Toyota Yaris MK3 (2011-2020) - Buyer's Guide - Go On, Treat Yourself

This one has served me well for nearly 3 years now - The Good, The Bad and, more importantly, what to watch out for.

[midlifemotors]

Cheap and cheerful daily driver, it's win-win!!

[FredGuercio]

Will 2nd TheCarCareNut is a toyota mechanic on youtube. He did a review of the Yaris and says the wires and controls for the cruise control and there standard, just need to add the switch. Pretty sure that is what he said. He knows his stuff. Also has a good post on Trans Fluid service. Motor head about to buy my 1st yaris. I like your review very much, one of the best. I trust TheCarCareNut.

[garyy]

Best cars ever made, from Australia and i have the 2012 hatchback 3 door 1.5 ZR 300, 000 with no issues at all, no rust, no mechanical issues whatsoever, very Zippy with the 5 speed manual

[ErichH]

I have a 2008 Toyota Yaris hatchback with 72, 000 miles on it. I’m not familiar with the newer ones but I couldn’t be happier with mine. Mine is the most basic. No power Windows or door locks. No cruise control.
I installed a backup camera and Leather-like seat covers along with remote start. I too miss the cruise control but that can be installed with an after market kit. No major repairs needed. Just routine oil changes; brake pad replacements; new tires and a new battery. Always a place to park. Fun and easy to drive. Good on gas.
Only downside is stay away from semi trucks 🚛 and I imagine because of its size you wouldn’t fair well in an accident but nothing is perfect!

[franhiatt]

My wife has owned a 2014 auto 1.3 Yaris for 18 months and it's just on 21, 000 miles, and It does have cruise control and satnav. She bought it to replace an IQ because the Yaris offers a much better ride, especially on our broken British roads. It has a good sized boot and, when necessary you can carry two adults in the rear. I'm 6' 4" and found both the IQ and Yaris very comfortable no matter how long the journey, and I find myself using my wife's car more than my RAV4. The only real niggle she's had has been a leaking aircon condenser which was picked up at the last service and replaced. Having it serviced at Toyota meant that it received a 12-month warranty each time (up to 10-years-old or 100K miles). The car is now just 10-years-old and so this was the final year she received the Toyota warranty. The annual mileage is always quite low so now she probably only needs it servicing every two years, which I can do myself or take to our local garage for around £120. Also, the road tax on the Yaris is only £35 per year, which is a terrific saving. It may not be as trendy or as good looking as a Fiat 500 or Alfa Mito but there seem to be more Yarises on the road than any other car, so they must be pretty bulletproof. I do like the styling of my wife's one more than the latest Yaris models but reliability was the main factor when choosing the car.

[stefanlopez]

I considering a Yaris as a daily driver. This was VERY GOOD INFO . Thanks bud

[davehad-enough]

We bought a 2017 Yaris brand new. Just checked your suggested rust / corrosion areas ... happily none at all. We love this Yaris ... cheap. easy to drive. In it's seven years with us we have had to replace one rear axle bearing. Nothing else other than tires and a couple of batteries.

[calvinc.]

According to AMD from Car Care Nut youtube channel all you have to do is install the cruise control stalk and you will have working cruise control

[HM-kqjx]

Nice to see another yaris owner got a 1.4D manual has great pull and cruise control for them them motorway trips can't ask for more from a cheap daily driver

[pedrofernandez]

2010 185k miles only issue was replaced radiator, one wheel bearing, alternator.

[mattparsons]

We have a mk3 hybrid, (late 2014), we’ve done 135, 000 miles in it and happy to report very similar findings to yours. One of our rear Dunlops did over 100, 000 miles before being changed which was ridiculous. As it’s a hybrid and engine breaks a lot, the break pads and discs also didn’t need changing until well over 100, 000 miles. One pain though was the 12v battery, it died and started smelling bad and is located under the rear seats. It’s a more specialised size so needed to replace through the dealership. Great car though and very easy to drive!

[njw]

My misses drives a Yaris sr and yes been a great little car 👍

[ZouheirHamzaoui]

you can buy cruise control and it's easy to install it has all the drillings pre made and the connector to, i installed mine on same yaris same year just in 20 minutes

[ayu]

You can add cruise control to Yaris. It is an easy mode and OEM parts are available. Do check it out!

[alanensalanens]

Just got a 2017 to replace my 2007 Matrix and I love it. The Matrix feels like a luxury truck in comparison - but Im loving this little thing. Priorities were a low monthly loan payment and having a reliable car. There isn't more car than I need. I feel like people pay for all of this horsepower and SUV size - and never really use any of that stuff. I live just outside of a city. I drive in for work. Occasionally Ill take a two hour trip to see my family. For all that - this car rules.

[mcdoink]

Very helpful. Looking to get one as a substitute for my NA Miata during the winter. Thanks a ton!

[volt]

Got 09 yaris no rust anywhere nor tailgate. But agree cracking car 50+ mpg too

[ivan.flrs]

thanks for this review! test driving a used one which will be my first car, and now I know what to look out for and what questions to ask!

[davidtunnicliff]

I have a 2011 Toyota Ractis love it has a CTV and a 1.5 engine that has 118000kms on the clock

[UnusSedLeo-wl]

Great vid! About to buy one myself and good to hear the 'bad things'.