I had a 2004 Echo as my first car. Learned to drive on it, drove it for 17 years, didn't want to give it up. A week ago I got rear-ended and the car didn't make it, I was absolutely devastated. The most reliable, lovable little hatchback.
Hi Liam. Good to see you singing the praises of this underrated model. I bought my 2002 Echo brand new and just can't seem to bring myself to part with it. I've recently upgraded the front coil shock assemblies very cheaply and also the transaxles and clutch (about AU$870 to have someone put new transaxles in it and $300 for a new clutch, which I put in myself), so I figure its good for another 200 thousand km. The hot tip for long engine life is regular oil changes of course. At the moment I'm figuring out the installation of cruise control, the absence of which is the only thing missing in the car for me - I drive long distances (1000+km) regularly. My manual 1.3L Echo still gives good fuel economy - 5.8litres/100km isn't bad - that's 40mpg in old money. Even today you have to try hard to buy a new car that beats that sort of consumption. Also - and this is was the clincher when I bought it - its high headroom is unmatched by any new car I've tested. I can see you are quite tall and that's probably one of the reasons you feel comfortable in it. I dislike the move to compact, tight cabin spaces in new sedans of any size.
I have its long lost brother thats owned by toyota and its a daihatsu sirion gtvi manual with the same engine and its adorable as much as your cat mate. Excellent video review and thanks for sharing
Still Have my Black 2001 2dr sedan 5 sp Manual after 21 years in the rust belt and outside of regular maintenance I've had the following issues, Evap canister $160 Exhaust from Cat back $109 Front and rear end bearings, CV axles, control arm ball joints, and tie rods $300 All in around $560 in parts "No labor except my own." Which equals around $27 per year you should be saving for when things invariably go south over time. I bought this car at 35, my goal is to drive it until I get so old they have to yank my license or they make petrol engines illegal whichever comes 1st.😂
Picked up a 2005 Manual hatchback to make the Abbotsford-Richmond commute for a new job. Bought the first sub $2K/45MPG+ shitbox I could find on Facebook Marketplace, which turned out to the aforementioned vehicle. It has very much grown on me. Sips fuel (averaging about 4.8L/100KM), can be parked anywhere, I don't mind putting the 2000 kms per month and associated wear and tear which otherwise would have gone on my very thirsty 2020 Expedition.
In Europe they sold these with a 1.0 litre 4 cylinder that makes 68/65 hp (depending on emissions status). I drive one. It's hilarious. That's why I laugh when people say the 1.5 100hp version is slow 😂.
In Australia they come in 1.3 litre and 1.5. Mine is 1.3. It does the job. Zippy enough. I like to get to the speed limit as quickly as possible i usually change gears at 2500rpm. 3000rpm up hill. I mean my 2004 model only weighs around 700kg
I own one. 2005. Auto. It’s turned into my work truck. Carries an incredible amount of tools. I live in the PNW.. same as you! Lots of twisty roads, I know my Echo like the back of my hand. Certified go kart. If you’re ever in Whistler… give me a shout, brother!
I love my 2008 yaris S hatchback. BBC Coil overs, Nitto Nexgen tires, EBC and Stoptech brakes.... I am looking to upgrade power next.... Maybe a celica engine ;-) Cheap, fun, useful and reliable. Nothing better than passing $150K cars around the outside in corners.
I have this car from brand new, hit the target 200000kms, oil and filter change only cost me up to now, 19yrs old, on road, full tank of petrol runs 680kms, no unleaded petrol, but the manual book says any above-unleaded petrol(91), ran all life with ethanol E10(95), no trouble at all, next mechanical point there is no timing belt, if brakes or not been change every 100000kms, cost you, 1800$ for to rebuilt, but this car has timing chain repay cost is below 300$, trust me, thank you.
@@LiamDrives there is one local person near me in the San Francisco Bay Area that has one for sale on craigslist. He says he had the car brought over from Canada. Sadly he is asking $ 5500 for his.
