The year is 2012, and as is custom, automotive manufacturers have no time to rest, they evolve with time and market trends by continuously upgrading or introducing new cars to remain relevant, competitive, and take a share of the market in every category that they feel is worth venturing in.
In this article, we will take a look at 10 of the most sought-after and purchased car models at BE FORWARD to briefly learn what is it that makes them popular with car buyers. Please follow through.
10th: Toyota Mark X (Sedan) from $2,450~
The Toyota Mark X is a five-door five-seat mid-size sedan produced by Toyota from 2004 to 2019. The second and last generation of the Mark X was introduced in 2009 and went on to receive its first facelift in 2012.
The Mark X is available in five trim levels which are 250G (standard), 250GS (Sport), 250G Four (4WD), 350S (Sport), and Premium (top spec).
BROWSE LOW COST USED TOYOTA MARK X from $2,450
Notable changes from the first facelift of 2012 include a new grille, a redesigned bumper with a large air intake, new xenon headlights with LED DRLs at the front, bulgy fender flares, line creases, and side mirrors with turn signals on the sides, and new taillights at the rear.
Standard features include CD/DVD Player, AM/FM radio, PVC upholstery, key start, 16-inch steel rims with plastic covers, and without steering controls and fog lights. Available features on the higher trims include an Infotainment screen with Navigation, steering controls, fog lights, keyless entry, chrome pedals, 17- or 18-inch alloy rims, while the top-spec adds wood trim on the dash and a beige interior.
Under the hood, the 2012 Mark X came fitted with either a 2.5-liter (4GRFSE) V6 petrol engine with 200 hp as standard or a 3.5-liter (2GR-FSE) V6 petrol with 316 hp without supercharger and 355 hp with supercharger. These engines were paired with either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission.
9th: Toyota Probox (Van) from $1,780~
The Toyota Probox is a 5-door, 2- or 5-seat car manufactured by the Japanese company Toyota since 2002.
The Probox is a very simple car that was designed to serve the daily hauling needs of businesses. It’s available as a two-seat van or a five-seat wagon. The two-seat van is mainly designed to carry cargo as the absence of the rear seat creates room for extra cargo while the five-seat model is configured so, as to be able to carry people but still have room for their luggage.
BROWSE LOW COST USED TOYOTA PROBOX VAN from $1,780
Standard features on the Probox include an AM/FM radio, manual windows, A/C, and steel wheels.
The manually adjustable front seats provide enough comfort and support, while the rear bench seat is neither comfortable nor supportive but can be useful for short trips. There’s ample head- and legroom on the front row, while at the rear legroom can be an issue for tall occupants.
The Probox has a very large and versatile cargo area capable of ferrying goods of various sizes and nature at ease.
Under the hood, the Probox comes with a 1.5-liter (1NZ-FE) 4-cylinder petrol engine with 109 hp as standard. This engine is paired with a 4-speed automatic, or 5-speed manual transmission.
8th: Nissan X-Trail (SUV) from $2,680~
The Nissan X-Trail is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by the Japanese company Nissan since 2000. The 2012 X-Trail is part of the second-generation model released in 2007.
The 2012 X-Trail benefited from the 2011 facelift with upgrades including a redesigned grille, flanked by smarter HID headlights that run down into a redesigned bumper. At the rear, it’s fitted with a set of redesigned LED taillights. Inside, the cabin, the previous plasticky and gloomy finishing have been replaced with better materials with some nice stitching.
BROWSE LOW COST USED NISSAN X-TRAIL from $2,680
The 2012 X-Trail is offered with a very decent list of standard features that include MP3-compatible CD/radio with 4 speakers, a drive computer, Bluetooth, steering wheel controls, cruise control, climate-controlled air-conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, privacy glass, full body-colored bumpers, auto headlights and wipers, and alloy wheels. Premium trims add a 9-speaker BOSE audio system, a ‘Connect Premium’ HDD satnav with music server and USB port, a rear parking camera, leather upholstery, powered and heated seats, power folding door mirrors, a panoramic glass sunroof, and xenon headlights.
