Reviewers vs owners.

[Pixelle.]

I am thinking of changing my car for a  brand new one to last me a long while.

Last week drove an AYGO X and found it a decent little car to drive. Apart from the ridiculous tiny back window, It felt solid and is well equipped. All the reviews I have read are very critical about the X engine. I understand what they are saying but I found it ok on the open road and the gearbox was a joy when the engine needed a little ‘encouragement’. These days I drive steady and enjoy the experience now that I don’t have to do it for a living. This X seems like it does the job it is actually meant for.

I can’t stretch to changing my 70 reg. (18500 mileage) Yaris mk 4 for a new one and am only doing about 3500 miles a year, so I thought a brand new X would be perfect.  Am I nuts to do this or should I run the Yaris into the ground. I have driven dozens of vehicles in my lifetime and but this car will have to last me a long time and I think the X will be cheaper to run and maintain. 

Please let me know your thoughts on this and also AYGO X owners experiences.

Thanks.

[Wiz201]

No, I personally wouldn't run a car into the ground. Its best to swap it when its still got some value left. Did you try the manual or the automatic? If you want an easier life, the CVT Auto gearbox is very good. It roars and whines a little when going up motorway slip ways but other than that, its quiet and smooth.

[Pixelle.]

Thanks Isobel, 

No, I've  only tried the manual version. I love the instant torque on the Yaris but it isn't a game changer. How was yours on the motorway?

[APS]

What is it the Aygo does that your Yaris doesn't? 19000 miles is virtually new in my books.

From a purely financial point of view, buying a new car will always be the most expensive option. For the thousands of pounds your car will lose in value each year for the first five years or so, you could keep a secondhand car going for decades. 

Like a used car, a new one will also cost money to run, in service and consumables, and it is no guarantee against breakdowns. Using a good and trustworthy garage for your used car can be much better investment.

You buy a new car to get access to the latest tech, refinement, and to spoil yourself a bit (because you're worth it :) 

 

 

[Eddie G]

1 hour ago, Pixelle. said:

I am thinking of changing my car for a  brand new one to last me a long while.

Last week drove an AYGO X and found it a decent little car to drive. Apart from the ridiculous tiny back window, It felt solid and is well equipped. All the reviews I have read are very critical about the X engine. I understand what they are saying but I found it ok on the open road and the gearbox was a joy when the engine needed a little ‘encouragement’. These days I drive steady and enjoy the experience now that I don’t have to do it for a living. This X seems like it does the job it is actually meant for.

I can’t stretch to changing my 70 reg. (18500 mileage) Yaris mk 4 for a new one and am only doing about 3500 miles a year, so I thought a brand new X would be perfect.  Am I nuts to do this or should I run the Yaris into the ground. I have driven dozens of vehicles in my lifetime and but this car will have to last me a long time and I think the X will be cheaper to run and maintain. 

Please let me know your thoughts on this and also AYGO X owners experiences.

Thanks.

Do around the same miles as yourself each year and also looked at an Aygo X but the bonkers tyre sizes and limited choice of tyre put me off enough to get a 2020 1.5 I.C.E Yaris instead and keep long term, so far a topper choice.

[Pixelle.]

HThanks Isobel, 

No, I've  only tried the manual version. I love the instant torque on the Yaris but it isn't a game changer. How was yours on the motorway?

[TonyHSD]

If you are after an automatic keep the Yaris. 
Toyota hybrids offer the best in the business automatic transmission and this is a huge benefit over any other type of auto transmissions available to date from any car manufacturer. 
If you don’t mind manual or simply enjoy driving manual and would like to run the car to the ground which is absolutely the best ever thing when owning a Toyota, then a new Aygo X manual might be even better than Yaris hybrid. 
The reasons are two - low miles the hybrids aren’t really viable especially compared to a small petrol only ( same or similar mpg), unless automatic is at most.  Second- because Yaris has a traction Battery that with age it might need replacement. 15+ years and out of warranty will cost around £2000. 

And finally why Toyota cars are the best brand to buy new and run to the ground and others aren’t- because Toyota like any other car in the first 3-5 years are liability., you need to pay finance, services in dealer, etc 
But after that period  they become a true asset- you just need to drive sensible and maintain on time and these cars will continue to serve you well for another 10+ years without monthly payments or major repairs needed while most others will fell apart and cost you more than actual car value.
The worst of all  are all Battery electric cars and phev ⚠️🪫

[Wiz201]

1 hour ago, Pixelle. said:

Thanks Isobel, 

No, I've  only tried the manual version. I love the instant torque on the Yaris but it isn't a game changer. How was yours on the motorway?

