USED Toyota Yaris Hatchback (03 - 05)

My car

I drove the T-Sport Yaris and I didn't feel it was really what they call a "hot hatch" but rather a mild hot curry!

The engine didn't pull particularly well, I felt I was forever having to push more foot to the ground to get the most out of the 1.5VVTi lightly tuned engine.

The wind noise was pretty bad and the space in the cabin was pretty cramped. The boot was rather too small and going on holidays would be on the hard side.

Inside was rather nice with little touches like aluminium scuff plates and nice looking dials.

Some plastics were a rather cheap looking. The dealers were not exactly the nicest and repeatedly asked me to take out finace and for me to reconsider my "I JUST WANT TO PAY IN CASH!" offer. Overall it left a rather bitter taste in my mouth!

Relibility of the engines, though, is top notch!

My car

Highly reliable, well made, cheap to run and with a good range of engines, it is easy to see why the new Yaris is such a popular choice amongst drivers.

Trendy looks, high safety ratings, clever use of space and an innovative centrally mounted digital speedometer are just some of the features which make this car good value for money.

There are some reasonable bargains to be had in the showroom, and the servicing costs seem fairly competitive in comparison with those of other superminis.

Highly recommended.

My car

Fantastically reliable, great overall build quality (although panels are easily dented in the supermarket car park) and cheap to run.

Fuel economy averages 55mpg for a tank full - with a lot or urban driving.

The only real gripe of the three door is the seat mechanism for getting the kids in and out - you need both hands and a lot of co-ordination!

It's really fun to drive - especially trying to get the most out of the willing one-litre engine - it gives you a bit of a challenge through corners as the seats don't hold you in too well if you are going for a blast.

Everyone who has travelled in it is amazed by the space and number of cubbyholes (none in the floor though thank goodness - in my view useless in cars as they are normally covered by floor mats - designers think again !!)

Overall very happy - and the residual values are holding up well.