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12 years & 220000 kms with my Toyota Innova: A blissful journey so far

11th September 2023, 08:28 by Dev Shah

Whether it was Dad, uncle, myself, or our driver, everyone who has driven expressed their love towards the vehicle's engineering.

BHPian sasta_rider recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello BHPians!

Before starting the ownership review, let me throw some light on what made me fall in love with cars! It all started when Dad had purchased a brand new Maruti Omni back in 1996 when he was doing well in his business. I, being a kiddo, was not aware of how a car functions, what components are responsible for these beautiful machines to carry us from point A to point B. But, I was happy in my comfort zone of getting inside the car any random time of day when it was parked at my house: moving the gear lever, trying to honk and turning the steering wheel left-right! It was when I turned 10, Dad first asked me "son, please wash the car neat and tide from the outside". Since I loved playing with water, I took this task that day. I washed the car's reachable areas while Dad washed the top and windows. I mostly helped him in watering the car after being shampooed. Good ol' days! Someone said, "if you want to start loving a car, then first clean and wash the car!". This is true.

Since then, he has changed the cars from Omni, to Maruti Suzuki Swift to Maruti Ritz and then finally the Innova's arrival in May 2011. I being a diesel head, love to drive any ICE car, but Innova has a separate place within me! So, here goes the ownership review:

When in seventh grade, I received the news that Dad booked a Toyota Innova (diesel), which was scheduled to be delivered in a few weeks. Back then, I didn't have much technical knowledge about cars, but was aware that the Toyota Qualis was the predecessor of the Innova and that Toyota intended to replace the Qualis with the Innova in the Indian market, which eventually happened in 2005. All these conversations were happening when Dad interacted with his friends who are not much into cars. However, shortly after booking in March 2011, Japan was struck by an earthquake and a devastating Tsunami, resulting in a delay in the delivery of the vehicle. If my memory serves me right, at that time, Innova was imported as CKD and then assembled in India (please correct me if I'm mistaken). I don't recall the exact details of the booking experience as I was not involved, but I do remember being present on the day the car was delivered.

Likes:

Comfort: It is difficult to find someone who say that the Innova is not comfortable for long or even short drives. The captain seats provide exceptional comfort even today.
Purpose: One aspect that has always impressed me is its versatility. It has been a popular choice among cabbies, politicians, and actors, highlighting its appeal as a reliable and trustworthy vehicle. Additionally, the Innova serves as an ideal family car, serving the needs of middle class.
Quality: In contrast to the current generation of Innova (Crysta), the older Innova had a more traditional and straightforward design. Despite this, the quality of the parts that were manufactured in Indonesia has remained excellent till date, with the exception of typical wear and tear components.
D4-D 2498 cc Diesel Engine: Sweet spot for me is when the engine roar is between 2500 - 3000 RPM, mainly while overtaking and cruising, is something I greatly appreciate. However, considering the current regulations surrounding diesel cars, I have concerns that enthusiasts who prefer diesel over petrol/hybrid may not be as satisfied in the future.
Dislikes:

Blind Spot: From the driver's point of view, the 'A' pillar obstructs the view during sharp right turns, creating a blind spot. Need an eagle's eye when tackling curves at ghat sections.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was not a standard feature at that time, specifically in this variant. However, unless you possess advanced skills in manoeuvring the vehicle during panic or sudden braking situations, this should not pose a significant issue.
Front bumper vulnerability: The front bumper has a tendency to dislodge even with minor impacts involving medium to large rocks, wall scrapes, bushes, or side impacts. Once the bumper detaches, it becomes quite challenging to fix it unless the car is taken to an authorized service centre (ASC) for showroom-fit. A lot of Innova cabs can be seen with the bumper being held either using cable ties or after-market brackets. While, a few cabbies and private owners have maintained Innova brand new in terms of appearance.

D-Day:

Due to the absence of authorized dealers in Kasaragod back then, Dad opted Amana Toyota in Kannur as our dealer. Although it was approximately 110 km away from our home, the Innova embarked on its first long drive from there to our residence. While United Toyota in Mangaluru was closer to us, I believed that the cost in Karnataka was slightly higher than in Kerala and Dad wanted a 'KL' registered vehicle without much hassle of transfer etc. On D-Day morning, Dad and I took a local train from Kasaragod to Kannur. Upon arrival at the showroom, we were offered customer lounge to relax and were served tea and snacks, while Dad attended to some final paperwork. The showroom and the overall experience had a premium feel to it, which was quite impressive. During my time there, I was rapidly moving between the display vehicles that included the Corolla Altis, Fortuner, and the top-variant Innova.

