Hypermiler Needs Advice on Toyota Echo

[phoebeisis]

Jim,
Welcome. I have 2 quick questions.How hard is it to get in and out of the Echo?I'm thinking about going to see a local Echo that has been going begging for the last 4 weeks.I'm not sure why-125,000 miles,MT,$2900- it hasn't sold.
We-wife and I-aren't young-57 64-so we don't bend so well.I really have trouble getting into and out of the Civic .How is the drivers seat?It it fairly upright with your legs hanging downward not stretched out in front of you?
My questions:
1)Getting in and out for oldsters?
2)Driver's position?
Thanks,
Charlie
PS The local one must be begging because of the MT-and the miles,and it is a 2 door.I could mothball my second car(straining to get 14 mpg) if I buy it.

[lamebums]

Not necessarily an oldster (actually at 18 I'm probably the exact opposite LOL) but I'd think getting in and out is really easy. The seating is actually quite upright - you're almost level with small SUV's and you've got a really good view of the road and your surroundings.

Comparatively, whenever I drive my father's Buick, I feel like I'm sitting in a recliner - and boy is it a pain in the butt to get out (also because it's so comfortable, ha).

As to the Echo's space - I'm 6'4'' and well over 250lbs - whenever I get into a car, I go through a familiar ritual every time - crank the seat as far back as it will go and then probably tilt it backwards, as well. And there's a couple inches to spare.

As to the car being begged - I don't see why it hasn't sold. I'm going to wager there's mechanical problems, or it was a salvage title. 125,000 miles is nothing, because the Echo is a motor, a seat, and a few safety features, is all. Not much in the way of electronics. It isn't going to break down anytime soon...probably because there isn't much to break. (I think that's good, because power windows/doors/seats, etc. are the first to fail in most cars.)

Hope I - sort of - answered your questions.

[jimepting]

Charlie,

Nice high seating position. Very easy to get in and out. At 70, I'm still pretty young ;-) but I think it would work great for older folks.

The drivers position seems fine to me. At 6'4", the reach to the wheel is a bit long, but ok. The drivers position is high with good visibility. My 5'4" wife also finds the driving position good. We liked the seats better in our 97 Metro.

Handeling slightly on the mushy side. Somewhat affected by cross winds.

[phoebeisis]

Lame-Jim-
Thanks for the info. I will probably go see it in the next day or so. The no sale is a little puzzling; I'll eyeball the title,and the car.I hope it is the miles.MT, and 2 doors that are making it a tough sell.
Charlie