[speedfreak77]

Well, well, well...

Where do I even begin? What words do I choose? Where should I start?

Pardon the informal start—this one’s a bit emotional. You see, we BHPians and really, any car enthusiast around the world, whether they own the most modest hatchback or a luxury performance machine, we all share something in common. We treat our cars as more than just machines. To many of us, they’re companions, personalities, even soulmates. This is a story of such a bond. The story of my love, my Innova Crysta 2.8Z. Or as I lovingly call her, Cristy.

It all started back in 2019. You know how it goes in most Indian families with more than five people under one roof, there’s almost always a 7-seater parked proudly in the garage. My family was no different. Having owned all generations of the Innova (alongside a Fortuner or two), it was clear that we had a soft spot for these Toyotas.

So when the time came to part ways with my 2015 Innova facelift finished in a rather... polarizing shade of gold, I was heartbroken. The main reason? My family had moved entirely to automatics, and the manual Innova no longer fit into the lineup. But for me, that car was special. My favorite. I’ve always had a thing for the Innova, and those who’ve owned one will understand exactly why. Around the same time, I also sold my 2012 Fortuner 3.0 Automatic. That one had to go, thanks to its painfully outdated 4-speed automatic gearbox, it made the engine scream and refused to shift when you needed it most. A tough call, but the newer Fortuner was out, and I thought an upgrade made sense.

So there I was with a garage empty of both my beloved Toyotas. Sure, it still housed a Q5, an E-Class, an Elite i20, a Creta, and two Vernas (a 2015 Fluidic 4S and a 2019 model). But something felt missing. Impulsively, I decided the next car had to be a Toyota, no questions asked.

Initially, I leaned toward the Fortuner again, but after driving the new one, I walked away disappointed. It was more refined, yes, but it lacked the charm and confidence of the old one. And that bouncy ride? Huge letdown.

That’s when the sales guy at Galaxy Toyota, Delhi, nudged me toward the Crysta. And the moment I stepped inside, I got it. The wine-colored interior, that elegant dashboard, the subtle presence of the car—it clicked. I’ve always had a soft spot for cars that feel right when you sit in them. (Which sometimes leads to regrets... looking at you, Skoda Laura 2.0 and 2009 Sonata.)

I took the Crysta for a test drive and was instantly sold. It was in another league compared to the Fortuner. Despite both sharing the same 2.8 diesel engine, the Crysta, being an MPV, was leagues ahead in terms of driving comfort. The Fortuner’s ladder-frame platform just couldn’t compete. Quietly, I signed the cheque, set the delivery date for my birthday, and left the dealership already imagining how I’d mod her—simple, tasteful, and elegant.
So the day finally arrived—28th December 2019.


(The only good photo I could find)

There she stood, fresh from the lot, finished in the stunning White Pearl shade I had chosen. Shiny, spotless, and beautiful. After wrapping up the paperwork, I headed out for the all-important first stop—to seek blessings from the almighty.

Then came the fun part—getting the wheels installed. I had zero chill back then. Went straight in with a set of Vossen CV-3 18-inch wheels, wrapped in 245/50/R18 tyres. Yes, I know. In hindsight, I probably shouldn’t have gone this route. You’ll soon understand why. But hey—YOLO, right? The car had to look perfect, even if I completely compromised the driveability. (Yes, I was being an idiot.)





Next up—aftermarket taillamps and two rear-seat TVs. Because… why not?

And let’s talk about the stock music system. Honestly, Toyota really dropped the ball with the Crysta’s audio setup—it was just plain bad. I ripped it out and replaced it with a Mercury system, all components and mids. Not much of a bass guy, so I went with an under-seat subwoofer for a clean, punchy sound without rattling the car.

Once that was sorted, she was done. All shiny and complete. Got her ceramic-coated at AlwaysDry, Delhi, and then she truly became my daily everything. The engine, the way she drove, the comfort—Cristy had it all. She spoiled me with that plush ride and instant torque. Yes, she was thirsty at the fuel pump—but let’s be real, any girl this perfect has to throw in a bit of attitude, right?



Fast forward—I drove her everywhere in Delhi. Racking up kilometres. She was my go-to. In fact, Cristy even stepped up in the 2021 COVID wave. A relative borrowed her to transport oxygen cylinders for a patient, and she got the job done—fast. I was genuinely proud of her that day. Felt like she did her part in the crisis.

Sadly, at the end of 2021, I had to move to Bangalore. I decided to take my 2019 Verna—my second love, Vegh. But once I got there, the Bangalore roads and those monstrous speed breakers started to become a pain, and I missed Cristy terribly. She was just sitting in Delhi, gathering dust.