Just before the delivery, it started raining cats and dogs. While the car was being washed and accessories were being installed, the sales advisor reminded us about the details of service intervals and other relevant information. After a few minutes of waiting, a Toyota staff brought the car, and that was the first time I laid eyes on the stunning Light Metallic Blue variant. The excitement was palpable for me, but sadly had no driving license, hehe! Finally, after the PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection), the vehicle was delivered to us. We took a picture to commemorate the occasion, bid goodbye to everyone present there, and embarked on our journey back home. After approximately two hours, we reached, where the sight of the new addition brought joy to everyone in my home!

On-road price & discounts:

I do not have precise details about the breakdown of the on-road price, but I was aware that it costed approximately 12 lakhs on-road. Along with the down-payment amount after selling the Maruti Suzuki Ritz, to reduce any financial burdens, Dad had decided to finance the car for a period of four years.

Engine Type and Variants offered:

The diesel variants of the Innova were highly sought-after and selling like hot cakes, as the dealer informed us about the numerous diesel Innova bookings they had received. However, the delivery of many vehicles, including ours, was significantly delayed due to the disruption in the supply chain and logistics caused by the Tsunami in Japan during that time. The Innova offered, and the current Innova Crysta continues to offer, a wide range of variants to choose from.

When it comes to engine, the petrol variant featured a 2.0 L engine with only manual transmission as option. On the other hand, the diesel variant was equipped with the 2.5 Litre Direct Injection and 4 Cylinder Common Rail Engine (D-4D). This diesel engine has proven to be durable and capable of witnessing high mileage with minimal periodic maintenance or service visits. Automatic transmission was not available, but the manual transmission option, which was and still offered, remains the preferred choice for diesel enthusiasts like me.

Safety:

In terms of electronics, our variant did not come with a lot of safety features. It lacked ABS, Brake Assist, Airbags and Traction Control. However, Toyota did offer some basic features such as Central Locking, Power Door Locks, Door Ajar Warning, and Engine Immobilizer. In comparison to modern cars that are packed with hell lot of features, the Innova of that time feels relatively stripped down and barebones. Nowadays, non-enthusiast drivers and owners often forget to utilize the plethora of features available in present-day cars. Nonetheless, Toyota did include two reverse parking sensors in the centre of rear bumper, which was quite useful during the initial years of ownership.

Accessories:

In the year 2011, CDs and USB sticks were the prevailing methods of audio entertainment, while Bluetooth connectivity was not as popular as it is today. This variant did not come with a stereo set, rear spoilers, synthetic leather seats, or mud flaps. Consequently, soon after bringing the car home, we took it to a well-known car accessories shop located near to our home and installed the following accessories (not sure what was the price):

A Sony X-Plod Stereo system that offered CD, USB, and Aux options, but lacked Bluetooth connectivity. Surprisingly, even to this day, this stereo continues to entertain the passengers on long/short trips.
Rear spoilers that matched the body colour, providing an added cosmetic look. Without rear spoiler, Innova looks like a bald man.
A floor carpet that matched with the car's other interiors.
Synthetic leather seat covers, contributing to a more luxurious and comfortable driving experience.
A steering cover that enhanced the grip.

Number of km clocked at the time of writing this review:

At the time of writing this review, the car has clocked 219XXX km.

Usage pattern:

The purpose of buying Innova was to support Dad's business travel needs to nearby cities like Mangaluru, Puttur, Kannur, Kozhikode and sometimes long drives to Bengaluru/Coimbatore/Pune/Mumbai for various reasons including family functions, business and get together. In addition, since I used to stay in a residential school 40 km away from home, Innova was the one which used to safely ferry parents to meet me, take me to home for vacations and drop back when school reopens. So, from 2011 till 2014 hostel-home trips were also regular.

