Toyota Raum 1.5 1st Gen (1997-2003) Expert Review

The 1.5L Toyota Raum uses a 5E-FE four-cylinder petrol engine producing 91 PS and 130 Nm, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Real-world acceleration is modest, with 0–100 km/h taking approximately 13–14 seconds depending on vehicle condition and passenger load. The front brakes use ventilated discs and the rear uses drums.

A properly maintained Toyota Raum can realistically deliver around 8–11 km/L in city driving, 13–16 km/L on highways and approximately 10–13 km/L combined in Bangladesh. Heavy Dhaka traffic, frequent AC use, an aging engine, CNG conversion and driving style can reduce mileage considerably.

The first-generation Raum was available in several grades and configurations, including standard Raum, C Package, G Package, Walkthrough versions and special editions. The G Package generally offered more comfort-oriented equipment, while simpler versions were easier to maintain and cheaper to purchase. For a used Bangladesh-market car, condition, engine health, AC performance and transmission condition matter more than the grade name alone.

The Raum works well on normal Dhaka city roads, paved highways and urban streets, thanks to its compact dimensions and comfortable high-roof layout. However, its approximately 150mm ground clearance is not particularly generous for badly broken roads. Large speed breakers, deep potholes and severely damaged roads should be approached carefully. The compact body is especially useful in crowded city areas.

Yes. The Raum's compact body, light steering, upright driving position and sliding-door layout make it very convenient in city traffic. It is easy to park and particularly useful when passengers need to enter or exit beside another parked vehicle. The 1.5L engine is adequate for normal Dhaka driving, although acceleration becomes modest with five adults and luggage.

For a healthy example, routine maintenance can generally be around ৳20,000–35,000 per year, excluding fuel and major repairs. A regular engine-oil and filter service can commonly cost around ৳4,000–7,000, depending on oil and workshop. Because these cars are now more than two decades old, keeping ৳30,000–50,000 or more annually as a repair reserve is sensible for suspension, AC, rubber components, brakes, battery and age-related repairs.

Check the 5E-FE engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, suspension, steering, brakes, AC, power windows, sliding doors and underbody carefully. Look for overheating, oil leaks, abnormal transmission shifts, suspension noise, rust and accident repairs. Check whether the engine has been converted to CNG/LPG and inspect the quality of the conversion. Verify registration documents, mileage and maintenance history, then perform a proper test drive.

The main disadvantages are old safety technology, modest performance, low ground clearance and an outdated four-speed automatic transmission. The factory infotainment system is also very basic by modern standards, with no Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or modern ADAS. Because the newest cars in this range are already more than 20 years old, age-related repairs can also become an important ownership consideration.

The first-generation Raum can still make sense for buyers looking for an affordable Toyota family MPV with a spacious cabin, sliding doors, simple mechanicals and easy city manoeuvrability. Its strongest advantage is practicality rather than performance or modern technology. At this age, buying the cleanest mechanically sound car is far more important than buying a particular grade. A thorough inspection before purchase is essential.