I have closely tracked mpg in my 88 Corolla and 2000 Echo. Both vehicles show this trend to drop in mpg in the winter, but never have known why it happens (anybody know?). I think I have a normal "mix" of short haul town driving and highway miles. Corolla winter = 30, Corolla summer = 34, Echo winter (so far) = 36, Echo summer = 39, ... they are both automatics. I think there must be a problem in your Echo to be as low as you say. I do not recall any similar reports here. So it is a good thing your dealer is looking at it.
Lower gas mileage causes that I can think of: low tire pressure. more weight (more people, salt, sand, etc for winter storms). clogged fuel filter. fuel jets clogged. stop and go driving. short trips (less than 30 minutes). dirty air filter. rapid acceleration. fast speeds. fouled spark plugs. various engine problems and leaks.
Hi gang! Just completed a r/t to Vegas...I was really surprised at the way my Echo performed on the open road. When I bought it I thought I'd have to sacrifice some power on the steep mountain grades. Was I wrong! All in all, a flawless long distance companion!! The only bugs so far: an occasional squeal from the drum brakes coming to a stop; steering wheel was not centered before delivery. Gas mileage ranged from 33-36 in very mixed driving. Cruised between 75 and 85 on the highway :I About the concerns in strong cross winds: YES, it does get blown about in very strong winds (30mph+) Nothing unmanageable though. Being that my old 4x4 pickup did the same thing I am not concerned with it. Amazing how people carp about this issue and ignore the fact that all those SUV's do the same thing in wind gusts!!! :I I can hardly wait till the break-in period is over so I can really start having some fun!
My mother has a 1993 Bonneville and it blows around in the wind. To me, my 1999 Protege provides more of a warning before needing a substantial correction and the Bonneville doesn't. I would rather be ready for the offset in direction rather than unpleasantly surprised by it.
changed the format because they were the last company using the old software, and they had to, otherwise no Edmunds. My husband said there is a recall on the Echo brake shoes? I have not heard anything from Toyota.
Vadp, I know the Echo is not an SUV Just pointing out that people unfairly make an issue of something when it's not only the Echo affected. Kristi4, I checked the NHTSA site and found nothing on the 00 or 01 Echo re: brakes. I will monitor the situation. I don't know if it may have been condensation inside the drum due to extreme hemp. and altitude fluctuations. Vegas-32f LA-68f I did not notice the sound until driving around in degas. It is very intermittent right now.
Since the new format was introduced, autologin doesn't work properly for me. It seems to log me in properly onto the main screens but looses my login when I go to echo7. I am using manual login now. If anyone else has this problem you have to disable autologin, then sign out, then log in again manually. It may also help to resave your "favorite" or "home" addresses if you are using these to access this topic.
I have been fighting this new board system for quite awhile. I was never getting this post message box at the end. I kept getting a log in message. I disabled auto log in and still had problems. I somehow got it back just now. I hope the rest of the KC Echo pals are able to get back in. I am so sad that it is too cold to wash my car and it looks so said with all that snowy, icy, sludge. I heard a funny noise coming from the front the other day, turned out to be ice build up between the tire and the body cladding. I will have to make sure and check this to make sure it does not happen again.
Melodyecho.... I have the same problem... the car gets very dirty... I never had the chance to wash it since I get the car... my neighbour's cats have been dancing and sleeping etc on my Echo... now I got cats' palm print all over the car, I hate those cats!!! The ice does built up easily between the cladding and the tire... the other day, when I reverse the car... I heard noises coming from the rear tire... kind of worries me.
As for low gas millage problem... I have the similar problem. I got my 2001 Echo (manual version) for about a month now. So far, the gas millage is pretty bad, half tank of gas has gone and I only driven for about 154 miles. I commute about 10 minutes in the morning (pretty smooth in town), and about 15 minutes after work (stop-and-go after work traffic crowd). Last week the snow was pretty bad... I had to stay on 2nd gear all the time. I thought it's a breakin thing. Does anyone know how to improve the situation?