Safety-wise, this car comes with dual front, curtain, and side airbags, traction and stability systems, plus autonomous emergency braking.
Under the hood, the 2012 X-Trail came fitted with a 2.0-liter (MR20) 4-cylinder petrol engine with 135 hp as standard, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter (M9R) 4-cylinder diesel engine with 148 hp as an option. These engines are mated with either a 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, or CVT transmission.
7th: Nissan Note (Hatchback) from $1,900~
The Nissan Note is a subcompact hatchback produced by the Japanese company Nissan since 2004. It is available in three trim levels which are S, SV, and SR trims.
The 2012 Note is a facelifted model with notable features including a reshaped bonnet and bumper, redesigned headlights, and a glossy black grille. At the rear, the taillights were revised giving them a much darker look.
Inside, the 2012 Note’s cabin quality has improved with the introduction of soft-touch plastics and the instrument cluster was slightly redesigned. Like always, the interior is spacious in part due to a 2.60m wheelbase. Luggage and rear passenger space can be optimized by sliding or folding the rear bench seat. The glove box can hold up to nine cans of drinks, while the presence of cup holders, umbrella stowing points, and bag-holding hooks is a bonus.
BROWSE LOW COST USED NISSAN NOTE from $1,900
The 2012 Note cargo carrying capacity has been improved by jerking the roofline upwards for maximum cargo capacity. The Note’s most notable feature is its optional Divide-N-Hide cargo that provides an additional stowage space underneath the floor, ideal for hiding valuables. This Note has a 280-liter boot with seats in place. Sliding the rear seat forward (a 160mm adjustment) and lowering the cargo boards into the well, unleashes an extra 100 liters, for a total cargo space of 437 liters. Folding flat the rear seat attains a maximum of 1332 liters.
Under the hood, the 2012 Note comes fitted with a 1.2-liter (HR12DE) 4-cylinder petrol engine with 80 hp as standard, and a 1.5-liter (HR15DE) 4-cylinder petrol engine with 99 hp. These engines are paired with a 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, or CVT transmission.
6th: Toyota Ractis (Hatchback) from $1,400~
The Toyota Ractis is a mini MPV manufactured by the Japanese company Toyota since 2005.
The 2012 Toyota Ractis is part of the second-generation model that was released in 2010. It is a five-door five-seat mini MPV available in three trim levels. The trim levels are X, G, and S.
The exterior of the Toyota Ractis looks pleasant, with a crispy modern style. At the front, it features a single bar grille and aerodynamic bumper. The base trim comes with 15-inch steel wheels with plastic caps, a solid metal roof, and no front fog lights. The higher trims get electric windows, a panoramic glass roof, rear privacy glass, and 16-inch alloys.
The cabin is attractive, functional, and very easy to use. It comes fitted with Toyota’s Touch & Go infotainment system, which integrates Bluetooth, a reverse camera, and a sat-nav as an optional upgrade.
BROWSE LOW COST USED TOYOTA RACTIS from $1,400
The Ractis is surprisingly spacious. It has enough space to accommodate even tall passengers in comfort at the rear, with the optional panoramic glass roof providing some light and airy feel to the cabin. The high-end model comes with a tire repair kit in place of a spare tire, improving luggage room to a respectable 429 liters. You can optionally divide the boot into two layers using a flexible deck board, and the rear seats can be folded flat at the touch of a single lever to unleash 1,388 liters of cargo space. There are 19 interior storage options throughout the cabin, with a three-level glovebox.
Under the hood, the 2012 Ractis comes fitted with a 1.3-liter (1NR-FE) 4-cylinder petrol engine with 98 hp as standard. An optional 1.5-liter (1NZ-FE) 4-cylinder petrol engine with 109 hp was available as an option. These engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, or CVT transmission.
5th: Toyota Prius (Sedan) from $3,310~
The Toyota Prius is a car produced by the Japanese company Toyota since 1997. The 2012 Prius is part of the third-generation model released in 2009. It’s a five-seat five-door liftback hybrid vehicle. It is available in four trim levels: Prius Two, Prius Three, Prius Four, and Prius Five.
