Toyota Aqua 2016 - Questions and Insights

Observations on the Toyota Aqua

1. Seating Capacity
The seating capacity of the Toyota Aqua leaves much to be desired compared to similar vehicles. For instance, the Toyota Vitz offers more spacious seating in the back. The issue with the Aqua isn’t primarily the legroom—it’s the seat design and headroom. The rear seat has a raised middle section, making it uncomfortable for the middle passenger. In fact, accommodating a fifth passenger is challenging and far from ideal, especially for long journeys.

Realistically, the Aqua is better suited as a 4-seater. For the two side passengers in the back, the legroom is adequate, and someone around 55 in height can sit comfortably as long as there are only four occupants in the car. However, when you compare the Aqua’s interior space to other vehicles within the same price range, it does feel slightly limited in terms of legroom.

2. Oil and Filter Availability
In cities like Lahore, 0W-20 engine oil is easily available, and finding oil and air filters for the Aqua has not been a challenge. These parts are commonly stocked at automotive stores, making regular maintenance straightforward.

3. Ground Clearance
Ground clearance can be a concern, especially when the car is loaded with three o r more passengers. I have installed 185/65R15 tires, which improved the ride slightly, but I still faced issues initially. To address this, I added 0.75-inch spacers at the rear, and since then, the car has not scraped any speed breakers, even with five people on board. I haven’t felt the need to install spacers at the front, as the current setup works well for me.

4. Hybrid Knowledge and Maintenance
For hybrid vehicles like the Aqua, it’s important to familiarize yourself with basic hybrid technology. Finding a reliable and knowledgeable mechanic can be challenging. To stay prepared, I purchased an OBD scanner that works with apps like Dr. Prius and Hybrid Assistant, along with a Mini-VCI Mangoose cable and Toyotas TechStream software.

Although I haven’t faced issues with my Aqua yet, I’ve used these tools in the past for my first-generation Vitz. Diagnosing problems myself has helped me understand potential issues and solutions before consulting a mechanic. This approach ensures I don’t rely entirely on mechanics, even those at Toyota service centers, as hybrid systems involve sophisticated technology. Additionally, PriusChat is a great resource for Aqua and Prius-specific information.

5. Ceramic Coating vs. Waxing
Instead of ceramic coating, I recommend regular waxing to protect your car’s paint. While ceramic coatings offer excellent durability and shine, they are expensive and require meticulous maintenance to retain their effectiveness. In contrast, a good-quality wax is cost-effective and provides comparable results if applied consistently. Several of my friends who opted for ceramic coating found the maintenance effort and costs to be higher than expected, making waxing a more practical choice for most users.

These observations should help you make an informed decision and maintain your Aqua effectively!

Thank you for taking the time to provide such detailed information.

Could you please share the specific products you use, such as engine oil, oil filter, air filter, brake oil, transmission oil, etc.? Also, for oil changes, do you visit a specific garage, o r can this be done at any service station? I understand this maintenance is typically required every 5,000 km.

I’ll definitely keep the tip about the OBD scanner in mind—it seems like a handy tool for diagnosing any potential mechanical issues with the vehicle.

Regarding the spacers, have you noticed any difference in the driving experience, particularly on bumpy roads? Has there been any change in shock absorption? Does the car still feel as light and smooth as it did before installing the spacers? Additionally, did you make any modifications other than adding the spacers for ground clearance? And is there a specific reason for not installing spacers at the front?

Lastly, how often do you get your car wax coated?

Thank you again for your assistance—I really appreciate your help!

Currently, I’m using Total Quartz 0W-20 engine oil for my Toyota Aqua. For oil and air filters, I stick to Toyota original parts available in the market. I have a trusted place for oil changes that offers competitive rates and provides genuine products, so I prefer going there. However, you can go to any reliable service provider of your choice.

I change the engine oil every 5,000 km, even though some oils and recommendations suggest longer intervals. I prefer to err on the side of caution. As of now, I haven’t needed a brake o r transmission oil change. When the time comes, I’ll refer to the owner’s manual and use the recommended products.

The transmission oil change interval is a topic of debate, as Toyota hasn’t specified a specific interval. Some argue it’s unnecessary, while others prefer preventive maintenance—so the decision often comes down to personal preference. For the brakes, I believe the recommended oil change interval is around 100,000 km. The car uses DOT-4 brake oil and ATF-WS transmission oil, both of which are readily available in the market.

Effects of Installing Spacers
After installing spacers, I noticed some changes in the cars handling. The higher center of gravity has made the ride slightly bumpier at high speeds, but the car still maintains excellent road grip due to its inherently low center of gravity. Prior to the spacers, the road grip was even better.

I didn’t install spacers in the front as they weren’t necessary. In fact, I would have avoided installing them at the back too, but the car used to scrape speed breakers from the middle. Adding spacers in the back resolved the issue, so no adjustments were needed in the front.

Waxing Routine
I apply a coat of wax every 3 to 4 weeks, doing it myself to save costs. I use Turtle Super Hard Shell Wax, which provides good results. While it’s not as impressive as more expensive waxes, it still keeps the car looking shiny and well-protected.

These practices have helped me maintain my Aqua efficiently, and I hope they’re helpful for anyone considering similar upgrades o r maintenance routines!