Toyota Wish 2003-2009 used car review

The Toyota Wish is a small, zippy people mover that can carry up to seven in reasonable comfort. They will have to leave their luggage behind.

Placed in Toyota's people mover range under the larger Ipsum and Estima, the Wish is closely related to the popular Corolla hatchback. It quickly became a top seller in Japan and across South-east Asia, where its size and durability has made it popular as a taxi. The Wish was never sold new in New Zealand. All the cars here are used imports.

Several seating configurations are available. Standard models can have a car-like format of two front seats and a three-person rear seat or the same with a folding third row of two seats. High-end models can be optioned with three rows of two seats for more passenger space. 

With a high roof, the front two rows are spacious. The front seats are very comfortable, with large, soft and supportive bolsters. The second row will handle three adults comfortably for short trips. The third row has some legroom but is best sized for children.

With all three rows of seats in place, there is very little space for luggage. Toyota doesn’t list the capacity and we think you could squeeze in two small suitcases at best. That makes the Wish unsuitable as the primary car for a family of more than five people. With the third row folded, capacity is far more impressive and we think three large suitcases will fit.

The dashboard focuses towards the driver with all the controls for radio, CD player stereo, climate control air-conditioning and transmission raised in a cluster close to the left of the steering wheel.

The radio will require a band expander to receive local stations. The wheel itself is a sporty shape, leather covered and pleasant to grip. It is adjustable for tilt but not for reach. The gauges are large, round and easy to read. The handbrake is a pedal-type to allow for an unobstructed path between the front seats. A second glove box gives extra storage.

An issue we have discovered from our time in Wish taxis overseas is a lack of rear ventilation outlets. The only air available comes from vents in the dashboard and two inadequate vents under the front seats. In warm weather, little of this air makes it to the second row and even less to the third.

The transmission can be shifted manually although it does a good job on its own. We were impressed with how quick and light the steering is; it takes little effort to change direction down city streets. The ride is quite soft and there is a little body roll but it is not excessive. The brakes feel good and perform well although, again, it should be noted this is with only one person on board.

We couldn't find an official recommended tow rating for the Wish. Towbars are available for this model from non-official suppliers, rated at 450kg (unbraked), which is a small trailer, or up to 1,000kg (braked), a small boat.

Visibility from the driver's seat is fine looking forward. It is more restricted behind, thanks to the tinted windows and the third-row seats. Reversing cameras are not standard and we would recommend looking for a car with one or having one fitted. You can do this yourself from $50, or have it done by a professional from $200.

The larger 2-litre engine has some issues. A member of Toyota’s ‘D4’ engine family, these lean-burn direct injection engines are known to be very sensitive to fuel. There have been issues with rough running and surging. The problems are complicated to work out and there have been reports of high bills for diagnostics. If you do have one of these cars, it is imperative to run it on Premium fuel.

Regardless of the engine, constant velocity joints in the drivetrain can wear out. That issue will make itself known as a clicking from the front of the car when turning at slow speed. Replacement will cost from $400.

This review covers the Toyota Wish for model years 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Review vehicle supplied by Turners Cars.

*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.