One random night, I made up my mind—got her transported by truck. Six long days later, Cristy was finally back with me. She took me everywhere again: college, work, Mysore trips... even Goa. But this is where the 18-inch wheels started showing their downside.

Bangalore roads aren’t kind. The car’s weight, combined with the Yokohama Tyres, completely chewed up my Vossens. One day, one of the alloys even bent—it was a painful sight. I walked into a local Tyre shop, spotted a set of 17-inch Plati wheels, and impulsively got them fitted. The Vossens were sent for repair and packed away.



Now she’s running on Continental Tyres—225/55/R17—and honestly, the difference is night and day. The ride’s smoother, the steering’s lighter, and Cristy feels a lot more composed. One of the rare impulsive decisions that actually turned out to be a good investment.



It was September 2021. I had just started college as a fresher, and my daily commute was a solid 25 km drive from home, deep into the outskirts of Bangalore. Thankfully, the route had no traffic lights—just open backroads—so Cristy and I would tear it up, both ways, every single day. To be honest, those drives were more enjoyable than the actual college experience (no offense intended).

Then came the morning of 4th January 2022—Cristy refused to start. I was stunned. But I was also running late, so I called up a friend who gave me a lift. Later that day, as college wrapped up, my friend had to head to the airport for some work—it was close to campus—so he offered to drop me back home later around 9 PM. But I was too tired, so I passed, deciding instead to take the college bus just for that day.

And that’s when something happened.

While waiting for the bus, I bumped into someone who lived in the same society as me. We started talking... and that sparked something special. Now, here’s the fun part—when I got back home and was about to leave for the gym, a mechanic from Toyota showed up. He opened the hood, did his thing, and Cristy started in one second. No issues with the battery, no faults, no explanation. She was perfectly fine.

If Cristy had started that morning, I would’ve never taken the bus... and I’d probably have never met that someone. Funny how fate works, right?

Then came the 2022 COVID wave. I was about to leave for Coimbatore to avoid being stuck in my Bangalore society under lockdown protocols. Just one day before my departure, that someone I mentioned tested negative after a bout of COVID, and we managed to meet—in Cristy, of course. From the very beginning, through every twist and turn of what we call “adulting,” Cristy was there.

I left for Coimbatore and eventually flew back to Delhi for a while. After staying there until mid-February, I returned to Bangalore once things settled down and college resumed.

Cristy, as always, was back on duty—not just for me, but now with a plus one. She had become a bit of a legend around campus. Whether it was the HR plates or the clean, tasteful mods—everyone knew she was mine. I was proud of that.

As far as I recall, there were only two Crystas in our college parking lot—mine, and a friend’s 2.8 GX trim that was tuned by Redband Racing to a Stage 1 setup, making over 200 bhp. The two of us would often head out during college breaks or late at night—Devanahalli, Church Street, Bellary Road... just driving for the love of it. Those night drives were pure magic. Memories I’ll always carry with me.


(The twin crysta's, my friend sold his last year for a Virtus GT)

Like everyone, I went through my share of rough patches in college, especially during 2023. But Cristy never faltered. She was there through it all. On the darkest nights, I'd just get in, blast some The 1975, and let the roads decide where to go. Cristy was more than just a car—she was my companion.


(Cristy and Vegh in Ooty)

Even when that “small tale” I mentioned earlier turned into a life lesson, Cristy was there. Whether it was late-night chai runs near Devanahalli at 2 AM or long solo drives just to clear my head, Cristy was with me through every moment. Drives and chai became a form of therapy, and Cristy, my trusted partner in crime.

Just before 2023 ended, I decided Cristy deserved a glow-up. Gave her a full 3M gloss black roof wrap, installed a fresh JL Audio setup, and rolled into 2024 with her by my side.



But 2024 turned out to be the year I unintentionally neglected both Cristy and Vegh. I’d enrolled for my Master’s and commuting through Bangalore’s traffic during peak hours just didn’t make sense anymore. With my college being super strict about attendance, I bit the bullet and started using the metro—it cut travel time in half, so it was the smarter call.

Cristy and Vegh still saw daily gym run, but during the day, they just... sat. Waiting.



Then came 2025. You know how sometimes, someone walks into your life and becomes a regular part of your days? Well, Cristy was back in the picture—she’d take me flying down the NICE Road almost every evening to meet this someone. Mostly over sushi, funnily enough.

And Cristy? She wasn’t just my favorite. She became their favorite too.

Yes, I own more expensive cars. Yes, they’re probably better in every measurable way. But for me? Cristy was the one. Always.



College ended. I came back home before my plans to go abroad started falling into place. And once again, Cristy was left in Bangalore, collecting dust.

