Buying A Yaris ...help

[zaki.boss]

Hi people of the Toyota world.

This is my first post, and needing some help already.

I have heared that the Mk1 Yaris have bulletproof Engines ,and can go for AAAGES if looked after properly.

i need some honest opinions,

there are 2 yaris's for sale near me, and i need a reliable one for a run about.

1) the first is 2001 TRADE seller , 86,000 Miles and he says the timing chain has been done ,and recent service, MOT till JUL 2016. at £400 (he took it in for P/x)

2) 1999 Yaris, Private sale coming from a little family, 161,000 Miles and by the sound of it, its been cared for, they have owened it for 7 years, and done them proud, selling due to too many cars in drive. the rear springs, fron bushes, exhaust, and fueltank been recetly replaced. also at £400

i feel like the first one, they guy is just trying to offload to someone, the second is "high" miles but im confused.com :p
help plz

[FROSTYBALLS]

Hello Zak - welcome to Toyota Owners Club.

Think the important factor here is condition. See if you can actually view both cars.

[MEP's Yaris GS]

As above. I'd also want to know why the chain has been changed - this could mean there have been, or are to be serious issues to come, and could show previous neglect. The chain is a lifetime part, our Yaris a friend now owns, has 195k miles on the clock and is on its original chain! (998cc Petrol GS that we owned from new).

[bathtub tom]

Three rules for dealing with a car trader:

1. Don't believe a word they say.

2. Don't believe a word they say.

3. See rule one.

I'd also wonder why the cam chain's been changed. I thought they last forever with regular oil changes, but if the oil hasn't had regular changes................................................................................

[eyemdee]

I would agree with all the comments above and will add my 2p's worth. The first one has done half the miles and is two years younger. Also you have more recourse in law if you buy from a trader. If there are any serious faults with the car then the onus would be on the trader to put them right or refund your money. If the trader thought the car had any serious problems he would likely dispose of it through the auctions. As above, check the condition of both but if similar then there is no contest IMHO.

[Cyker]

Tricky... While there is more recourse with a dealer, I too am wondering about that chain replacement.

If the previous owner was tricked into getting it done by an unscrupulous garage then okay, but other than that the only reason to replace the chain is usually due to engine abuse - e.g. if it's stretched because of constant jerky driving, corroded due to irregular oil changes or poor quality oil, overheated etc.

Changing the chain is a fairly expensive procedure and not something that is done lightly!

With private sellers, I'd recommend getting a mate who knows about cars to check it over first as if it turns out to be a dud then you have no recourse (Like my brother found out recently when he bought an Audi which turned out to have a duff gearbox! Top tip: Always be suspicious of a car that's been warmed up before you arrive!!)

I personally would keep looking as there are loads of better examples out there. That said, for £400, it's hard to have too high expectations!

[MEP's Yaris GS]

That said, for £400, it's hard to have too high expectations!

Couldn't have put it better myself.

[bathtub tom]

I recently sold a '93 Kia Pride for £400. It had a new MOT and service, but at that end of the market I think it's not a bad price even if it only gives a years motoring.

[MEP's Yaris GS]

I recently sold a '93 Kia Pride for £400. It had a new MOT and service, but at that end of the market I think it's not a bad price even if it only gives a years motoring.

Exactly. Assuming you get £50 scrap at the end of that year, £350/12=£29.16 a month for the car - damn thats cheap motoring!