Toyota Yaris (1999 - 2005) 1.0 VVT-i T Spirit 3d MMT (2004/54) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Well the powder blue clue colour is a good clue to the gender of the person driving! But nothing really except that I've a 'sensible' car....

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Who cares?

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes-the interior space is cleverly designed, with a plethora of storage areas, and durability seems good, despite lightweight construction. Trim is decent quality too-we felt it was 'cosy' after a Citroen.

What are you likely to buy next?

Probably a Volvo C30 for my wife.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,285

When did you buy the car?

February 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

A reasonable deal given the car has only done 32000 miles.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

As a first car for my daughter to use after test, due to low insurance, low road tax and good mpg. Had a toyota before which was very reliable which is important for young girl driver.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Surprising good on the motorway, hums along quite nicely-would have been even better if Toyota hadn't been so mean with the sound deadening. The MMT box is a an improvement on the simialr arrangement in Citroens C3, and fine in flat areas. Steep hills require kick down, but then it sets off too fast. Better to use the manual overide in hilly areas. The headlining does not have sufficient support and vibrates over poor surfaces-which is the most annoying aspect of the car.

What's it like to park?

Well its small, so its hardly difficult, but mine came with dealer fit front and rear parking sensors, which help, although they are not as sophisticated as say BMWs.

Have you had any problems with the car?

All second hand cars have faults, but it only took me a weekend to get the car as i wanted it-and I am picky. It has survived its first 7 years very well. Build quality leaves something to be desired-brackets and fasteners are flimsy, but the interior plastics are solid enough to stand up to ham-fisted mechanics.

What's most practical about your car?

The adjustable rear seat is a clever use of space, and there is a surprising amount of knee room in the back, and access with the 3 door is much easier than some reviews suggest. Headroom is a bit low if you are over 6 foot.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The holographic type dash is a gem, quite unexpected in a car at this level, and well placed so the wheel doesn't obscure the view of the speedo as in so many cars. There isn't really any toys missing in the Spirit version.