It's been years so I don't expect an answer but I'll try anyway, what are those side skirts? I'd like to put them on my T-Sport but the OEM side skirts are rare
That car is dope coilovers and wide wheels be dope who cares about power. I got a 2000 Toyota echo been in the family it's whole life awaiting shipment from my dad. Ordering coilovers and wheels as soon as it gets here. It's a 4 door though rather have that lol
To speak on practicality. I have the sedan echo and my full size bass still fits in the rear. Im looking at new subcompacts to trade up and thats just not gonna happen nowadays. Bring back thin doors!
@@LiamDrives well i have 3 issues for this. Firstly i have a lexus GS. My grandparents like to sit in those, so i have to keep it. Secondly, i have a beater car for my delivery job. It is easier to have a car with power windows and power locks. It is almost impossible to find an echo with power windows. Even with the base model, they are STUPID expensive in my area. For example, a 163k miles echo auto can cost $3900. It is painful, but i rather have a corolla with power everything and lower mileage for just $2300. Thirdly, i am living in San Francisco. You know what i mean. The reason i love echoes is mainly from top gear. They use suzuki Liana to lap celebrities. Echo looks like those. They are super light, super cute and quite fun to drive with their light weight, decent power and lack of stability. Once i dont need to do my delivery job, i would rather have one for daily drive. I will only buy one if they are sold in reasonable value.
Hey if you wanna make this thing feel like a million bucks hit up a local junkyard and find a aftermarket cruise control (cost $35 down here in the states) Grab everything including the clutch switch and its literally a couple wires I cant tell you how much its improved freeway driving!
@@LiamDrives to be honest since I typically just buy tercels and echos I never have a cruise control but I have had around 3 or 4 other cars that did and I loved it! Cause I got a lead foot too, keeps me in check lmao
i want this car as a beginner first track/project car? hows the reliability if left relatively stock and just bringing it to the track for some hot laps? And what's a good price range for one?
As long as you don’t add any boost you’ll be fine reliability wise. Bolt on mods are fine. Just make sure all your fluids are up to par. I got mine for 2k but it has high kilometre, but came with the mods. I think you could get one for a little more in better condition. If you’re in Canada you actually import a super clean from Japan if you wanted, but you’re looking at 5k plus if you want the 1.5 engine.
I know 😂 we never got the t sport. And the two door didn’t come in the “RS” trim, which had much nicer seats. It’s actually what I hate most about this car. The seats are gross.
That's not so bad - looks like the Honda civic SI hatch back. Not like the shitty Toyota echo we got in the stats that looks like a lifted sedan, it's hideous.
A Toyota Echo! My family owned onee! A Toyota Echo RS 2005! I hated it my Whole life until i dont know what but I started to like it They sold it one month ago :(
Can you imagine my mum bought this as her first car back in 2004, and now it belongs to me in 2021, and I’m still loving it.
That’s awesome!
I had a 2004 Echo as my first car. Learned to drive on it, drove it for 17 years, didn't want to give it up. A week ago I got rear-ended and the car didn't make it, I was absolutely devastated. The most reliable, lovable little hatchback.
@@fionatsang9353 I got a 03 5 door hatch woth a few mods and it actually goes way harder then you expect
thats exactly what happened to me haha
I have 270,000 kms on mine, original engine/transmission/radiator/ac unit. I love it, it is indestructible!
I'm at 365, 000 and still going strong haha indestructible af. I'm getting another one when this one dies for sure lol
@@danpie3328mines got 420,000kms still kicking 😂
I work as a delivery driver and own an 04, and man is that thing fun. It's manual, plus I'm 6'6"... My friends say I wear it like a shoe
I got a 2002 automatic version. No tachometer. Broken abs. Broken on/off od. Check engine light. Great mileage. Fun on corners and loud on inclines
My mum use to have an Echo for 20 something years! Beast little car! Never had any problems
This guys like a younger, canadian doug demuro😆 great vid man 👍
Haha thanks! I don’t think I’ll ever be as good as Doug! Glad you enjoyed the video.
