Author Topic: Toyota echo dealerships (Read 968 times)

bunky · « **on:** June 02, 2005, 05:00:57 am »

Hi gang,
Went to dealership and test drove an echo ce . I have to admit, this is one sweet little car.
No problems getting on the highway and keeping up with traffic. In fact I passed a few semis and no problems with noise or wind.Also, the engine was powerful and deliberate, not like other "tinny" sounding engines.
I do have some concern with tires though and this is where I need your help.
I was told to change the 14 inch tires to 15 inch.Is this an easy undertaking or is there some great big production.?The dealership wants 1000.00 bucks. I priced aftermarket and they quoted me 720.00 . But, they did recommend me getting the rims from toyota because factory would be better for the ride and the car.Is that true?
Anyways, I am waiting for the end of June before I sign any agreement. Hopefully I don't go on strike and therefore can afford my first new car.
Also, according to the red book, MSRP is 12995.00 / wholesale is 10500.00 and avg retail is 12500.00 thought you would like to know.
till then,

AVToller · « **Reply #1 on:** June 02, 2005, 09:28:18 am »

Hi Bunky! Just a couple of things to consider. First, changing to 15 inch wheels simply involves paying for them and having them put on. You should be aware, however, that the ride will be noticeably harsher since the tires will have a lower aspect ratio (I think you go to 55 from the standard 65). My choice would be to switch to a better quality tire rather than switching sizes. You will wind up with at least as go ride, better handling than standard, and much lower final price than with switching to 15s. A lot of people like the looks of the larger wheels though. Who told you to switch tires and why?

The other question is, are you aware that the new ECHO is due to come out sometime between late July and November, depending on who you believe. From what I can tell, the interior should be much improved, the wheelbase is longer by about 4" (a mixed blessing in my eyes), and in general, it is said to be a more sophisticated car. I intend to wait for it (praying that my current beast holds together that long).

ovr50 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 02, 2005, 10:22:02 am »

Bunky - IMO the Echo is a very decent small car, I particularily like the E. Hatch model. I would agree with Ross above about the tires and would be inclined to go to a better tire, rather than increase wheel size. For many years, I drove a Mazda Protege which had (IIRC) 13" wheels and it was not a problem. Happy hunting.

davidm · « **Reply #3 on:** June 02, 2005, 12:46:03 pm »

Something that may help as well is a slightly wider 14" tire if it fits the rim. On my last Miata I switched from a 185/60R14 to a 195/55R14 - still nice and cushy, but a bit bigger contact patch. Only issue with 14" wheels is tire selection is starting to drop - lots of tires aren't made smaller than 15" any more. Check with the tire trends guys on selection. $1000 for wheels and tires at 15" is a good deal. Tiretrends used to have amazing packages at $1150 in 15" that were the standard in Canadain Miata clubs for a couple of years.

bunky · « **Reply #4 on:** June 02, 2005, 01:45:12 pm »

Thanks for getting back to me.
Ross, what type of "beast" do you own? Is it a toyota? As to holding on till the 2006 comes along, is really not a possibility. My 93 lesabre is coughing up blood and about to be put out of everyones misery. A great car when I first got it, but now.... to much money to hold off the inevitable. Besides, toyota will be more inclined to get their 2005 model out the doors.Hopefully, with some rebates.....am I wishing???
I will listen to the wisdom from this forum and stay with the original tires. I will upgrade when the time comes for better rubber.
Thanks again.
Oh ya, better to have a set of dedicated winter tires and rims or just have the rubber put on the rims?

mrthompson · « **Reply #5 on:** June 02, 2005, 01:47:52 pm »

It's more convenient to have a dedicated set of wheels for the winter tires. Plus it saves your other wheels from the harsh winter road conditions.

AVToller · « **Reply #6 on:** June 02, 2005, 01:51:56 pm »

No Bunky, it is a

F*** - Escort wagon '96. It was adequate for what I needed at the time, but otherwise it's the same as you said. As to rebates, I don't know about Ontario, but here in BC, they seem to have a hard time keeping them in stock. I doubt there will be many around when the 2006 comes in, but for your sake, I hope I'm wrong!