Summary:
No Regrets so far
Faults:
It's still new. If something is already wrong, I'll give Toyota a 0 score. Anything hot off the oven shouldn't be inedible because of defects.
My first servicing was about 2 weeks ago.
There shouldn't be anything wrong with it right now. Anyway I'm still monitoring...
Ultimately, I do not harbour high expectations on the car. It's supposed to be my workhorse, and also my entertainment.
General Comments:
Interior is sufficiently spacious, with plenty of pockets, nooks and crannies to keep little things here and there.
Noise insulation is good. Handles well. Good acceleration. Good cornering characteristics. Like the slightly higher driver sitting position. So that i can peer through the SUV in front of me for traffic conditions far ahead.
Initially, thought its weird to have a center-mounted instrument panel. But now I believe it to be most cool :-)
My model is a basic one with no frills and manual transmission. No modifications to tyres, body kits, or something like that. They add to rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag.
Believe it or not, it managed to get 15.5km/l for the first tank of gas. After the first servicing, it returned an average of 18.5km/l, with about 60% use on highway and 40% in other roads. If I find that after 5000kms my return on gas is still similar or better, I'd not think twice in having a second Vios (or equivalent) for my next car. Anyway, with air-con on 50% of the time.
Manual transmission is still the best. Raw power from the engine is transmitted to the road, without an auto-box trying to predict my driving pattern and road conditions. I don't lose that "in control" feeling. The fun begins when it enters a traffic jam...
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 12th February, 2007
18th Jun 2007, 01:46
Hi, had second servicing. Now, it runs on synthetic engine oil with new oil filter. Agent said change the oil filter only after 10,000km but anyway, with the kind of mileage, it's fair to plow back the savings for slightly better maintenance to be even.
Mileage now about 7000km. Vios is an excellent machine. Mileage for +90% highway is +18km/ltr. (Aircon off 50%, otherwise low; Driver only + dog occasionally; intelligent driving)
Nothing wrong with car up till 7000km.
Just waxed 6 sections of the paintwork. Another 6 sections to go... this two weeks. Will update again.
31st Dec 2009, 01:23
My VIOS is 3 years old now.
Still doing 12-15km/litre. After servicing, I can usually hit between 16-18. I am very proud to have own this car and will always stick to a VIOS.
26th Oct 2011, 22:25
The car is slightly younger than 5 years. Let me update with the latest. I just waxed it yesterday.
The driver door produces rickety sound. It could be due to a loose door trim due to the exposure to the hot outdoor sun, causing a plastic part to warp slightly that caused a small gap. Cannot ask too much from such an excellent workhorse.
Recently, I sent it back to authorised agent servicing, after being outside serviced after the 3 year warranty expired. I requested that they check and inform of any wear, tear or damage. Agent informed that a drive shaft boot was torn. Replaced both drive shaft boots at less than half the authorised agent price outside. That was about three months back.
The aircon fresh air duct vane dropped onto my aircon filter. The authorised agent put it back without charges earlier this year. Maybe, because I paid them to install an aircon tray and filter a few years back, or maybe it could be a defect.
One thing I continued to like about my toy is that it continues to return me the mileage of about 18.5km/ltr using the minimum grade of RON petrol approved. The driving pattern remained the same at about 80% highway.