Considering a used Echo? Any issues to look out for?

[corrado_mr2]

Hi,

I'm new at this forus. I thought I'd ask the experts on the Echo. I'm looking into a 2000-2002 Echo, either manual or automatic, though I would prefer an automatic one. A/C is a possibility. Mileage can be as high as 220000km (130000 miles).

Any major issues/reliability concerns I should be aware of in a 4-6 year old Echo?

Thanks for your input.

[ECHOKnight2000]

Why just those model years? Don't care for the 03-05 models? Anyway I know the earlier models you mentioned had some problems but nothing too major, I think minor recalls maybe someone else can confirm that. The only major one was floor corrosion recall in that apparently the ECHO's floor rusted away earlier than it should, so I went in for the free installation that helps delay that corrosion.
I have an 03 ECHO sedan and I love it! I preferr the styling to the previous models but each to his/her own. I can tell you this...the ECHO is the cheapest or one of the cheapest cars to maintain on the road today. If you're looking for A to B basic transportation with great gas mileage and Toyota reliability, look no further! It's probably the most cost effecient vehical to own today. I have an automactic and I can say for an auto I think its peppy and pulls decently, as much as I would have like the manual the auto holds its own and gets great mileage for an auto.

Well, I wish you luck! Check into the cars history like on CarFax or something just for damage title or not, that's important. Keep us posted!

[corrado_mr2]

Thanks for the tip. Getting an 00-02 versus an 03-05, is a cost issue. Theresale is extremely high. A 2000 Echo high mileage sells at 40%. Get a lower mileage one, excellent shape, we're talking 50%. Unbelievable resale. I have a 1991 Toyota MR2 that has been extremely reliable after 15 years and I am (sadly) looking to give it up for 4-door econobox, albeit a reliable one (Echo). Kids and my working wife... difficult to use a 2-seater as our second car. I can get approximately an equal trade (6G$ Cnd) for an older Echo for my car... that's what I'm looking at.

[amykathleen]

last winter i bought an 03 echo with auto and a/c and less than 40k km for $9400. i bought privately and his asking price was $13k. plus saved money on gst since i bought it privately. and it's mint-condition (only thing needed to be fixed were the front brakes).

are you good at replacing parts and what not yourself? something with 200k on it might need some new parts..

i'd recommend getting something with very low mileage and mint condition so you save money on fixing things. no point in buying a $6000 money pit.

also, before buying anything get a full inspection at the dealer. this is about $100-150 and well worth it.

~Amy

[thebarber]

id say just keep your eye peeled on autotrader.com and the local papers for a used one......maybe you can find one where an older person drove it and passed away......likely low kms, driven nicely, likely auto and a/c, dealer maintained, and a good price because the family wont want it....