I too, have been having auto login problems and the message posting box would not appear at the bottom of the screen. Finally I did this and it seems to work. (Originally I was on auto login.) I logged out. Then I logged in again. I clicked disable auto log. Then I enabled auto log again. Then I went to the main Edmunds Town Hall list and selected the Echo 7 message board. When I got to it, all the way at the bottom of the page there was a blue button that said "Subscribe" and I subscribed to the Echo 7 list. (The lists you have subscribed to are listed in your preferences). Then, while in the Echo 7 list I saved the bookmark under my Favorites. To test it I closed the browser completely, started it up again, selected my Echo bookmark and got right in with the posting box at the bottom of the page. So I think the key is to SUBSCRIBE once you are logged in. Has this worked for anyone else?
Folks, I'm new to this forum. I'm looking at purchasing an ECHO with the Upgrade Package 1 & 2, Auto Trans., All-Weather Package, and Digital Clock. The Dealer price from this site is at 13,368, MSRP is 14,610. Without searching the entire past history of this topic, can somebody help me with a price that they have seen this car go for with these options (or close). TMV on Edmunds suggests 13,846. Any information is very helpful. Thanks a lot.
I am seeing so many more Echos in recent days. In Hilo I parked in the Borders bookstore lot and there were two other Echos parked right nearby. At a stop light I watched 2 other Echos go by while it was red. In the Walmart lot there was another Echo right next to mine. The dealers in Hilo and Kona must be moving plenty of these off the lots. But when I go to Honolulu I don't see many at all. Curious. (There are now 5 of us Echo owners in this small village of 5000 people where I live.)
Just got back from Portugal and saw what the Echo should have been (a Yaris!) and is before it was botched up (US-ized!) by the marketing dweebs to become a rather uglified notchback - aka sedan. (see:http://www.toyota.fr/I/g01_01.html) (Actually, the Peugeot 206 we rented was more fun, but that's another story) btw - SUV also stands for SUPID! UGLY! VEHICLE! - (just call em neUTs! - hate these pieces of merde, the bimbo mentality behind them and many of the drivers - stereotype: fat [non-permissible content removed] neUt-[non-permissible content removed] with the phone in one hand and her wacko weekend warrior overfed spouse... endanger the rest of us, take up too much space on the road, hog (pigs!) the left lane, waste gas etc. etc>\!) Forgive the little ECHO for loosing its cuteness but being so good in almost every other way. PS - cold weather kiloage (mileage to you R. Reagan types) is poor simply because oil (crank/gear/bearing) is more viscous. You might benefit from a synthetic oil (0W30). In cold parts of Canada it is normal to switch to a less vicous gear oil or synthetic oil too. Oh yes, the volatility of the gas does have an effect too (winter gas helps here) as well as rolling resistance and increased air density/viscosity but the latter effects are smaller. Just be happy - you are still doing much better than a neUT!
I saw the Yaris in Spain last summer...yes, it is a fab cutie car! I have grown to like the shape of my sedan just the same though. The biggest kick I get in LA traffic is pulling up along side an SUV and being able to see almost eye to eye with the driver! I've had to adjust the way I sit in relation to the steering wheel. I'm so used to sitting low and far that I've kept my seat back too far. I thought the cramp in my leg was because of poor seat design but it was really me sitting too far back in relation to the pedals. My brakes squeak on occassion but nothing serious so far...I'll have them checked next month. Jay82174: the Edmunds account of sales tactics is very accurate for Toyota dealers I have NEVER been to a Toyota dealer that didn't seem a little sleazy...I guess that they are a little arrogant with the superior quality of their products. I got killed on my trade but I really didn't want to have to deal with that on my own.
A pickup with two people circled my Echo in the parking lot yesterday. The truck never stopped. Wish I could have heard the conversation.
A bank teller, young female, after eyeing my Echo, said "It's soooo cute!" Hey you single guys, take note that the young females are attracted to the Echo.
