Car Questions

Should I buy this E...
 
Notifications
Clear all

Should I buy this Echo

  

0
Topic starter

Hi my 05 Camry's engine died at 345k miles and I junked the car. Currently I'm looking for another car. I saw this 2002 Toyota echo on OfferUp for $2,500 with 160k miles on it. The cosmetic looks clean like a new car even the inside. What do you think about the echos? I love the Camry but should I go for the Camry again or try a different car like a Corolla or an echo? Is echo reliable like Camry? I know finding parts for echo is a pain cause they didn't sell it so many like Corolla and Camrys did. But any thoughts on this?


8 Answers
5

What do you think about the echos?

Mechanically it's simple, reliable, durable - but it's a small miserable econo-box deathtrap.

I definitely would not even consider paying $2,500, it's ridiculous, 25% of MSRP for that?

should I go for the Camry again (?)

The Camry is a solid choice, there are certain years to avoid but sure they're great cars.

or try a different car like a Corolla or an echo?

It depends, Toyota's first Corolla that does not compromise on safety was released for the 2009 model year and the first model year also had engine issues, the first Corolla that's a genuine match for a Camry (where you aren't compromising much other than but performance and size) is a 2010 model and they're still going for a lot nowadays.

With that being said, the first generation Pontiac Vibe shares it's underpinnings with the 9th generation Corolla and that's a solid car that often goes for much cheaper compared to a similar Corolla - it might not be overly reliable, early model years do burn some oil, they might not be as safe, but it's still decent.

So a Corolla/Vibe, if modern or significantly cheaper than a Camry night not be a bad choice.

 

The Echo is nothing like it's modern successors, they're famous for being junk but reliable.

If i had to pick a small car, it would be the later model year Toyota Yairs (2005-up, preferably 2012-up as that's when the Yaris was just a rebagged "XP130 Vitz" in the US - so pretty much just a Prius C without all of the hybrid crap that wears out)

But again, the Echo/Yaris is a huge compromise compared to a compact/mid-size car in quality, durability, and reliability.

Is echo reliable like Camry?

It was $10k brand new loaded, do not expect much quality from that thing.

But any thoughts on this?

Depends what's you budget.

Toyota's best cars are the 10th generation Corolla (E150 2010-up) and (XV40) Camry with the 2.5L engine (not 2.4) but finding one with reasonable millage can get expensive.


3

If you liked the Camry you'll hate the Echo. It's a tin can in comparison.


2


1

Forget the echo. They are not good at all. Consider another Camry or if you want to step down, get a Corolla. 


1
  1. The Echo is cheaply made and I don't know if you'll get used to it's quality compared to your previous vehicle. Best thing to do is to have it checked out by a mechanic first before getting that vehicle. At 160k miles, I would think it would be a bad econobox as long as it was well maintained. I wouldn't think it would be a bad idea getting that vehicle. Since it's a Toyota product and the engine is very dependable, I think you'll be fine with it as long as you get used to the quality in it (if you do).

0
Topic starter

Thanks for your thoughts. Yea I am even scared to get the Corolla. I'll just look into another Camry either an 05 or 06. Camrys are like tanks. I really love Camry and there was not a single thing that I can't complain about owning it. 


@shone200 - The 2002-2005 Camrys had major issues with stripped head bolts and blown head gaskets. Avoid.


0

I have mixed feelings on it as I had a 2004 Scion xb, that I think is pretty much an echo with a different body.

It was honestly a fun little car to drive around town, but the 1.5L engine could barely get it up to speed when getting on an interstate.

The car never had any issues, but it had things that annoyed me enough that I didn't keep it that long.

I lived in south georgia, and one of the things that was wimpy was the AC, it was just enough to keep you from sweating in the summer time. The insulation in it was almost non existent, which meant it was loud driving at speed.

For a car that has the aerodynamics of a refrigerator, it got pretty good gas mileage. I even got 39mpg on a long highway trip, but that was a rarity.

If all you are doing is poking around town at lower speed, and you don't live in a super hot area, it could be a decent car for a small amount of money, now that used car prices are crazy anyway.


0
Topic starter

I'm mainly thinking about doing Uber eats/door dash deliveries and I know echo is the best car for that. I did Uber and Lyft on my previous Camry and that's how I racked up so many miles. Since I put lot of miles I tend to keep the car like 2 to 3 years then I sell it and get another one. Lol. Also I'm a do it yourselfer, I do most of the work by my self. So I'll definitely get it thoroughly checked out if I do decide to get the echo. 


The echo would likely give you inexpensive trips to and from your deliveries. However, consider that you will be riding in that car for many hours a day, in a car with a rather horrible ride. I have heard people getting a Honda fit for the same reason, and then soon after selling it because they just couldn't tolerate it for that long each day. As for my 05 Matrix, just like a corolla, I can do doordash, or drive all day long and it is really comfy.


Share: