5th May 2005, 06:08

I agree totally the picnics never break down and are very comfortable they are also very easy to drive. I'm now on

100000 miles on my 1997 picnic and its still running perfectly.

4th Nov 2005, 16:32

I have driven a Picnic for 6 months now and it's a great car. I bought it second-hand (approx. 90,000 miles) but it still runs like new. It's a great car for me because I can take a lot of young kids to their football matches. It runs on LPG and it's remarkably economic, considering its 2.0 liter engine.

I live in The Netherlands and parking lots are usually very small so it takes some careful driving to park it.

All in all I'm a happy Picnic -driver.

23rd Nov 2006, 08:25

I have had a Picnic (excellent name for a family car) for the past 7 years - it is an R Reg. I would say it is a great car, and I too would buy another if Toyota still made them. The only problem I have is when I turn a corner, there is a knocking/grinding noise around the bottom of the steering wheel. I should get it serviced now.

8th Mar 2008, 09:13

I agree with you all about reliability and comfort. I drive a 98 2.2 deisel version and although not the most refined of engines it gives arround 5-8miles per gallon more than the petrol. worth considering if you do a lot of millage. I haven't serviced mine for over 30k miles, but intend to do so soon mine has had 115,000 miles of trouble free driving.

21st Jul 2009, 20:38

Bought my low mileage, 1 owner, ex-disability Picnic last year (2008) on ebay for the very low price of £1200 which included 1 years road tax once I re-registered it. I needed a spacious, practical car to operate my import business and it was this or another Volvo estate. I must say that the car is excellent and drives like new. Handles well. Predictable on the road. Totally reliable. Sound system handles ACDC well! :) It offers plenty of room for 6 adults, a dog, and my fishing gear. Petrol consumption can increase quickly over 70mph - but it's a 2.0 4 speed auto with overdrive and this is to be expected. First piece of Japanese crap I've bought since 1985 and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I like this car.

11th Oct 2009, 13:45

I have a picnic built 1999 for 6 years. We have 4 children and the car is big enough for all 6 of us. We bought a top box on the roof for extra luggage space when necessary.

I had 110000 km now and nothing has gone wrong.

The car always sleeps outside and when I wash it, it still shines like new.

4th Jan 2010, 18:32

I purchased a 1998 Picnic GX 2L (petrol) from a main dealer in April 2003 with 72,000 miles on the clock.

Nearly 7 years on and the clock now reads 203,000 miles.

1. Replaced the original clutch at 172,000 miles (even though it probably would have lasted longer).

2. Replaced timing belt and water pump; also at 172,000 miles.

3. Replaced ignition coils at 146,000 miles.

4. Replaced CV joints and gaiters; also at 146,000 miles.

5. Replaced engine oil every 6,000 miles.

This car is in everyday use, and returns between 35-38mpg in a mix of town and carriageway roads. The third row of seats are completely removable, which leaves a huge boot space.

Do not overlook this car IF YOU ARE IN THE MARKET FOR FAMILY TRANSPORT.

Do not be put off buying one with high mileage on the clock, as the Picnic engine is good for 200,000 miles, or more.

P.S. Try and avoid the 2.2L diesel engine and automatics.

9th Mar 2010, 10:53

We purchased our 2000, 2ltr. Automatic Picnic GLS c/w overdrive in March 2003 with 19,000 miles on the clock. It now has only done 56,000 miles and has been completely trouble free. We have replaced all the tyres (due to side wall cracking, not Toyota's fault and tread was still excellent), have had front brake pads replaced c/w fluid change and new cam belt fitted at 55,000 miles. We changed the radio/cassette for a radio/CD player in 2005. It still shines like new (Silver) and looks and drives well.

I agree about the third row of seats, that when removed you have acres of space for that D.I.Y. material etc.

This must be one of the most undersold cars in recent years. Toyota do not have anything in its range like this now, so even if I could afford a new car, I couldn't buy the same, so, we will stick with it!!

21st Mar 2016, 18:54

I've have had Toyota Picnic since 2008 and it is a brilliant car. Loads of room and very reliable. It is V reg with 22000 on the clock. My name is Bill and I live Mid Glam, S Wales, and now it's got to go and I'm looking to get a Rav 4. It's still running well.

12th Jul 2016, 15:02

Hi, how was the problem solved? I am having the same problem too.