Toyota Noah (2001-2007) Expert Review

The late 2.0-litre 1AZ-FSE produces 155 hp and 192 Nm, with a four-speed automatic transmission. A realistic 0–100 km/h estimate is approximately 11.5 seconds. The factory braking system uses ventilated discs at the front and drums at the rear, with ABS available on relevant specifications.

For Bangladesh roads, expect around 7–9 km/L in city driving, 10–12 km/L on highways and 8–10 km/L combined. Dhaka traffic, heavy passenger loads, frequent AC use and the age of the engine can push city mileage toward the lower end.

The R60 was sold in grades including X, X Limited, X V Selection, X Navi Special, L G Selection and higher equipment versions. Road Tourer and higher-spec cars offer more equipment, while X/X Limited versions are simpler. For Bangladesh, the better purchase is usually the car with the healthiest engine, gearbox, AC and body rather than simply the highest grade. Toyota's catalog confirms substantial grade variation.

Yes, especially for families needing an eight-seat vehicle. Its tall body, 1,695mm width, good visibility and MPV suspension make it useful in Dhaka and on highways. However, the approximately 155mm ground clearance means large speed breakers, deep potholes and broken rural roads require care.

It is very practical in city traffic because of its upright driving position, compact width and automatic gearbox. The main disadvantage is fuel consumption. In heavy Dhaka traffic with frequent AC use, 7–8 km/L is a more realistic expectation than the Japanese laboratory figure.

Routine maintenance can be relatively affordable because Toyota parts and mechanics are widely available. A reasonable annual routine-service budget is approximately Tk 15,000–30,000, excluding fuel, tyres, battery and major repairs. Because these cars are now nearly two decades old, keeping Tk 30,000–60,000+ as an annual repair reserve is sensible.

Inspect the 1AZ-FSE engine, automatic transmission, cooling system, dual AC, suspension, steering, brakes, electrical components and sliding doors. Pay particular attention to cold-start behaviour, oil consumption, unusual engine noise, transmission shifting, overheating and warning lights. Also inspect the chassis for accident repairs and rust and verify the actual manufacturing year against the chassis number.

The biggest disadvantages are its age, modest acceleration, relatively high fuel consumption in Bangladesh traffic, low ground clearance and outdated safety technology. The 1AZ-FSE D-4 is also more complex than Toyota's older port-injected engines, making condition and maintenance history particularly important.

It can be a sensible purchase if your priority is affordable eight-seat family transportation. The Noah provides excellent cabin space, practical sliding-door access, Toyota parts availability and comfortable everyday usability. But buyers should budget for age-related repairs and should not buy solely because the asking price looks cheap. A mechanically excellent Noah at a fair price is much more valuable than a cheap car requiring continuous repairs.