Underrated car, got one with a diesel engine , remaped and decat. Feels fast for a 1.4d4d with the low end torque.
That sounds fun! Low end torque makes all the difference especially for city driving.
Me too how what is the power now
I love this car Its like a next gen Volkswagen Beetle
Hi Liam. Good to see you singing the praises of this underrated model. I bought my 2002 Echo brand new and just can't seem to bring myself to part with it. I've recently upgraded the front coil shock assemblies very cheaply and also the transaxles and clutch (about AU$870 to have someone put new transaxles in it and $300 for a new clutch, which I put in myself), so I figure its good for another 200 thousand km. The hot tip for long engine life is regular oil changes of course. At the moment I'm figuring out the installation of cruise control, the absence of which is the only thing missing in the car for me - I drive long distances (1000+km) regularly. My manual 1.3L Echo still gives good fuel economy - 5.8litres/100km isn't bad - that's 40mpg in old money. Even today you have to try hard to buy a new car that beats that sort of consumption. Also - and this is was the clincher when I bought it - its high headroom is unmatched by any new car I've tested. I can see you are quite tall and that's probably one of the reasons you feel comfortable in it. I dislike the move to compact, tight cabin spaces in new sedans of any size.
I had a 2005 manual and I called it the port-a-potty on wheels because it was so light, like a plastic box.
Awesome review I had no idea there was a cubby under the passenger seat SWEET!
I have its long lost brother thats owned by toyota and its a daihatsu sirion gtvi manual with the same engine and its adorable as much as your cat mate. Excellent video review and thanks for sharing
Still Have my Black 2001 2dr sedan 5 sp Manual after 21 years in the rust belt and outside of regular maintenance I've had the following issues,
Evap canister $160
Exhaust from Cat back $109
Front and rear end bearings, CV axles, control arm ball joints, and tie rods $300
All in around $560 in parts "No labor except my own." Which equals around $27 per year you should be saving for when things invariably go south over time.
I bought this car at 35, my goal is to drive it until I get so old they have to yank my license or they make petrol engines illegal whichever comes 1st.😂
I want myself an Echo hatcher because it looks so freaking cute
I just found your channel through the Mazda truck vid. And you truly have a knack for TH-cam. You better keep it up!
I plan too! Comments like yours help me too, thanks for watching!
2:04 that slide on the bonnet made me laugh so hard hahaha
My dream car! Love small hatchback cars
I knew it was filmed in BC when I heard that bird at 0:30 seconds in lol. Very cool car
Picked up a 2005 Manual hatchback to make the Abbotsford-Richmond commute for a new job. Bought the first sub $2K/45MPG+ shitbox I could find on Facebook Marketplace, which turned out to the aforementioned vehicle. It has very much grown on me. Sips fuel (averaging about 4.8L/100KM), can be parked anywhere, I don't mind putting the 2000 kms per month and associated wear and tear which otherwise would have gone on my very thirsty 2020 Expedition.
In Europe they sold these with a 1.0 litre 4 cylinder that makes 68/65 hp (depending on emissions status). I drive one. It's hilarious. That's why I laugh when people say the 1.5 100hp version is slow 😂.
That’s so true!! This would feel like a rocket compared to the 1 litre.
I have mine in Europe straight from the USA haha, I love mine when winter sliding it.
In Australia they come in 1.3 litre and 1.5. Mine is 1.3. It does the job. Zippy enough. I like to get to the speed limit as quickly as possible i usually change gears at 2500rpm. 3000rpm up hill. I mean my 2004 model only weighs around 700kg
I own one. 2005. Auto.
It’s turned into my work truck. Carries an incredible amount of tools.
I live in the PNW.. same as you! Lots of twisty roads, I know my Echo like the back of my hand. Certified go kart.
If you’re ever in Whistler… give me a shout, brother!
BRD TRD. Big rowdy driving Toyota racing development.
Connor Meyer I’m taking that. Thank you.
