5 September 2011
A used car that's just like a new one - Toyota's perfection-ist approach.
When word came from Toyota that they had an "ist" for us to drive we thought someone had made a m-ist-ake. But when we checked a bit further, we found that such a thing really did ex-ist. OK, so now that we’ve had our mandatory poke at the silly name, perhaps some explanation is due.
Many cars are marketed in non-English speaking countries with names that we might find ridiculous, and some find themselves with name changes if they are destined to be sold in markets such as ours. The ist is sold in some markets outside of Japan with names that we would find more acceptable and it’s probably fair to assume that had it been intended to be sold new in our market, it perhaps would have had a name we could relate to a little better.
But the car we were offered is a Japanese domestic market model, imported as a used car into New Zealand via official Toyota channels to be sold through Toyota’s Signature Class used car programme.
This programme has been running for many years now, having earned a reputation as perhaps the best used car programme offered anywhere in New Zealand. These used cars are imported by Toyota themselves, and unlike run of the mill Jap Imports, Toyota sends them to their massive workshops in Thames to be comprehensively refurbished before finding their way onto the dealer’s yard.
Not only are the cars thoroughly checked over and made as good as new, but they’re also sold with benefits that are virtually as good as new too.
Offered with a 3 year unlimited kilometre warranty, 3 year AA Roadservice, 3 years of WOF checks and certified mileage among other benefits, a Toyota Signature Class car really is the next best thing to a brand new car.
While there are costs associated with preparing used cars to this standard, Toyota Signature Class buyers we have spoken to all speak highly of their purchase and the after-sales back-up that’s been extended to them, so we accept that the peace of mind motoring experience is worth paying a little extra for.
The one we drove was a 3 year old car with very low kilometres for its age. Our 2008 ist had travelled around 12,000 kilometres and was being offered for sale at $27,000 plus On Road Costs.
We were surprised to learn that the ist is based on the Yaris platform, as it’s more of a Corolla sized car. Unlike earlier ists which had the Yaris 1.3 or 1.5 litre engine, our ’08 ist was powered by the same 1.8 litre powerplant that the Corolla gets, driving the front wheels through a 4 speed automatic transmission.
Equipment level included 16 inch alloy wheels, smart key entry and start system, automatic air conditioning, fog lights and a rear spoiler, while safety-wise, ist has ABS and six airbags, but there’s no Electronic Stability Control, something you’d expect to see in a $27k new car. Bluetooth is also absent, again, a feature we’d expect to see at this price level if we were buying new.
Fit and finish is of a high standard, something we’ve come to expect from Toyota, and the dash and overall interior styling is rather more flamboyant and interesting than that usually offered up by Toyota. Likewise, exterior styling also offers a slightly quirky look, while remaining unmistakably a Toyota.
The seating position is fairly high and seats are comfortable and supportive enough. While not over-endowed with power, performance is adequate and it’s a pleasant car to drive.
Overall, the ist is an alternative to the Corolla for buyers wanting something a little different styling-wise, but the reality is that it’s a very similar car in most respects.
While the Toyota Signature Class benefits are not to be sneezed at, we’re still left wondering if a 3 year old imported used car lacking Electronic Stability Control is worth $27,000 plus ORC when a brand new Corolla GX Auto with the afore-mentioned safety feature can be had for $35,990.
But then, Corollas are to be found everywhere, so here's something a little different from Toyota for the individualist.