Which Yaris

[oldcodger]

Hi,  

Our old Corolla is getting rather past it and looking for replacement, keynote - drive comfort,

The new Corolla is just too expensive for our needs, and the Auris did apprear to be the natual upgrade for the our old  Corolla, but seems there are few late secondhand ones as it proved such a popular buy during covid etc.

That brings us to the Yaris which is a little shorter than our Corolla  but otherwise quiet similar in space.

The current 2020 on  Hybrid only model does make us rather nervous about repair costs (despite the partial 10 year warranty options)  of the hybrid system if needed, so wondered if a previous 2019 model non hybrid 1.5 might be a better buy ? 

Also not sure about any major engine problems with the 1.5  ?  eg piston rings, bores etc  as on some other Toyota  engines over the years.

Any guidance appreciated.

 

 

[Stevie J]

Depends also if you want a car with manual transmission, because all hybrids are automatic CVT transmissions.

My mother got a 2019 Yaris Icon Tech 1.5 petrol back in February when I acquired her old 2014 Yaris. She for the same reasons as you, didnt want a Hybrid, and didnt want an automatic, being 78 years old, she was afraid of the totally different driving style of Hybrids, and the problems when the Hybrid Battery gets over a certain age and fails to hold a charge, which is a problem affecting all electric cars - once the main Battery fails after 8 - 12 years, the car is going to cost an absolute fortune to replace Battery packs.

The Yaris petrols on the 2017 - 2020 (67 - 20) year plates are the ones with the 1.5 engines, previous models, 61 - 17 reg will have the older 1.33 engine

The 67 - 20 plate Yaris is pretty much the same as the older models from 61 - 17 reg, but there are some differences, the main one being the engine size, and also they have a different style of instrument cluster, they have lane assist, and crash damage avoidance plus a few other differences. 

My mother says the car is fine for her, and it is the 4th Yaris she has now owned - they are simply a great car, and ideal size for going into tight garages unlike bigger models of Toyota.

You'll pick up a late model Mk3 petrol non hybrid for under 13000 usually, with the one my mother bought being a 19 plate with 9000 miles on the clock costing £12500 from the Toyota dealer near her in Telford. Hybrids are substantially dearer, and you'll be looking at 17 grand for a 19 plate with low mileage, at least.

Later model 1.33 engines are safe from the oil consumption problem - they seemed to have it sorted after 2013 so 2013 - 2017 models should be fine as long as they are looked after and have the oil changes done when they should be.

If you are going for a 2017 - 2020 model then the Icon Tech has everything you'll need, including cruise control, front fogs, DAB radio, A/C and lots of other features.

[TonyHSD]

Hi, 

currently the used Toyota cars prices are out of touch in reality. Way too expensive and it’s a rare occasion to find a good examples. If you have circa £20k I highly recommend to you to buy a brand new Yaris mk4 or Yaris cross which may come up a bit more expensive. You can make an order via carwow or drive the deal brokers and have a huge discount and bring down the price of brand new car below a used 2-3 years old example. Worth every penny. These cars typically has no problems with few exceptions of some minor cases of 12v Battery problems, some used batches made during lockdowns has corrosion issues on rear hatch hinges and door shuts, and there are some small batches with faulty damper clutches, but all that can be rectified by the manufacturer warranty. The corrosion issue it’s a serious one and best to skip on these cars, which again pushes towards a new car purchase. Yaris hybrid design can come below 20k new. We have members that are expecting their new cars to come soon and they will confirm that. 
Used mk3 petrol manual also a good choice, if you prefer cars with manual transmission or used Corolla 1.2t manual from 2019 are even better, £15k could do it. 

[Cyker]

The piston ring issues were limited to the early 1NR-FE 1.33L engines, mainly used in the IQ, Mk2 Yaris and pre-facelift Auris. I think the problem had been sorted by the Mk3 Yaris.

I will say, no Yaris is as comfy as the Mk9 Corolla tho', although they'll be better on fuel. TBH even the new Corolla isn't as nice inside as the Mk9 IMHO.