Before I left, I had big plans in motion. Spoke to a couple of tuning houses, started the RTO process to re-register her to KA, found a stunning body kit, some sweet Inforged wheels, and had almost pulled the trigger on a carbon-fibre steering wheel with paddle shifters just to dial up the fun even more.

But then… things fell apart.

Not in my life, I’m happy, I’ve got amazing people around me. But with Cristy? Sadly, I had to let her go. Can’t get into the internal reasons here, but with me moving abroad, it wouldn’t be fair to just let her sit again collecting dust, would it?

She’s currently up for sale, with just over 75,000 km on the clock. But let me be clear, this isn’t an advertisement. This post? It’s a story. A story about the bond we car enthusiasts have with something the rest of the world might just call “metal on four wheels.”


(The last drive)

Cristy was never just a car. She was someone. And it’s going to hit hard when I land in Bangalore again, look at that parking spot, and she’s not sitting there—no more devilish smirk, no more waiting.



To whoever ends up buying her, if you ever happen to read this thread—I hope you understand what you’re getting into. I hope you see what she meant to me. Treat her right. Treat her like she’s not just a car.

Take her down NICE Road every once in a while, feel that pull, enjoy the wind. Eat in her if you must—but remember, that wine interior isn’t the easiest to clean. Do a cheeky burnout when you're feeling off, she'll reward you with the biggest smile. And every now and then, fill her up with Indian Oil Xtra Green diesel—it was always her treat.

I always thought that when I’d finally install those new mods, I’d come back to this forum and post a review. Never thought this post would take such a different turn.

And so, there she goes.

Farewell, Cristy.
There’s no one like you. No replacement that can fill your spot.
You’ll always be the one—my best car.
Thank you for everything. Thank you for all the memories.

[Mitadru]

Your post literally brought tears in my eyes. It's an excellent writeup, a tale of a bond most people fail to understand. To us these aren't just cars, they're our companions, our friends who will stay through the thick and thin, and not judge you when things go bad.

Your story also reminds me of my bond with our Santro. Even though I've ample opportunities to take our other car , Slavia , it's the Santro's key which I take everytime. Be it some alone time with music, or if it is to lighten my mood, I know to whom I need to go. She's 18 years old now, almost an octagenarian by human standards . But still starts up at the first crank, doesn't complain about running in an empty stomach, it just stays beside me. The Santro is renewed till 2027, after that I don't know what will happen. Maybe I'll have to bid adieu to it , and it'll be replaced by someone else. But it will always remain the special one. Our Santro is not just a car, it's kind of an elder sister who has watched this little brother of her to transition from a kid in the backseat, to the guy behind the wheel.
Sorry for hijacking your thread. All I hope is that Cristy is taken care of in a similar fashion as it was now. Of course to her you'll always be the special one. If the new owner reads this, they'll know her temperament, and treat her accordingly.

[jonesanto]

Originally Posted by speedfreak77

Yes, I own more expensive cars. Yes, they’re probably better in every measurable way. But for me? Cristy was the one. Always.

I share the same sentiment.


Crysta is incredibly difficult to replace with, sure, you can upgrade to something much more luxurious, but when it comes to travel comfort, reliability and ease of ownership, there isn’t much left anymore. Game has moved on to petrol hybrids and mobile on wheels, which is fine, change is a constant and unavoidable part of life. I own a 2.8, I am abroad most of the time, but when I visit India, this is my go to car. I don't think I am letting her go anytime soon.

All the best with your sale

[jayanttalwar]

What a lovely write up, I feel the same way about my civic and e90 330i, they are part of the family now and I have too many memories to ever let them go.

I know everyone says they will never let such cars go until they do, most regret it years later. I hope I find a way to keep mine specially being in delhi NCR with the 15 year rules. The 15 year car rule for petrols is big factor for me wanting to move out of delhi so I can preserve these cars forever.

[Utopian]

Amazing writeup. Thanks for sharing. Crysta 2.8 is a wolf in sheep's clothing. I like the Taigun-ish treatment you have done with your tail lamps with the red connecting strip and it looks quite good.

[speedfreak77]

Originally Posted by Mitadru

Your post literally brought tears in my eyes. It's an excellent writeup, a tale of a bond most people fail to understand. To us these aren't just cars, they're our companions, our friends who will stay through the thick and thin, and not judge you when things go bad.

