Toyota Corolla Verso (2004 - 2009) 1.8 VVT-i T Spirit 5d (2005/55) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Practical, especially when all the kids pile out of it at the seaside.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They want to buy it off me when I'm ready to change. They're amazed about the third row, but the leg room for the second row blows them away.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, but I'd also look at a Mazda 5.Its been fun, starts everyday, not overly comfortable but its practical for short journeys. The boot space when rows two and three are flat is very handy.

What are you likely to buy next?

I'd like a Mazda 5, but ultimately if I'm honest it would probably be a VW Transporter, VW Caddy Maxi or a double decker bus, if we have any more grandchildren!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£4,650

When did you buy the car?

February 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

Not particularly, price was what I was expecting to pay, car was in very good condition, low mileage for the year, plenty of service history, really not much room for haggling anyway, as I wasn't doing finance or offering my car in part exchange.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I needed a petrol engine 7 seater so that I could have LPG fitted. With 3 grandchildren(and another on the way) we needed the extra seating.

What was the dealer like?

Not totally bothered if I bought the car or not, not much patter, got the car ready to drive away the following day, filled the tank, put 6 months road tax on.

What's it like to drive?

The 1.8 has plenty of oomph in lower gears, no problem leaving most saloon cars standing at a standing start. Cornering is average; ticks over in idle at 600 revs; clutch is easy, gearbox smooth(reconditioned). Driving position is good, can do 90 mph with very low road noise, is economical on unleaded(average 36.7 mpg), even better with LPG(11p a mile).

What's it like to park?

No problems, good vision out of rear window.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Needed new gearbox, new head gasket(though the garage did blame the LPG on that).

What's most practical about your car?

Ability to fit seven people in a compact MPV is excellent, though the third row is for young kids only, no leg room for older ones.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Ability to move second row seats independently of each other(unlike my friends Zafira where all have to go together).