I paid $20 for a tag (since purchased after my birthday) and thought about ordering a vanity tag for next year but deposit is now $175, plus I think $25 more each year. But since the great state of Georgia will replace all metal tags in 2002, I will try to wait and think of something catchy. I asked for an easy number to remember and she gave me 888XCT. So if you see this tag, stop and say hello.
I hid an extra key underneath my Echo with wire and electrical tape. Nobody will ever find it unless I show them where. If I lock my keys in the Echo or lose them, then can get to that spare without jimmying a window or calling a locksmith. I recommend you hid a spare. I do this for every car we own and have had to use it twice within the last five years. Had to put powdered graphite on that hardware store key to make it work smoothly, checking it out everywhere before I hid it.
The Echo's trunk lid makes it appear that the trunk space is very small. But when I open it up the person is surprised at the large area. The outside hides the fact that there is plenty of passenger room inside. So if someone tells you it is too smal for theml, make them sit inside.
My buddy with the new PT Cruiser asked me about the Echo's gas mileage. He admitted that the Cruiser will not match it. He told me he even went to the net to learn more about it. I took that as a great compliment.
I am still having trouble with this new Town Hall format. Hope they will get all the kinks out soon. I have tried to post this note three times so far. It keeps telling me I am already logged in without posting my message, so undid the autolog and tried again.
Doesn't anyone who owns an Echo realize just how funny they look driving a car that looks like an oversized Tonka toy. I don't understand how one can invest all their hard earned money on a vehicle that proudly states to the world: "I am the most nicest person in the world. I will never cut you off. I do not cuss, I do not cheat, and I do not go over 45MPH. You will never have to worry about road rage with me because I am a calm person who does yoga every Tuesday. Have a nice day today and I'll see you at Walmart..."
It always amazes me how people can be so backwards! The Echo is the shape of things to come. Now that I own one, I can't believe how odd-looking 'conventional' cars are to me. While I will never claim the Echo to be beautiful, it is very well thought out and the attention to detail is amazing! I'm sure the first round globe looked funny to all those flat-earth people back then too!
Hey all, I too have had problems logging in. Here's what works for me: I hit the Log-in link at the bottom; when it says you are already logged-in, I select 'sedans' from the conference list; select Echo7 from the list and when the posts come up again, the 'Post My Message' button and dialogue box will appear.
Just rolled 19,000. Got a chance to revisit the ECHO's snow and ice handling this week in Northern Virginia. Both the commuting and the shopping trips went uneventfully; the car performed like a champ.
If you're looking for an economy car, I mean one that offers true economy, look no further than the ECHO. You'll get some of the best mileage available, outstanding interior space, and a car that, as a complete package, is just plain fun to own and drive. You won't be spending a whole lot of time attending to recalls, and you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you made the smart choice.
If we're lucky, the ECHO is indeed the shape of things to come.
I agree that other sedans seem strange looking to me now. I love the heigth of the Echo. I just came out of a Ford Probe,which was very low to the ground, and it is so nice to just step out of a vehicle. Whether or not it is the "shape of things to come", the Echo was designed very cleverly.
I live in a warmer climate, and I get about 38 mpg in my Echo,in the city. The coldest it has gotten here this winter is 22 degrees.
I tried to respond to you earlier, but did not see the post. I got my 4 door automatic with Cold Weather Pkg; Option pkgs 1 and 2; plus Echo floor mats; plus rear spoiler. My total was $13,900 before sales tax. I thought this was a fair price. I had been to several other dealers and the lowest they would go was $14,100. Most wanted $14,600 for the car equiped that way. I was able to order in as a dealer trade the color I wanted so I was happy. Note: Make sure you have your financing figured out before you go to the dealer. They always want you to talk monthly payment and you end up paying too much in interest or a longer term. By getting my financing ahead of time with my Credit Union, I was able to get 8% interest for 4 years. The dealership could only go as low as 9 1/2% for 5 years. Paying on a car for 4 years is a lot better than 5!
