Hey Krakato, sorry to hear about your hubcaps! I guess the bandit gets around. The replacement ones I got were $25 for four, but I'm not crazy about how they look, and one of them already fell off. I got them at the car wash in Brooklyn. Rather than replace them, I think I'm going to upgrade to a set I saw at the auto supply place (R.Strauss, I think) for $39.95, which looked much nicer. I'm sure any auto supply store will have something you can use for cheaper than Toyota's, and if you get the Toyota ones they'll just get ripped off again. I do wonder why...
What purpose does the valet key serve? The Echo does not have a locking glovebox and you can open the trunk with the trunk release located inside the passenger compartment.
Given this, both spare keys should unlock and operate everything.
If your salesman didn't explain the valet key, he/she didn't a good job of delivering the car. You can disable the remote trunk release with the master key. Put the key in the trunk and turn it 1/4 counterclockwise. This makes the remote trunk release non-functional and the valet key will not turn in the trunk.
Since I drive a '96 Corolla and am not in the market for a new car yet, when my hubcaps were stolen, or when they flew off while driving, I got 4 Echo hubcaps at a used hub cap dealer. Since I can't buy an Echo now, it's the next best thing. Funny thing though, the Echo hubcaps make my Corolla look even better than it did with the original Corolla hubcaps, go figure!
I have just ordered our second Echo, since we are so happy with the first. This time we have decided to go for the power pack of electric mirrors, windows, velour trim, etc. Dealer says we shouldn't have long to wait maybe a week. About wheelcovers/hubcaps, I don't know why manufacturers insist with these plastic add ons since they are easy to disfigure, easily stolen. Why can't they just have painted wheels with a smaller cover in the centre, or at least give us the option. I have taken off the original hub caps, put them aside for trade-in time and then bought some el chepo look alikes that means it doesn't matter if you bump into a kerb. I think I will also put cruise control into the new Echo as well. By the way has anyone put in a wood trim kit into an Echo, does it look stupid?
Manufacturers use plastic hubcaps because 1) they are cheaper and 2) people will buy them. I liked the old VW steel wheels with small shinny chrome hubcaps. Good looking for a long time and indestructable. But they are much more expensive to make than cheap black painted wheels with plastic covers on them. Hey its like anything else: if you dont like it dont buy it and they wont make it. Same with $2 a gallon gas. If we keep buying it they will be very happy to take our money, thankyou very much! I drive 7k miles a year and spend $5-6 every two weeks to fill my ECHO up. (plus more for trips)
I was in the midst of discussing the Protege versus the Echo over at the discussion topic I made and I had to configure an Echo. I used Carsdirect.com and I tried to use Toyota's tool. This leads me to a question.
Can you (theoretically) get an Echo with all three upgrade packages and the all weather package? Carsdirect.com let me configure an Echo that way, but the Toyota site would not.
An answer from Cliffy would be greatly appreciated.
Catherine Heins is looking for people to interview who have switched from American to Japanese cars in the past few years-- especially folks who wouldn't have given a Toyota or Honda the time of day in the 1970s.
She's a business reporter at the Yomiuri Shimbun, which is the biggest daily paper in Japan with a circulation of 14 million. They are writing a feature story about Japanese automakers' continuing success in expanding production in the U.S. and snatching market share from the Big Three even on their former home turf of light trucks.
If you fit this description and are willing to be interviewed, please call her directly at 212-582-5827 or e-mail her at catheins@yahoo.com. As always, you can contact me at jfallon@edmunds.com if you have any questions.
Hi, want to buy an Echo but need advice. Live in the Metro Detroit area--can anyone recommend any dealers? Had my Buick stolen a month ago & am waiting on the police to release it to the insurance company can total it. A friend just bought a new Echo 2 months ago & actually drove me around the weekend when I was car less. Have decided on the Echo for cost, mileage, & I LIKE the way it looks! But any recommendations on colors, or any helpful hints. Once they total out my old car & the insurance company settles I'll have to buy a car immediately. Also, concerned about not having ABS on the Echo but none available in the area w/that according to one dealer.