She's really good, keeps up with the majority of traffic. At the most, the engine revs up to 4krpm to get up to speed, then it goes down again. I've driven a Yaris as well when I had my aygo in for repairs, and tbh apart from a little easier time on the throttle, I didn't miss it going back to the Aygo.

[Cyker]

Yeah I think these reviewers are too used to 9 million horsepower cars and just have no sense for normal cars anymore. The Aygo engine is fine for what it is, and just needs to be revved to get at the power but auto journalists are too used to having a zillion torques at their disposal to get that.

Regarding the car swap, unless you have a problem with the Yaris or just really hate it, I'd keep it - It just doesn't make any sense, at least financially, to swap them over for no reason as they are in very similar segments, and you'll loose a big chunk of money.

The Yaris should be cheaper to run and last longer - It will need less fuel, less brake changes, will never need a clutch or any belts changed, and the engine will never be as stressed as the Aygo's because it always has support from the electric motors when pushed.

The only reason to change would be if you're getting this 12v Battery problem so many Mk4 Yaris owners have experienced due to low mileage, but if you're not then IMHO the Yaris is the better car.

[Kental]

I've run a manual Aygo X for 2 months and 1500 miles on a variety of roads.  I do 18 miles each way to work on mainly 40 - 50 mph A roads and it keeps up with traffic no issues. I test drove the auto, but I found the way the revs flared annoying and the manual gearbox is a joy to use.

On dual carriageways it will keep up with sensible traffic if you drop a gear or two. once at speed even though you are doing over 3500 revs, it is not noisy.  In fact much more capable than we were expecting.

[TonyHSD]

22 minutes ago, Kental said:

I've run a manual Aygo X for 2 months and 1500 miles on a variety of roads.  I do 18 miles each way to work on mainly 40 - 50 mph A roads and it keeps up with traffic no issues. I test drove the auto, but I found the way the revs flared annoying and the manual gearbox is a joy to use.

On dual carriageways it will keep up with sensible traffic if you drop a gear or two. once at speed even though you are doing over 3500 revs, it is not noisy.  In fact much more capable than we were expecting.

+1 for Aygo X manual. 
In fact it is very engaging car to drive and the manual gearbox and clutch are pleasure to use.
The cvt auto will be a great choice for those who prefer automatic cars and don’t usually drive a lot to warrant a hybrid and take away the burden of the flat 12v batteries.
For me if auto is needed I will rather get a Yaris hybrid, but Aygo x cvt will be the better choice for some owners/drivers. 

[Pixelle.]

On 10/28/2024 at 1:01 PM, Eddie G said:

Do around the same miles as yourself each year and also looked at an Aygo X but the bonkers tyre sizes and limited choice of tyre put me off enough to get a 2020 1.5 I.C.E Yaris instead and keep long term, so far a topper choice.

Thanks Eddie, I will bear that in mind. Seems like something I need to think about.

[Pixelle.]

1 hour ago, Kental said:

I've run a manual Aygo X for 2 months and 1500 miles on a variety of roads.  I do 18 miles each way to work on mainly 40 - 50 mph A roads and it keeps up with traffic no issues. I test drove the auto, but I found the way the revs flared annoying and the manual gearbox is a joy to use.

On dual carriageways it will keep up with sensible traffic if you drop a gear or two. once at speed even though you are doing over 3500 revs, it is not noisy.  In fact much more capable than we were expecting.

 

44 minutes ago, TonyHSD said:

+1 for Aygo X manual. 
In fact it is very engaging car to drive and the manual gearbox and clutch are pleasure to use.
The cvt auto will be a great choice for those who prefer automatic cars and don’t usually drive a lot to warrant a hybrid and take away the burden of the flat 12v batteries.
For me if auto is needed I will rather get a Yaris hybrid, but Aygo x cvt will be the better choice for some owners/drivers. 

On 10/28/2024 at 1:51 PM, TonyHSD said:

If you are after an automatic keep the Yaris. 
Toyota hybrids offer the best in the business automatic transmission and this is a huge benefit over any other type of auto transmissions available to date from any car manufacturer. 
If you don’t mind manual or simply enjoy driving manual and would like to run the car to the ground which is absolutely the best ever thing when owning a Toyota, then a new Aygo X manual might be even better than Yaris hybrid. 
The reasons are two - low miles the hybrids aren’t really viable especially compared to a small petrol only ( same or similar mpg), unless automatic is at most.  Second- because Yaris has a traction battery that with age it might need replacement. 15+ years and out of warranty will cost around £2000. 

