Toyota IQ (2009 - 2014) 1.0 VVT-i 2 iSports 3d (2010/59) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I am trying to do my eco bit...

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

Mates think I have gone to the Graham Norton side and can't stop laughing, until they get in it...Then they realise how good it is. I think they are jealous.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes but either the 1.33 or a d4-d model if it becomes available. They are expensive, but up against an Aygo and the overall costs , they are a Premium mini, and worth the outlay.

What are you likely to buy next?

A D4-D version to go to Spain with or an Citroen C1 HDI in LHD.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£8,500

When did you buy the car?

January 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

I thought it was a good deal, and there is no scope to haggle with Toyota dealerships. I think they have had a hard time of it recently with bad press, these cars are fine in the UK, so don't be put off, still no leeway on the deals.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

The 100% writedown on Tax, and the fact my car was going to cost over £1000 in repair costs. Car was also bought in Scrappage Scheme

What was the dealer like?

Excellent, couldn't be more helpful, Thurlow Nunn in Cambridgeshire, excellent communications, and was much more helpful than my local dealer in London. They wouldn't match the deal and wanted more money. Shame that is two car sales my local dealer has lost out on because of greed...I may have added options if he had been more helpful. You will know when the dealer is helpful or not.

What's it like to drive?

It feels like a much bigger car than it is, and has a top drawer feel, but slow down for the speed humps the back will bottom out with a thump if you drive to fast over them. If you are regularly in Town the 1.0litre £0 road tax car is ideal. It feels solid on the road up to about 80mph indicated and cruises nicely once up there, but headwinds and hills will slow you down. If you do a lot of faster A-roads and Motorways, get the 1.33 model. It is a shame they won't do the diesel model here. That would so much better to drive. I have just done a 640 mile round trip in a day to North Yorkshire and found it extremely comfortable and it was easy in the partial snow on the moors, with the traction control keeping things nicely in touch. Best on 30-50mph roads.

What's it like to park?

There is no point entertaining this question, it is so easy to park, in fact you over estimate everything and have to try again. You will get in spaces with the easiest of turning circles.

Have you had any problems with the car?

No, nothing, absolutely nothing, only had it 2 months, and 1500 miles, but just why I bought a Toyota, reliable and if had one niggle, it is slightly notchy going from 3rd to 2nd, I think there is a recall for this, but it is so slight and is disappearing gradually.

What's most practical about your car?

It is the size of a smart car, but has the two seats in the back, I can even fit behind the wife while she is driving (not for long distances though - up to hour max is fine) but the kids love it and call it the 'midget' car. I also like the keyless entry and the sooooo tight turning circle , ideal for London.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Where do I start, it feels like a Lexus type build quality, and the auto headlights and wipers are just great, as is the auto dimmimng rear view mirror, and electric folding mirrors. The Aircon is efficient and easy to use, although the stereo is a bit fiddly till you get used to it. I had a Parrot MK9200i installed from new and no other gadgets as it is not worth the money for half leather, and the Satnav looks great, but I may want to use it in my other car, so just buy a TomTom and save yourself £1000 odd. If I were to add any gadget in hindsight, it would be Parking Sensors, don't laugh. The car is just so small, that when you park you end up looking a muppet because you are still 2 metres away from the other car. The mirrors are deceptive.