We got Blue ECHO back from being repaired today (deer). The hood, fender, and headlight assembly are new, and the paint job is a mess. There are dozens of tiny zits under the clearcoat. It feel smooth to touch it, but up close it looks to be covered with water droplets. The shop owner says it was caused by dirt in the paint, and he will redo it. Wonderful... At least we still have Green ECHO to keep our spirits up!
Little downers like this remind me not to hold things too dear, and that the real good is yet to come! (1 Corinthians 2:9)
Regardless of whether or not the Echo engine has a knock sensor (I'm sure it does, you'd be hard-pressed to find a 2001 model that doesn't), this is not relevant to using higher octane fuel. The higher the octane, the LOWER the prevalence of compression ignition (i.e. knocking).
So, if anything, a knock sensor retarding your ignition timing allows you to use a lower octane, and usually less expensive fuel, in a car where higher octane fuels are recommended.
If you really want to spend extra money on higher octane fuel, please feel free to mail me cash whenever you want to. Heck, I'll even donate that cash (good exchange rate on U.S.$ right now) to a local charity for the tax-deduction, thus allowing you to achieve more with you gas budget than you otherwise would! ;-)
Actually, I just realized you're from Australia, and the exchange rate between AUS$ and Cdn$ isn't quite so favourable for me. So please donate your extra gas money to an Australian charitable organization instead. Or buy an "Innovations - ABC Australia" t-shirt and send it to me, and I'll send something distinctly Canadian back to you! ;-)
I purchased a 4-door automatic ECHO sedan last week Friday. Its a great machine. It handles much like a RAV4: responsive steering, tight turning radius, somewhat firm ride and upright seating with plenty of head room and leg room (compared with 2001 Corolla)... however its not a POWER machine by American standards... but does well for 108 horses. Radio is great, the same as the Toyota Highlander! Even though I will use car mainly as local city commuter. I had my dealer install a Global Cruise control by Rostra for $265 (his cost)... comes with 3-year warranty... works fine. I've also ordered a hood deflector from Toyotaguys.com ... appears to be back-ordered (7-day shipping wait). Have yet to fill-up the machine to determine gas mileage, will post later. I already have a co-worker thinking about buying one. Maybe an Echo revolution will start and free the highways of the larger SUVs!
Any statistics available as to Echo purchases by age, gender, income, etc? I think that Toyota markets it to the younger generation as a basic car yet different age groups, even ones that can afford more expensive cars, are seeing the Echo as a wise choice.
Just switched over to synthetic oil. The engine and transmission just gets smoother and smoother! I do see that the Bridgestones are wearing quickly compared to Michelin MXV4's. As soon as they wear out I'm switching to 15" rims and Michelin XGT's! The comment posted earlier is so true. I chose my Echo for the overall intelligence in design at reasonable price. I also considered the VW Golf and Ford Focus. The only weak spots are a slight hop from the rear over bumps and poor cornering grip at the limit. The latter is due to cheapo tires more than anything else. As far as power; off the line and mountain climbing are the only two occassions I have wanted more. My mpg has risen to an average of 35 in the city!! Love this car!
Kaz6, I have been thinking about different tires as I have Bridgestones as well. What is the benefit of 15" tires over 14" or even 13"?
Are you getting wider or higher? Are the Michelin XGT's your choice by design or simply preference?
I would also appreciate you sharing what type of synthetic oil that you chose and why. I believe that I will convert to synthetic as well. I use Castrol GPS synthetic in my bike. Do you feel this would be a good choice for the Echo?
I am considering the Ziebart noise barrier undercoating. I feel this, plus new tires can only enhance the quality of the ride.
Cruise control has been installed. Like Mbohun, I am waiting on Toyotaguys for my bug shield. JC Whitney had the window shields for $35.00.
I am using gas of 89 octane. Do you feel this is adequate?
I now have 2641 miles on the Echo, absolutely no problems. Averaging about 38 mpg.
I know I have asked a lot of questions, however, your opinions would be helpful and greatly appreciated.
I have been exercising my privilege of posting here on Edmunds in other discussions and I just thought I would share what has been happening.
I have been touting what I feel happens to be the superiority of the Echo. I have also been partaking of the debate on whether or not the Koreans are better car makers than the Japanese. I am of the opinion that they are not.
