- Doors and Seats
3 doors, 8 seats
- Engine
2.2i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
75kW, 180Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 8.8L/100KM
- Manufacturer
RWD
- Transmission
Manual
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Used car review: Toyota Spacia 1993-1998
Forward control is a term well-known to commercial vehicle buyers. It means, simply, that the controls are forward of the front wheels. This model Spacia, based on a commercial van, is an example. The front seat is located over the engine compartment and front wheels, with the steering wheel, pedals and gearshift in front of them.
This raises two points. First, when you're coming from a car you have to get used to a new style of driving, leaving extra clearance for the rear of the vehicle to get around the corner. This catches many first-time drivers out, particularly in car parks. Second, if you hit a tree there aren't an engine and suspension between you and it, which is why you see forward controls with bull bars.
In 1998, Toyota replaced this model with a more conventional vehicle that placed the engine and front wheels ahead of the driver. This original Spacia was little more than a van with seats. The ride is choppy, the seats aren't brilliant, the handling is agricultural and the power isn't great. But it was cheap. Well, cheap for a Toyota.
They are cheap secondhand too, except that some of them are now seriously old, plenty of them showing more than 200,000km of service. That's a lot for a people-mover. Some have had a hard life, too. They are obviously bought by people with lots of kids and kids are hard on cars. The interior trim will likely be knocked about.
The problem with budget models is that their owners often economise on service and regular servicing is critical to vehicles like this, so check the service history thoroughly against both distance travelled and time elapsed.
Make sure you're comfortable driving one of these - take the longest test drive you can - because the controls, especially the steering, are different and the ride is often rugged. Otherwise the Spacia works well and gives good room to passengers in all three rows, although storage space behind the third row can be limited.
The 2.2-litre four cylinder is reasonably light on power but has good torque. This is hardly a rocket ship but it does get up hills with less drama than some other people-movers. Listen to the engine carefully while driving because any knocking or rattling is probably a danger sign. Pay attention to the controls and listen to the way the automatic shifts gears - if it's wheezy and ill-defined it could be on its last legs.
Keep an eye out for exhaust smoke too, a bad sign. Open the engine bay after the test-drive (you have to unclip the front passenger's seats and fold it up) and check for fumes in the engine bay.
What to look for
Engine and Transmission: Look for ageing and wear. Check for exhaust smoke, listen for knocks or rattles and be wary if the gear change is wheezy and ill-defined.
Fit and finish: Expect wear and tear to internal fittings because kids populate these vehicles. Check all window mechanisms, door handles and the folding mechanism of the rear seats.
Miscellaneous: Check the service history and be very wary if it does not exist. Listen for suspension noise over speed bumps. Damage to wheels and rear panels is common from parking mishaps.
Disclaimer
The condition of used cars varies greatly. If you find a car you like we recommend an NRMA inspection (131 122). Whether buying from a dealer or private seller, the cost of the check is likely to be cheaper than repairs. Dealer used-car warranties also vary greatly. It is best to avoid the hassle in the first place.
How much?
A good 1993 four-speed auto Spacia with about 190,000km on the odometer will be about $13,000. A 1998 with 125,000km will be $18,000. Deduct $400 to $800 depending on age or manual transmission.
Alternatives
Mitsubishi Nimbus
$14,000- $17,500
Competitively priced with the Spacia and far more car-like to drive, being designed from the ground up as a seven-seater. But it is noticeably smaller. It's much nicer to drive.
Mitsubishi Starwagon
$12,800-$18,300
Another forward control people-mover and it's bigger and better-equipped than the Spacia but again it's a commercial vehicle derivative and drives differently to a car.
Toyota Tarago
$20,500-$24,000
Was Australia's best selling people-mover until Kia introduced its Carnival in 1999. It's a very good vehicle with excellent space and it's far more car-like to drive.
Prices and details correct at publication.