The interior design of the 2012 Prius is attractive, with suitable materials and color combinations. The Prius has 611 liters of cargo space, which is excellent for a midsize hybrid car.
BROWSE LOW COST USED TOYOTA PRIUS from $3,310
Standard features in this car include a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, a USB port, AM/FM/XM radio, a CD player, automatic climate control, proximity key, and push-button start. Available features include an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, leatherette upholstery, adaptive cruise control, satellite radio, navigation, Toyota’s Entune infotainment system, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, a solar roof package, and a solar-powered air conditioning system.
Under the hood, the 2012 Prius comes fitted with a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder petrol engine paired with a set of dual electric motors/generators producing 134 hp. Power is transferred to the wheels via an automatic or CVT transmission.
The EPA estimates the 2012 Prius will return an impressive 21 km/l combined fuel consumption either a 5-speed manual, Xtronic CVT, or single-speed constant ratio (e-Power) transmission.
4th: Toyota Corolla Axio (Sedan) from $2,950~
The Toyota Corolla Axio is a compact sedan manufactured by the Japanese company Toyota. It is available in three trim levels which are; Luxel, G, and X trims.
Inside, the 2012 Corolla Axio’s cabin is spacious, and airy, with good outward visibility. The front and rear seats are comfortable and supportive, with enough leg- and headroom. The rotary climate control buttons are simple and easy to use.
Storage-wise, the 2012 Corolla Axio offers dual glove boxes, a console box, other small cubbies, and large door pockets, but the boot is a bit small. It comes with a 348-liter boot, which is adequate for the class.
BROWSE LOW COST USED TOYOTA COROLLA AXIO from $2,950
Standard features include a four-speaker stereo, an auxiliary input, air conditioning, keyless entry, a trip computer, power windows, mirrors, and locks, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Available features include a six-speaker stereo, a USB port, steering audio controls, navigation, cruise control, a power sunroof, and XM satellite radio.
Under the hood, the 2012 Corolla Axio is powered by a 1.5-liter (1NZ-FE) 4-cylinder petrol engine with 109 hp. Optionally a 1.3-liter (1NR-FE) 4-cylinder petrol engine with 101 hp is available. These engines are paired with a 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, or CVT transmission. FWD is the standard drivetrain while 4WD is available.
3rd: Toyota Aqua (Hatchback) from $1,350~
The Toyota Aqua is a subcompact hatchback produced by the Japanese company Toyota since 2011.
The 2012 Toyota Aqua is part of the first generation model that was unveiled in 2011. It is available in three trim levels; L, S, and G trim levels.
Inside, the cabin looks modern although the materials look a bit cheap. The seats are comfortable and supportive with enough leg- and headroom for even 6-foot adults in both rear and front seats. The Toyota Aqua has 484 liters of cargo space.
BROWSE LOW COST USED TOYOTA AQUA from $1,350
Standard features on the 2012 Toyota Aqua include a four-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, a USB port, automatic climate control, keyless entry, and power accessories. Available features include Toyota’s Entune infotainment system with navigation, HD radio, satellite radio, heated seats, fog lamps, alloy wheels, a moonroof, and Pandora and Bing integration via smartphone connectivity.
Safety-wise the Toyota Aqua comes with nine airbags as standard, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist.
Under the hood, the 2012 Toyota Aqua is powered by a hybrid system that combines a 1.5-liter (1NZ-1LM) 4-cylinder petrol engine with 73 hp and a Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive with a small electric motor powered by a 0.9-kWh nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The system’s combined output is 99 hp. Power is transferred to the front wheels via either an automatic or continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The 2012 Toyota Aqua has an average fuel consumption of 21.9 km/l.
2nd: Honda Fit (Hatchback) from $1,140~
The Honda Fit is a subcompact hatchback manufactured by the Japanese company Honda since 2001.
