Toyota Yaris (1999 - 2005) 1.3 VVT-i T3 5d Owner Review

I wouldn't go as far as to say that it's the best car I've ever owned, but it's pretty darned good, and for the price you pay, is hard to beat. I drive with quite a heavy right foot and my current commute involves about half an hour of country roads driving with a fair amount of slowing down and speeding up. I average around 43mpg, which for a car of this age, the types of miles covered and the style of driving, I think is really good. Boot size is decent - better than our 59 plate Mini Cooper, and can be made bigger with the sliding rear seat. Back seat space is good too. I can fit our child seat in the back seat and still have enough leg room in the front seat, directly in front, despite being 6'2". Lots of cubbies for storing bits and bobs, a good glove box for cds, an under seat tray under the passenger seat for discreet storage, and cup holders too. Electric windows in the front and electric door mirrors, abs, driver and passenger air bags, air con and a cd player. Fun to drive - good handling and the 1.3 is nippy enough for stress free overtaking. Small size allows you to fit in narrow or small spaces for easier parking, and visibility is pretty good too. Overall, I'm very happy with the car. It's a great little car for short trips, e.g local commutes and trips to the shops, and fitting into tight spaces is a breeze. The only disadvantages I can think of right now are: The cloth trim on the seats bobbles easily and looks a little scruffy; I find the seat a little uncomfortable/unsupportive, - I tend to get a bit of backache; Not a motorway car. - It can keep pace with traffic easy but is noisier at higher speeds, as you would expect, and feels a little small and vulnerable compared to larger, more modern cars.