First Car: 2003 Echo: Mostly Aesthetic Questions

[Whimsy]

I have had my 03 Echo for a year now, but it is my first car so I am still learning about it. It used to be a rental car and is in need of a little TLC. I have a few mostly aesthetic questions.

I want to learn how to keep my car in good condition. I keep it meticulously clean, but I want to learn how to do things like change the spark plugs, battery, fluids, etc.

1. How do I get stains from crayons off the rear seats? I got the wax off with a credit card and goo gone, but there is a lime green stain.

2. There are marks on the ceiling that look like someone had a bike in the car and the tire rubbed against it.

3. Do things like pops-a-dent work? The car has numerous small dents, there were scratches as well but I filled them in with a touch-up paint pen.

4. The Echo emblem is turning green. I could just de-badge it, but is there somewhere I can order a new one?

5. What should I keep in my car at all times, in terms of emergency repairs or fluid replacements?

6. I don't have an owner's manual and there doesn't seem to be a Hayne's or Chilton's. Any suggestions for repair resources?

Thanks!

[EchoThat]

Glad you have an Echo. Here's my offering for a few of your questions.

1. How do I get stains from crayons off the rear seats? Hairdryer, a towel, and goof-off.

2. There are marks on the ceiling that look like someone had a bike in the car and the tire rubbed against it. Greased Lightning.

3. Do things like pops-a-dent work? The car has numerous small dents, there were scratches as well but I filled them in with a touch-up paint pen. No idea about this.

4. The Echo emblem is turning green. I could just de-badge it, but is there somewhere I can order a new one? Google it.

5. What should I keep in my car at all times, in terms of emergency repairs or fluid replacements? A spare quart of oil and anything else that you would put in a car.

6. I don't have an owner's manual and there doesn't seem to be a Hayne's or Chilton's. Any suggestions for repair resources? Google and YouTube.

[jambo101]

You might find some useful info on this site.

http://www.fixya.com/cars/p700662-toyota_2003_echo