Why is the Toyota WiLL so rare?
What you need to know:
The better looking 2001 Will VS was built bigger than the average Japanese hatchbacks, therefore, attracting more taxes amongst its contemporaries. This made it more expensive and unpopular in Japan
I would like to buy a Toyota Will VS (2001-2004). But here is my itch, why is this car rare? Is it a fault-prone or just expensive to maintain type of vehicle?
Please advise.
D. Katumba
The Toyota Will VS is a compact hatchback which was developed in Japan in the year 2000 as an experimental concept vehicle targeting the youth. In Japan, it wasn’t exactly a “run away” success and it wasn’t exported to Europe and America. In Uganda we get it as a used car grey import or JDM built for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM).
The Will’s design mixed gothic or historic styling cues of 1950s - 60s car designs like the Nissan Figaro and Toyota Origin more like modern the Renault Megane and Toyota RunX. The 2000 model Will Vi was an “ugly Betty” - not inspiring and appealing to the eye but surprisingly practical, spacious and comfortable.
The better looking 2001 Will VS was built bigger than the average Japanese hatchbacks, therefore, attracting more taxes amongst its contemporaries. This made it more expensive and unpopular in Japan.
The pre-used Toyota Will VS 2001 imported in Uganda offers a strong proposition to the adventurous and youthful car buyer. It will not catch the eye of the average buyer who wants to drive what everyone else drives.
The Will VS design mixes the bold look of an armoured historic Roman gladiator with the futuristic aerodynamic curves of a modern stealth fighter aircraft. The combination of curvy projector style head lamps and the modern LED tail lights adds more style to the Will VS finish. The 2001 Will VS looks are not deceitful, it delivers on its promise.
The 2ZZGE 1.8 litre VVTLi petrol engine is ‘nippy’ (fast) on the highway with ample power (188 bhp) and is fun to drive with the tiptronic auto gearbox or 6 speed manual transmission. However, the low end engine torque revolutions make it a bit sluggish when taking off.
The optional 1.5 litre engine promises better fuel economy but gives a slower response to a kickdown (acceleration) so overtaking is a challenge. On the road, the Will VS offers sports like handling and good road holding thanks to the Macpherson struts and sporty suspension layout. The interior is spacious and comfortable with all the modern convenience features.
The Will VS engine, like all other Toyota power plants, is not fault prone if you maintain it with affordable genuine Toyota filters and spark plugs, quality lubricants (oils) and fluids from reputable dealers. Body parts (lights) and panels will be expensive and a big challenge to acquire when you are involved in an accident especially because the car is a ‘run out’ model (was discontinued after 2004) however, used parts dealers in Dubai and Japan will have the panels.
