USED Toyota Yaris Hatchback (03 - 05)

My car

I bought the Yaris new 18 months ago, mainly for use in the city. However, it sometimes hesitates between 1000rpm and 1500rpm in 2nd gear, to the extent that it becomes a safety risk. The authorised agent claims that this is the way it is. On the motorway, however, the engine is willing. The interior light, meanwhile, sometimes does not turn on when the door is opened - which has been a fault since new. I regret my choice, In the future I will consider a different manufacturer.

My car

A reliable, small, practical, economical car with up-to-date technology.

My car

I've got one of the 1.0-litre Colour Collection models. I spend most of my time on short local trips, but it has averaged 39.5mpg over the time I have had it.

It's nippy enough until you take it on a motorway, when you realise the shortcomings of such a small engine. Once it's going, it is more than capable of keeping up with most traffic, however, it takes time to pick up again whenever you have slowed down.

It's very well specced, with electric windows, CD player and alloys. The sliding rear seat allows for a reasonable sized boot, when there are no rear seat passengers.

The only real fault I can find with it is the lack of thigh support caused by the short front seats, although I am 6ft 3 in tall.

Reliability wise, it's been faultless so far and the first service was a mere £82.

My car

When I was looking for a small car to buy it had to be cheap to run, reliable, economical, fun to drive, and comfortable.

The Yaris has met all of my requirements. It's great around town and on country roads plus, for a car with a 1.0-litre engine, it's capable of cruising comfortably at motorway speeds.

Although there's a need for a higher 5th (or even a 6th gear) to bring the engine revs below 3000rpm. Fuel economy is averaging at around 45mpg. The thought which has gone into the design and packaging of the Yaris is excellent.

I recently moved home and the Yaris was able to carry a lot more than I thought possible, even my bike went in with the back seat folded and front passenger seat slide forward.

The negatives are few but the primary issue is the interior plastics, which creak and rattle annoyingly, and the paint seems to mark easily.

I'm not impressed with the Toyota dealership, and the Yaris needs better sound proofing to reduce tyre and engine noise.

Overall the Yaris is very good and I would consider buying another.