Yaris 2003 Semi Automatic

[dtpelle]

Hello,

Just after a bit of advice. I am looking for a runaround car and have been offered a Yaris 2003 semi automatic model via a friends granny :-) It has only done 40K. I just wondered if anyone could offer any thoughts on what I should look out for? I am a bit worried about the age of the car but then again only 40K on the clock should be okay?

Any help would be appreciated thank you

Donna

[FROSTYBALLS]

Hello Donna - welcome to Toyota Owners Club.

The semi automatic gearbox is actually a manual gearbox with an automated clutch. Several manufacturers have used these - Toyota, Fiat, Vauxhall and Mazda. Whilst they're working OK they are fine. However when they give problems they can be expensive to fix.

You may be better to look at a manual.

[dtpelle]

Got some more details on the car:

£1,500

Toyota Yaris 1.0 VVT-iT2 3DR MMT

2 elderly Lady owners

Mileage 29600

MOT - November 2014

Tax - November 2014

What does expensive look like should the gearbox need a fix? It's been awhile since i have owned a car. Is t2 a basic model?

Thanks again

[FROSTYBALLS]

The T2 is the base version.

Have a look at the following reviews: http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/used-reviews/toyota/yaris/hatchback-1999/

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/toyota/yaris-1999/

With the Honest John review in the Good/Bad section, the last 'What to watch out for' point reads:

21-6-2013: MMTs failing regularly, potentially landing owners with bills of of to £2,200, which can be more then the value of the car

[dtpelle]

Thank you both very much for your help, I will look into a little more :-)

Donna