My "new" 2004 Echo HB :-)

[angel2167882]

Hi all, new to this forum but not in the automobile at all

I used to commute with the suburban train because I had a job downtown but I will begin a new one in January, 50km from my place where I need a car to drive to.

So I stop my choice on a used 2004 Toyota Echo Hatchback LE 5-door, with manual tranny and A/C. With only 68000 km (42k mi) real, It also came with OEM front deflector, OEM rear spoiler, tinted windows, auto starter, immobilizer, 14in winter steelies and 17in alloys mounted with 205-40-17 summer tires.

My first impressions are it is a great car to commute, inside space and driving position are excellent for a big guy like me (5'10", 230lbs) and of course, what was counting the most, fuel efficient. Rear spaces are ok and rear door will help to put the baby seat and attach him to it (occasionnaly).

It's not exactly a confort ride, especially on the Quebec road at frozing temp covered with snow, suspension works ok with some rattles inside. Traction with a regular FWD open diff and a light car is average, but my snow tires are cheap ones too.

But I had the chance to try it last week with the 17in alloys on dry pavement and that was a really nice ride

I've seen a lot of Echo for sale and this one, for the millage and all the extra, was the best bargin! Here's some pics (taken from the dealer's ad)












I'm already preparing a good tune-up to the car. I bought NGK Iridium IX spark plug (there is no double-platinum!!!), synthetic oil change in engine and tranny, coolant change and new battery. This car has to start at -30C here and because I'm begining a new job, it has to!

I may reliablely tune it a little and track once in a while (auto-x you say in US I think) with the car too. Upgrades like ceramic brakes, front strut bar, air intake, exhaust, and so on (basic bolt-on) maybe and may not in this order. I don't think to upgrade suspension thus, as our road are too ugly here

I also plan to upgrade the headunit and add rear speakers on the trunk cover too

But the most annoying thing for me is the lack of tachometer I'm so used to watch it for optimal shift point regarding economy but also to blip the gas when rev-matching.

Yeah, I could live with but I will probably get this EQUUS tach at my local Canadian Tire, installed on the steering column


The install instruction say "For Distributerless ignition systems make the connection to a suitable tachometer signal port", is the OBD-II RPM signal pin is OK for that?
http://www.equus.com/product_info.ph...ory_id=100_105
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows...252B8%2Bpo.jsp


Anyway, I love my new Echo

[thebarber]

nice buy!

check out clubecho-yarisquebec.com, echodrivers.com, yarisworld.com, and microimageonline.com too!

[Stevo_Echohb05]

nice to see another one back on the road

Question re:

Originally Posted by angel2167882

NGK Iridium IX spark plugs

I've always been tolled to use the original Denso K16R-U as the Iridium plugs can cause the car to run rough (not to mention cost more). Toyota used iridium SK16R11's in the 2000 Echo but changed to regular plugs in 2001.
any thoughts?

[angel2167882]

Yeah, I've seen that on clubecho-yarisquebec.com (which I'm a member too now!)...

I just got my NGK Iridium IX installed and will get my car tonight so I'll give you my impression.

I can also read OBD-II so in case my CEL light, I'll check if it's related to misfire or something.

But honestly, yeah I know that copper plug are cheap and works well at short term... but what is surprising is that all other major JDM uses Double-platium has OEM plugs, with same kind of coilpacks (Bosch) without any problem and Iridium is even better than Platinum to contuct electricity (not as well as copper thus)