This isn’t one of my Photoshop creations, this 2000 Toyota Will Vi really looks like this! It also isn’t one of the famous Nissan Pike creations, although it’s hard not to compare the Pike vehicles to Toyota’s Will Vi. This unusual, is-it-coming-or-going car is posted here on craigslist north of the border in the Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada area, and they’re asking $9,500 (presumably Canadian funds?). Here is the original listing, and thanks to Curvette for the tip!
Trying to knock out a car that would appeal to young buyers, Toyota made the Will Vi for only two years, 2000 and 2001, and this was it for body styles: a small four-door sedan. It didn’t catch on, as if I needed to tell you that. This one appears to have had some paintwork on the doors at some point, they look a little darker on the passenger side at some angles.
Speaking of angles, check out the ultra-sloping rear window design. There was a folding sunroof available, and this car doesn’t have that, unfortunately. It would be cool if the back window rolled down as you’d think it would, ala the “Breezeway” cars of the 1950s and 60s. You can see the paint color difference in the photo above. This car would cause a traffic jam and would absolutely be a crowd-pleaser at almost any car show.
Wait, this slide is in backwards… Being a Japanese market car for the most part, they were right-hand drive, and it’s unfortunate not to see a manual shifter in the middle. It has a decidedly Nissan Pike look to it inside, with smooth features that look more sculpted than normal, not to mention unusual colors everywhere. Aqua and brown, with a three-tone dash, and seats and carpet that are even more colors. That would take some getting used to, but in our modern world of black, gray, or tan interiors, I like it. Here’s what the trunk looks like, by the way.
Being a typical craigslist ad, there is no engine photo, so here’s the back seat! The engine is Toyota’s 1.3-liter DOHC inline-four with around 88 horsepower, sending power to the front wheels through that four-speed automatic. All the seller says is that it has no issues, and it would be a nice advertising piece for your business. Have any of you seen a Toyota Will Vi?
I have seen a Will Vi. At one point (in 1999 or 2000, not sure which), Toyota was actually thinking of importing these, and displayed a Vi — plus, as I recall, at least one other model — at the LA Auto Show Press Day.
Charmingly, they even had a short-lived website devoted to these products. It was called “whatswill . com,” which had two different meanings depending on where you inserted the break….
This was followed by abrupt silence. Two years later, of course, Toyota introduced the Scion sub-brand, which was distinctly less weird than “Will.”
BTW, Scotty, I’m just going by personal recollection here, but I never heard of Nissan using “Pike Place.” Their little low-volume oddball cars were built at the “Pike” factory. Pike Place is, I believe, in Seattle.
Ha, oh man, I had Seattle on the brain, sorry about that, RayT!
Ray T, I proudly represent this statement: ‘… which was distinctly less weird than “Will.”’
All this talk about Pike Place is making me want a cup of my favorite coffee.
Weird looking but maybe good for a taxi in other countries.
Saw one at a local kei car meet in Tacoma, WA last weekend. It looked large parked next to other kei cars, but that look is so very Japanese. Pretty nifty in all white.
Small, quirky, somewhat cute, but marketed without a relatable positive vibe to the public. If only it had been named the Toyota Hobbit.
Hideous but interesting. I don’t want one but oddball enough that I would check it out at cars and coffee
Very unique little car. I’d definitely go check it out at a cars and coffee for sure. I have to admit Scotty. It does kind of look like one of your photoshop creations!!!
Why a subompact should never be a 4 door.
Color coordination inside leaves much to be desired.
The Pinto had so much more room inside.
I stopped going to dealerships when the TWO door Focus, Accent, Civic, Yaris, etc. were discontinued. & i never went to look at a Spark or Sonic because there was never a 2 door – the direct opposite of how many Pintos, Vegas, Gremlins & VW Bugs were 4 doors. & look how many of the latter were sold.
While the 4 door only Pymouth Cricket was a flop.
This is the car you drew in second grade for your art assignment. I’d drive it just to see the heads turn when you went by.
Get one to make your Aztek look good.
Japan copies everything. I would have thought Renault had I not known better. It would be a fun ride if you had time to talk with all the looky Lou’s.
The first word that comes to mind is HOMELY. No way people can sit in the back seat unless they fold their legs under them.
One word to describe this monstrosity of a car: UGLY!!!
And only 102,000 miles.
Scotty mentioned advertising for your business. Let’s see. The wrap billboard will fit nicely on the rear window in order for the driver to see out.
I know what happened to the back end.
2nd shifters were clocking out on Friday and this was the last one off the line. Being in a hurry to make the last round at Stubby’s bar someone hit the garage door button too soon. Oops!
No thanks to exterior style and the color spectrum interior. Eww.