About 300 miles on my Echo and still have half a tank left. I don't expect to double this since that tank must have been filled to the top by the dealer. And I will be doing more stop and go driving.
My wife, a Chevy Blazer driver, is amazed at the Echo's gas mileage and its small turning radius. She has told me she must drive it to her work site since all her co-workers are curious about this car. She can describe it all she wants but they gotta see it to believe it.
I think the high profile of the Echo needs to be copied by larger cars. Easy entry/exiting and room for taller drivers, along with sitting higher, should be considered yet avoid the SUV truck limitations.
My tall boys and I were like sardines in a Corolla. The Camry seemed too low to the ground for me, and the Avalon was more money than I wanted to invest. So the Echo was the logical choice for my likes.
Hopefully I can perruse the owner's manual this weekend.
Does anyone know a program on the net where I can enter past/future maintenance and gas mileage records on my Echo, with reminders of upcoming maintenance?
What's wrong? Your Ford Festiva is getting on your nerves, and you have to troll around in other forums trying to make yourself feel better? Is that why you choose that particular user name?
I have so much slush inbetween the tire and wheel well and because it is extremely cold here that it has turned to rock solid ice...it rubs against the tires especially when making a turn, will this hurt the tires at all??? I am trying to get the ice to fall off but nothing seems to help, Ive kicked it so hard I almost broke my toes, Ive also tried scraping it with my ice scraper, now I am boiling water in the kettle and trying to pour it in the wheel wells to melt it, Id love to take it to a car wash but its just too cold here and my car lives outside all the time, no garage for her Any ideas or tips?
I picked up our new Echo on Tuesday and it has been great fun since. Everyone is amazed at the room it has for such a small car. It drives and rides nicely too. I am about to go on holidays and so I should have the car run in very quickly. It should go well. It is summer here in Australia and I remember that you guys were discussing how you improved the already satisfactory air conditioning by putting insulation on some of the pipes. I'd be glad if you could share that info again.
Vadp: Echo is the way of small cars, witness new Suzuki Ignis, Honda Civic 5 door hatch, new Japanese model Corolla. I see also that you cross over a lot of different forums with your negative messages.
Hi! Glad you're enjoying your new Echo. I've had mine since mid-August, and love her more every day. :-)
>Does anyone know a program on the net >where I can enter past/future maintenance >and gas mileage records on my Echo, >with reminders of upcoming maintenance?
Just go to www.autobytel.com and click on "my garage." There, you can enter all the info on your car and will track everything for you, including giving you reminders on scheduled maintenance.
I too want to know if anyone can tell me what post included the info on placing insulation on the pipes for the a/c. While driving in S.CA would not pose a problem I wonder if it'll be able to handle the summer temps in Vegas. We are not allowed to tint the driver and front passenger windows in CA Having done over 1000 miles in a month mostly at 80mph on the highway it amazes me how people assume the Echo is not a long distance car!!! It is very stable and provides an excellent view of the road ahead! So far the lowest mpg: 31 and highest mpg: 38
I did not write it but I had made a copy. Here is a summary:
Go to a hardware store and buy a length of insulating pipe foam in the plumbing section. The stuff may be medium gray, and is similar to the foam in which computer parts are usually shipped. Probably plastic-based rather than rubber-based product, in one inch diameter.
Go to an auto store (NAPA) and get a box of insulating tape. It's a behind the counter item, not in a shrink-wrap pack. It appears to be an asphalt-based tape, two inches wide with a paper backing that peels off. Fairly flexible, stretchable. You will probably get more than you will use.
Open the hood. The ac lines are on your left (passenger side). There are two, one is smaller in diameter (high pressure line) and one is fatter (low pressure line). Cut and fit the foam insulation around the low line (the one w/o the sight glass) from the bottom of the engine compartment (it's left of the oil filter), up past the filler tube for the washer tank, all the way to where the line enters the firewall.
