2005 Echo Decision ???

[spinner747]

Hello,
We are currently on the market to buy a used car. There is on 2005 Echo that we found with 110000km, auto, in great condition for $6500 CAD. Just wondering if its worth it? For the same amount we can find older Corolla or Civic. What do you think? Reliability?Are Echos considered a "girly" cars in general? I am a 34 years old male and will be primary driver of the car. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[tstclr]

Is this a Hatch or Sedan model? RS? I paid $6200 for my RS Hatch however it has 66000km and I work for the dealer that had it so I got it quite a bit cheaper than asking price. I'm 42, male and don't really give a damn what people think. I have my high horsepower 69 Pontiac to burn my testosterone out on. The Echo is bulletproof and gets fantastic gas mileage (before winter hit I got 625kms on $40 worth of fuel)
After seeing customers at work paying over a grand for a set of snow tires for their 17 or 18" rims, it's nice having 14" rims! I paid $85 each for my snows!

[spinner747]

Sorry, it is a sedan , $6500 including all taxes. Is it still a good deal? Thanks.

[2005RS]

Originally Posted by spinner747

Sorry, it is a sedan , $6500 including all taxes. Is it still a good deal? Thanks.

sounds like a decent price; not a steal, but I'd be concerned if someone was selling one cheap. expect to maybe replace a bearing in the next 100K, otherwise there's very little that goes wrong with them

oh yeah, and when the guys bug me about driving a girlie car, I hit them with my purse

[EmeraldIsle]

The website below will give you the black book value for the 2005 Toyota Echo and provide you with the list of all used 2005 Toyota Echo's on the Canadian market as well as their selling prices and respective mileage.

http://www.canadianblackbook.com/

You can also use Phil Edmonston's Lemon-Aid Used Cars and Trucks book to evaluate your purchase of the Echo. Phil has rated the 2000 - 2005 Echo's as a Recommended Buy which is his highest rating. You can borrow a copy of the most recent edition of this book from your local library if you want to do more research.

The Echo is a very dependable vehicle and extremely fuel efficient. As per Natural Resources Canada's ratings (see link below):

http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportatio...gs-results.cfm

2005 Echo: 7.1L/100Km (City) and 5.5L/100Km (Hwy).

Mileage isn't as important as the maintenance of the vehicle.

It's a bonus if the car has been rustproofed on an annual basis (Krown, Rust Check, etc.).

You can also go on to:

http://www.tirerack.com/

and check what people have to say about the tires that are currently on this car to determine if you're paying a premium for better tires.

The condition of the tires including tire depth will determine when you'll be buying a new set of tires and will have a bearing on the price that you'll be paying.

Your posting doesn't state whether you'll be getting a set of winter tires in addition to all-season tires. If rims are included with the extra set of tires, then you'll be paying extra for these features.

You can also purchase a detailed Vehicle History Report at:

http://www.carproof.ca

You will need to provide the VIN for the car.

The cheapest report will provide you with the following information: Cross Canada "Live" Registration Check, Canadian Registration History Data, Accident Claims data from Canada's private and public insurers (excluding B.C.), complete U.S. history (if any) and Odometer Records (verifiable sources only).

There are additional charges for the ICBC Vehicle Claims History Data, Cross Canada Enforceable Lien Search and Import Records from Canada’s R.I.V.

If this is a private sale, it's also important to get a mechanical inspection done.

[spinner747]

Great replies, Thank you very much.
Thinking between this Echo and 2001 Corolla LE (76000km) for $3800 CAD, Stuck , can't make a decision.
What is more reliable?

[2005RS]

Originally Posted by spinner747

Great replies, Thank you very much.
Thinking between this Echo and 2001 Corolla LE (76000km) for $3800 CAD, Stuck , can't make a decision.
What is more reliable?

There's too many variables to answer that one with the information given. I got an older low mileage car once (not Toyota) that was a constant headache with minor repairs. Mileage alone isn't a absolute indicator of wear and tear. I would think one of the bigger factors here would be where the car has spent its winters; garaged or not, salty ontario or somewhere dry and salt free. A thorough maintenance history might also tip the balance one way or the other. EmeraldIsle has given you good tips on assessing a used car's value as well.

They are both reliable cars given proper maintenance.

[spinner747]

Thanks everyoone for your input. Finally bought 2003 Echo sedan in exc. condition with 24000 km on it for $5000. Hope it is going to be reliable car.

[tstclr]

Congratulations! We have a customer who services their 2001 Echo Sedan with us and she has over 700000kms without any serious problems. You have a long way to go!

[jambo101]

Sold my 2001 Echo with 220000kms for $2000 and it was running perfectly at the time,as it was my first Toyota i may have sold it a couple of 100K too soon as i was basing the sale period on previous cars that turned into money pits at 200K.
Now Have a perfectly running 2005 Echo that i'm not going to consider selling before 300K and if its running well maybe a lot further.
Also have 08 Yaris that just passed through 50K that will probably last me forever..
Thank you Toyota for offering such reliable inexpensive cars.