I wish we had Echo hatchbacks here in the US .. still love my ‘08 Yaris
Yea have to say I love the look of the hatches way more.
I love my 2008 yaris S hatchback. BBC Coil overs, Nitto Nexgen tires, EBC and Stoptech brakes.... I am looking to upgrade power next.... Maybe a celica engine ;-) Cheap, fun, useful and reliable. Nothing better than passing $150K cars around the outside in corners.
I have this car from brand new, hit the target 200000kms, oil and filter change only cost me up to now, 19yrs old, on road, full tank of petrol runs 680kms, no unleaded petrol, but the manual book says any above-unleaded petrol(91), ran all life with ethanol E10(95), no trouble at all, next mechanical point there is no timing belt, if brakes or not been change every 100000kms, cost you, 1800$ for to rebuilt, but this car has timing chain repay cost is below 300$, trust me, thank you.
このクルマに乗ってる立場として、海外の方にも評価されているようで嬉しい限り😊
There's one of these currently going for $8,999 on craiglist from a dealership in New West ! Car market is insane right now.
You're hilarious Liam! Moma Liam sent me here 😁👍
Hey Rod! Glad you liked it haha.
I've had a Vitz rs for years and clocked over 400,000kms on it, nothing went wrong on the car apart from a fouled spark plug.
Valved muffler of ebay 180.00 muffler is nice mod for the money. You get quiet and loud at the touch of a button.
I want that kind of car. I've driven both the 2000 and 2003 echos. Never seen the hatch in the US. Closest one is a early model Yaris hatchback
The hatch only made it to EU and Canada.
@@LiamDrives there is one local person near me in the San Francisco Bay Area that has one for sale on craigslist. He says he had the car brought over from Canada. Sadly he is asking $ 5500 for his.
Is this in America ? How did you get a left hand drive Vitz ?
Edit: Ah ! Canada, nevermind
Tokébakicitte
HELL YEAH !!!!
It's been years so I don't expect an answer but I'll try anyway, what are those side skirts? I'd like to put them on my T-Sport but the OEM side skirts are rare
Do you think a 4AGE engine swap would be possible in this Echo without needing to cut back the firewall or anything?
No idea, never seen it done. Better off importing a factory turbo charged one from japan.
That car is dope coilovers and wide wheels be dope who cares about power. I got a 2000 Toyota echo been in the family it's whole life awaiting shipment from my dad. Ordering coilovers and wheels as soon as it gets here. It's a 4 door though rather have that lol
Sick. Yea wish I had the 4 door. Good tires and good suspension is all you need on a car like this.
That looks better than the sedan or coupe one
To speak on practicality. I have the sedan echo and my full size bass still fits in the rear. Im looking at new subcompacts to trade up and thats just not gonna happen nowadays. Bring back thin doors!
WAIT MY ECHO HAS A TRAY UNDER THE BACK SEAT!??? IM SO CHECKING THIS TOMORROW
YEP it should!
Just Checked both mine and mums echo they have the spot for a tray but theres actually no tray there😂
@@kim1995hilux aw man I guess some one stole it 😂
@@LiamDrives probably who knows 😂
@TheAub2012 sadly its nonexistent in mine or my mothers echos🥲
2.5 Danny devitoa long lmao . That made me laugh hahaha
i wonder how it'd sound if you add an aftermarket intake or maybe itb.
It would sound sweet! I’d like to eventually get an intake for this one, would complete the sound.
Honestly this is my dream car. I can't get it just because I don't have space for it
What if you sold a car? The 4 door version is more practical.
@@LiamDrives well i have 3 issues for this. Firstly i have a lexus GS. My grandparents like to sit in those, so i have to keep it.
Secondly, i have a beater car for my delivery job. It is easier to have a car with power windows and power locks. It is almost impossible to find an echo with power windows. Even with the base model, they are STUPID expensive in my area. For example, a 163k miles echo auto can cost $3900. It is painful, but i rather have a corolla with power everything and lower mileage for just $2300.
