Used 2nd-gen Toyota Wish (ZGE20) from RM 50k, maintenance and repair costs?

So, you've set a budget of around RM 50k to RM 70k for a seven-seater. But, you don't like SUVs or MPVs that are too bulky. That rules out the Toyota Alphard/Vellfire twins, which leaves the Toyota Estima. Still too big? Enter the Toyota Wish, a stylish, compact seven-seater that would fulfill all your motoring needs. 

Now in its second generation, the ZGE20 Toyota Wish represents a increasingly rare breed of family cars (even the Honda Stream is no more). Could this be the used, value-for-money seven seater that you've been looking for? Let's dive in to what you need to know about the ZGE20 Toyota Wish. 

Which variant of the ZGE20 Toyota Wish should you pick?

The ZGE20, second-generation Toyota Wish made its global debut back in 2009. Two engine options were available, the first being a 2ZR-FAE 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder (144 PS, 176 Nm) and the second is the 3ZR-FAE 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder (158 PS, 196 Nm). Both engines had only one transmission option, which is a CVT with a virtual 7-speed programming.

The ZGE20 Toyota Wish can also be optioned with 4WD, but only with the 1.8-litre engine (most curious) and with a slight reduction in power and torque (133 PS, 164 Nm). 

The Wish comes in quite a few variants, but a majority of the grey-imported units that make it to Malaysia are predominantly the 1.8X and 1.8S, with the 2.0G and 2.0Z a rare sight. Curiously, the range-topping 2.0Z, comes with only seating for six. If you want the seven seats (why else would you buy such a car?), plump for the other variants.

Toyota gave the ZGE20 Wish a facelift in 2012, the most notable changes were a more aggresive front bumper, clear lens taillamps and a revised instrument panel design. You can also spot facelift models from the newer wheel design. Powertrain options remained the same for the facelift models. 

UMW Toyota (UMWT) never brought this generation (facelift or otherwise) of Toyota Wish into Malaysia officially, unlike its predecessor, the ZGE10. Nonetheless, buyers were spoiled for choice as grey importers brought the ZGE20 Wish into Malaysia by the droves, in all manner of specifications and trims. 

Today, prices of the ZGE20 Toyota Wish start from around RM 50k for a pre-facelift unit (2010) and goes all the way to the RM 130k range for a facelifted model. Our recommendation? Pick the early, pre-facelift model, with the seven-seater, 1.8-litre FWD combo. It's a family MPV, you won't miss the extra grunt. Also, the 4WD and 2.0-litre models are extremely rare here.

As always, because the ZGE20 Toyota Wish are all grey imports, do your due diligence before signing on the dotted line. Buy your own Japanese auction sheet, even if the dealer offers you one, who knows if they've tampered with it. If they're being dodgy about it, walk away.

That way, you can ascertain the authenticity of the mileage, check for accident history and have peace of mind. Also bear in mind that majority your controls and infotainment will be in Japanese (there will even be a nice Japanese greeting when you start the car), but that's something that can be solved with aftermarket components. 

Also read: RM 40k buys you a plush and stylish used Toyota Estima (ACR50). Maintenance and repair costs?

Why would I even consider a Toyota Wish?

Easy, the Toyota Wish, as a package is compelling for those who find its stablemates like the Toyota Estima, or Alphard/Vellfire, too large (yes, there are people who think it takes up too much real estate). And yes, to our eyes, the ZGE20 Wish does look pretty easy on the eyes as well.

Inside, while the ZGE20 Toyota Wish is built to typically-Toyota standards, it does lack that plushness and flair that its larger stablemates possess. Depending on who you ask, that can either be a good or bad thing. At least there's no gaudy-looking wood trim adorning sections of the interior, which is what Toyota probably intended for the Wish's target audience.

Because of the ZGE20 Toyota Wish's product positioning and age, there aren't many features to wow the buyer. In saying that, it's hardly a poorly-specced car, but don't expect fancy toys like adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam and the likes. 

While many consider the Toyota Wish a seven-seater, in truth it's more of a '5+2' configuration. Occupants in the first two rows wouldn't be complaining about the lack of space, but those in the third row might get a bit restless after an extended period, especially given that they don't have dedicated A/C vents (there's a blower at the front dash that tries to blow air to the third row).

That the interior is mostly finished in darker shades doesn't help as well. Ironic, given that the larger Estima and Alphard/Vellfire have brighter interior hues (again, probably due to Toyota targeting a different demographic). You'd stop short of calling it claustrophobic, but 'airiness' probably isn't the first thing that comes to your mind either.

Furthermore, both the second and third row seats fold flat to enhance the versatility factor of the Wish. The Wish hardly looks gigantic, but it is quite capable of swallowing your spoils from a trip to IKEA. 

The trade off in spaciousness is a car that is quite nimble, and nippy for everyday use. The ZGE20 Wish's dimensions make it easy to judge while driving and doesn't give you an anxiety attack when parking in tight spaces. Because it's a relatively light car (not to mention lower), the Wish is rather quick on its feet. Stab the throttle and it responds with surprising alacrity. 

On the move, things are mostly quiet and comfortable, if not as effortless as an Estima or Alphard/Vellfire. The engine and transmission combine to keep revs low at cruising speeds. However, the Wish is more susceptible to the occasional crosswind due to its lighter weight. Nothing alarming, but it does puncture the Wish's cruising composure every now and then.

Also read: RM 70k for a 12-year-old 2nd-gen Toyota Alphard (AH20), budget to repair?

Is it a pain to live with? Any common problems?

Given that the ZGE20 Toyota Wish comes with either a 1.8- or a 2.0-litre engine, plus 15-inch wheels, maintaining it would be a relative breeze. Also, I have personal experience owning one, as my own mother daily-drives a pre-facelift ZGE20 Toyota Wish herself. 

Again, we sought the insights of Ray Wong from Ray Car Care. Because, who better to speak to than the person caring and maintaining our family's Wish? Again, starting with the engines, they are generally problem-free as long as they're well take care of, and this applies to both the 2ZR-FAE and 3ZR-FAE.

As for the CVT transmission, Ray says fluid changes are crucial, as again they are a bit more susceptible to Malaysian weather and driving conditions. He recommends a change every 20,000 km, which costs no more than RM 250

Also read: Who has the best CVT? Perodua, Honda, Toyota or Nissan?

However, Ray has seen units that have come in exhibiting very peculiar symptoms where the CVT transmission is jerky and a loss of power while driving. They seem to go hand in hand with the TCS and VSC warning lights come on in the instrument panel. 

Elaborating further, while these cases are usually rare, Ray says this is a wiring issue. His recommend changing the car's wiring harness, which can be done for around RM 2,000. Other than that, most of the ZGE20 Wishes that he has dealt with have clocked close to 200,000 kms without a hitch. 

Conclusion

With the way the automotive landscape is shifting, it comes as no surprise that the ZGE20 Toyota Wish is the last of the lineage, which was rather short-lived (spanning only two generations). Toyota has since replaced that Wish with the Sienta and Noah/Voxy/Esquire models. 

Also read: Poor door choices are what killed off the Toyota Wish and Honda Stream

To some, the ZGE20 Toyota Wish will be the right-sized solution, not too big, not too small. It's perfect for urban dwellers as a daily driver, or a parent to do school runs in. It can also fit seven at a stretch for that holiday trip. 

Yes, the Toyota Wish may not have the same bling factor of its larger stablemates, but its buyers know exactly what their money gets them: an elegant, reliable and unfussy partner. I know my family members are very happy with the one sitting in our garage, and long may it continue.