Initially, the utilization of the car went well without any issues, aligning with its multiple purpose. However, leaving a diesel car unused for extended periods is not good to the rubber components (tires, belts, bushes, etc.). Additionally, rats tend to find enlightenment in the engine bay, making it their new home with their own modifications to the components. Unfortunately, the unplanned arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 resulted in limited use of the vehicle, although I used to start it regularly till engine reaches operating temperature. It was during this time that expenses began to accumulate, with rats being the primary cause of concern. Fuelled by frustration, my sole focus during the lockdown was to set rat traps and eliminate them safely. Subsequently, following the post-COVID period, usage declined slightly due to various reasons: I was not having a job as I just graduated in 2020, Dad's business travel needs reduced and the fuel prices also were a little high which took some time for us to accept the reality.

Between 2011 and 2018, Dad utilized the Innova well until someone suggested the popularity of the Tata Tiago for city driving and short hops. Consequently, he decided to book a petrol variant of the Tata Tiago, a decision of his that I was not happy about. By 2017, I had got my DL and had begun taking frequent short drives on the Innova to nearby places on behalf of Dad's business. Being impressed with the performance, I recognized that, apart from safety features, the Tiago did not offer the same value for money (I know I am comparing two different segments). However, within three years, the Tiago was sold for reasons Dad never disclosed to me and even I too was waiting for it to be sold, finally! In 2021, he booked a Honda WR-V SV diesel variant. As a result, the Innova went through limited usage except for when I return home during my Bachelor's holidays and take it for a drive or our driver takes it for a trip with his family or Dad's friend takes it for airport pickup/drops.

Styling and Design:

In my opinion, the design of the Innova is simple, and appealing, especially considering the era it was launched. Even to this day, when I come across a well-maintained Innova, it brings a sense of joy within me. However, I believe that Toyota could have improved the design of the front bumper, as it tends to detach easily on small impacts. This part of the Innova I disliked the most, and it is evident with other Innovas on the roads as well.

Overall Build Quality, Fit & Finish:

As a significant portion of the Innova's parts were manufactured in Indonesia, there is no compromise when it comes to quality, fit, and finish. The car exemplifies the typical Japanese engineering standards. The tailgate has a substantial feel to it, showcasing a robust build, while the front bonnet is also sturdy enough to withstand impacts. Personally, one of the most satisfying aspects of the Innova is the door thud. The sound engineer deserves kudos for bringing such an engineering into existence!

Wheels & Tires:

Innova is equipped with 4 full-size tires with steel rims, including the spare tire which is also of the same size: 205/65 R15. However, it is worth noting that the 2.5 'V' variant came with attractive alloy wheels, featuring a sleek and elegantly simple design from the OEM.

Steering Wheel and the Cockpit Feel:

The Innova features a simple three-spoke steering wheel without any mounted controls. It has a light feedback, and when driving over potholes, there are no noticeable impacts transferred through the steering wheel. The dashboard quality is also good, and even after 12 years, it has retained the glow as if it is brand new. The air conditioning controls are of the old-school type, with turning knobs for adjusting temperature, manual blower levels, and sliders for air circulation.

Space and Comfort for Driver and Passengers:

The first two rows of the Innova are equipped with captain seats, leaving no room for regrets or discomfort. The recline angle of the seats adds an added benefit for enhanced comfort, and provide proper neck support. None of my relatives or myself, who have travelled long distances in the car, have had any complaints about the seats or ride comfort being compromised. However, after a few years of use, the captain seats have developed some noise, possibly originating from the seat track. A simple lubrication of the tracks will fix this.

Visibility & size of mirrors:

The side view mirrors offer excellent visibility of the surroundings on both sides of the vehicle, providing a clear view of what is happening behind. However, it is important to note that there is a significant blind spot created by the A pillars. This blind spot can affect the driver's view of right and the co-passenger's view of left. It is crucial to exercise caution and use additional precautions when navigating through sharp curves. As for the rear view mirror is concerned, it does not come with an auto-dimming feature, but can be manually adjusted to ensure optimal visibility.

Drivability in the city:

During the initial years, it was primarily driven by Dad on city and highways. However, once I got my DL, I started taking the Innova out on the roads of hometown, Mangaluru and Bengaluru. I have never encountered any issues while driving: be it parking, manoeuvring, or overall handling. The Innova handles every aspect of the road, including potholes and speed breakers, with ease and grace. However, Dad now prefers the WR-V for his personal use, unless there are 5+ passengers or a need to carry a significant amount of luggage.