Thirdly, i am living in San Francisco. You know what i mean.
The reason i love echoes is mainly from top gear. They use suzuki Liana to lap celebrities. Echo looks like those. They are super light, super cute and quite fun to drive with their light weight, decent power and lack of stability. Once i dont need to do my delivery job, i would rather have one for daily drive. I will only buy one if they are sold in reasonable value.
shame we didn't get these stateside :(
Upgrade the brakes and put on more tower bars/ strut bars/ undercarriage bars and braces.
Hey mate, keep up the good work on the videos!! Just wondering if you knew what roof spoiler that was because im looking for one for my own echo
Hey thanks! Pretty sure it’s an oem spoiler.
Ahhh okay, thanks
BC GANG
Wow the hatchback looks way better that the coupe and 4 door
I know right! I don't why they never sold the hatch in America. Only Canada and EU got it.
To each their own, I've always liked sedans better
where did you get your little spoiler from?
It came with the car. Its OEM
@@LiamDrives do you know where i could find one? i have looked everywhere
The 1NZ-FE is legendary reliable.
Yea it’s a great little engine
What’s specs rims and tires where those?
looks and probably drives like my 05 scion XA
0:15 ...I did.
Hey if you wanna make this thing feel like a million bucks hit up a local junkyard and find a aftermarket cruise control (cost $35 down here in the states)
Grab everything including the clutch switch and its literally a couple wires
I cant tell you how much its improved freeway driving!
Would be sweet! But I live in the city and I’m only on the highway for a short time. Fun fact none of the cars I’ve own have had cruise control lol.
@@LiamDrives to be honest since I typically just buy tercels and echos I never have a cruise control but I have had around 3 or 4 other cars that did and I loved it! Cause I got a lead foot too, keeps me in check lmao
@@YungSteambuns I was going to do that with mine 👍
Ayyy
What kind of gas mileage do you get? In kilometres
My 1.3L manual gets 5.8L/100km highway.
2.5 Danny Devito’s 😂
Great video & cool little Echo. $2000.? Whaaaaaaat?
Peace
Thanks!
I got just $1450 2 month ago😁
i want this car as a beginner first track/project car? hows the reliability if left relatively stock and just bringing it to the track for some hot laps? And what's a good price range for one?
As long as you don’t add any boost you’ll be fine reliability wise. Bolt on mods are fine. Just make sure all your fluids are up to par.
I got mine for 2k but it has high kilometre, but came with the mods. I think you could get one for a little more in better condition.
If you’re in Canada you actually import a super clean from Japan if you wanted, but you’re looking at 5k plus if you want the 1.5 engine.
@@LiamDrives I don't plan on doing any mods that I don't have to. Because after all, it is a Yaris. I would just plan on doing tires and brakes.
@@leslie7872 after a few track days you’ll want better suspension haha.
I love my echo :) its a 5 door.
Any one have any idea of what exhaust/muffler its got on
nevermind
is that not toyota yaris?
Who stole your T sport seats? 😂 Jk, sick vid!
I know 😂 we never got the t sport. And the two door didn’t come in the “RS” trim, which had much nicer seats. It’s actually what I hate most about this car. The seats are gross.
2:55 That’s what she said
haha Yes, im the .03 :P Looking to sup my sons echo bought second hand from my brother in law :P best 1500 ever
It's toyota Yaris!
I only want this car so I can drive the blueberry from Psych
haha I forgot about the tray
That's not so bad - looks like the Honda civic SI hatch back. Not like the shitty Toyota echo we got in the stats that looks like a lifted sedan, it's hideous.
put a turbo on it!
Im looking at getting an echo but I cant imagine why anyone would try to make it "sporty" especially being front wheel drive.....
A Toyota Echo! My family owned onee! A Toyota Echo RS 2005! I hated it my Whole life until i dont know what but I started to like it
They sold it one month ago :(
0.3%...thats fine, I'm not angry, I'm just disappointed
More females than your wife are watching 👀
How dare you call me your wife.
😂