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11/03/2008
By EWAN KENNEDY
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Though it’s usually thought of as a Japanese Toyota, the Echo is a European-styled car aimed very much at that tough market, one where economy, spaciousness and reliability are demanded by customers. Toyota Echo was a success in Australia almost from the first time it hit the market in October 1999, and has led its class in the new sales race on many occasions, so there are plenty on the used-car scene.
It may not be the sleekest looking car on the market, but Echo has a cuteness factor that really appealed to the trendies, both young and old. It has certainly been a hit with older Australians, who value its practicality. Not to forget Toyota's well-earned reputation for trouble-free running.
 Echo provides a lot of interior space for a car of its size. It’s also precise in its handling, able to cruise at high speeds on motorways, economical and environmentally clean in operation.
Sold with three, four or five doors, Echo in Australia is generally used as a car for two people, but can be used as a family car if the kids aren’t overly large.
Boot space is compromised by the shortness of the hatchback bodies. The sedan is much better, though not quite as versatile in all conditions, such as when you want to move bulky loads.
Toyota Echo’s interior is every bit as extrovert as the exterior. In particular take a look at the central instrument panel. Using a projector system that gives the appearance you are looking down a deep tunnel, the instrument setup is intended to reduce the amount of time your eyes are taken off the road.
Those who haven’t seen Echo’s instruments before are sometimes frightened off by them but, please, stick with it on your test drive. The chances are you will grow to love it.
A facelift of the sedan took place in October 2002, but that makeover didn’t carry across to the others in the range until March 2003.
 Engines are all decent sized four-cylinder petrol units. A 1.3-litre is used in the hatches and a 1.5 in the sedan. The exception is the sporty Sportivo hatches which get the bigger engine. ‘Sporty’ is a relative thing and the body kit of the Echo Sportivo actually pushes it over the weight of the four-door sedan, making it slower in a straight line. But many drivers are more interested in owning a car that looks fast than in one that actually goes hard.
Handling is better than average for a car in this Japanese class, chiefly because the Europeans demand a car that not only holds the road well, but also feels good while doing so.
Toyota has been the number one seller in Australia for most of the last decade and that’s reflected in the huge number of dealerships. Huge, not only in number but also in distribution, Toyota’s success in the 4WD market means the company is represented in just about every area of Australia. Having said that, the Echo isn’t as big a seller in downtown Bullamakanka as are the 4WDs so you may have to wait for some less-common parts to be transported to outlying areas.
Insurance costs are generally in the bottom third of the scale. We don’t know of any major companies that discriminate against the sporting Sportivo version, but make enquires if you think your driving record makes you marginal.
 In November 2005 the Echo was discontinued in Australia and replaced by the Toyota Yaris. The name Yaris had been used in other countries for years on cars that were virtually identical to the Echoes sold in Australia. Yaris is significantly larger than the original Echo and there aren't a lot on the used-car scene at this stage. It will be covered in a separate feature.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Make sure the engine starts promptly, idles smoothly, accelerates without hesitation and doesn't blow smoke when worked hard.
Also check that the oil pressure light goes off within a couple of seconds of the engine starting, even when it’s stone cold and hasn’t been used for quite some time.
Gearchanges should be smooth and easy in a manual car and an automatic transmission shouldn’t make unnecessary changes.
The brakes shouldn’t pull the car to one side no matter how hard they are applied.
Examine the trim, seats, dash top and carpets for signs of tears or other damage. Fading of the horizontal surfaces probably indicates the car has been kept outdoors rather than in a garage.
If there’s any doubt about anything in the car, have a professional do the final checkup and get a quote for all defects.
HOW MUCH?
A 1999 Echo three-door should costs from $4500 to $8000; a 1999 five-door from $5500 to $9000; a 2003 Sportivo or a 2005 three-door from $7000 to $11,000; a 2005 four-door from $8000 to $13,000; and a 2005 Sportivo from $9500 to $14,000.
CAR BUYING TIP
Small cars used continuously in city and urban areas may have wear and tear out of all proportion to the distance shown on the odometer.
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