Choose the Toyota Wish if you want a low, car-like 7-seater with Toyota’s wide parts support. Choose the Mazda Premacy if rear sliding doors and easy access to the third row matter more to you. Both stopped production before 2019, so check your country’s age rule first.
Key takeaways
- Both are compact MPVs with seating for up to seven.
- The Wish has normal hinged rear doors; the second- and third-generation Premacy have rear sliding doors.
- Toyota Wish production ended in 2017 and Mazda Premacy in 2018, so they can’t meet Kenya’s 2019+ rule.
- They remain options for countries without an age limit or with a longer one; always confirm the rule for your country.
Who each car suits
Toyota Wish
- Families who want seven seats in a car that drives like a station wagon.
- Small businesses that need a flexible cargo area when the rear seats are folded.
- Owners who want easy access to Toyota parts and mechanics.
Mazda Premacy
- Parents with young children: sliding doors are easier in tight parking spaces.
- Groups and car-pooling, where passengers get in and out often.
- School runs and short trips with a full car.
Generations to know
Most export cars today come from the later generations.
| Model | Generation | Years (Japan) | Engines (Japan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Wish | 1st (AE10) | 2003–2009 | 1.8 L and 2.0 L petrol |
| Toyota Wish | 2nd (AE20) | 2009–2017 | 1.8 L and 2.0 L petrol, CVT |
| Mazda Premacy | 2nd (CR) | 2005–2010 | 2.0 L and 2.3 L petrol |
| Mazda Premacy | 3rd (CW) | 2010–2018 | 2.0 L petrol (Skyactiv from 2013 on FWD cars) |
Both models were sold with front-wheel drive, and 4WD versions exist on some grades.
See the cars we have now: Toyota Wish stock and Mazda Premacy stock.
Doors, seats and cargo
The biggest difference is the rear doors.
The Wish has conventional hinged doors and a low roof, so it looks and drives like a large wagon. The third row is best for children or short trips.
The Premacy has rear sliding doors on the second and third generations. They make it easier to reach the third row and to load children in narrow spaces. Its third row is also best for shorter trips.
In both cars, folding the second and third rows creates a large, flat load area for luggage or stock.
Driving and running costs
Both use simple petrol engines that local mechanics know well.
The Wish’s low body makes it stable on the highway. The Premacy is slightly taller and feels roomier inside.
Fuel use depends on engine size, load and driving style, so compare specific cars rather than headline figures. Toyota parts are usually the easiest to find; ask your mechanic about Premacy parts in your town before you buy.
Which countries can import them?
Because production ended in 2017 (Wish) and 2018 (Premacy), age rules decide where these cars can go.
- Kenya: not eligible in 2026, because only cars first registered in 2019 or later are accepted. See Kenya’s age limit. A 7-seater like the Toyota Sienta may be an alternative.
- Uganda: cars 15 years or older from manufacture can’t be imported. See Uganda import rules.
- Zimbabwe: cars 10 years or older from manufacture can’t be imported. See Zimbabwe import rules.
- Tanzania and Zambia: no age ban, but older cars can cost more to clear. Check the import rules for your country.
Use our import age checker and ask our team to confirm the car’s date of manufacture before you pay.
What to check before you buy
- The auction sheet grade, repair marks and mileage. See our auction sheet guide.
- On the Premacy, that both sliding doors open and close smoothly.
- Third-row seat condition and seat belts.
- Rust on the underbody, especially on older cars.
- The gearbox: smooth take-off and no slipping.
Browse more models in our Toyota and Mazda car guides.
Frequently asked questions
Can I import a Toyota Wish to Kenya?
Not in 2026. The Wish ended in 2017, and Kenya only accepts cars first registered in 2019 or later.
Does the Mazda Premacy have sliding doors?
Yes, the second-generation (2005–2010) and third-generation (2010–2018) Premacy have rear sliding doors.
Are these cars really seven-seaters?
Yes, most have three rows. The third row is best for children or short trips.
