Second-hand cars perfect for first timers

2000-2005 Toyota Echo

The Toyota Echo couldn’t win any beauty contests when new, and don’t expect any fawning comments at the gas station now. Derisive snickering, maybe. Small but tall and perched on skinny tires, it seemed like it might list in a stiff breeze.

But we’ve come to adore the homely Echo with its trim exterior dimensions and trick tall cabin inside. Its upright chairs provided easy access and good sightlines. The centre-mounted instrument panel was never a good idea, but owners swear you get used to it.

The Echo is propelled by a sophisticated 1.5 L DOHC four cylinder that puts out 108 welcome horsepower, thanks to 16 valves and variable valve timing, hooked up to either a five-speed gearbox or four-speed automatic transmission.


Available as a two- or four-door sedan (the hatchback arrived in 2005), the Echo may make you feel like you’re in a penalty box. The interior is as grim as a discount motel, but without the free coffee and newspapers.

Despite this, Toyota didn’t cut any corners when it came to the oily bits. Mechanically, its entry-level car was made to last — the Echo was actually assembled in Japan — and owners raved about the little car’s unshakable reliability and cheapskate operating costs.

At Peace Arch Toyota we always have a couple of great pre-owned Echo's in stock.

Article  Published July 20, 2012 on wheels.ca