 

 

[flash22]

The 1.33 in the IQ is less of an issue as it's all built in Japan and uses a different spec engine

2nd Facelift Mk3 Yaris come in 1.5 petrol manual and multidrive (cvt auto) and the 1.5 hybrid

 

the Yaris would be similar size to your corolla, go and have a look at a few if you can find one look for a Y20 or Excel

[TonyHSD]

29 minutes ago, Cyker said:

The piston ring issues were limited to the early 1NR-FE 1.33L engines, mainly used in the IQ, Mk2 Yaris and pre-facelift Auris. I think the problem had been sorted by the Mk3 Yaris.

I will say, no Yaris is as comfy as the Mk9 Corolla tho', although they'll be better on fuel. TBH even the new Corolla isn't as nice inside as the Mk9 IMHO.

 

 

The new Corolla GR or Excel in my opinions is as good as bmw , Mercedes or Audi in the same segment. Even better than golf and. Seat Skoda. Materials and craftsmanship like. Never been on lower trial levels. Yaris is smaller car and feels like it by all means even top spec trims. But the efficiency is a top notch. Either way the older generations cars had a bit of more pleasant interiors in terms of materials choices and design usability. Modern cars are slightly on the uncomfortable side, that’s for sure. Speaking of which I think I got it why the latest cars are noisier than older ones, they do have sound proofing, we can see it but they use hard plastics a lot more and those are transmitting noise and vibrations. Look the headliner of new and older cars, my Auris has a soft touch one, very plush where newer cars omg, you touch it and you gonna scratch your skin. This is how they get so much noise , through the headliners. 

[oldcodger]

1 hour ago, TonyHSD said:

Hi, 

currently the used Toyota cars prices are out of touch in reality. Way too expensive and it’s a rare occasion to find a good examples. If you have circa £20k I highly recommend to you to buy a brand new Yaris mk4 or Yaris cross which may come up a bit more expensive. You can make an order via carwow or drive the deal brokers and have a huge discount and bring down the price of brand new car below a used 2-3 years old example. Worth every penny. These cars typically has no problems with few exceptions of some minor cases of 12v battery problems, some used batches made during lockdowns has corrosion issues on rear hatch hinges and door shuts, and there are some small batches with faulty damper clutches, but all that can be rectified by the manufacturer warranty. The corrosion issue it’s a serious one and best to skip on these cars, which again pushes towards a new car purchase. Yaris hybrid design can come below 20k new. We have members that are expecting their new cars to come soon and they will confirm that. 
Used mk3 petrol manual also a good choice, if you prefer cars with manual transmission or used Corolla 1.2t manual from 2019 are even better, £15k could do it. 

Thought the S/H prices would be falling by now, but they seem even worse and very few decent sounding private sales around on the usual sites.

Friends buying new cars, not Toyotas, still waiting 6 months for delivery, so think the problem is going to be around for some time, will pop into the local dealer and find out what the delivery times are while having a good look around.  Think the  Yaris come from CZ ?

Those friends also had the same problem that they were offered one year old cars in stock at almost new car prices, so they opted for new and a long wait, though were very happy with them when they arrived.

 

1 hour ago, Stevie J said:

Depends also if you want a car with manual transmission, because all hybrids are automatic CVT transmissions.

My mother got a 2019 Yaris Icon Tech 1.5 petrol back in February when I acquired her old 2014 Yaris. She for the same reasons as you, didnt want a Hybrid, and didnt want an automatic, being 78 years old, she was afraid of the totally different driving style of Hybrids, and the problems when the Hybrid battery gets over a certain age and fails to hold a charge, which is a problem affecting all electric cars - once the main battery fails after 8 - 12 years, the car is going to cost an absolute fortune to replace battery packs.

The Yaris petrols on the 2017 - 2020 (67 - 20) year plates are the ones with the 1.5 engines, previous models, 61 - 17 reg will have the older 1.33 engine

The 67 - 20 plate Yaris is pretty much the same as the older models from 61 - 17 reg, but there are some differences, the main one being the engine size, and also they have a different style of instrument cluster, they have lane assist, and crash damage avoidance plus a few other differences. 

My mother says the car is fine for her, and it is the 4th Yaris she has now owned - they are simply a great car, and ideal size for going into tight garages unlike bigger models of Toyota.

You'll pick up a late model Mk3 petrol non hybrid for under 13000 usually, with the one my mother bought being a 19 plate with 9000 miles on the clock costing £12500 from the Toyota dealer near her in Telford. Hybrids are substantially dearer, and you'll be looking at 17 grand for a 19 plate with low mileage, at least.