Once the foam is in place and your hands are grubby, start cutting the asphalt tape into pieces to wrap around the foam from top to bottom. It will be the world's worse looking (fat and ugly) ac low pressure line.
(The author checked out the possibility of heat melting the foam but found that no way it will melt, using a cookie sheet and set off the fire alarm).
So which post was this originally? I don't know. The person who wrote it deserves all the credit. Claimed that this will give about a ten degree drop in air temp. I plan to wrap my Echo lines (and why not my other vehicles too?) after Christmas. One response to this original post said he wrapped BOTH lines.
Again, I just tried to help those who requested this info. Someone find that original post so we can thank the author.
You can also go to autos.yahoo.com if you already have a Yahoo account and enter in all your car info. Saves remembering another password if you already use Yahoo.
I have the same problem. Every time I make a turn you can hear it rubbing against the wheels. It sounds awful. I don't know what to do. I'm new here. I just got my echo a couple weeks ago. I love it. It is black with option packages A and B with automatic transmission. It is great. And I think I got a great deal.
Hey Ya'll, just a quick question. I've been researching the Echo (really want a Prius but can't afford) and am trying to figure out what the 'speed control' option is. Looked on the Toyota page et al but still can't figure out what it is. Any ideas? Thanks.
Just a note to say I am still here and still have no Echo in my parking space. Hope this works in posting. I have tried posting several times before, but it has never worked since the switch over to the new system.
1. My Echo (or should it be all caps: ECHO) has the Toyo Guard paint sealant. I assume no problem to wax it?
2, Okay to pour a bottle of STP injector cleaner in gas tank occasionally to keep ports open?
3. Owners manual okays 87 octane gas or higher. I don't think gasoline is sold anywhere with a lower octane rating. In other words, is not 87 the lowest octane offered on the market?
Washed the Echo for the first time today. The only thing loose was the dealer plastic tag on the front. I tightened it. Will hunt for something catchy to replace it. One of the local hardware-made keys I tested would not exit the ignition without a lot of effort. Make sure duplicates are made by the best craftsman. The wife offered to put a red ribbon on front of the Echo since it is a Christmas present to myself. I frowned on that idea because it could scratch something. I extended the radio antenna all the way for the first time, not knowing that it was not extended until I read the owner's manual. When going through an automatic car wash, I will have to remember to push it back down instead of just turning of the radio as I did with my Buick's motorized antenna. Also, the owner's info has a booklet for dealer to verify maintenance. I plan to make sure it is signed by shop manager at the dealership even if just an oil change and lube.
My 4 doors auto Echo just past 17,000 miles. Constant engine knocking noise is heard...perhaps from the valves. The noise is pretty bothersome on this fairly new car. I hate the small engine displacement.
Hey babyboomer! 1)I use "NuFinish" wax. It's given me the best results with three new cars that I've owned. Gives the paint a "wet" look that really lasts-I have to park outside all the time and it really holds up well. It was rated #1 by a major consumer magazine. 2)I've never had a problem with any vehicle by adding injector cleaner. I added gas treatment when I first drove the car to make sure there was no condensation built up in the fuel system during shipping and the time spent on the dealer's lot. 3)There isn't any gas lower than 87 but I always use premium. I know people say it's a waste of money but I can give one piece of anectdotal advice: In all the cars I've run on premium, the tailpipes have been like new when the mileage passes 30,000. If you look at other cars running on "regular", the tailpipes eventually have some nasty soot build-up. I noticed it the most on my motorcycles. If the tailpipe looks that way on "regular" then imagine what the valves look like? Good luck with your Echo! I don't extend my antenna all the way out. I usually keep it out about 6" and get great reception. I also just upgraded my headlights with Sylvania Blue bulbs. They are like HID lights and give off a very white/bright light. The difference is amazing! Have a Merry Christmas everyone!