And finally why Toyota cars are the best brand to buy new and run to the ground and others aren’t- because Toyota like any other car in the first 3-5 years are liability., you need to pay finance, services in dealer, etc 
But after that period  they become a true asset- you just need to drive sensible and maintain on time and these cars will continue to serve you well for another 10+ years without monthly payments or major repairs needed while most others will fell apart and cost you more than actual car value.
The worst of all  are all battery electric cars and phev ⚠️🪫

Hi Tony,

I won't need finance so that won't be a burden. When I was doing high mileage my company cars were replaced every two years and serviced multiple times a year. Only serious problems I had in 17 years was a diesel that didn't do snow and a Cavalier that broke down once. My cars were run and run. The Aygo X or my Yaris will not be.  It is a bit unfair of me to compare the Yaris 4 to the Aygo X cos thay are so different not least in price.  The Yaris Hybrid auto is lovely to drive but not as engaging as the  X manual.  Thank you for you reply, I will take your comments on board. Pix

[Wobbly Spanner]

I was in a similar boat with a Skoda Fabia TSI. I dropped from 95hp to the Aygo.  I dont miss the power. Most of my driving is normal and you only really notice the lack of grunt on a short slip road or decent hill. I actually enjoy revving it and like the buzzy engine sound. There is more tyre noise than my Fabia on a motorway, so if its a rougher surface its a bit noisy but most motorways are smooth and its no bother. 

gearbox is a joy and just love driving it.

The finances of keeping an old car going versus new normally comes down to being cheaper on an older car if its decent and not an expensive type car wirth pricey problems. I purchased the Aygo because I wanted it, I also like 10yr warranty and cheap simple motoring.

I have had big cars, fast cars, super quiet cars. None of them made me smile like the Aygo does.  Rear seat room is rubbish but I rarely ever take anyone other than front passenger seat. 

[Mojo1010]

Suggest to keep the Yaris mk4, it's a much better car than the Aygo X. Just change the 12v Battery for a bigger capacity yuasa 45Ah if/when the current one give problems. 

[Pixelle.]

4 minutes ago, Wobbly Spanner said:

I was in a similar boat with a Skoda Fabia TSI. I dropped from 95hp to the Aygo.  I dont miss the power. Most of my driving is normal and you only really notice the lack of grunt on a short slip road or decent hill. I actually enjoy revving it and like the buzzy engine sound. There is more tyre noise than my Fabia on a motorway, so if its a rougher surface its a bit noisy but most motorways are smooth and its no bother. 

gearbox is a joy and just love driving it.

The finances of keeping an old car going versus new normally comes down to being cheaper on an older car if its decent and not an expensive type car wirth pricey problems. I purchased the Aygo because I wanted it, I also like 10yr warranty and cheap simple motoring.

I have had big cars, fast cars, super quiet cars. None of them made me smile like the Aygo does.  Rear seat room is rubbish but I rarely ever take anyone other than front passenger seat. 

Hi Wobbly Spanner,

I think you have just made me remember what it was about the Aygo X I liked the most....It made me smile too!  LIke you,  I've driven a fair amount vehichles in 50 + years of motoring and my little Ford KA (not the very early type) made me smile too. Moved very well up Garrowby Hill and was fun in York traffic. They got  rid of the fun version in favour of a  KA+ which was so utterly staid. I like the Yaris 4, It's a nice shape etc. but it just lacks something in character. 

Thanks and enjoy the X

[Pixelle.]

1 minute ago, Mojo1010 said:

Suggest to keep the Yaris mk4, it's a much better car than the Aygo X. Just change the 12v battery for a bigger capacity yuasa 45Ah if/when the current one give problems. 

Hi  Mojo1010,

I really object to having to do such a thing. Never had to change a Battery in a car. I will take your answer and suggestion on board. I've already had the AA out once.

 

Thanks for your reply.

 

 

[Wiz201]

29 minutes ago, Pixelle. said:

Hi Wobbly Spanner,

I think you have just made me remember what it was about the Aygo X I liked the most....It made me smile too!  LIke you,  I've driven a fair amount vehichles in 50 + years of motoring and my little Ford KA (not the very early type) made me smile too. Moved very well up Garrowby Hill and was fun in York traffic. They got  rid of the fun version in favour of a  KA+ which was so utterly staid. I like the Yaris 4, It's a nice shape etc. but it just lacks something in character. 

Thanks and enjoy the X

I agree about the Yaris lacking character, it just felt boring when driving it. What also concerned me was that the parking area I go to for the stables is muddy, and the Yaris I borrowed couldn't reverse over a really deep bit whereas the Aygo with the lighter weight doesn't struggle at all.