In all these discussions, I rely on the results of surveys by J.D. Powers and Auto Pacific. When it comes to discussing the Echo versus another car, I pull out resources like Consumer Guide, Consumer Reports, Motor Trend, plus Car And Driver. The last two for performance questions. I also go on-line to the NHTSA site and the Insurance Institute site.
I do not make comments about the looks of whatever the other car is, but the discussion ends up the same way. The other poster(s) make(s) derogatory comments about the looks of the Echo.
I guess their thinking is, "if you can't beat them, insult them." : )
I think the use of 89 octane (or higher) when the car maker does not specify it or the car is not asking for its use is overkill and just enriching the oil company needlessly.
Whew! Lot's of questions! *I use only Mobil 1 synthetic. There was a very extensive real world test that Consumer Reports performed and while they showed no significant difference between synthetics and regular oil they DID find that the only synthetic to provide added protection in extreme conditions to be Mobil 1. It is also the OEM oil for Porsches. I ran the last bike I owned, a Suzuki 1100, on Mobil 1 and when I had an engine tear down the mechanic could not find any wear or deposits in the cylinder walls. Some sythetics contain additives that can actually HARM the engine. By extreme conditions, I think that I encounter those in the summer. I drive to Vegas monthly and when you're running at 80mph at 110 weather for a 4 hour stretch I think that would qualify. As for using higher octane gasoline...yes it is money that may be going to waste. If I'm driving above 1000ft though, I do use premium. I also have anecdotal experience with my motorcycles. I always used premium and the tailpipes were very clean at the outlet. Other bikes that ran on regular had very dirty outlets. Same experience with my cars and trucks. When I lived in Vegas, I always used 89 or higher because of the altitude. Here in Los Angeles, I can use 87 with no noticable difference. As far as the wheel/tire combo...15" more for the looks as 14" with higher profile tire would provide better ride. I chose Michelin as a candidate because they are high quality and last a long time. They are $$$ but you pay for what you get. My last car had MXV4+Energy put on at 40,000mi. They rode very well and provided great grip-ran them at 100mph in Baja, Mexico. The downside of 15" wheel/tire is stiffer ride and more wind resistance at speed. I do want the added dry grip they provide. Make sure if you do go the 15" route that you get a tire with good wet grip as the wider the tire the more chance of hydroplaning-esp. with the Echo's light weight. IMHO, I feel that undercoating is something you put on only when the car hasn't been driven yet. Unless the undercarriage is immaculately cleaned, you run the risk of sealing in corrosive debris and will do more harm than good. Good luck with your Echo! I miss my motorcycles but the funny thing is that my car gets better mileage than any of the bikes I've owned!
I live in singapore and the lowest grade of petrol here is 92 octane. However price difference is not much so i often used a 98Ron petrol. As for engine oil, my echo is now at the 10, 000 km mark and i'm going to use Castrol SLX and when the bridgestones wear out i am going to use yokohama aspec db as they give excellent ride and quiet!
You have provided me with a great deal of information and it is appreciated. The more thoughts and opinions that are shared with me the more knowledgeable I become on the topic, thus allowing a better decision making process.
All issues discussed made good sense. In particular, undercoating the vehicle and trapping in corrosion. It was the opinion on a previous post that steam cleaning was necessary prior to undercoating. This would remove all debris. However, once corrosion starts, which to a small degree it has already,(car is 6 months old), does undercoating retard the process by allowing minimal oxygen or increase the process by entrapment?
Another subtly that was of great interest to me concerned the thought that to widen tires created increased hydro planing. Common sense, but I had overlooked it in consideration of a better ride. In my area, water on the roads have contributed to a substantial amount of accidents. Weight of the Echo in relation to tires needs to be seriously considered.
If not 89 octane what does Toyota suggest as an octane rating for the Echo?
I will give this, and all other topics consideration.
It has always puzzled me that most people, when faced with substantiated fact or validated opinion, which does not agree with their thought process, revert to emotion.
More specifically, I have noticed the most negativity concerning the Echo coming from appearance. Even Edmund's review stated that the Echo, being a Toyota would most likely be of the highest quality and dependability.
