Faults:
Fender Bender Accident:
Replaced front bumper, supports, headlights, grill, splash guards under engine bay.
All post-collision work done by Toyota dealer. Great service dept., terrible sales dept. Columbus, OH (USA).
No problems whatsoever with the car. Has been a very reliable, economical, and surprisingly sporty and nimble little mobile.
Only complaint: OEM Goodyear tires were worn out by about 38,000 miles. The OEM tires were not very good in snow/rain and did not handle well.
Replaced the OEM Goodyear tires with Dunlop SP Sport A2 at 46,000 miles. Much better ride and handling (fitting the S's suspension upgrades) and great snow/rain traction. Very pleased with new tires 2,000 miles in.
Front seats could be a bit more supportive for larger frames. Lack of lumbar support on long trips troublesome.
Interior fit and finish is beginning to show it's age and quality (you get what you pay for).
General Comments:
My wife bought this car without me seeing it or riding in it first.
I was originally slightly upset since she had been considering a 2000 Honda Civic SI (still on lot).
After driving it I wasn't upset anymore. The car is surprisingly quick and nimble for a 4dr.
The S package is nice, with good stabilizer bar support both front and back and nice alloy wheels. Handling is surprisingly nimble for a 4-dr small sedan.
Engine is very nice, plenty of power (unless loaded down) and shifts very nicely. The amount of torque is surprising from this engine as well.
Excellent gas mileage even when driving aggressively. Have recorded 40mpg on trips.
The engine bay is very mechanic-friendly (for when the time comes).
Wife loves the outside temperature gauge. Sunroof is a nice option.
Bottom line:
Very economical, relatively sporty (with S-package), reliable little car.
Toyota builds good cars and drive trains.
Would highly recommend to somebody considering a compact 4-dr.
Paid only $16,000 for it in late 2000 (2001 model). Very good bargain.
12th Aug 2004, 09:06
If you want to fix the paint at the cheapest cost possible, do it yourself. I'm not sure where you live, but any automotive store (Canadian Tire in Canada), or Toyota dealer has spray paint to match any car make. You should find your paint number on the inside of the left front door (where the door latches itself when closed). You will also need sand paper, and a primer paint.
1. Sand down, or smooth out, the parts that are peeling, or the whole bumper.
2. Cover up all parts that might get over spray (lights, other body parts not to be touched, etc.). You can use newspapers, paper, etc.
3. Spray sanded area with primer. Do a couple of coats. Let dry as directed on bottle.
4. Spray bumper with car paint. Do not hold can too close, so you don't get runs. Also, you will need more than one coat. Let paint dry before spraying again.
All of this should cost you no more than $15 Canadian.
Hope this helps. My email address is wojtek112@hotmail.com, if you have more questions.