[Mojo1010]

The small capacity Turkish Battery in the Yaris mk4 is probably the biggest gripe amongst owners. My car is just over a year old and using it regularly enough to not have any problem with it so far. I'll get rid of it pronto if it show signs of problems in the future for a yuasa. 

Aygo X is a good little car, briefly drove it when my car went in for a service. Apparently it has a much larger capacity 12v Battery. The decision will obviously rest on what you want/need. 

Opinions are subjective as always, I find the Yaris has plenty of characters, more so than many of the previous small cars I've owned/driven. The handling is very good in the fast country roads, it's makes me smile. Find the quietness of ev mode is a positive character I like. It's the best small car I have owned. 

[Puglet]

We've owned a Mk1 (15 years+) and a Mk2(7 years+) versions both with the toyota 1.0 engine/running gear, albeit ours are the Peugeot variety, and both have been very reliable, cheap to run and maintain and agree they also a fun drive to boot.

The new Aygo X, unlike it's predecessors, is not a cheap or simple car anymore, been ruined by the lawmakers and extra mandatory tech, but that same for all cars, but it more noticeable in this sector.

Saying that an Aygo X would definately be in my next car wishlist, even though I would prefer a 3 door and less tech, but with the state of the current city car sector, you have to take what you are offered. As mentioned the rear seats/doors/windows/boot are a compromise on the Aygo X, but they were on the previous versions, so if that is important to you then you may want look further up the Toyota food chain.

   

[TonyHSD]

8 minutes ago, Puglet said:

We've owned a Mk1 (15 years+) and a Mk2(7 years+) versions both with the toyota 1.0 engine/running gear, albeit ours are the Peugeot variety, and both have been very reliable, cheap to run and maintain and agree they also a fun drive to boot.

The new Aygo X, unlike it's predecessors, is not a cheap or simple car anymore, been ruined by the lawmakers and extra mandatory tech, but that same for all cars, but it more noticeable in this sector.

Saying that an Aygo X would definately be in my next car wishlist, even though I would prefer a 3 door and less tech, but with the state of the current city car sector, you have to take what you are offered. As mentioned the rear seats/doors/windows/boot are a compromise on the Aygo X, but they were on the previous versions, so if that is important to you then you may want look further up the Toyota food chain.

   

Aygo X is as simple as it can be a small car in 2024. 
There is absolutely nothing to bother you about maintenance, except obviously the odd tyres sizes and the higher tyre prices. But there will be always some offers so really its a perfect car for young drivers or retirement. 

[davidif]

18 hours ago, Mojo1010 said:

Suggest to keep the Yaris mk4, it's a much better car than the Aygo X. Just change the 12v battery for a bigger capacity yuasa 45Ah if/when the current one give problems. 

Subjectively I've no doubt that its a better car. However I recently enjoyed a day in an Aygo X whilst my Yaris was having a warranty repair and I thoroughly enjoyed it BTW my Yaris is a GR Four!!

Sometimes you simply cant beat a simple and basic car.

[Puglet]

1 hour ago, davidif said:

Subjectively I've no doubt that its a better car. However I recently enjoyed a day in an Aygo X whilst my Yaris was having a warranty repair and I thoroughly enjoyed it BTW my Yaris is a GR Four!!

Sometimes you simply cant beat a simple and basic car.

Praise indeed, your Yaris GR would fulfil my 3 door wish, but in all other aspects is completely the other end of the spectrum. But in one respect they also similar in that Toyota built them where other manufactures have pulled out of the city car and the ultra performance car markets. 

[Kental]

The Aygo drives well, with the Exclusive you get LED lights that are fantastic so still fun to drive on country roads at night when avoiding the roadworks on the main roads.  Single track roads with passing places don't need anymore power, but positive steering, small size and a brilliant gearbox make it such fun.

[Kental]

18 hours ago, Puglet said:

We've owned a Mk1 (15 years+) and a Mk2(7 years+) versions both with the toyota 1.0 engine/running gear, albeit ours are the Peugeot variety, and both have been very reliable, cheap to run and maintain and agree they also a fun drive to boot.

The new Aygo X, unlike it's predecessors, is not a cheap or simple car anymore, been ruined by the lawmakers and extra mandatory tech, but that same for all cars, but it more noticeable in this sector.

Saying that an Aygo X would definately be in my next car wishlist, even though I would prefer a 3 door and less tech, but with the state of the current city car sector, you have to take what you are offered. As mentioned the rear seats/doors/windows/boot are a compromise on the Aygo X, but they were on the previous versions, so if that is important to you then you may want look further up the Toyota food chain.

   

Our daughter has a 2016 Pug 108 1.0 which is a fun drive, but I can't get on with the clutch.