It went on, however, to malign the vehicle because of looks and went further to say, in effect, "would you want your friends and relatives to see you in this Disney Land type car?"
Personal, if my friends or relatives judge me by superficial nature or appearance I've got a problem anyway. It is somewhat a sign of the times that looks and prestige takes presedence over value and reliability.
Including Edmunds, I have yet to see a substantiated post or hear a comment stating the Echo is not a dependable vehicle. As you, (majorthomecho), have stated, everyone provides appearance and options cost as an argument.
Cost is in direct relationship to reliability. As one previous post states, regardless of what you pay, if the vehicle proves itself efficient and reliable by reaching or exceeding an expected period of time, value has resulted.
Personally, I made my decision based on the facts. It was just my good fortune to like the looks of the Echo, regardless of what others think. The quality, design, efficiency and drive ability verses cost were the real motivating factors impacting my decision to purchase this vehicle.
I could have found a less expensive vehicle in the class, but would it have given me the long term value of the Echo? Research and investigation say no.
In summation; I am in full agreement with your observations. It has come down to looks verses quality and value. This is a "no brainer" to me
I am a designer, and i know when i see something that is astheticly pleasing to the eye.The echo is very different from the other cars with style.The echo is unique but does not have style.Style in a designers vocabulary = bad word. those who dare to be diferent often stand out from the rest, and i'm sure ECHO owners around the world take pride in it's unique asthetics! to each his own!! contradictions! that's my ECHO.
My echo is 3 months old and already with this city conditions of Singapore my car has been hit by a lorry's door. It now has a 2cm dimple on my driver's side door. Got to go get that fix.
I'm driving up to Malaysia this weekend and will post my findings of how my car has done on the Malaysian highway and how it travels on the long ride up the Malaysian east coast.
I just posted this in the mileage reporting discussion, but given that I do not know how many of you read that board I thought I would post it here too.
I just filled up tonight. It took me 9.703 gallons to fill up and I had 408.8 miles on the trip odometer.
This works out to slightly over 42 miles per gallon. I have a 2001 four door Echo with the manual transmission. The miles were a mixture of city and highway with heavy (almost constant) use of the air conditioning.
Over 7500 miles on the Echo and still loving it like it was the day I bought it.
We did it this afternoon after a 4 hour drive to see the Grandkids. And, averaged 42 mpg on the trip. What can I say? This is a great little car. Thanks Cliffy1 for selling it to me.
Just got back from a one-day trip to Baja Mexico! I have friends that live down there and today was a special occassion which called for a day trip! *as posted before, I am able to haul 5 people total(incl. me)with ease and they always comment on how comfortable the interior is. *an elderly woman there found the car to be adorable and loved the ease of entry. *I averaged 38mpg(going 80mph most of the time) I love this car!!!
On my trip out west last summer on my motorcycle I did a lot of high altitude touring around CO and NM. I noticed that regular gas there was 85 octane instead of 87 at lower altitudes and that it appeared that as you go higher, you need less octane. (that or they we being cheap with their octanes!) I was concerned because my motorcycle requires 87 octane, but it turned out it ran fine on the 85, at least above 5000 feet. MajorThom I agree that Japanese cars are better than Korean cars, although I have never owned a Korean car. I gave them a good looking over and I might have boughten one because we dont make small cars here in the US, but the ECHO was much much better IMHO. I am thankfull that my ECHO is made in Japan and not in the USA also. Its just another added benefit of buying an ECHO. But that doesnt mean Korean cars will not function as a car. They will and for some people they are a good choice, although Im very suspicious of the ten year "Warranty" (Yugos had 10 year warranty too!) If you can afford it, get an ECHO not a Daewoo. But Im hoping to hear stories about Korean cars with 200,000 miles on them and no major problems. And another thing: when one critiques a car one is also critiquing the owner: its like to old Ford vs Chevy arguments at school. Sometimes people just need something to argue over. I think thats why we get nasty comments about the ECHOs looks. Remember these people are not being rational, unlike us.
I own both an Echo and a `00 Hyundai Sonata. I participate in both forums here on Edmunds and I have seen very few problems with the late model Sonatas. I myself have had none with either car. I test drove the Accent before I looked at the Echo but I came away disappointed. Hyundai has really come a long way in the last couple of years but the Accent is not a car I could be in 6 hours a day. Cramped and underpowered.
