WHAT do you get with every Toyota? Reliability. A cousin of mine has a little Yaris 1.0-litre with 183,000 miles on the clock and it’s still on the original clutch and everything else.
The latest Yaris is fun to drive, very agile and safe through the corners and also manages a better ride than many other smaller cars.
Production started in 2006 and they have a bulletproof reliability record according to the trade.
Petrol engines are 1.0-litre 68bhp, 1.3 85bhp and, in the SR, a 1.8 with 131bhp.
There’s also a very economical 1.4 diesel with 88bhp and capable of 60mpg, but the 1.0-litre petrol can do 52mpg.
Even the 1.0-litre models feel reasonably peppy and responsive, and are capable of longer journeys fairly easily and in good comfort.
Prices are very strong because of that reliability record, so expect to pay a bit more year for year, or get an earlier plate car for the same money as others.
Interior
Base T2 models have twin front airbags, outside temperature display, height and reach adjustable steering, electric mirrors, trip computer, electric front windows and remote locking.
The only reason to go up to T3 is for the MP3 compatible stereo and aircon, and sat nav has been an option on all.
FAST FACTS
Toyota Yaris
Price: Pay about £4,000 for an ’06 06-reg, £5,600 for an ’08 08
Mechanical: 68bhp, 998cc, 3cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 96mph
0-62mph: 15.2 seconds
Combined mpg: 60
Insurance group: 3
CO2 emissions: 118g/km
BIK rating: 15%
Marks: 9/10
Main rival: Suzuki Splash