1996 Toyota Paseo ST from UK and Ireland - Comments

Nothing, except the alarm was triggered and neither myself nor the Breakdown Assistance were able to stop the racket! The AA man said it was the most difficult alarm he had ever tried to override as it has a back-up system, eventually I had to drive to the dealers with this amazing cacophony drawing stares from everyone!

Snags on the upholstery.

I had decided to change my family-sized car for a used smaller vehicle when I called into my local Toyota dealers. I had never heard of nor seen a Toyota Paseo until then, but was immediately taken by it's appearance. It seemed good value for money and I jumped at the chance to test drive it. I was hooked the moment that I sat in the driving seat, at last here was a car that was built with a 5'3" woman in mind and it felt good! It was quick off the mark, responsive, stylish, economical, comfortable (providing you weren't in the back seats!) and had everything I needed in a clearly set-out dashboard.

I was amazed that the insurance was lower than my previous Nissan and decided there and then to order one.

For 2 years this car was my pride and joy, but then I heard that it had been withdrawn in the UK only 9 months after being introduced and that the resale value had dropped like a stone. I investigated and found out that I owed £2000 more than it was worth. I had the option of returning it and walking away or paying £2000 over the book price, I had no option, I had to return it to the dealer. I shed a tear as I walked away and left it behind.

Here I am 5 years later, having had a Hyundai coupe for 5 years, but I still hanker after that little coupe, I occasionally see one on the road and I turn and watch it go past. Now the thought has come into my head that my son is in need of a car and I have started to look on the internet to see if I can find a good used one so that once again we can have a Paseo in the family.

Sun-roof was a bit fiddly but liked the option of having extra light in the winter and putting cover back in the summer.

Hated not having a rear windscreen wiper...poor visibility in the rain.

Rear seats only suitable for children, anyone over 5" banged their head but kids loved lying back and watching the sky.

I've seen several of these cars with the seats with snags, and on mine I used a clothes shaver, and it took care of the problem.

I have owned my Paseo for 2 years now and love it. My only problem is that my aging parents can't get in and out so I am having to steel myself to buy a more practical car! Pro's - great acceleration, smooth ride, reasonable insurance, good boot size and reliable. Con's - no rear wiper, claustrophobic in rear. I've had no problem with snags on the upholstery.

Ours has been in the family since 2000 we have had it for 6 years. One of the most reliable and fun cars we have had. Gets 1 service and test each year and has now done over 85.000 miles. Rusting quite a bit and may fail the test next year without work, but this car cost nothing to run. Did have problem with the alarm and have disconnected it.