Thanks for the link. Your Echo is the first that I have seen without the sport cladding. Not a bad little car in a pretty color, but I like the black ones with sport cladding better. Of course, I might be a little bit biased since I have a black Echo with sports cladding. ; )
Back on the 22nd of May, I sent a letter to the editor for Edmunds pointing out the statement about safety testing not being current. I did not expect a reply, but I did expect a change to the review to reflect the facts.
As of my writing this, it has not been done so I wrote them again using the method where they promise a response.
I must admit that I was not very nice and told them that the statement they had was knowingly false and might be considered grounds for a libel suit.
Does the Echo have a timing belt or chain and what is the change interval? Also, what is the recommended oil change interval? Echo sounds like a modern day version of the indestructible Tercel, with more goodies. Anyone getting over 40mpg with the automatic?
The ECHO does not have a belt driven camshaft it has a chain, so there is no recommended change interval. It also has motorcycle type shim under bucket valve adjustment which needs to be done at 60k miles. They give you a choice of two oil change intervals in the owners manual 5k or four months for around town type driving or 10k (fotget months) for long distance driving.
What you see in the paint is called "fish eyes" and there are two causes for it. First is dirt but that actually isn't too common now. The other reason is an air bubble. For a short time in '97, I worked at a store that sold both Toyota and GM products. Fish eyes were pretty common on factory paint on the GM products (Oldsmobile in particular). They are annoying and an indication that the body shop was not careful. Make them do it again.
I have started putting up a sun shield in the back window as well as the front window and one of the front side windows (which one depends on the side the sun is on). Let me tell you that it sure helps.
Comments
Given this, both spare keys should unlock and operate everything.
Still, I have the split fold seat so if they really wanted something in my trunk, they could take it.
About wheelcovers/hubcaps, I don't know why manufacturers insist with these plastic add ons since they are easy to disfigure, easily stolen. Why can't they just have painted wheels with a smaller cover in the centre, or at least give us the option.
I have taken off the original hub caps, put them aside for trade-in time and then bought some el chepo look alikes that means it doesn't matter if you bump into a kerb.
I think I will also put cruise control into the new Echo as well.
By the way has anyone put in a wood trim kit into an Echo, does it look stupid?
Can you (theoretically) get an Echo with all three upgrade packages and the all weather package? Carsdirect.com let me configure an Echo that way, but the Toyota site would not.
An answer from Cliffy would be greatly appreciated.
Catherine Heins is looking for people to interview who have switched from American to Japanese cars in the past few years-- especially folks who wouldn't have given a Toyota or Honda the time of day in the 1970s.
She's a business reporter at the Yomiuri Shimbun, which is the biggest daily paper in Japan with a circulation of 14 million. They are writing a feature story about Japanese automakers' continuing success in expanding production in the U.S. and snatching market share from the Big Three even on their former home turf of light trucks.
If you fit this description and are willing to be interviewed, please call her directly at 212-582-5827 or e-mail her at catheins@yahoo.com. As always, you can contact me at jfallon@edmunds.com if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com
Thanks
Little downers like this remind me not to hold things too dear, and that the real good is yet to come! (1 Corinthians 2:9)
So, if anything, a knock sensor retarding your ignition timing allows you to use a lower octane, and usually less expensive fuel, in a car where higher octane fuels are recommended.
If you really want to spend extra money on higher octane fuel, please feel free to mail me cash whenever you want to. Heck, I'll even donate that cash (good exchange rate on U.S.$ right now) to a local charity for the tax-deduction, thus allowing you to achieve more with you gas budget than you otherwise would! ;-)
I think that Toyota markets it to the younger generation as a basic car yet different age groups, even ones that can afford more expensive cars, are seeing the Echo as a wise choice.
responses already so I am not doing any more
interviews, but thanks very much for replying!"
I do see that the Bridgestones are wearing quickly compared to Michelin MXV4's. As soon as they wear out I'm switching to 15" rims and Michelin XGT's!
The comment posted earlier is so true. I chose my Echo for the overall intelligence in design at reasonable price. I also considered the VW Golf and Ford Focus.
