Used Toyota Yaris Hatchback 2006 - 2011 review
Well designed and cute, but not a hit like the previous model.
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What's the used Toyota Yaris like?
Ownership cost
Our recommendations
Reliability
Stuart Milne
Updated: 11 March 2008
How we test cars
What's the used Toyota Yaris like?
The third-generation Yaris might have filled out a little, but it's still cute and perfectly formed. It's easy to drive, cleverly designed and shouldn't offend anyone.
It handles and rides fairly well, but it's not always comfortable, and can feel unsettled on bumpier roads. Also, compared with the best superminis such as the Vauxhall Corsa it's noticeably less refined, with more wind, road and engine noise.
Overview
Well designed and cute, but not a hit like the previous model.
Pros
- Small yet practical supermini with character
Cons
- Maybe too small for some
- Some reliability issues, too
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Toyota Yaris
1.0 VVT-i T3 5dr
£750
Toyota Yaris
1.0 VVT-i T2 3dr
£990
Toyota Yaris
1.0 VVT-i Colour Collection 3dr
£990
Toyota Yaris
1.3 VVT-i T Spirit 3dr
£990
Toyota Yaris
1.0 VVT-i T3 3dr
£995
Toyota Yaris
1.0 VVT-i 16v GS 3dr
£995
Toyota Yaris
1.0 VVT-i T3 3dr
£995
Toyota Yaris
1.3 VVT-i TR 5dr
£995
Toyota Yaris
1.0 VVT-i T3 3dr
£995
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There's a host of safety features as standard, including anti-lock brakes, two front airbags on the base model, and curtain airbags on the next model up. The car also gets a five-star occupant safety rating in Euro NCAP tests, and three stars for pedestrian protection.
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The Yaris is one of the shorter cars in its class, but you still get a good amount of space inside considering it's a supermini. Rear passengers shouldn't complain, and those in the front enjoy good forward visibility because of a high seating position.
The car is also surprisingly practical, with the rear seats folding completely flat to enlarge the luggage space.
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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
Ownership cost
How much does cost to run a Toyota Yaris?
With insurance starting at group 1 for the 1.0-litre and 3 for the 1.3-litre, your premiums should be low. Fuel economy isn't bad, too, with these engines returning 52mpg and 47mpg respectively.
The smaller petrol Yaris models sit in car tax band C, while the diesel is in band B. The hot 1.8-litre SR lets the range down with an unhealthy group E and insurance at group 7.
The Yaris isn't the most expensive supermini to maintain, compared with some rivals such as the Renault Clio, but it's a little more expensive than the Vauxhall Corsa or Peugeot 207.
Toyota dealers aren't that expensive when it comes to getting your Yaris serviced, but you could save about 40% by switching to an independent garage.
Even the earliest cars are still covered by the three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, so you should be looking at least a year's worry-free motoring.
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
Can I buy a car with cash?
Paying cash isn’t always an easy way to a new car – and you may not be able to get the big discounts you might expect
Our recommendations
Which used Toyota Yaris should I buy?
Of the four engines available, we reckon the 1.3 petrol is best. You get an average of 47mpg, and it's by far the most popular version sold, so you won't have any trouble picking one up.
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The 1.0-litre engine is a bit too small for a car this size, while the range-topping 131bhp 1.8 is fast but pricey to run.
The 1.4-litre diesel is the most fugal at 63mpg, but is far rarer and prices are noticeably higher than those of the others.
The five-door version is much more common on the used market, and is also slightly more expensive to buy second-hand. Other than better access to the rear seats, it's no more practical than the three-door.
The Yaris is fairly well equipped, but the lowest T2 trim comes only with a CD player, remote central locking and two airbags.
The better T3 model has air-con curtain airbags and an upgraded stereo, while T-Spirit gets climate control, alloy wheels, and keyless entry and start. The sporty SR has upgraded suspension and seats.
There is an automatic MMT gearbox option, but its jerky nature means it's generally not well liked by owners.
Tips & Advice
Avoid ULEZ and clean-air zone fines
If you regularly drive into a clean air zone, you’ll want to ensure your next car is compliant to avoid costly fines
Toyota Yaris owner reviews
Sort by: Most Recent Star rating
Les
Toyota Yaris petrol
Likes: Value, Reliability, Servicing
Dislikes: Running costs
May 4, 2026 9:07 PM
Absolutely love it! In seventeen years the only non expected cost was a new exhaust and a new battery! It has been used as a van and a standard car. It is a workhorse.
How reliable is the Toyota GR Yaris ?
Toyota GR Yaris
Read reliability
Used cars available now
In partnership with
Toyota Yaris
1.0 VVT-i T3 5dr
£750
Toyota Yaris
1.0 VVT-i T2 3dr
£990
Toyota Yaris
1.0 VVT-i Colour Collection 3dr
£990
Toyota Yaris
1.3 VVT-i T Spirit 3dr
£990
Toyota Yaris
1.0 VVT-i T3 3dr
£995
Toyota Yaris
1.0 VVT-i 16v GS 3dr
£995
Toyota Yaris
1.0 VVT-i T3 3dr
£995
Toyota Yaris
1.3 VVT-i TR 5dr
£995
Toyota Yaris
1.0 VVT-i T3 3dr
£995
See all available cars
About the writer
Name: Stuart Milne
Title: Digital editor
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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.
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