Toyota Yaris
(2005 - 2010)

  • Typical excellent Toyota reliability
  • Low cost of ownership and insurance
  • Immense storage for driver and passenger
  • The 1.5-litre motor is fun to drive
  • Small boot even for this segment
  • Interior not aging all that gracefully
  • Lacking in safety and infotainment tech
  • 1.3-litre variant not that engaging
Watch our video review
Overview

Chances are if you’re reading this you’re in the market for an affordable, practical, small suburban runabout that needs to be reliable, efficient and if possible, easy and enjoyable to drive.

Well you’ve come to the right spot. If a Corolla is just a bit too big and a skateboard isn’t quite practical enough, the Yaris might just be the car for you.

But now this generation Toyota Yaris is getting a little long in the tooth, should you buy one?

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What goes wrong
  • The Yaris is generally bulletproof when it comes to reliability and we have found there are no “common” issues, but if you’re in the market for one, like any car, try to find one with a comprehensive service history
  • As the Yaris is very affordable, many owners may be on a tight budget and therefore, may skip certain servicing and maintenance
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Model range, pricing and features

YR

  • Price when new: $14,990 - $18,690
  • Price used: $2,000 - $13,500

The base model Yaris isn’t exactly drenched in features but is fitted with everything you’ll need for a trusty suburban transport companion.

Available with only the 1.3-litre engine, we’d recommend looking higher up the Yaris food chain.

Standard features:

  • 4-speaker stereo
  • ABS
  • Climate control
  • Auxiliary and USB audio inputs
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • CD player
  • Remote central locking
  • First row cup holders
  • Disc brakes (front ventilated)
  • Power windows
  • Cargo cover
  • 14-inch Steel wheels with wheel covers
  • Enhanced safety pack (optional)
  • Metallic paint (optional)
  • Telescopic steering column (as of October 2018)

Rush/Edge

  • Price when new: $14,860 - $50,919
  • Price used: $10,000 - $35,990

Mechanically identical to the YR, the limited edition “Rush” and “Edge” variants featured purely cosmetic additions for a small premium over the base model YR.

Rush/Edge adds:

  • 15-inch alloy wheels
  • Front & rear fog lamps
  • Branded floor mats
  • Aluminium badging (Edge)
  • Six-stack CD player

YRS

  • Price when new: $19,890 - $21,130
  • Price used: $2,500 - $13,500

The base model of the 1.5-litre variants is still limited on features but does make for a more appealing package than the YR, Rush and Edge.

YRS adds:

  • Grille painted to match body colour
  • Electronic Stability Control (standard from 2009)
  • Traction Control (standard from 2009)
  • Mesh grille design
  • Metallic finish interior inserts
  • Vanity mirrors for both driver and passenger
  • Metallic paint (optional)
  • Side, full-length curtain & driver’s knee airbag (Standard from October 2010)

YRX

  • Price when new: $18,290 - $23,530
  • Price used: $4,000 - $14,500

The top spec Yaris YRX is the one to get.

A post 2009 will be equipped with the full compliment of features, safety tech and infotainment goodies and the 1.5-litre engine will keep you entertained.

YRX adds:

  • 15-inch alloy wheels
  • Front bumper lip and sideskirts
  • Rear lip spoiler
  • Multi-function control screen
  • Front fog lights
  • Leather steering wheel
Should you buy it?

This generation of Toyota Yaris may very well be our pick for cars in this category.

An incredible ability to handle abuse, immense reliability and longevity, a versatile interior and a fun driving experience are only let down by some ageing infotainment tech (which is easily remedied), some underwhelming levels of safety (which are not terrible in anyway) and vanilla looks (which can be spiced up with some aftermarket alloy wheels if need be).

If you’re in the market for any car in this category, a Yaris should be at the top of your list.

Warranty & servicing

Warranty:

3-years/100,000kms

Servicing:

10,000kms or every 6 months

Tech specs

Body style:

  • 3-door hatch (Edge, YR, YRS, YRX)
  • 5-door hatch (Edge, Rush, YR, YRS, YRX)
  • 4-door sedan (YRS, YRX)

Engine & outputs:

  • 1.3-litre 4-cyl, 63kW / 121Nm (Edge, Rush, YR)
  • 1.5-litre 4-cyl Petrol, 80kW / 141Nm (YRS, YRX)

Transmission:

  • 5-spd manual or 4-spd automatic, front-wheel drive

Fuel use (combined):

  • 6.5L/100km (1.3-litre petrol)
  • 6.7L/100km (1.5-litre petrol)

Dimensions:

  • Height: 1530mm (hatch), 1460mm (sedan)
  • Length: 3785mm (hatch), 4300mm (sedan)
  • Width: 1695mm
Disclaimer

Information correct as of April 09, 2021.

The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.

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