The only weak spots are a slight hop from the rear over bumps and poor cornering grip at the limit. The latter is due to cheapo tires more than anything else.
As far as power; off the line and mountain climbing are the only two occassions I have wanted more.
My mpg has risen to an average of 35 in the city!!
Love this car!
Are you getting wider or higher? Are the Michelin XGT's your choice by design or simply preference?
I would also appreciate you sharing what type of synthetic oil that you chose and why. I believe that I will convert to synthetic as well. I use Castrol GPS synthetic in my bike. Do you feel this would be a good choice for the Echo?
I am considering the Ziebart noise barrier undercoating. I feel this, plus new tires can only enhance the quality of the ride.
Cruise control has been installed. Like Mbohun, I am waiting on Toyotaguys for my bug shield. JC Whitney had the window shields for $35.00.
I am using gas of 89 octane. Do you feel this is adequate?
I now have 2641 miles on the Echo, absolutely no problems. Averaging about 38 mpg.
I know I have asked a lot of questions, however, your opinions would be helpful and greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Jack
I have been touting what I feel happens to be the superiority of the Echo. I have also been partaking of the debate on whether or not the Koreans are better car makers than the Japanese. I am of the opinion that they are not.
In all these discussions, I rely on the results of surveys by J.D. Powers and Auto Pacific. When it comes to discussing the Echo versus another car, I pull out resources like Consumer Guide, Consumer Reports, Motor Trend, plus Car And Driver. The last two for performance questions. I also go on-line to the NHTSA site and the Insurance Institute site.
I do not make comments about the looks of whatever the other car is, but the discussion ends up the same way. The other poster(s) make(s) derogatory comments about the looks of the Echo.
I guess their thinking is, "if you can't beat them, insult them." : )
*I use only Mobil 1 synthetic. There was a very extensive real world test that Consumer Reports performed and while they showed no significant difference between synthetics and regular oil they DID find that the only synthetic to provide added protection in extreme conditions to be Mobil 1. It is also the OEM oil for Porsches. I ran the last bike I owned, a Suzuki 1100, on Mobil 1 and when I had an engine tear down the mechanic could not find any wear or deposits in the cylinder walls.
By extreme conditions, I think that I encounter those in the summer. I drive to Vegas monthly and when you're running at 80mph at 110 weather for a 4 hour stretch I think that would qualify.
As for using higher octane gasoline...yes it is money that may be going to waste. If I'm driving above 1000ft though, I do use premium. I also have anecdotal experience with my motorcycles. I always used premium and the tailpipes were very clean at the outlet. Other bikes that ran on regular had very dirty outlets. Same experience with my cars and trucks.
When I lived in Vegas, I always used 89 or higher because of the altitude. Here in Los Angeles, I can use 87 with no noticable difference.
As far as the wheel/tire combo...15" more for the looks as 14" with higher profile tire would provide better ride. I chose Michelin as a candidate because they are high quality and last a long time. They are $$$ but you pay for what you get. My last car had MXV4+Energy put on at 40,000mi. They rode very well and provided great grip-ran them at 100mph in Baja, Mexico. The downside of 15" wheel/tire is stiffer ride and more wind resistance at speed. I do want the added dry grip they provide. Make sure if you do go the 15" route that you get a tire with good wet grip as the wider the tire the more chance of hydroplaning-esp. with the Echo's light weight.
IMHO, I feel that undercoating is something you put on only when the car hasn't been driven yet. Unless the undercarriage is immaculately cleaned, you run the risk of sealing in corrosive debris and will do more harm than good.
Good luck with your Echo! I miss my motorcycles but the funny thing is that my car gets better mileage than any of the bikes I've owned!
and when the bridgestones wear out i am going to use yokohama aspec db as they give excellent ride and quiet!
All issues discussed made good sense. In particular, undercoating the vehicle and trapping in corrosion. It was the opinion on a previous post that steam cleaning was necessary prior to undercoating. This would remove all debris. However, once corrosion starts, which to a small degree it has already,(car is 6 months old), does undercoating retard the process by allowing minimal oxygen or increase the process by entrapment?