Comments
Corolla winter = 30,
Corolla summer = 34,
Echo winter (so far) = 36,
Echo summer = 39,
... they are both automatics. I think there must be a problem in your Echo to be as low as you say. I do not recall any similar reports here. So it is a good thing your dealer is looking at it.
low tire pressure.
more weight (more people, salt, sand, etc for winter storms).
clogged fuel filter.
fuel jets clogged.
stop and go driving.
short trips (less than 30 minutes).
dirty air filter.
rapid acceleration.
fast speeds.
fouled spark plugs.
various engine problems and leaks.
About the concerns in strong cross winds: YES, it does get blown about in very strong winds (30mph+) Nothing unmanageable though. Being that my old 4x4 pickup did the same thing I am not concerned with it. Amazing how people carp about this issue and ignore the fact that all those SUV's do the same thing in wind gusts!!! :I
I can hardly wait till the break-in period is over so I can really start having some fun!
My husband said there is a recall on the Echo brake shoes? I have not heard anything from Toyota.
Kristi4, I checked the NHTSA site and found nothing on the 00 or 01 Echo re: brakes. I will monitor the situation. I don't know if it may have been condensation inside the drum due to extreme hemp. and altitude fluctuations. Vegas-32f LA-68f I did not notice the sound until driving around in degas. It is very intermittent right now.
I am so sad that it is too cold to wash my car and it looks so said with all that snowy, icy, sludge. I heard a funny noise coming from the front the other day, turned out to be ice build up between the tire and the body cladding. I will have to make sure and check this to make sure it does not happen again.
The ice does built up easily between the cladding and the tire... the other day, when I reverse the car... I heard noises coming from the rear tire... kind of worries me.
As for low gas millage problem... I have the similar problem. I got my 2001 Echo (manual version) for about a month now. So far, the gas millage is pretty bad, half tank of gas has gone and I only driven for about 154 miles. I commute about 10 minutes in the morning (pretty smooth in town), and about 15 minutes after work (stop-and-go after work traffic crowd). Last week the snow was pretty bad... I had to stay on 2nd gear all the time. I thought it's a breakin thing. Does anyone know how to improve the situation?
I'm new to this forum. I'm looking at purchasing an ECHO with the Upgrade Package 1 & 2, Auto Trans., All-Weather Package, and Digital Clock. The Dealer price from this site is at 13,368, MSRP is 14,610.
Without searching the entire past history of this topic, can somebody help me with a price that they have seen this car go for with these options (or close). TMV on Edmunds suggests 13,846. Any information is very helpful. Thanks a lot.
messages are posted? Hmmm.
btw - SUV also stands for SUPID! UGLY! VEHICLE! - (just call em neUTs! - hate these pieces of merde, the bimbo mentality behind them and many of the drivers - stereotype: fat [non-permissible content removed] neUt-[non-permissible content removed] with the phone in one hand and her wacko weekend warrior overfed spouse... endanger the rest of us, take up too much space on the road, hog (pigs!) the left lane, waste gas etc. etc>\!) Forgive the little ECHO for loosing its cuteness but being so good in almost every other way.
PS - cold weather kiloage (mileage to you R. Reagan types) is poor simply because oil (crank/gear/bearing) is more viscous. You might benefit from a synthetic oil (0W30). In cold parts of Canada it is normal to switch to a less vicous gear oil or synthetic oil too. Oh yes, the volatility of the gas does have an effect too (winter gas helps here) as well as rolling resistance and increased air density/viscosity but the latter effects are smaller. Just be happy - you are still doing much better than a neUT!
Jay82174: the Edmunds account of sales tactics is very accurate for Toyota dealers
The truck never stopped. Wish I could have heard the conversation.
A bank teller, young female, after eyeing my Echo, said "It's soooo cute!"
Hey you single guys, take note that the young females are attracted to
the Echo.
I paid $20 for a tag (since purchased after my birthday) and thought about
ordering a vanity tag for next year but
deposit is now $175, plus I think $25 more each year. But since the
great state of Georgia will replace all metal tags in 2002, I will try to
wait and think of something catchy. I asked for an easy number to
remember and she gave me 888XCT. So if you see this tag, stop and
say hello.
