Coolant for 2001 Toyota Echo

[batook]

A friend of mine wants me to do a coolant flush on her 2001 Echo. It has what appears to be the original factory red coolant in it. I've always just used the Toyota red coolant in my Toyotas in the past, since I could get it for $15-20, but today the $tealer wanted $38 for 1 gallon.

There must be a good substitution for the toyota red coolant that lasts just as long, protects the water pump seals just as well, and costs 4x less. Anyone know who makes the toyota red coolant, and is there off-the-shelf equivalent that just isn't red?

Thanks for any advice on this.

 

[Joseph_S37]

Zerex Asian vehicle formula

this would probably be my choice in that situation

 

[mechanicx]

There's no real aftermarket version of Toyota red Long Life coolant, but Zerex Asian Vehicle Formula is very close. Supposedly Beck and Arnley has a formula that is the same or similar as Toyota's but how much it costs or where you can find it is a good question.

Toyota has a newer coolant pink Super (duper terrific happy) Long Life coolant that is even longer life than the red and is considered compatible with the older red Long Life. But it is 50/50 so probably works out to be the same price as the Long Life concentrate.

Ford has speciality Green concentrate coolant that is similar formula to Toyota SLL pink. This would probably be your best value and most obtainable route to go. Some people have gotten it from Ford dealers for under $20 and since its concentrate it can be diluted to 2 gals.

 

[cancov]

Very good to know.

 

[mongo161]

The only place that I have found, in my region, to buy the REAL ORIGINAL Toyota Red coolant has been at Car Quest.

Car Quest, if available in your region, may have the Toyota Red Coolant, full strength, for a reasonable price.

I have bought it for $21.50 plus tax for the Full Strength Red Toyota...per a 1 Gallon Jug. A lot less than what the dealerships wanted....$38 to $40 a Gallon and still less than the Zerex Asian diluted coolant. Peak Global, in the Gold Jug...full strength is another option to use if you can find it. They also sell the diluted Peak Global at Walgreen's drug store and some auto parts stores.

Some Advance Auto stores may carry the Toyota Red, undiluted coolant for their Auto Repair Shops...so that may be another option to try.

 

[batook]

Thanks for the replies. I'm aware of the 50/50 pink "super duper" long life coolant that toyota sells, but I hate buying half water. I prefer to flush by filling/dumping with distilled water until it drains clear, and then fill with 50% system capacity of concentrate.

No CarQuests around here, but I did find the Toyota red on Amazon for $26 and free shipping, so that's looking like the best option, unless I can find a good full strength substitute for around $15-18 locally. The Zerex Asian Formula is on Amazon for $15 for the 50/50...doesn't look like they make a full strength?

Peak Global might fit the bill, but I have only ever seen it in the blue jug, not gold. What's the difference?

 

[mechanicx]

The blue Peak is either original American green or Long Life Dexcool/Dexclone. I think Peak Global is always in gold jugs.

You might see what Ford speciality green is going for in your area. It is the newer extended life Japanese formula for Mazda and essentially the same thing as Toyota super Long Life but in concentrate.

 

[Garak]

I haven't seen the full strength Zerex Asian, either. Perhaps it's no available. Beck Arnley is supposed to have Asian coolant now. I have no idea about pricing or whether full strength is available, but at least it's another option.

 

[cutter]

I bought toyota red from amazon too. Easier than driving all over to find zerex or gold peak in full strength. That and i like getting things in the mail, it's like a present.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: Joseph_S37
Zerex Asian vehicle formula

this would probably be my choice in that situation


+1 on this stuff. NAPA and others have it. Walymart does not.

 

[batook]

Originally Posted By: Donald
Originally Posted By: Joseph_S37
Zerex Asian vehicle formula

this would probably be my choice in that situation


+1 on this stuff. NAPA and others have it. Walymart does not.


It sounds like the Zerex Asian is good, but I've only been able to find it in the 50/50 variety for around $20/gallon. For that price, I might as well use the Toyota stuff, or even their newer 50/50 pink coolant which is around $20 too. If I ever see the Zerex for cheaper I might pick some up though.