Later model 1.33 engines are safe from the oil consumption problem - they seemed to have it sorted after 2013 so 2013 - 2017 models should be fine as long as they are looked after and have the oil changes done when they should be.

If you are going for a 2017 - 2020 model then the Icon Tech has everything you'll need, including cruise control, front fogs, DAB radio, A/C and lots of other features.

That made us smile as could really relate to your mothers sentiments, though we do not have any real problem with CVT auto apart from the cost /repair potential of it and the hybrid parts, as we tend to buy our cars outright and keep them for some years rather than the moden short term lease type of deals, or are we being too out of date ??

 

 

27 minutes ago, Cyker said:

The piston ring issues were limited to the early 1NR-FE 1.33L engines, mainly used in the IQ, Mk2 Yaris and pre-facelift Auris. I think the problem had been sorted by the Mk3 Yaris.

I will say, no Yaris is as comfy as the Mk9 Corolla tho', although they'll be better on fuel. TBH even the new Corolla isn't as nice inside as the Mk9 IMHO.

 

 

Surprising comments there that our Mk9 aka  E120  is more comfortable than the new Corolla, thought that was one of its key features !

A good fewears ago we test drove a  dealers Yaris ,  a 2006-2011 model,  and found it rather noisey/boomy, thought things would have  really improved with the newer models.

While we are happy with the ride comfort for our E120,  its getting to the point where it might need a lot more work to keep running, which we enjoy doing ourselves but the body is less able to withstand grovelling under the car  etc ! 

 

 

Thanks all , very helpful   

[Cyker]

You're selling it short! Your Corolla came from a golden era for Toyota, where they were making some really plush cars that were rivalling the germans for feeling solid and well made. The build quality of that car is unsurpassed by the newer models. I don't think any of the newer ones have the satisfying door closing thunk the Mk9 has  

My brother had one and I really liked it; If I didn't need a smaller car I would have probably gotten one as my next car! (But my diesel Yaris addiction was too strong so I got another one of those instead  )

The main downsides with yours are just the fuel usage (The biggest advantage of the newer cars, esp. the hybrids, is the fuel economy just gets better and better the newer you go) and as you say the impending repairs; I don't think the Corolla is as prone, but the Yaris Mk1s from that era tend to rust beyond economical repair.

 

[Stevie J]

If you are going to be spending a lot of money on a car less than 5 years old, then I would personally not go for a private sale, there is a lot of risk involved as you will often not have any comeback if you subsequently have issues - dealers will have to give some kind of warranty although you do pay more for a car bought directly from a dealer, especially from Toyota dealers. The sort of car that you would want really is one that has been owned privately for about 4 years, then traded in at a Toyota dealer for a new car, and Toyota will then want to retail the trade in - that was what my mother's car was, the original owner only did 9000 miles in it in 3 years, and would have traded it in against a new car. Toyota will prepare the car and sell it as an approved used car with a warranty, so any problems you can take it back to them - you cant do this if you've bought a similar car privately, albeit for a cheaper price.

As mentioned also, the Mk3 second facelift with the 1.5 petrol engine does come with CVT transmission as well as manual, so you dont have to have a Hybrid if you want auto transmission, but CVT doesnt drive like a conventional automatic of old - it's totally different, in that putting your foot down for a quick takeoff will put the engine up to very high revs, and hold the revs there while the car effectively "catches up" with  the engine, like driving a manual transmission with a slipping clutch. They pick up speed in the same way, just as well, but it just seems like you are ragging the engine in order to do it.

I had a Mk2 (2006) model before my Mk3 and I would agree that it was a bit noisy and boomy - they were not the most refined cars in regards to fit and finish, just essentially a "get me from A to B" car with no frills, and not many toys and gadgets. The mk3 Petrol sadly I find rather boomy as well, but that is down to the lack of any meaningful exhaust silencer Toyota fitted to the 1.33 and 1.5 petrol engined cars - my mother's 2019 1.5 petrol also has the same exhaust fitted from stock, with only a very small bullet shape rear silencer which means they are quite noisy and throaty especially if you start it from cold and stand beside it in a garage.

