2000-2004 Yaris

[600rob]

Im looking at buying a Yaris in the next week or so and im after some useful buying tips and things to look out for when buying one of these cars. Iv only just started looking at cars for sale and im not 100% familiar with the various models/engines but my budget is £2500 and im looking for a 1.3 model ideally but I will consider the 1.0 version.

Ive seen quite a few in my price range that were manufactured around 2000-2003. I might be able to stretch to an 04 model if I find a good one. Bearinf in mind the age of the cars I will be looking at and the mileage (between 60-100k)

One specific question I have is regarding the cam chain.

Since its a chain and not a belt does it have a service interval to be replaced? Or does it just need checking and adjusting? Whatever the case can someone tell me the standard procedure with the cam chain and what I should be looking for in the serviced history.

Other than that im looking for any other general buyers tips and things to lookout for when buying a yaris.

Thanks

Rob

[Cyker]

Chain cam should last the life of the engine; Just make sure the car gets regular oil changes and it should be okay.

Mine's not needed any adjustment so far so not sure what the procedure would be...

As for the car, there are quite a few threads talking about that sort of thing, and there is an article over at http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/toyota/yaris-1999/?section=bad which has a few of the more common things.

I'd recommend checking the boot undertray (Open the boot, push the rear seats all the way forward and then lift the boot tray) to make sure the space-saver spare wheel and the toolset is there and that it isn't full of junk (Mine was full of sand and had half a tree in it )

Make sure the passenger seat undertray is still there assuming the model you get has one.

alloys are usually pretty bad which is a good haggling point.

For the most part they're pretty hard wearing tho'.

[600rob]

Nice one thanks for the tips and link.

keep em coming folks

[Madasafish]

I am "madf" on Honest John and wrote some of the above in the HJ review. Not much to add..Watch out that the ABS light comes on and goes off after 5 secs when you switch on ignition. (Unscrupulous sellers hide ABS faults by removing bulb).

Rear exhaust boxes corrode.

ARB bushes wear.

The auxiliary belt will need replacing after 100k miles or lots of years... check for cracks...

Check for damp front carpets.. - possible body floor bungs displaced.

Car Mechanics has an article on them this month. Tells you less than the above link.

The timing chain is self adjusting.. any noise means replacement which is £200 in parts PLUS several hours work... so NOT cheap think £600 +/-.

Watch for uneven tyre wear front and rear.. tracking..