What Do I Check On Toyota Yaris D-4D When Buying?

[9jaguy]

I am about to get a Toyota Yaris and I am looking at a 07 reg 1.4 D-4D SR - 59k miles or 57 reg 1.4 D-4D TR - 52k miles.

What are the essential things to check on the cars to make sure they have been done or that I need to do once I get it. Thanks a lot.

[FROSTYBALLS]

Use the recall checker on the Toyota website - just input the reg number: see http://www.toyota.co.uk/owners-info/recall-checker

[Catlover]

It would be really good if it had full service history, at specified intervals, and at a Toyota service centre. Other then that, stamped service history on time at other service centres.

12 month MOT would be good but its not the be all. If you not technically proficient, hire the RAC or other professional to do a check on the car.

A warranty, even if at that age a 3 month/6 month period.

Check all tyres for tread and condition, if it has air con, which it will, check that it is cold.

Do a online check to make sure its free from finance, not been written off etc

Some of the above may cost you but if you not sure it may be all worthwhile.

[rufnek2kx]

It would be really good if it had full service history, at specified intervals, and at a Toyota service centre. Other then that, stamped service history on time at other service centres.

12 month MOT would be good but its not the be all. If you not technically proficient, hire the RAC or other professional to do a check on the car.

A warranty, even if at that age a 3 month/6 month period.

Check all tyres for tread and condition, if it has air con, which it will, check that it is cold.

Do a online check to make sure its free from finance, not been written off etc

Some of the above may cost you but if you not sure it may be all worthwhile.

Can't recommend this enough. totalcarcheck.com do it for about £2.89. Definitely worth it for peace of mind.

[9jaguy]

Thanks a lot, what about things like timing belt or chain? At what mileage do they have to be replaced? I have heard that they use chains and don't have to be replaced, just need to be sure.

Any other parts of the engine or body to ask questions about? Thanks.

[MortenEriksen]

If possible check for diesel oil in the engine oil. This problem has killed a few engines. http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?/topic/150250-2010-Yaris-D4D-Problem

Sent from my iPhone using Toyota OC

[Madasafish]

Thanks a lot, what about things like timing belt or chain? At what mileage do they have to be replaced? I have heard that they use chains and don't have to be replaced, just need to be sure.

Any other parts of the engine or body to ask questions about? Thanks.

The chain should last the engine life.

BUT if the oil has not been changed frequently or is the wrong spec, the chain can wear.

Start up when cold and listen for rattles/rustling noises near the filler cap..

As for checking, switch on the ignition. Lots of warning lights should go on and should go out after 10 secs. Start the engine. If it is cold, the ONLY warning light should be the cold coolant (blue).

But to be frank, if you have to ask, there is no way you are going to pick up some faults. As above RAC or AA inspection.

[9jaguy]

Thanks a lot for the advice and help. Struggling to get a D-4D at the moment with the money I have, may have to look at the 1.33 VVT-i. They are a bit cheaper.

[Catlover]

I struggled to find 1.4D's for sale full stop. To get the price/spec/colour/year etc I ended up buying from an outlet just south of Sheffield, some 80 miles away. Yes you pay more for similar year/spec petrols, but thats because they cost more in the first place. Worth it in my mind though, keep lookin you may get a private sale of a low mileage for the year, perhaps a year older then a petrol but the same price. Life is a compromise at times.

Joe

[Cyker]

I didn't think those ones were that rare! The Mk1 D4Ds are rare as heck, esp. ones with 5 doors! :D

[Catlover]

I am sure you agree petrols are more common then diesels, so that is the start of a problem. Then I said price/spec/colour/year came into the equation - colour because the wife got her 1.4D just 2 months earlier and I was told I couldnt have the same colour, that made life harder as I like the colour of hers. I wont have a 3 door car, so that makes life harder still. And so it went on, I had a max budget to work to. All in all, there was nothing within a reasonable distance from me at that time.

[9jaguy]

Found one, hopefully picking it up on Friday, it's a D-4D SR trim, 74k miles for £3900. Got full Toyota service history with 7 stamps. Hopefully it's as clean as the pictures suggest. Fingers crossed :)