Owner Review: I didn't like it, but now I love it! Tell you a story of my Toyota Vios

Basic information

 2005 Toyota Vios 1.5 G Spec (NCP42)

Reasons why I bought this car

 The initial purpose was for my daily commute to & for from college. & I needed a reliable, practical daily car.

Car selection process

● I had a budget of:

 around 30k if not mistaken (but taking loan) 

● Models that I have considered include:

 Nissan Cefiro, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Latio, Toyota Corolla Altis

● Reasons why I chose this car:

Actually, it wasn't really my choice to make. because I was still a student and hadn't got money to buy a car. I just knew I wanted a Japanese brand car (coz we all know it's reliable). My dad too agrees. He just sort of just picked up the Vios & only told me about it after he already purchased it.  

User experience

● I have already done 86,000km.

Initially, I didn’t really like the car, because it wasn’t the car I wanted. To me, it was kinda the common typical (aunty/mom grocery) car. But I started loving it when I found out it handles pretty okay through corners & I could actually have some fun with it. I love it also because it's practical & great for long-distance trips with ample luggage space. & it has never failed me so far (excluding tyre punctures)

Pros of my car

- Handles pretty well

- Ample luggage space

- Reliable engine

- Ride comfort not bad

- Great visibility

- Throttle feel is great (cable)

- Quirky center mounted dash

Cons of my car

- It’s kinda noisy at higher speeds

- Rear legroom isn’t really comfortable

- The front air-cond vents placement (blows directly at my hands)

- Common driver power window issue

Ratings

Total Score: 3

Performance: 3

Quality & Features: 2

Space: 3

Ride Comfort: 3

Fuel Economy: 3

Price & Cost: 4

Summary

What started off as a car I didn’t really appreciate slowly turned into a passion. I’ve had many journeys & memories with my car throughout 5 years having it with me. I’ve learnt the in & outs of the car. I know what is it capable off & I know what needs to be modified to further improve it. It has served me really well. I’ve brought it to long trips within Malaysia, it has been with me to every car meet I’ve been to (I’m a photographer), brought it to a couple touges before. It’s my first car & although it’s not special in any way & I’ve only managed to do very minute mods to it due to me not having a steady income. It would still be the car I loved first, & knowing what it is to search, own, restore & maintain a used car.