Are you satisfied with your ECHO? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Pat61 · 08-08-2005, 10:51 PM

I'm car shopping right now. Are you happy with your ECHO?

??

What is the best thing you like about your Echo, and if you could make some changes, what would you want changed?

Pat

echo_hrs · 08-09-2005, 09:04 AM

I had an RS 5 Door Hatch before having to sell it due to disability. The car was great. It was a 5 speed which was much better (smoother, quicker, better mileage) than my wife's automatic (CE 3 Door Hatch). I also had the dealer add lowering springs and air intake to the car, which improved the driveability and handling.

The 5 door is much more versatile than the 3 door, both for hauling stuff and for extra passengers getting in and out as we've found having both versions. The car is reliable, great on gas, and comfortable for long drives, a blast to drive, but get the RS for the upgraded bucket seats which hug you nicely on long drives, and has better interior trim. The interior is overall a bit plasticky, but I was able to live with it (RS) because the rest of the car is such a great package with the added interior/exterior bits. The Echo is being replaced this October by a new version launched in Japan this year, which will be more refined, a bit larger, and have a much better interior finish.

BenG · 08-09-2005, 09:40 AM

I've got a 2005 5 door RS... absolutely love the car.

Love:
-The small size for city driving. Uber nimble, great for getting through traffic.
-Easy to park.
-Great gas milage (600km a tank)
-Looks great! (I like it more than the pics that I've seen of the upcoming one.)
-Lots of space inside for the front passengers (I'm 6'2", and i fit very well in front)
-Lots of space in back for shorter passengers. (I don't fit too well sitting behind myself)
-RS package for the leather steering wheel, leather shift knob, MUCH MUCH better seats than non RS models, aero looks package, and alloy wheels.
-Better ergonomics (for me) than a new corolla.
-Fun to drive. (For a front wheel drive car)
-Replacement tires are cheaper (due to smaller size)

Don't love:
-Crappy OEM tires. So crappy. So so crappy.
-Engine is a little small. It has good HP and Torque for its size, but another 15 HP and Torque would be nice.
-Trunk is super small. With the rear seats up, it's just right to hold a week's worth of groceries, but that's about it. With the rear seats down tho, it's quite cavernous.
-No clock except on the radio down by your leg.
-Small rattles are always heard. Will be going to Toyota this weekend to get two door rattles and two windows that don't open all the way down (stays up a quarter inch) looked at.
-Car could be lower by about an inch.
-Seats could be mounted about an inch lower.
-Shifter is a little klunky.

Pat61 · 08-10-2005, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by echo_hrs

I had an RS 5 Door Hatch before having to sell it due to disability. The car was great. It was a 5 speed which was much better (smoother, quicker, better mileage) than my wife's automatic (CE 3 Door Hatch). I also had the dealer add lowering springs and air intake to the car, which improved the driveability and handling.

The 5 door is much more versatile than the 3 door, both for hauling stuff and for extra passengers getting in and out as we've found having both versions. The car is reliable, great on gas, and comfortable for long drives, a blast to drive, but get the RS for the upgraded bucket seats which hug you nicely on long drives, and has better interior trim. The interior is overall a bit plasticky, but I was able to live with it (RS) because the rest of the car is such a great package with the added interior/exterior bits. The Echo is being replaced this October by a new version launched in Japan this year, which will be more refined, a bit larger, and have a much better interior finish.

Thanks for your comments, much appreciated! I'm leaning towards the sedan anyway. I test drove a new hatchback, and although it had a lot of zip, I don't think I could ever feel relaxed in such a little car. My husband is an agressive driver, and I would be totally stressed out if I had to ride with him in such a little car.

Pat61 · 08-10-2005, 03:43 PM

Thanks for taking the time to post BenG. I wouldn't mind trying out a manual drive again, I haven't come across one for sale yet. You're not the first to comment about the crappy tires either...I think there's a general consensus on that one...

Thanks again for posting your opinion, it was helpful!

***REN69*** · 08-12-2005, 02:04 PM

Ben owes me a test drive.. I think I just might ask for one tomorrow at the TN meet, my girl likes the Echo and the Aveo, her sister bought an Aveo and basically told her.. I wish I had got the Echo instead.

we'll probably end up getting one.

BenG · 08-12-2005, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REN69

Ben owes me a test drive.. I think I just might ask for one tomorrow at the TN meet, my girl likes the Echo and the Aveo, her sister bought an Aveo and basically told her.. I wish I had got the Echo instead.

we'll probably end up getting one.

I'll be at the meet tomorrow night for a little while. It rides a little harsher than stock now since I got the new tires on.

BenG · 08-12-2005, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pat61

Thanks for taking the time to post BenG. I wouldn't mind trying out a manual drive again, I haven't come across one for sale yet. You're not the first to comment about the crappy tires either...I think there's a general consensus on that one...
Thanks again for posting your opinion, it was helpful!

TN is an awesome community. I've learned SO much from here. if you're looking for an echo specific community, check out the echo/tercel forum on TN or come to www.echodrivers.com.

Pat61 · 08-13-2005, 01:36 AM

Thanks for the link BenG. I have to find one first

. The two listed in our local paper have been damaged in accidents! I'll just have to be patient and wait for more ads. I wish I was working f/t...I test drove a brand new one earlier this week. Ooooo that new car smell - I was on a "new car smell" high for the rest of the day!

maple_leaf · 08-15-2005, 07:51 AM

.......ummmmm...all of the above!

guye · 09-05-2005, 01:04 PM

I drive an RS and my take is as follows.
Good
-seats
-gas mileage
-balance (weight/power/stability)
-fit & finish
not so good
-no power windows
-smallish trunk
overall: hard to beat a a city car, flies once you're on the highway.
I love it!

Wraith · 09-05-2005, 07:07 PM

I love my echo... I just need more power... And thats going to be answered by a Blitz supercharger with a 7psi upgraded mod...

rezzle · 09-09-2005, 02:19 PM

200K+ now on my 2000 sedan only problems so far were faulty injector ( free warranty replacement) at 25k and a failed waterpump bearing at something like 119750k (free warranty replacement) extended warranty ran out at 120k but no troubles since.

Took it camping and just got back last week. Was able to pack enough stuff for 2 adults and a child to tent for three weeks. Drove from Calgary to Spokane on 40L drove from Spokane to newport on 42L, and did even better on the way home.

mr00jimbo · 09-21-2005, 06:15 PM

How do you guys feel about high speed stability?

BenG · 09-21-2005, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr00jimbo

How do you guys feel about high speed stability?

Running on a set of 195/50/15 Hankook RS-2 tires.... 160km/hr without any worries.

On OEM tires, I wouldn't go past 140km...and even then it's kinda slidey feeling.