I hid an extra key underneath my Echo with wire and electrical tape.
Nobody will ever find it unless I show them where. If I lock my keys
in the Echo or lose them, then can get to that spare without jimmying
a window or calling a locksmith. I recommend you hid a spare. I do
this for every car we own and have had to use it twice within the last
five years. Had to put powdered graphite on that hardware store key
to make it work smoothly, checking it out everywhere before I hid it.
The Echo's trunk lid makes it appear that the trunk space is very small.
But when I open it up the person is surprised at the large area. The
outside hides the fact that there is plenty of passenger room inside.
So if someone tells you it is too smal for theml, make them sit inside.
My buddy with the new PT Cruiser asked me about the Echo's gas mileage.
He admitted that the Cruiser will not match it. He told me he even
went to the net to learn more about it. I took that as a great compliment.
I am still having trouble with this new Town Hall format. Hope they will
get all the kinks out soon. I have tried to post this note three times so far.
It keeps telling me I am already logged in without posting my message,
so undid the autolog and tried again.
Sorry, it isn't.
If you're looking for an economy car, I mean one that offers true economy, look no further than the ECHO. You'll get some of the best mileage available, outstanding interior space, and a car that, as a complete package, is just plain fun to own and drive. You won't be spending a whole lot of time attending to recalls, and you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you made the smart choice.
If we're lucky, the ECHO is indeed the shape of things to come.
Shape - no.
Big difference.
I live in a warmer climate, and I get about 38 mpg in my Echo,in the city. The coldest it has gotten here this winter is 22 degrees.
Note: Make sure you have your financing figured out before you go to the dealer. They always want you to talk monthly payment and you end up paying too much in interest or a longer term. By getting my financing ahead of time with my Credit Union, I was able to get 8% interest for 4 years. The dealership could only go as low as 9 1/2% for 5 years. Paying on a car for 4 years is a lot better than 5!
The new Toyota Echo is -- Ugly, ugly, ugly, ugly, ugly, ugly.....
How's that for an echo?
Check out
http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/001221-1.htm
still have half a tank left. I don't
expect to double this since that
tank must have been filled to the
top by the dealer. And I will
be doing more stop and go driving.
My wife, a Chevy Blazer driver,
is amazed at the Echo's gas
mileage and its small turning
radius. She has told me she
must drive it to her work site
since all her co-workers are
curious about this car. She
can describe it all she wants
but they gotta see it to believe it.
I think the high profile of the Echo
needs to be copied by larger cars.
Easy entry/exiting and room
for taller drivers, along with sitting
higher, should be considered yet
avoid the SUV truck limitations.
My tall boys and I were like sardines
in a Corolla. The Camry seemed
too low to the ground for me, and
the Avalon was more money than
I wanted to invest. So the Echo
was the logical choice for my likes.
Hopefully I can perruse the owner's manual
this weekend.
Does anyone know a program on the net
where I can enter past/future maintenance
and gas mileage records on my Echo,
with reminders of upcoming maintenance?
I am about to go on holidays and so I should have the car run in very quickly. It should go well.
It is summer here in Australia and I remember that you guys were discussing how you improved the already satisfactory air conditioning by putting insulation on some of the pipes. I'd be glad if you could share that info again.
Vadp: Echo is the way of small cars, witness new Suzuki Ignis, Honda Civic 5 door hatch, new Japanese model Corolla. I see also that you cross over a lot of different forums with your negative messages.
>Does anyone know a program on the net
>where I can enter past/future maintenance
>and gas mileage records on my Echo,
>with reminders of upcoming maintenance?
Just go to www.autobytel.com and click on "my garage." There, you can enter all the info on your car and will track everything for you, including giving you reminders on scheduled maintenance.
Hope this helps!