Another subtly that was of great interest to me concerned the thought that to widen tires created increased hydro planing. Common sense, but I had overlooked it in consideration of a better ride. In my area, water on the roads have contributed to a substantial amount of accidents. Weight of the Echo in relation to tires needs to be seriously considered.
If not 89 octane what does Toyota suggest as an octane rating for the Echo?
I will give this, and all other topics consideration.
Thanks again for the help.
Jack
More specifically, I have noticed the most negativity concerning the Echo coming from appearance. Even Edmund's review stated that the Echo, being a Toyota would most likely be of the highest quality and dependability.
It went on, however, to malign the vehicle because of looks and went further to say, in effect, "would you want your friends and relatives to see you in this Disney Land type car?"
Personal, if my friends or relatives judge me by superficial nature or appearance I've got a problem anyway. It is somewhat a sign of the times that looks and prestige takes presedence over value and reliability.
Including Edmunds, I have yet to see a substantiated post or hear a comment stating the Echo is not a dependable vehicle. As you, (majorthomecho), have stated, everyone provides appearance and options cost as an argument.
Cost is in direct relationship to reliability. As one previous post states, regardless of what you pay, if the vehicle proves itself efficient and reliable by reaching or exceeding an expected period of time, value has resulted.
Personally, I made my decision based on the facts. It was just my good fortune to like the looks of the Echo, regardless of what others think. The quality, design, efficiency and drive ability verses cost were the real motivating factors impacting my decision to purchase this vehicle.
I could have found a less expensive vehicle in the class, but would it have given me the long term value of the Echo? Research and investigation say no.
In summation; I am in full agreement with your observations. It has come down to looks verses quality and value. This is a "no brainer" to me
The above is simply my opinion.
Thanks,
Jack
those who dare to be diferent often stand out from the rest, and i'm sure ECHO owners around the world take pride in it's unique asthetics! to each his own!! contradictions! that's my ECHO.
I'm driving up to Malaysia this weekend and will post my findings of how my car has done on the Malaysian highway and how it travels on the long ride up the Malaysian east coast.
But style is your own. And maybe your style is sometimes fashionable, or never. But no matter, it is your own.
The results will be interesting when viewing future statistics stating long term reliability and which vehicles are still "on the road."
Jack
I just filled up tonight. It took me 9.703 gallons to fill up and I had 408.8 miles on the trip odometer.
This works out to slightly over 42 miles per gallon. I have a 2001 four door Echo with the manual transmission. The miles were a mixture of city and highway with heavy (almost constant) use of the air conditioning.
Over 7500 miles on the Echo and still loving it like it was the day I bought it.
*as posted before, I am able to haul 5 people total(incl. me)with ease and they always comment on how comfortable the interior is.
*an elderly woman there found the car to be adorable and loved the ease of entry.
*I averaged 38mpg(going 80mph most of the time)
I love this car!!!
MajorThom I agree that Japanese cars are better than Korean cars, although I have never owned a Korean car. I gave them a good looking over and I might have boughten one because we dont make small cars here in the US, but the ECHO was much much better IMHO. I am thankfull that my ECHO is made in Japan and not in the USA also. Its just another added benefit of buying an ECHO. But that doesnt mean Korean cars will not function as a car. They will and for some people they are a good choice, although Im very suspicious of the ten year "Warranty" (Yugos had 10 year warranty too!) If you can afford it, get an ECHO not a Daewoo. But Im hoping to hear stories about Korean cars with 200,000 miles on them and no major problems. And another thing: when one critiques a car one is also critiquing the owner: its like to old Ford vs Chevy arguments at school. Sometimes people just need something to argue over. I think thats why we get nasty comments about the ECHOs looks. Remember these people are not being rational, unlike us.
Anyone who wants to see both of my cars check out my website: http://members.nbci.com/sonatafan
By the way, 35,000 miles and still happy as a clam with my Echo!!
As of my writing this, it has not been done so I wrote them again using the method where they promise a response.
I must admit that I was not very nice and told them that the statement they had was knowingly false and might be considered grounds for a libel suit.
I will let you know how they respond.
If that is true, it makes my dealership look even greedier for suggesting an oil change at 3.5k.
I hereby claim post #1700.