When you decide to buy a new or used Toyota, you are spoilt for choice as the models are all so different. No two Toyota models can be said to be a copy of another, as they are have quirks the draw you to them. So which model is best for you? Take a good look at all the options and see which will best suit your needs. If you are in need of a big family car, the Picnic could be for you. Keep reading for some vital information that will help you decide whether or not the Picnic is the car for you.

The main reason you will be looking at the Picnic is because it is big. If your family is too large for a medium estate car, you need to look to something bigger to bear the load. The great thing about the Picnic is that it is a people carrier without being overpowering. Some six or seven seater cars can look like monsters, rather than being the next step up from a nice little five seater. But the Picnic looks natural, a normal car – only bigger. This isn’t a switch that will feel uncomfortable, as the Picnic behaves like the car you want it to be, instead of a heavyweight caravan or van.

There are a good range of cars that seat six, but how many seat six in comfort? This is where the Picnic comes in as a car that is practical as well as comfortable. This is achieved due to the precise layout of the car. The seats all recline to give a really roomy feel, and at two abreast you don’t end up feeling you’ve invested in an unnaturally wide car. The rear two seats can be removed for storage options, and the middle two can fold down flat to make a table. So as well as being a car that can perform well at full capacity, this is also a car that gives you options. Head room and leg room can’t be sniffed at, and also some of the plastic trim in the interior looks a little tacky in places, on the whole this is a comfortable and attractive car.

Discontinued in 2001, you may be limited when it comes to buying new. When buying second hand, check to see whether you are getting the petrol engine or the turbo diesel. The petrol is a 2.0 litre whereas the diesel is 2.2. Both engines are well suited to the picnic and perform well, though the petrol one occasionally needs a bit more work on the revs to get it going. Both will achieve 60mph in just over 10 seconds, which is impressive for a car of its size. You will find the Picnic to have a low centre of gravity, and the ride is soft. Unlike other large cars, it won’t upset easily, and things like parking and manoeuvring aren’t such as issue as they are with other large cars.

Safety is taken care of in the usual, dedicated way that Toyota likes to handle these things. Airbags come as standard and all rear passengers get three point seat belts. Euro NCAP awarded it a four star rating in 2004 for safety. The security system is taken care of too with remote central locking, an alarm and immobilisers.

Other handy points to note are model specific. The GS has tinted class, two tone paintwork, a moquette seat trim and a RDS audio system. Although a little dated now, I’m sure it wouldn’t take too much trouble to fit an iPod adaptor. The GL also gets integral fog lamps and a roof rail, handy for loading luggage or bicycles on top. The GX model comes with alloy wheels and twin sunroofs for that extra bit of comfort. New or used, the Toyota Picnic is a fantastic large car, and would make a sound investment for anyone who likes that vintage look.

Author Bio: Pete J Ridgard is a writer and a car enthusiast. He currently writes for the automotive industry. Here he discusses Used Toyota cars.

Category: Automotive
Keywords: Used Toyota,Toyota,Used Cars,Cars,Automotive