So picture this: ya girl's been grinding for a solid year, pinching pennies like they owe me money, and guess what? I finally scored my own set of wheels. I know, right? Mind. Blown.

Mad props to my folks for coming through with the down payment assist and covering the first few installments. They're the real MVPs, no cap. But for real, though, it's like I've entered some alternate reality where I'm suddenly this responsible adult who owns a freaking car. What is this sorcery?

Drumroll, please... *insert dramatic pause* I snagged myself a 2024  Toyota Kijang Innova G 2.0 MT. This bad boy set me back about IDR 385 million ($23,600 ish). I can practically hear my wallet sobbing in the corner, and I might have to put my art addiction on hold for a hot minute, but YOLO, am I right?

I've been cruising in this sweet ride for a few weeks now, and let me tell you, it's like I've died and gone to car heaven. It's so fetch, I can't even.

This shiny new toy is replacing my old rides – a 2013 Honda Jazz RS MT(which was transferred to my little brother) and a 2013 Suzuki Karimun Wagon R. And listen up, fam – as y'all probably know, I'm ride-or-die for  Toyota. I mean, my fursona even rocks a Land Cruiser. So, choosing the Innova was pretty much written in the stars.

It's got all the space I need without making me sell a kidney or two on the black market. Sure, it might be a smidge old-school now that the new Innova Zenix is out there flexing on everyone, but my parents were all like, "Hold up, no car over IDR 400 million ($24,500 ish)." So, here we are, rolling with the OG Innova like it's 2016.

Let me paint you a picture: windows down, wind doing that movie-star thing with your hair, "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears blasting so loud your eardrums are having a party, and you're feeling like the queen of the freakin' world. It's a whole mood, I'm telling you.

Now, I know what you're thinking – couldn't I have gone for a cheaper ride from China or Korea? Sure, I could've. But listen, I'm all about that reliability life, you feel me? And  Toyota's got that on lock. Plus, owning my own car? It's kind of a big deal, guys. Like, "I'm a real adult now" kind of big deal.

I mean, yeah, I could've opted for some flashy Chinese or Korean vehical with all the bells and whistles for less dough, but in my book, the  Toyota Kijang Innova is where it's at when it comes to being smart with my hard-earned cash. It's the most financially sensible option for the long term. It's a  Toyota, for crying out loud. That name is basically synonymous with "This car will outlive the cockroaches after the apocalypse."

And can we talk about how freaking proud I am to finally have my own set of wheels? It's like, next level adulting, and I'm here for it. This is huge, people. Your girl is moving up in the world, one  Toyota at a time. And below, you can read my thoughts about my new wheels.

1. Performance:

So, the  Toyota Kijang Innova 2024 G 2.0 MT's got this 2.0-liter engine that pumps out 139 horses and 18.7 kgm of torque. That's ridiculously underpowered by North American/Western standards, but it's just enough for the often crowded Asian roads with a lot of stop-go traffic. It's not gonna win any races, but it's solid for everyday driving.

Around town, this thing's pretty zippy. It gets going from a stop without much fuss, so you can weave through traffic no problem. The manual gearbox lets you call the shots, and it's pretty smooth to use.

On the highway, the Innova cruises along nicely. It doesn't feel strained at higher speeds, which is great for road trips. Just don't expect it to be a speed demon or anything.

Where you might notice some struggle is when you've got a full load of people and stuff, especially going uphill. You'll probably need to downshift more or keep your momentum up. But hey, it still gets the job done, just with a bit more effort.

The steering's light and responsive, so you'll feel confident whether you're on the freeway or squeezing into a tight parking spot. It's not exactly sporty, but it's still fun and easy to drive.

2. Features:

The Innova G 2.0 MT's got a decent set of features, though it's not as fancy as the top-tier model. You've got a 7-inch touchscreen that hooks up with your phone, plus a 6-speaker system that sounds pretty good for jamming out on the road.

Safety-wise, you're looking at ABS, EBD, front airbags, and stability control to keep you out of trouble. There are rear parking sensors too.

The AC's got dual zones and does a great job keeping things cool. The driver's seat adjusts manually, and there are power outlets for the passengers.

It's a solid package, but you're missing out on some of the latest tech like cruise control and advanced driving assistant systems. If you're big on having all the newest gadgets, that might be a deal-breaker.

3. Advantages:

One of the best things about the Innova is how comfy it is. There's tons of space for seven adults, and the seats are designed to keep you comfy even on long trips. The upholstery's nice too – comfy, tough, and easy to clean.

The suspension is where this thing really shines. It soaks up bumps and potholes like a champ, so you barely feel a thing. It's smooth sailing all the way.

Build quality is top-notch too. Everything feels solid and well-put-together, so you know it's built to last.

The interior looks pretty slick, with nice color choices and some wood trim that classes things up.

The seats are super flexible too. You can slide and fold them around to make room for cargo when you need it. It's like having an MPV and a van in one.

4. Weaknesses:

Alright, let's talk about where the Innova falls short. First up, fuel economy. It's not great, folks. You're looking at 9-10 km/liter in mixed driving, dropping to 7-8 km/liter in heavy traffic. That's pretty thirsty compared to some rivals that can do 12+ km/liter.

The price tag might make you wince too. It's on the high side for what you're getting, especially when you look at what some competitors are offering for less dough.

Style-wise, it's... fine. But if you're after something that turns heads, this ain't it. It's more "timeless" than "trendsetter," if you know what I mean.

The engine's okay for everyday stuff, but load it up or hit some hills and you might be wishing for more oomph.

And yeah, you're missing out on some cool tech like cruise control and ADAS. For the price, that stings a bit.

Conclusion:

So, here's the deal with the  Toyota Kijang Innova 2024 G 2.0 MT. It's a solid choice if you're after a comfy, spacious ride that's built to last. The suspension's great, it's safe, and  Toyota's reliability is legendary.

The engine gets the job done for day-to-day driving, even if it's not winning any drag races. You get a good set of safety features, and the interior feels pretty premium.

But let's be real – the fuel economy isn't great, and it's not cheap. You're also missing some modern tech that you might expect at this price point.

If comfort, space, and a trusted brand name are your top priorities, the Innova could be your jam. It's great for big families or folks who need to haul a lot of people or stuff around.

But if you're all about saving gas, having the latest gadgets, or getting the most bang for your buck, you might want to shop around. The MPV market's pretty hot right now, so you've got options.

At the end of the day, it comes down to what matters most to you. Think about what you need, what you want, and what you're willing to spend. That'll help you figure out if the Innova's the right ride for you or if you should keep looking.

So there you have it, folks – the saga of how I became a car owner and maybe, just maybe, a tiny bit more of a grown-up. But don't worry, I'm still the same old me, just with better transportation and a slightly emptier bank account. Life's a wild ride, and now I've got the perfect car to cruise through it.