Your story also reminds me of my bond with our Santro. Even though I've ample opportunities to take our other car , Slavia , it's the Santro's key which I take everytime. Be it some alone time with music, or if it is to lighten my mood, I know to whom I need to go. She's 18 years old now, almost an octagenarian by human standards . But still starts up at the first crank, doesn't complain about running in an empty stomach, it just stays beside me. The Santro is renewed till 2027, after that I don't know what will happen. Maybe I'll have to bid adieu to it , and it'll be replaced by someone else. But it will always remain the special one. Our Santro is not just a car, it's kind of an elder sister who has watched this little brother of her to transition from a kid in the backseat, to the guy behind the wheel.
Sorry for hijacking your thread. All I hope is that Cristy is taken care of in a similar fashion as it was now. Of course to her you'll always be the special one. If the new owner reads this, they'll know her temperament, and treat her accordingly.

Thank you so much for the kind words. I genuinely appreciate the connection you've made — it really shows how deeply these machines become part of our lives.

Your story about the Santro is beautiful. It’s amazing how certain cars become much more than just vehicles. They carry our memories, our moods, and our milestones. The way you described it — choosing the Santro even when a newer, more premium option is available — speaks volumes about the bond you've formed over the years. Eighteen years is no small journey, and the fact that she still starts up without fuss shows how strong and reliable she's been all along.

I hope she continues to serve you well in the years ahead. And you're absolutely right — these cars might move on to different garages eventually, but the place they hold in our stories stays unchanged.

Originally Posted by jonesanto

I share the same sentiment.


Crysta is incredibly difficult to replace with, sure, you can upgrade to something much more luxurious, but when it comes to travel comfort, reliability and ease of ownership, there isn’t much left anymore. Game has moved on to petrol hybrids and mobile on wheels, which is fine, change is a constant and unavoidable part of life. I own a 2.8, I am abroad most of the time, but when I visit India, this is my go to car. I don't think I am letting her go anytime soon.

All the best with your sale

Attachment 2759332

Absolutely agree with you. The Crysta really is one of those rare vehicles that gets everything right — practicality, comfort, and that old-school reliability we’re slowly losing in today’s market.

The shift to hybrids and tech-laden cars is understandable, but there’s something uniquely satisfying about driving a solid diesel workhorse that just does its job, no questions asked. The 2.8 especially — it’s a gem of an engine, and those of us who’ve experienced it know exactly what we’re holding on to.

Glad to hear yours is still part of the garage and doing its duty when you’re in town. Thanks for the good wishes — hoping she goes to someone who appreciates her the way we do.

Originally Posted by jayanttalwar

What a lovely write up, I feel the same way about my civic and e90 330i, they are part of the family now and I have too many memories to ever let them go.

I know everyone says they will never let such cars go until they do, most regret it years later. I hope I find a way to keep mine specially being in delhi NCR with the 15 year rules. The 15 year car rule for petrols is big factor for me wanting to move out of delhi so I can preserve these cars forever.

Totally resonate with your thoughts. Cars like the Civic and the E90 330i aren’t just machines — they’re memories on wheels. The kind of emotional value they carry is hard to explain to someone who hasn’t lived through those drives and those moments.

You’re right — we all say we’ll hold on to them forever, but sometimes rules and life get in the way. I had to part ways with my Q5 due to the 10-year diesel rule in NCR. Even brought it down to Bangalore for a bit just to stretch the ownership, but eventually had to let it go. That one stung.

The 15-year rule for petrols is equally frustrating, especially for those of us who genuinely care for our cars and maintain them better than some new ones out there. I really hope you’re able to find a way to keep yours — some cars are worth going the extra mile for.

Originally Posted by Utopian

Amazing writeup. Thanks for sharing. Crysta 2.8 is a wolf in sheep's clothing. I like the Taigun-ish treatment you have done with your tail lamps with the red connecting strip and it looks quite good.

Glad you liked the tail lamp treatment! I was aiming for a clean OEM+ look, and the red strip gave it that subtle Taigun-esque continuity without being too flashy. It’s always nice when fellow enthusiasts notice the little touches — really appreciate it!

[kurnofhindukush]

Innova Crysta 2.8 was a beast, could handle any terrain you throw at it.

[Utsav_199]

Great write up and congratulations on owning this master workhorse.

Some cars as you said just feel right and the Crysta 2.8 was the same for me, I remember driving it for the first time expecting sloppy driving experience but no, it just clicked in the first 200 m. The steering felt spot on - perfectly weighted hydraulic unit, tied down dynamics, the brakes, the punchy engine and even the CVT I did not really mind. I cannot drive large SUVs - the sloppy roll and dynamics I cannot bear but this was the sweet spot of toughness, space and tied down dynamics.

The 2.8 it truly is irreplaceable.

[RennSport]

I have a doubt slightly off-topic, did the Innova Crysta back then in Touring Sport disguise get a 2.8 Diesel or only a 2.4 Diesel?

