2020 TOYOTA YARIS Icon Fhev

Why Buy a Toyota Yaris?

The Toyota Yaris has long been a stalwart of the supermini segment in the UK, renowned for its exceptional reliability, impressive fuel economy, and surprisingly spacious interior for its compact footprint. It's a car that excels at everyday commuting, city driving, and short to medium-length journeys, offering a comfortable and stress-free ownership experience. Toyota's legendary build quality means that Yaris models tend to hold their value well, making them a sensible financial choice too. The latest generations have also embraced hybrid technology, further boosting their appeal for eco-conscious buyers and those looking to minimise fuel bills. Safety is another strong suit, with the Yaris consistently scoring highly in Euro NCAP crash tests. Whether you're a first-time car buyer, a city dweller needing nimble transport, or seeking a dependable second car, the Yaris presents a compelling package.

UK Price Guide (GBP)

Prices for a used Toyota Yaris can vary significantly depending on the generation, model year, mileage, condition, and specification. Here's a general guide in Great British Pounds (£):

Model/Age	Approx. Price Range (GBP)
First Generation (1999-2006)	£500 - £2,500
Second Generation (2006-2011)	£2,000 - £5,000
Third Generation (2011-2020)	£5,000 - £12,000
Fourth Generation (2020-Present)	£15,000 - £25,000+ (New prices start around £20,000)

Note: These are approximate prices for privately sold vehicles and may differ at dealerships.

Specs

Specifications vary greatly between generations and trim levels. However, common features and typical configurations include:

• Engine Options: Typically 1.0L, 1.3L, and 1.5L petrol engines. More recent models feature a 1.5L hybrid system.
• Transmission: Manual and automatic (CVT) gearboxes are common.
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard.
• Body Style: Primarily a 5-door hatchback.
• Seating Capacity: 5 people.
• Boot Space: Generally competitive for the class, though hybrid models can sometimes have slightly reduced boot capacity due to battery placement.
• Key Features (depending on trim): Air conditioning, electric windows, remote central locking, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen infotainment systems, alloy wheels, cruise control, reversing cameras, and advanced safety assists (e.g., adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning on later models).

Common Issues

The Yaris is generally very reliable, but like any car, some minor issues can arise, particularly on older models:

• Clutch wear: On manual models, especially those used heavily in city traffic, the clutch can wear out over time.
• Water pumps: Some older models have reported issues with water pump reliability.
• Air conditioning: Can sometimes develop faults, such as leaks or compressor issues.
• Minor electrical glitches: Small issues with windows or central locking can occur but are usually easily rectified.
• Suspension wear: Like all cars, suspension components can wear out with age and mileage, leading to knocking noises.

Overall, these are minor concerns, and regular maintenance typically prevents most problems.

Running Costs

The Yaris is renowned for its low running costs:

• Fuel Economy: Petrol models offer impressive MPG, typically exceeding 50 MPG. The hybrid versions are even more frugal, often achieving well over 60 MPG combined, especially in urban driving.
• Insurance: Generally falls into lower insurance groups, making it affordable to insure.
• Road Tax: Lower emissions, particularly from the hybrid models, mean lower or even zero road tax (VED) for certain configurations, depending on the registration date.
• Servicing: Toyota servicing is typically reasonably priced, and the car's reliability means fewer unexpected repair bills.

Variants

Across its generations, the Yaris has been offered in various guises. Key variants include:

• Standard Petrol Models: The bread-and-butter of the Yaris range, powered by efficient small-capacity petrol engines.
• Hybrid Models: Introduced with the third generation and significantly refined in the fourth, these combine a petrol engine with electric motors for exceptional efficiency.
• GR Yaris: A performance-focused, rally-bred hot hatchback with all-wheel drive and significantly more power – a very different proposition to the standard Yaris.
• Trim Levels: Common trims have included S, SE, SE+, SR, Sport, Icon, Design, Excel, and GR Sport, each offering progressively more equipment and styling enhancements.