Which model

[Nawsad]

Hi experts! I’m looking for the right IQ for me and I think I’ve settled for the 3 or, possibly a mint 2. So I was wondering if you experts could help out with the following queries. 1. Is it worth getting one with sat nav as I’m thinking it would be easier to swap out that sat nav unit for a more modern double din unit whereas all I’ve read about the standard radio is that it is a nightmare to upgrade? 2. I prefer leather but is it hard wearing? All the seats I’ve seen seem quite baggy on the drivers base? 3. I like the look of the later (?) cars wIth the light interiors but do they get tatty/dirty quick? 4. I like the look of the later model cloth seats (if no leather available) as like the later model interior it is lighter inside ... but I’ve heard the later cars seats aren’t as comfortable/wide? Anyone confirm this? 5. Is it correct that only later models had height adjustable seats? 6. The white pearlescent paint looks nice but does it hold up/does it need lots of care?Sorry for all the queries. I have a Yaris that is slowly dieing so looking now for its replacement before it gives up the ghost entirely! thanks all in anticipation

[IQNigel]

The experts seem to be keeping their heads down...!

I cannot help on the SatNav.  I don't have an issue with the built in audio system and either  occasionally put a Garmin on a suction holder on the bottom of the windscreen or going 'quick and dirty' for the last few miles I let my phone shout out the directions from the cup holder.  I am old school, I do lots of miles travelling in the car but find in reality if you look at your journey plan before you leave you really do not need a SatNav for many journeys at all.  The point I am making is do you really need to go to all the effort of opening up the dash to fit a satnav?

I had fabric upholstery on my previous 2010 IQ2 and had no complaints with either the upholstery, comfort or interior finish.  My current 2012 IQ2 with leather and light interior, the same comments.  It is how the previous owner has looked after it that counts.  The hard interior panels on the dash and doors are hard wearing and easy to clean.  Damage is easy to see.  All leather trims, on any car, go 'baggy'. Both my cars have height adjusters on the drivers seat only. I have not noticed any difference on seat width, I think you are picking up on the different look of the leather to fabric trimmed seats, it would not make sense for Toyota to make the seats smaller anyway.

White pearlescent paint is no harder to maintain than the norm. It is only when they need repainting after panel damage that colour matching might become an issue, but that is the bodyshop's problem, not yours. Bright red or yellows tend to fade out on all cars. You may find that an IQ will have had paint protection applied from new by the first owner. 

Strongly suggest that you need to inspect and try as many IQ as you can and draw your own conclusions. Be patient, don't buy the first one you see, become an expert yourself. It is always good sport to flush out the sales people who don't know what they are talking about anyway! Check footwell carpets for damp, which could be the aircon pipe or  a blocked windscreen gutter. Also check rear brake calipers for binding.  Look carefully at the service history, lots of them have stayed in the franchise network for servicing, but make sure the dealer and previous owner has carried out all the required work; e.g. my IQ2 Multidrive did not have its transmission oil checked by the Toyota dealer at the required service visit. Note that non Toyota franchised dealers don't tend to know much about or understand the IQ and you might find that you can strike a harder deal on a car that has been sitting in stock for 45 to 60 days and needs to be moved on as part of a stock rotation policy.  Toyota dealers tend to know what the IQ is about and are a more natural starting point to look for a used IQ anyway but may be less inclined to haggle. Flip side is the Toyota dealers know how to recondition the cars properly.  Where you can, try and buy from a franchised dealer of whatever brand as the car should come with some form of Approved Used warranty, recorded inspection and reconditioning.  You are in unknown waters with a private sale or used car trader.   

IQ3 are rarer and tend to be more expensive than an IQ2.  I would go 1.0 liter everyday, but you need to try both to make up your own mind.

Best of luck.  Post up your experiences of the cars you look at, what was said and what you eventually buy.