The 2012 Fit’s exterior is curvaceous with tall looks that make it look like a scaled-down minivan in a way. Inside, the cabin has an airy feel, a relatively low beltline, a vast dashboard, and a rakish windshield.
The seats are cushy and supportive with enough head- and leg room for three midsize adults in the back. Equipped with Honda’s Magic Seat that folds flat at a lift of a single lever and pushing forward the seatback, without unnecessarily having to remove rear headrests in the process. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and the driving position is straight up offering a good view of the road ahead.
BROWSE LOW COST USED HONDA FIT from $1,140
The cargo floor has a low leap that simplifies loading and offloading goods, with an impressive capacity of 583 liters cargo room. Apart from that, there are two (upper and lower) glove compartments, several cup holders, and plenty of other useful storage cubbies and bins in the dash, center console, doors, and beneath the rear seat.
Standard features in the 2012 Fit include a four-speaker CD audio system, a USB port, air conditioning, power door locks and windows, and cruise control. Available features steering wheel-mounted audio controls, Bluetooth, and a voice-controlled navigation system.
Under the hood, the 2012 Fit comes fitted with either a 1.3-liter (L13A) i-VTEC petrol engine with 99 hp or a 1.5-liter (L15A) i-VTEC petrol engine with 118 hp. These engines are paired with a 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, or CVT transmission.
1st: Toyota Vitz (Hatchback) from $1,330~
The Toyota Vitz is a subcompact hatchback manufactured by the Japanese company Toyota. There are three generations of the Toyota Vitz that were produced from 1999 to 2019. The 2012 model is part of the third-generation model released in 2010. It is available in four trim levels; F, U, Jewela, and RS.
Inside, the 2012 Toyota Vitz has enough space to accommodate two adults comfortably at the front, while at the rear two medium-built adults will be okay, three will be a crown and space will prove limited.
BROWSE LOW COST USED TOYOTA VITZ from $1,330
Available interior storage facilities include a glovebox, a center tray, four cupholders, and door panel storage at the front, while at the rear there are front seat jacket pockets and door pockets. The cargo area is enough to carry a few bags, and extra space can be achieved by folding the rear seats, although they don’t fold completely flat.
Under the hood, the 2012 Toyota Vitz come fitted with either a 1.0-liter (1KR) 3-cylinder petrol engine with 70 hp, a 1.3-liter (1NR) 4-cylinder petrol engine with 100 hp, or a 1.5-liter (1NZ) 4-cylinder petrol engine with 110 hp. These engines are paired with a 4-speed automatic, a 5-Speed manual, or a CVT transmission. It is available in 2WD as standard and 4WD optional.
Conclusion
When you take a look at these cars you’ll find out that most of them are small cars that are practical and efficient. Only the Toyota Mark X and the Nissan X-Trail do not fit in that frame, but they are also useful and practical in a different way. We hence conclude that all the models that have been covered here are very practical and efficient cars depending on one’s needs. Apart from those features, they are cars that are known for their reliability and durability. Opting for any of these cars will be a great choice.
Please visit BE FORWARD and check out these and many other cars from our list of 200,000+ used cars listed for sale.
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I am a Telecom & ICT specialist with a career spanning over 15 years in the demanding Tanzanian telecom industry.
I am also an avid DIYer with a good knack for everything technical and a wealth of vocational skills, with automotive being the top, and here I am writing about cars.
In 2017 a guy created a WhatsApp group called MyCar for the sole purpose of members helping each other with all matters regarding cars. I joined this group in 2018, and with my enormous wealth of knowledge regarding cars, and my readiness to share the knowledge with others, I became a top contributor, and that didn’t go unnoticed, as one member thought I was a potential writer and had contacts with Be Forward Japan who were looking for writers then. Fast forward to January 2020, I began writing for the Be Forward blog with 2024 being my fourth year.
As far as I can remember, I love cars, and growing up in the farming and tourist city of Arusha Tanzania in the ’80s and ’90s, I ended up being drawn to the Ranger Rover Classic for leisure and Land Cruiser 70 pickup as a workhorse. These were tough cars then, cars that could take you anywhere any time no matter the weather.
