Used Toyota Innova in Malaysia; a comfortable MPV with up to 8 seats, yours from RM 80k
Sanjay · Apr 22, 2023 10:00 AM
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Pre-facelift Innova 2.0X
For the uncompromisable need of ferrying a large family, few do the job better than 7 seaters. New ones are coming – think the Proton X90 and upcoming Toyota Innova Zenix in Malaysia – but if you're eyeing for second-hand ones, there's deals to be had too.
Perhaps none better than the used 2017 - 2021 Toyota Innova that's our focus this week. Prices for it now range between RM 80k to RM 120k, making for a viable contender especially when you consider its trump card: most variants of it can seat 8 adults comfortably.
2018 Toyota INNOVA G 2.0
RM 93,100
RM 1,050
/month
5,318 km
6 years
Petaling Jaya
2014 Toyota INNOVA G 2.0
RM 53,300
RM 559
/month
115,500 km
10 years
Kuala Lumpur
2018 Toyota INNOVA X 2.0
RM 92,000
RM 1,008
/month
39,087 km
6.5 years
Cheras
Overview
All model years of the Innova sit on the ladder frame Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV) platform. No matter which variant you pick, all of them use the same 1TR-FE 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, offering 139 PS and 183 Nm.
It's rear-wheel drive (RWD), and uses a 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual. As robust combinations go, this is pretty high up the list.
2.0G variants also came with front fog lamps, not available on the 2.0E. They look identical otherwise
Across the board, pre-facelift models were equppied with automatic halogen reflector headlamps, rear fog lamps, and 16-inch wheels.
Note the trim, headunit, and air-cond control differences. Photos: Actual units on CARSOME
Kit count varies between the base 2.0E and higher-end 2.0G models, and the table below outlines their differences. Bear in mind however that the 2.0E variants are few and far between in the classifieds.
2017-2020 Toyota Innova equipment
2.0E
2.0G (adds on from E)
Fabric seats, manual adjustment
Analogue instrument cluster
Basic audio player
Urethane steering wheel
Manual, single-zone A/C
2nd row ISOFIX mounts
3 airbags
ABS, EBD, front & rear parking sensors
Optitron analogue inst. cluster with 4.2-inch MID
8-inch infotainment touchscreen
Leather steering wheel
Auto A/C
Seatback tables for row 2
Armrest & cupholders for row 2
Dual-zone ambient lighting
7 airbags, stability control, hill start assist, traction control
Big boot space in the Innova
Practical touches across the range include an upper glove box that doubles as a cooler, as well as a one-touch tumble system for the 60:40 split-folding second row seats. The third row seats, featuring a 50:50 split-folding mechanism, have spring lifters so it's easier to lift and tether them in place for added cargo room.
Innova 2.0X's leather, captain seats
2.0X exterior; note the wheels
Along the line in 2017, UMW Toyota Motor introduced the 2.0X variant. The top dog of the range, its the only one in the stable to get leather upholstery, and it also only seats seven – the middle row arrangement is a pair of captain seats here. On the outside it's got LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and LED front foglamps, to go with its 17-inch wheels.
Before the facelift, UMWT updated the Innova's headunit in 2019, so the 2.0G and 2.0X variants got a 9-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
In 2021 said facelift arrived, and par for the course it wears a new look, but retains the same powertrain and creature comforts otherwise. Safety features saw a sizeable bump though; now all variants get 7 airbags, with the 2.0G and 2.0X further benefitting from a reverse camera, a panoramic view monitor, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.
Space is what the Innova masters, and even in its third row there's enough acreage to fit a couple of adults. Cubby areas are pretty plenty too, with each row getting their own share of cupholders and little spaces to hold loose items.
However, there's a bit of weighing up for you to do. As outlined above, the 2.0E and 2.0G can fit more people, even if it's a little bit barebones. The 2.0X turns up the modernity by a fair bit, but you sacrifice room for one more.
On the road, the Innova is a lot less imposing to manoeuver than it seems, in part thanks to its expansive visbility coupled with its flat and angular bodywork. Despite the ladder frame construction, it maintains a relatively comfortable ride thanks to its well-judged suspension.
Costs, maintenance, recalls, problems
Nothing extraordinary when it comes to road tax, fuel, and tyre costs, though note that the 2.0X variants have bigger tyres. Your basic running costs should look as follows:
Toyota Innova maintenance costs in Malaysia
Variants
2.0 E/2.0G
2.0X
Road tax
RM 379
Tyre size
205/65R16
215/55R17
Tyres/pc (RM)
RM ~280 - 580
RM ~350 - 680
Battery (RM)
NS70L/55D23L RM ~400
Important to note, the Innova was involved in one major known recall in 2020, pertaining its fuel pump. To be safe, make sure you note the car's vehicle identification number (VIN) and run it through Toyota's recall checker here. If the car you're looking at so happens to be part of the recall, don't worry, just get in touch with UMWT and have the necessary fixes done for free.
Optitron-backlit gauges; only on the 2.0G and 2.0X
When new, the Innova came with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, so some 2018-2021 cars are still protected. Just note that coverage is contingent on what's been done to the car prior to its sale – usually if a car's been modified or missed one too many service intervals, the warranty will be void.
Generally though, the Innova is quite the buy-and-drive kind of vehicle. Most of the issues related by owners are wear-and-tear items (suspension components usually); very little in the way of issues that will make you rethink your decision – these things serve as taxis for a good reason.
Used Toyota Innova spare parts cost
Part
Symptom
Approx cost
Shock absorbers
Uncomfortable ride, noise on any/all four corners of the car
~RM 600 - RM 1k
Stabiliser link
Washy handling, knocking noise from undercarriage
~ RM 220 - RM 300
Boot damper
Problems opening/closing the boot
~RM 100 - RM 200
It's also just good ownership hygiene to check its tyres (if it's older than 5 years, change them), thickness of brake pads, fluid levels, and condition of wipers before you buy, and all along your ownership journey.
Do check its body for any signs of a major accidents or flooding, and run through the car through an online database to see it beyond the metal. The site shows you if the car you're eyeing has been stolen or written off before, apart from its insurance/NCD history.
Buying a used Toyota Innova in Malaysia
Doing all that is a lot of work so just save yourself some time and snag a used Toyota Innova off CARSOME. Their CARSOME Certified programme guarantees a meticulously-restored example; and if that's not up to your liking, utilise the 5-day money back guarantee clause.
What's more, CARSOME Certified units also come with a 1-year warranty. Keep it running smoothly too by servicing it at CARSOME services centres in an area near you.
A lovely Toyota Innova 2.0GX up on CARSOME; evidently these MPVs move fast, so grab it while you can
We're still in Raya mood, so take advantage of CARSOME's Hari Raya deals too. Don't miss it, as this includes exclusive discounts of up to RM 8,000, free service and warranty packages, and attractive interest rates for a limited time only.
With humble beginnings collecting diecast models and spending hours virtually tuning dream cars on the computer, his love of cars has delightfully transformed into a career. Sanjay enjoys how the same passion for cars transcends boundaries and brings people together.