Drivability in the highway:

Whether it was Dad, uncle, myself, or our driver, everyone who has driven expressed their love towards the vehicle's engineering. Dad has made multiple business trips to Coimbatore and back, without any complaints. However, adult passengers seated in the third row have experienced discomfort and even vomiting on some occasions. One contributing factor to this is the driving style. I personally went on a round trip from Kasaragod to Bengaluru, then to Coimbatore, Kozhikode and back to hometown just after the first COVID-19 lockdown restrictions were lifted. This trip was done to vacate my PG at Bengaluru and hostel at Coimbatore. In total, the round trip covered around 1300 km in 75 hours. Surprisingly, I did not experience any signs of tiredness or the need for frequent breaks during the journey. The growl of the D-4D engine when "stick-shifting" from 1st to 2nd gear is truly music to the ears, and it remains a sound that I continue to admire even today.

Fuel Efficiency:

Whenever I embark on long journeys, I am always curious to see the fuel economy (full tank to full tank), considering the age of the vehicle. To my surprise, it delivers an average highway mileage of 13.0 kmpl and a city mileage of 10 kmpl. It can be improved by 0.5 kmpl or so if I go smooth on the accelerator. These figures are more than acceptable to me considering a 2.5 L diesel engine of the BS3 era, especially considering the minimal maintenance expenses we have incurred over the years. After all, it is a Japanese R&D that I can trust and rely on.

Handling and Braking:

The Innova provides good handling and comfort for occupants in the first two rows, particularly on highways and straight roads. However, when encountering hairpin bends, sharp turns, or ghat sections, some occupants in the second and third rows may experience discomfort, although this may not be the case for everyone. Additionally, it is worth noting that the driving style can also have an impact on the overall comfort of passengers.

After six years of driving the Innova extensively, I recently encountered a situation where I had to make a "very hard" panic brake. This occurred a few months ago on 80 ft Road, Indiranagar, near the Chinmaya Hospital signal. The traffic light was green for me, and was driving at a normal speed at night, heading towards Old Madras Road. Suddenly, a food delivery person on his motorcycle, disregarding the red signal, made a sudden right turn towards Indiranagar Metro, cutting across my path. I noticed this from a short distance and immediately applied the brakes, resulting in rear tire screech, effectively slowing down and preventing a collision with the unaware rider. This is when I realized the absence of the ABS, which is a significant safety feature that was omitted in this variant. I also felt like wanting to install a dashcam, for my safety at least.

Ground Clearance:

In general, I don't worry about the ground clearance when driving the Innova, unless the vehicle is fully loaded or has to take an unusually large speed breakers or small-to-medium-sized potholes. In most cases, the ground clearance is more than sufficient to handle regular road conditions. However, there have been instances when the rear axle hit a few particularly high speed breakers when fully loaded, while on airport run. Nonetheless, these occurrences were relatively rare and did not significantly impact the experience.

After Sales Service:

Toyota and their after sales service: from date of delivery till date, no complaints except for the price difference of parts. Few years back, the Amana Toyota showroom plus service centre was opened at Periya, Kasaragod. This has made the periodic service very convenience.

But I had few bad experience with Toyota, Mangaluru few years back when they could not identify a simple issue with the poor air-conditioning. They had charged a hefty amount for opening the dashboard, refilling the gas and then when the vehicle was about to get delivered the SA said me "please get the vehicle if you feel the same issue persist". This made me feel how a Toyota ASC can staff say this to a customer, and they are known for their expertise. From then, I think twice before visiting any ASC in Karnataka, especially when in Mangaluru / Bengaluru.

When Dad was on his way to Mumbai once, he had faced some issue with the braking which was checked at DSK Toyota, Pune. They were quick in identifying the issue, issued a job card and fixed the same day so Dad can continue his journey.

Current Situation:

Now, looking at the automobile industry progressing slowly towards EVs, Hybrid and CNG, I fear and at the same time feel sad for good old diesel cars like the Fortuner, Endeavour, Figo, Honda City and old Verna including the Innova and Innova Crysta. To add fuel to the fire, the government's latest news of banning diesel vehicles by 2027 scares me even more. So, until then I can enjoy driving Innova but post June 2026, need to plan how to get it re-registered for another 5 years, maybe!

Below are few images which I could click today, and let the pictures speak the rest: