Toyota PASEO (1996 - TO 1999)
MODELS COVERED: (2dr coupe 1.5 petrol [ST, Si])
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
Even the most ardent
Toyota fan wouldnt argue with the fact that the Paseo wasnt overly successful in the UK. In fact, sales were decimated by more diverting rivals such as the
Renault Megane Coupe. For the used buyer this appeals in two ways. Firstly, residuals wont stand up as well, making this Toyota a relatively inexpensive used buy.
Secondly, you will also gain some semblance of exclusivity. Think about it. When was the last time you saw one coming the other way? With all of the traditional benefits of the Toyota ownership package, maybe the Paseo deserves a second chance?
| Build |
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| Comfort |
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| Depreciation |
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| Economy |
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| Equipment |
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| Handling |
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| Insurance |
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| Performance |
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| Styling |
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| Value |
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The Paseo is a tidily styled, if somewhat bland little coupe. The overall effect is of a slightly sleeker and less butch
Rover 200 coupe. Standard equipment was nothing special, and the interiors were the usual
Toyota fare of uninspired plastics and trim materials. Electric front windows, removable glass sunroof, twin airbags and an alarm immobiliser were all standard equipment on the ST version.
The Si version added a rear spoiler, alloy wheels and a Sony CD system. Showroom appeal was always a problem with the Paseo, especially with the
Hyundai Coupe and
Renault Megane Coupe ranges offering better targeted and marketed products. However, the Paseo shares one characteristic with both of these models the styling has not aged very gracefully.
Obscure models with weak images usually result in high depreciation and the Paseo is no exception. Many dealers will be left scratching their heads before thumbing their trade price guides to work out what to pay for one. An early Paseo ST on 1996 N-plates can be picked up for around £2,300, with even the final 1997 P-registered cars going for £2,600. The Si model is worth around £200 more, with the last of these cars, a 1998 R-plated edition, reaching around £3,100.
Due to their rarity, it may be a long while before the car you want is available, and Toyota franchised dealers are probably the best method of sourcing an honest example. Insurance for the Paseo is extremely reasonable, with the ST rated at Group 6, and the Si at Group 7.
One area where the Paseo scores well is reliability. It never appealed to the sort of hard-charging driver whod lust after a Megane Coupe 16v, nor did Toyotas notion of marketing it to a younger audience pay off. Most Paseos were bought by middle-aged empty-nester customers who appreciated reliability and a benign nature. This particular coupe served those particular qualities up in spades.
As such it makes a safe used buy. Look for a full service history and buy knowing that somebody else took the financial hit from the Paseos steep initial depreciation.
(approx based on a 1998 1.5 Si) As one of the lower volume sellers in the Toyota range, the Paseo has some parts prices that are reasonably steep. A new exhaust system is nearly £500, whilst an alternator is around £375. Not the most expensive around, but nonetheless nearing the top of the price range for a budget coupe.
Fortunately other parts prices are more affordable. A new radiator or a new starter motor both retail at around £230, whilst a new clutch assembly is about £175. Front brake pads are £40, and rear shoes are about £35 a pair. Those narrow headlamp units are a mere £90 each to replace a lot cheaper than many more mainstream rivals.
Part of the fun of a sports coupe is agile handling, and the Paseo plays the part reasonably well. It is an enjoyable car on a twisting road, and its benign handling characteristics make for added safety in emergency manoeuvring situations. Push harder and the little Toyota starts to show its more humble origins. Torque steer, often a problem in sporty front-wheel drive cars, is not a problem here due in no small part to the modest power output.
Ride comfort is not compromised for handling, and good shock damping, low levels of wind noise, decent soundproofing, and good luggage capacity for two make the Paseo a good A-road cruiser or commuter. The 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine is a 16-valve unit tuned for torque and flexibility rather than maximum power, endowing the car with a languid nature. Despite this, there was never an automatic gearbox option for UK buyers this would have made a fine accompaniment to the relaxed Paseo.
It goes without saying that many of the Paseos rivals hold more instant allure. However, if youre after something that is a bit different, its a safe and reliable used buy. It also represents a significant saving on new prices, which makes buying a Paseo not such an outlandish option. Just be prepared to put up with blank looks when you tell people what youve arrived in.
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