Thank you.

CHEERS
RS

[akash_v12]

Originally Posted by speedfreak77

Well, well, well...

Where do I even begin? What words do I choose? Where should I start?

Well. That was quite an emotional read, I won't lie. However, what struck me the most was the picture of the parking lot! Kind of funny I haven't seen Cristy around.

Good to see another member on the forum from college.

[T-REX84]

Dont see it on classifieds. Would love to have a chat with you, need a big brother for my I20 Nline!

[sunilg33]

Originally Posted by RennSport

I have a doubt slightly off-topic, did the Innova Crysta back then in Touring Sport disguise get a 2.8 Diesel or only a 2.4 Diesel?

Thank you.

CHEERS
RS

It was the 2.4 manual with 6 speed. The touring Sport was never launched with an auto.

[DicKy]

Originally Posted by sunilg33

It was the 2.4 manual with 6 speed. The touring Sport was never launched with an auto.

Erm... Actually it was the Touring Sport automatic that sold more. Manual one was rare. The 5 speed was sold for sometime, before they started selling the 6 speed manual.

For me personally, it is the 6 speed manual that's the most desirable Innova Crysta variant, even more than the 2.8l auto.

[xotiq]

Originally Posted by Mitadru

Your post literally brought tears in my eyes. It's an excellent writeup, a tale of a bond most people fail to understand. If the new owner reads this, they'll know her temperament, and treat her accordingly.

Good read, great vehicle, and glad to see transfer to KA initiated after 4 years here.

[speedfreak77]

Originally Posted by kurnofhindukush

Innova Crysta 2.8 was a beast, could handle any terrain you throw at it.

Most certainly! The fact that both my friend's and my crysta have done a little bit of soft roading on the outskirts of Bangalore, they never got stuck. We had an Endeavour tag along just in case either of us gets stuck considering the RWD setup. I was stunned to see the performance.

Originally Posted by Utsav_199

Great write up and congratulations on owning this master workhorse.

Some cars as you said just feel right and the Crysta 2.8 was the same for me, I remember driving it for the first time expecting sloppy driving experience but no, it just clicked in the first 200 m. The steering felt spot on - perfectly weighted hydraulic unit, tied down dynamics, the brakes, the punchy engine and even the CVT I did not really mind. I cannot drive large SUVs - the sloppy roll and dynamics I cannot bear but this was the sweet spot of toughness, space and tied down dynamics.

The 2.8 it truly is irreplaceable.

I had the same impression too, Thats why I concluded by saying there cannot be a replacement for her. It was a one off special one, and considering the 2.8 was later discontinued, I had a lot of people asking me to sell it off to them. I used to laugh but erm, yeah here we are.

Originally Posted by RennSport

I have a doubt slightly off-topic, did the Innova Crysta back then in Touring Sport disguise get a 2.8 Diesel or only a 2.4 Diesel?

Thank you.

CHEERS
RS

As far as I remember, It was availaible in the 2.7 disguise too, which is the petrol variant. Both diesel and petrols were availaible with a manual or a diesel. I had a friend who bought the petrol one, quite a rare sight, considering he got the mileage of 4kmpl, he sold it off within a year and bought a Superb.

Originally Posted by akash_v12

Well. That was quite an emotional read, I won't lie. However, what struck me the most was the picture of the parking lot! Kind of funny I haven't seen Cristy around.

Good to see another member on the forum from college.

I do not usually park the cars inside the college parking, I have a dedicated parking spot near to the college where I park her. Only had to bring her for 2-3 months and buying a pass did not make sense for the year considering I am leaving now. Would be lovely to catch up. Cheers mate.

Originally Posted by T-REX84

Dont see it on classifieds. Would love to have a chat with you, need a big brother for my I20 Nline!

You can PM me, I am jealous of the Nline, I wanted one briefly in the IMT variant, the moment the facelift came and they ditched it, the thoughts of buying one completely disintegrated.

Originally Posted by sunilg33

It was the 2.4 manual with 6 speed. The touring Sport was never launched with an auto.

It was available in both petrol and diesel automatics too.

Originally Posted by DicKy

Erm... Actually it was the Touring Sport automatic that sold more. Manual one was rare. The 5 speed was sold for sometime, before they started selling the 6 speed manual.

For me personally, it is the 6 speed manual that's the most desirable Innova Crysta variant, even more than the 2.8l auto.

I think the 2.8 was fun with the automatic, the 2.4 manual makes more sense after the facelift.

Originally Posted by xotiq

Good read, great vehicle, and glad to see transfer to KA initiated after 4 years here.

Thank you.