[Stevie J]

14 minutes ago, Cyker said:

You're selling it short! Your Corolla came from a golden era for Toyota, where they were making some really plush cars that were rivalling the germans for feeling solid and well made. The build quality of that car is unsurpassed by the newer models. I don't think any of the newer ones have the satisfying door closing thunk the Mk9 has  

 

 

My father's last car before he passed away was a Toyota Corolla, one of the older style models from 2001 on a Y reg plate. His was the 1.4 GLS and he absolutely loved it, He bought the car in 2006 at 5 years old. That car was very well made, and he never had, in all the years he owned it, any problem with it at all. They looked a bit old fashioned, and were classed as on "old man's car" - how many of these did you see with young guys driving them lol, but it was practical, and had a massive boot, also good on fuel. We sold that car in 2019 when father went into care with Alzheimers, and all it needed to pass its MOT for the new owner was a new rear brake caliper.

That car is still on the road today, Y662TJW, as I have just checked it on DVLA and it comes up taxed and with current MOT. I havent got a photo of it to hand, but it was on Google streetview on his driveway so I have shown these pics of it - it was his pride and joy.

[Eddie G]

2020 1.5 Yaris is pick of the bunch for me, had one in the past and after hearing Scotty Kilmer on You Tube say the engine is bullet proof and lasts years was sold on getting one again over my Hybrid as a long term keeper and with doing only around 5000-6000 miles a year and the 12v Hybrid Battery in the MK4 possibly keeping it's charge or not? not as good to drive as the MK4 Yaris but the MK3 is well made and comfortable.

[oldcodger]

11 hours ago, Cyker said:

You're selling it short! Your Corolla came from a golden era for Toyota, where they were making some really plush cars that were rivalling the germans for feeling solid and well made. The build quality of that car is unsurpassed by the newer models. I don't think any of the newer ones have the satisfying door closing thunk the Mk9 has  

My brother had one and I really liked it; If I didn't need a smaller car I would have probably gotten one as my next car! (But my diesel Yaris addiction was too strong so I got another one of those instead  )

The main downsides with yours are just the fuel usage (The biggest advantage of the newer cars, esp. the hybrids, is the fuel economy just gets better and better the newer you go) and as you say the impending repairs; I don't think the Corolla is as prone, but the Yaris Mk1s from that era tend to rust beyond economical repair.

 

Did not appreciate there was such a difference with todays cars and that our 2006 was so well made,  though for the first time we had to replace  part of the exhaust this year,   the mid section, not bad for 17 years old.

We get a yearly average of 40mpg, though as our  mileage is so much lower  these days ( used to be 30k when working ) its not  so much of an issue for us.

[Mojo1010]

Having had the MK3 hybrid, now the MK4 hybrid, there's only ever going to be one winner and by a very wide margin - the MK4. It's more comfortable and much better drive and safety features than the MK3. Follow the recommendations and advice on keeping the 12v Battery topped up, there are no problem. The MK4 hybrid is probably the best small car in the world. 

[Guest]

13 hours ago, Stevie J said:

My father's last car before he passed away was a Toyota Corolla, one of the older style models from 2001 on a Y reg plate. His was the 1.4 GLS and he absolutely loved it, He bought the car in 2006 at 5 years old. That car was very well made, and he never had, in all the years he owned it, any problem with it at all. They looked a bit old fashioned, and were classed as on "old man's car" - how many of these did you see with young guys driving them lol, but it was practical, and had a massive boot, also good on fuel. We sold that car in 2019 when father went into care with Alzheimers, and all it needed to pass its MOT for the new owner was a new rear brake caliper.

That car is still on the road today, Y662TJW, as I have just checked it on DVLA and it comes up taxed and with current MOT. I havent got a photo of it to hand, but it was on Google streetview on his driveway so I have shown these pics of it - it was his pride and joy.

an elderly lady at the bottom of my street also had a silver Corolla like this. It only disappeared sometime in the last year and she now has a mid-200s Auris hatchback. Used to love driving past that and being in awe of how long Toyota's can last! 

[TonyHSD]

7 hours ago, Mojo1010 said:

Having had the MK3 hybrid, now the MK4 hybrid, there's only ever going to be one winner and by a very wide margin - the MK4. It's more comfortable and much better drive and safety features than the MK3. Follow the recommendations and advice on keeping the 12v battery topped up, there are no problem. The MK4 hybrid is probably the best small car in the world. 

