Go green, buy a used Toyota Echo Hatchback makes an attractive commuter Bob McHugh,
Published:”Wednesday, January 02, 2008 Did a commitment to reduce your “carbon footprint” appear on your list of New Year resolutions? ARTICLE TOOLS Printer friendly E-mail Font: * * * * If so a good, little-used Toyota Echo may help you achieve that goal. A clever mix of youthful design, peppy performance, nippy handling and outstanding fuel economy makes the no-frills Toyota Echo hatchback an attractive little city commuter and an eco-leader.
Add an outstanding reputation for reliability and you’ve also got a highly desirable used car. The only drawback about buying a good pre-owned Echo Hatchback is that you’ll probably have lots of potential-owner competition. There may be the odd bargain out there, but in general, you can expect to pay a premium price. The Echo was actually first introduced to Canadians as a 2000 model-year four-door sedan.
The Echo hatchback did not arrive until 2004 and came as a two-door or a longer wheelbase four-door. It only existed for two model years before it was replaced by the Toyota Yaris in 2006. You’d expect a small car to have tight quarters inside, but I described the surprisingly roomy Echo hatchback as “like stepping into Dr. Who’s phone booth.” A tall body structure and a high seating position are key components of this inner-space voyage.
A base Echo is very basic — no power steering, power windows or power locks, no power anything for that matter. However, a buyer could add these and more, including an automatic transmission and anti-lock brakes. An extensive range of customization parts were also available, including a spoiler, side skirts, fog lights, centre-line dual exhaust and four different choices of alloy wheels.