Faults:

- Rear hatch leaks water into the boot during heavy rain. Unable to find the leak location, but the boot mat is always wet.

- Central locking unreliable in the cold, and locking/unlocking from the passenger door does not actuate the driver's door.

- Rust on the rear wheel arches and rear skirt (previously driven in North Germany, so hardly a surprise).

- Exhaust pipes rot.

- Rear left park light goes out intermittently. A knock on the light hull fixes it temporarily.

- Headlights surface faded with a yellowish tint. New headlights cost 60 EUR/piece.

Other than that, no real mechanical or electrical failures.

General Comments:

I am the 5th owner of the car and have put 30k km on the clock within a year. This is a combination of city driving (Munich), casual highway and B-roads drives and super-long journeys abroad (1200+ km). I am writing this review on the morning after a 24h non-stop trip from Bulgaria to Germany, through snow, ice, fog, rain, wind and endless waiting at borders. This was the last day of a 4000 km journey over 10 days. The Yaris never missed a beat.

Pros:

* Reliable.

* The engine is a gem! While not offering stellar performance, it is surprisingly torquey for its size across a wide RPM range and can keep the tin can cruising at speeds of 120-130 km/h all day long. Getting there requires some patience, but once up to speed, it just pulls and pulls.

* Nippy city-driving.

* Large windows provide good visibility.

* Practical - can accommodate a washing machine in the boot with the rear bank folded down.

* Decent ride for its size, but enthusiastic cornering is not recommended.

* Plenty of headroom both at the front and the rear. Four adults with limited luggage can survive a short journey in relative comfort.

* Well equipped with A/C, trip computer, ABS, electrical windows and mirrors.

* Engine bay is easy to work in.

* Cheap road tax.

Cons:

* The seats!!! I am 183 cm. tall and never seem to be able to find a comfortable driving position. One needs short legs and long arms to drive this car, it seems. Journeys longer than a couple of hours can be agonising.

* Fuel consumption ranges from 4.5-5 l/100km on relaxed B-roads, up to 7+ on highways and city driving. I feel it is a bit too thirsty for what it offers, but compared to the 2.6 Mercedes 190 I previously owned, I cannot complain.

* Noisy - one hears every fly and every stone that hit the car, and the stereo has to fight hard with the engine noise at highway speeds.