2003 echo improvements - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

JMMCH · 09-20-2008, 05:15 AM

Hi all, I have a 2003 Echo sedan, is a great car specially the MPG, is my daily driver. I have some issues with it, that I will like to improve: 1) Always when it rains or I take my car to wash, my trunk gets flooded, 2) I will like to improve my brake pads for better braking, 3) Improve my headlight bulbs for better illumination, 4) I will like to install side mirrors that I could adjust from inside. Recently I installed a rear window defroster, because it did not had one. Any suggestions?

Regards, JMMCH

***new echo owner*** · 09-20-2008, 08:03 AM

Get inside the trunk with a flashlight and have someone run water over it to see if you can find out where the water is coming in from.

I have no idea about the other stuff; I imagine whatever improves the vehicle for the other models should very much work for an Echo, different pad types, headlight bulbs, etc.

N.E.O.

dkrivosheyev · 09-20-2008, 08:08 AM

I also have 2003 Echo with the same flooding problem. Does it flood in the corner where the jack is? You may want to remove the rubber seal, put some black silicone and replace the seal, often this helps. Is you car manual or automatic? I am asking because mine is automatic and I wanted to see how manu MPG you get on yours.

Thank you,

***new echo owner*** · 09-20-2008, 08:14 AM

What is the mileage for the auto? My 00 is manual, and I am thinking about looking for an auto one too.

N.E.O.

dkrivosheyev · 09-20-2008, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by new echo owner

What is the mileage for the auto? My 00 is manual, and I am thinking about looking for an auto one too.

N.E.O.

I get about 350 miles per tank, city driving. Highway is a lot better - around 420 per tank. I also have 01 Manual echo which is about 25% better milage

***new echo owner*** · 09-20-2008, 09:31 AM

Haven't driven much on the highway yet, so not sure about the mileage, but I am running around 360 to 380 around town. Now if I can just find an auto one that they don't want an arm and a leg for.

N.E.O.

JMMCH · 09-22-2008, 09:02 PM

Millage is similar to other auto mentioned, drives fine with the auto. Daily driver without any problem.

JMMCH · 09-22-2008, 09:04 PM

I will follow your advice. For the moment I just removed the carpet and the two rubber seals at the bottom to let it drain.

***new echo owner*** · 09-22-2008, 09:14 PM

Keep us posted.

N.E.O.