Faults:

Sub frame corroded badly at last MOT, I got it fixed. A bit expensive, but a common fault on these cars at this age.

The rest was just wear and tear. I keep it serviced on time.

General Comments:

Cheap to run Yaris is ideal if want basic transport.

1.4 "D4D" diesel does 60 mpg+ no matter how it is driven. Cheap tax and insurance. Service and repairs can be expensive, but every car is these days.

TR model is mid range, plenty of equipment as standard.

Not bad looking, very modern for a 2012 car. Interior a bit cramped but not totally uncomfortable. Noise levels just about acceptable. A car for short journeys, not long.

OK to drive, nothing special, but does the job. Boot space is a joke, not a car to have if you carry a lot. I find myself using the backseats to put shopping bags on as you quickly fill up the boot/hatch space.

What more can I say, it's a modern Toyota. I don't love it but do not hate it either, it has been a reliable economical little car; try one if you are on a budget and just need reliability.

Faults:

This car has been a fantastic investment overall. The LE model is the “middle” model and has some excellent features (steering wheel music controls, cruise control, hard privacy cover for trunk area) and did not break the bank. I bought the car brand new and paid just under $18,000 final cost, after all fees and taxes.

It has that legendary Toyota reliability, at least so far. 82,000 miles and the ONLY non-scheduled repair items have been replacing headlight bulbs once each and one of the bulbs that illuminates the back license plate. Got new tires at around 40,000 miles and did the rear brakes at 80,000 miles. That’s it.

The iPod connectivity is nice. The A/C and heater both work well. It is very easy to park.

A frequent complaint with the car is the awkward driver positioning - personally, it was a big selling point to me; I’m 6’9” and I comfortably fit in the driver’s seat with no visibility issues. However, my height is unusual so I doubt that my opinion on positioning is representative of the Yaris populace.

The rear seat backs fold down neatly and, for being such a small car, there’s a decent amount of space in the back to transport boxes or for liberal use on a long road trip. I’ve used it for both.

I will say, on a more negative note, that the car is rather gutless in general, especially when going uphill or when you have multiple passengers in there (or, God forbid, both!). The car also likes to downshift too early when going down hills, and therefore is rather loud when descending hills. Road noise is pronounced but I don’t notice it too much. I’m only reminded of it when I’m in someone else’s car and it takes me by surprise when it’s considerably quieter.

My only regret with my selection is that I didn’t spend the extra $300 to get the four door version! (I have the hatchback by the way)

I hope the car lasts me at least until 130,000 without hassle. I will probably get a new car around that time regardless of my experience with this one. It’ll be time.

General Comments:

It’s very reliable and economical. It’s definitely not a luxury car but there’s a lot of important stuff to recommend. Easy on gas, too!