2000 Toyota Yaris 1.3

Summary:

Ultra reliable and cheap no nonsense motoring

Faults:

The odd brake light bulb and tyre (wear and tear).

General Comments:

Initially inherited this car as my wife had it when we were married. Hung on to the car because I was at uni studying and it costs next to nothing to run (seriously).

After just over 200,000 km I can safely say the only way to kill one of these cars is attack by nuclear explosion. Sadly needed a bigger car (fits one large suitcase in the boot with the back seats up). Have upgraded to a VW Golf, happy memories though.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th November, 2015

2012 Toyota Yaris YR 1.3

Summary:

Do not purchase this poorly designed car

Faults:

Fact: The engine emits a high pitch frequency (like ringing in your ears - tinnitus, 2-3kHz pure narrow tone). This occurs at speeds of over 90km/hr and is extremely irritating. The noise leaves my ears ringing after a highway trip. I have recorded this sound with professional equipment and shown it to Toyota. After complaining to Toyota, they replied that this "condition" is normal in all Yaris model engines and would do nothing to fix it! (Toyota tested an identical model and it exhibited the same "condition"). I am still trying to get my money back on this car, as it only does half the job it was designed to do.

General Comments:

The glare that bounces off the dash onto the inside of the windscreen makes for very poor visibility in the early morning and late afternoons.

The new windscreen wiper design catches a lot of wind, making it sound like strong winds are buffeting the car.

The interior panels are poorly designed, and there are numerous rattles that come and go in the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th December, 2012

20th Dec 2012, 00:49

I'd like to know what specifically that sound sounds like. I find it strange that an engine would emit a high frequency noise at certain speeds.

In reply to 20th Dec 2012, 00:49

15th Feb 2013, 10:51

It's a resonant frequency; sometimes its effect is a sound or a vibration. I remember a friend's 76 Golf; the engine would hit just the right vibration frequency to make the throttle return spring eat through its mounting like it was made of a soft metal.

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2009 Toyota Yaris YRS 1.5

Summary:

Great economical sedan

Faults:

The only problem I have had with this car is it was hard to start on two occasions. I have since added distilled water to the battery, and it seems fine now.

General Comments:

Car is a great size. There is plenty of boot space, and the seats fold down, and I can fit my bike. Try that in other sub compact cars.

Automatic transmission is a little annoying when it is cold. It won't shift into fourth gear until the engine cold light turns off in the dash.

Great fuel economy; costs about $7 for every 100 km I do.

Dashboard marks easily, and the steering wheel is a little too plasticky for my liking. Otherwise a very comfortable interior.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd January, 2011

3rd Sep 2011, 02:52

Just an update about my Yaris. Once it reached 35000 kms it developed a squeak in the seat and a rattle in the dash. So far I have been mucked around by the dealer to get them rectified. The seat track is on order and will be fixed under warranty. I would recommend when considering buying a Yaris, take it for a long test drive over different driving surfaces to check for any rattles or squeaks. I personally know of two other people who have the same model, which also has the same problems.