-gina-
Having done over 1000 miles in a month mostly at 80mph on the highway it amazes me how people assume the Echo is not a long distance car!!! It is very stable and provides an excellent view of the road ahead! So far the lowest mpg: 31 and highest mpg: 38
to check it out.
Thanks Gina.
Go to a hardware store and buy a length of insulating pipe foam in the plumbing section. The stuff may be medium gray,
and is similar to the foam in which computer parts are usually shipped. Probably plastic-based rather than rubber-based
product, in one inch diameter.
Go to an auto store (NAPA) and get a box of insulating tape. It's a behind the counter item, not in a shrink-wrap pack. It
appears to be an asphalt-based tape, two inches wide with a paper backing that peels off. Fairly flexible, stretchable. You
will probably get more than you will use.
Open the hood. The ac lines are on your left (passenger side). There are two, one is smaller in diameter (high pressure line)
and one is fatter (low pressure line). Cut and fit the foam insulation around the low line (the one w/o the sight glass) from the
bottom of the engine compartment (it's left of the oil filter), up past the filler tube for the washer tank, all the way to where the line enters the firewall.
Once the foam is in place and your hands are grubby, start cutting the asphalt tape into pieces to wrap around the foam from top to bottom. It will be the world's worse looking (fat and ugly) ac low pressure line.
(The author checked out the possibility of heat melting the foam but found that no way it will melt, using a cookie sheet and set off the fire alarm).
So which post was this originally? I don't know. The person who wrote it deserves all the credit. Claimed that this will give about a ten degree drop in air temp. I plan to wrap my Echo lines (and why not my other vehicles too?) after Christmas. One response to this original post said he wrapped BOTH lines.
Again, I just tried to help those who requested this info. Someone find that original post so we can thank the author.
paint sealant. I assume no problem to wax it?
2, Okay to pour a bottle of STP injector cleaner in gas tank occasionally
to keep ports open?
3. Owners manual okays 87 octane gas or higher. I don't think gasoline
is sold anywhere with a lower octane rating. In other words, is not 87
the lowest octane offered on the market?
Washed the Echo for the first time today. The only thing loose was the
dealer plastic tag on the front. I tightened it. Will hunt for something
catchy to replace it. One of the local hardware-made keys I tested
would not exit the ignition without a lot of effort. Make sure duplicates
are made by the best craftsman. The wife offered to put a red ribbon
on front of the Echo since it is a Christmas present to myself. I frowned
on that idea because it could scratch something. I extended the radio
antenna all the way for the first time, not knowing that it was not extended
until I read the owner's manual. When going through an automatic car
wash, I will have to remember to push it back down instead of just turning
of the radio as I did with my Buick's motorized antenna. Also, the owner's
info has a booklet for dealer to verify maintenance. I plan to make sure it
is signed by shop manager at the dealership even if just an oil change and
lube.
Now please respond to those 3 questions above.
1)I use "NuFinish" wax. It's given me the best results with three new cars that I've owned. Gives the paint a "wet" look that really lasts-I have to park outside all the time and it really holds up well. It was rated #1 by a major consumer magazine.
2)I've never had a problem with any vehicle by adding injector cleaner. I added gas treatment when I first drove the car to make sure there was no condensation built up in the fuel system during shipping and the time spent on the dealer's lot.
3)There isn't any gas lower than 87 but I always use premium. I know people say it's a waste of money but I can give one piece of anectdotal advice: In all the cars I've run on premium, the tailpipes have been like new when the mileage passes 30,000. If you look at other cars running on "regular", the tailpipes eventually have some nasty soot build-up. I noticed it the most on my motorcycles. If the tailpipe looks that way on "regular" then imagine what the valves look like?
Good luck with your Echo! I don't extend my antenna all the way out. I usually keep it out about 6" and get great reception.
I also just upgraded my headlights with Sylvania Blue bulbs. They are like HID lights and give off a very white/bright light. The difference is amazing!
Have a Merry Christmas everyone!