Used Toyota Yaris Verso 2003 - 2005 review
Looks aside, it's a wise used buy
MPV
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What's the used Toyota Yaris Verso like?
Ownership cost
Our recommendations
Reliability
Stuart Milne
Updated: 1 January 2006
How we test cars
What's the used Toyota Yaris Verso like?
It's not what you'd call pretty. The front end says 'city car' - one just like the standard Yaris on which it's based - but the rear screams 'van'.
However, if you can get beyond that, the Yaris Verso has a lot to recommend it; behind the wheel, the driving position is comfortable with good visibility, although the digital central instrument binnacle can be hard to read.
Overview
Looks aside, it's a wise used buy
Pros
- Very reliable, economical and practical
Cons
- Quirky exterior styling, bland interior
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There's room for five adults, but the big plus-point is the load space. With the back seats folded away it's vast, and the large side-opening rear door with a very low lip makes for excellent practicality.
Dynamically, though, things aren't so great. The car's tall body means it leans into the bends and the ride is too easily unsettled by an uneven road surface. It's not as supple as some rivals and the steering can be slow to react.
Tips & Advice
Make sure you’re insured for the test drive
Short-term car insurance – also called test-drive insurance – will ensure you’re legal when you’re shopping for your next car
Will the car fit your needs?
As part of the test drive, fill the car with regularly-carried luggage, and make sure the family can get comfy before you buy
Ownership cost
How much does cost to run a Toyota Yaris Verso?
Okay, so the Yaris Verso's styling means it isn't everyone's cup of tea, but owners love them. What's more, their rarity on the used market - compared with the standard Yaris - coupled with Toyota's legendary reliability means they hold their value very well. Expect to pay at least 50% of the new price for a three-year-old model.
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The low-cost insurance is another reason for its desirability, with the diesel in group 5 and the petrol one category below. Fuel economy is excellent, too, with the 1.4 returning a very impressive 56mpg. Even the 1.3's figure is 44mpg, although the automatic gearbox brings it down to 40mpg. The bills shouldn't be too big at the garage, either. This is a straightforward car to look after and Toyota's parts aren't any more expensive than its rivals'.
Tips & Advice
Organise your motoring life
Whether you need to keep tabs on your insurance renewal, sort breakdown cover, or book a service, My What Car? has you covered
Our recommendations
Which used Toyota Yaris Verso should I buy?
There's a choice of two engines: the 1.3-litre 84bhp petrol or the 1.4-litre 74bhp D-4D diesel. The former is great for city use but you'll need to work it hard to get decent performance, and it's noisy at motorway speeds.
The diesel, on the other hand, is more relaxed when you're cruising, but very noisy around town. There's extra low-down power that the petrol doesn't have, but it feels flat at higher revs. In the end, which you buy will come down to personal choice, but both are acceptable performers.
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Standard kit on all models includes twin airbags, remote central locking, electric front windows and a radio cassette player. S models have 13-inch alloys and tinted glass, while GS gets a better sound system and 14-inch wheels. A sunroof and electric mirrors are part of GLS trim. In early 2003 the names changed to T2, T3 and T Spirit.
Tips & Advice
Which smartphone integration should I have?
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are fantastic – and free – technologies. Here we show you the benefits, drawbacks and best apps
How reliable is the Toyota Yaris Verso ?
Toyota Yaris Verso
Read reliability
About the writer
Name: Stuart Milne
Title: Digital editor
Follow Stuart Milne on
Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.