the battery.

Mike

Next time it doesn't start, try tapping on the starter solenoid with something solid. If it starts then, that fact would likely confirm the solenoid theory.

Do the cluster lights turn off and on every turn of the ignition key?