Congrats on your new car. 👍

[Cyker]

11 minutes ago, TonyHSD said:

Congrats on your new car. 👍

Wait did I miss that??!!  When did you get your Mk4 Mojo??  

[TonyHSD]

14 minutes ago, Cyker said:

Wait did I miss that??!!  When did you get your Mk4 Mojo??  

You mean mojo’s mk4 😉👌

[Cyker]

That's what I saiiiiiddddd!  

 

[Eddie G]

10 hours ago, Mojo1010 said:

Having had the MK3 hybrid, now the MK4 hybrid, there's only ever going to be one winner and by a very wide margin - the MK4. It's more comfortable and much better drive and safety features than the MK3. Follow the recommendations and advice on keeping the 12v battery topped up, there are no problem. The MK4 hybrid is probably the best small car in the world. 

MK4 Yaris is very good but could have done with a bit more sound insulation and am not missing the engine start up and change over from Hybrid to Ice power felt like a tractor kicking in on start up apart from that very good it was 👍

[Ian saunders]

I own a 1.5 manual getting around 55 mpg. Find it pretty refined and if you don't want Battery fears then see it as a viable prospect ,MK4 handles better but do you need it ? 

[Mojo1010]

Got it about a month ago, want to drive it for some time to get to know it and to give a decent comparison. Done about 500 miles so far, another month then give a semi brief review, not an essay 🙂 Got a 120 miles round trip tmor. 

One 88 miles round trip returns 79.6mpg recently, I understand from u guys, it's 7-10% less in reality. But it's still fantastic. 

[Cyker]

46 minutes ago, Ian saunders said:

I own a 1.5 manual getting around 55 mpg. Find it pretty refined and if you don't want battery fears then see it as a viable prospect ,MK4 handles better but do you need it ? 

I've not driven the 1.5 Mk3 but if the engine is anything like the one in the Mk4 I'm sure it's pretty fun too   And it's a manual, which is a plus to me! I do miss having to row my own gears, but the hybrid system is so responsive it hasn't annoyed me like normal automatics do so I can't really complain. It took me a while to stop going for a non-existent clutch tho'!

The handling really is nice in the new one tho'; It feels more like a Fiesta than a Yaris. I normally consider Fiestas the benchmark for good handling, in cars people that work for a living can afford at least, so that's quite a complement! I don't know what it is with Ford as they seem to have a knack for setting up the handling in their cars. I do wonder if Toyota kidnapped some of their engineers  

 

[Cyker]

48 minutes ago, Mojo1010 said:

Got it about a month ago, want to drive it for some time to get to know it and to give a decent comparison. Done about 500 miles so far, another month then give a semi brief review, not an essay 🙂 Got a 120 miles round trip tmor. 

I shall look forward to that!  

(The good and the bad!!  )

[Eddie G]

4 hours ago, Ian saunders said:

I own a 1.5 manual getting around 55 mpg. Find it pretty refined and if you don't want battery fears then see it as a viable prospect ,MK4 handles better but do you need it ? 

Agree how many country lanes is one going to do at speed? and while the MPG is excellent in the MK4 Hybrid in the summer it does drop in the winter, for me and the lower miles i do i prefer the better refinement, it's also less complex and more comfortable mainly down to  the seats? 

[Eddie G]

3 hours ago, Cyker said:

I've not driven the 1.5 Mk3 but if the engine is anything like the one in the Mk4 I'm sure it's pretty fun too   And it's a manual, which is a plus to me! I do miss having to row my own gears, but the hybrid system is so responsive it hasn't annoyed me like normal automatics do so I can't really complain. It took me a while to stop going for a non-existent clutch tho'!

The handling really is nice in the new one tho'; It feels more like a Fiesta than a Yaris. I normally consider Fiestas the benchmark for good handling, in cars people that work for a living can afford at least, so that's quite a complement! I don't know what it is with Ford as they seem to have a knack for setting up the handling in their cars. I do wonder if Toyota kidnapped some of their engineers  

 

Handling is great on the MK4, the MK3 especially with being higher not so much but the 1.5 engine is very good along with the manual gears and that bit better refinement, both real good choices depending on what your doing with them most of the time.