Used Toyota Yaris Hatchback 1999 - 2003 reliability review
Quality for a low price, but rivals better it for comfort
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What's the used Toyota Yaris like?
Ownership cost
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Reliability
Stuart Milne
Updated: 1 January 2006
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What should I look for in a used Toyota Yaris?
By far and away the biggest complaint about the Yaris, according to Warranty Direct, is the transmission. There have been reports of whining gearboxes, but most of these should have been replaced under the manufacturer's three-year warranty.
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More common are slipping clutches, especially if the car has been used mainly in town, while uneven tyre wear is an indication of misaligned suspension, so look for kerb-damaged wheels.
Otherwise, the Yaris is a hard wearing supermini with a much higher than average rating for reliability, which explains its continually strong showings in the JD Power survey and our own reliability reports.
Tips & Advice
Check for outstanding recalls
Many cars are recalled so that faults can be put right. Recall work shouldn’t cost you a penny, and they’ll make your car safer or more mechanically robust. Checking if your car has been recalled is easy
Choose the right breakdown cover
You may already have a breakdown policy through your home insurance or new-car warranty so check to avoid paying twice
Make sure you have warranty cover
New cars usually have warranties that last between three and seven years that can help cover the cost of mechanical faults. But this protection can last longer with an extended warranty
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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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