Toyota Yaris (1999 - 2005) 1.4 D-4D GS 5d Owner Review

I bought this car as a stop gap whilst I was repairing my old car. It was a really fun and easy car to drive. Never felt sluggish, had a surprising amount of space in it (I moved a 6' G-plan sideboard in it!!) and then engine always felt good. Handling is great, not light and wishy washy like some small cars, but just right. The interior felt really well put together but when I needed to work on anything it was simple to fix. That said.........Mine was high mileage. When I purchased it I had to change the wiper mechanism (£10 online and less than 30 minutes work), then the wheel bearings needed changing (£60 a side...ouch). The drivers side window mechanism went crooked, which seems to be a common issue in them , meaning you had to help it up. Again that was an easy 30 minute fix, but the vast array of versions made it hard to get the right one. Then the gearbox bearing shattered whilst driving. So recondition gearbox for £900 fitted. And what put the nail in the poor cars coffin was the back end rusted out. Including the main suspension beam!! I feel sorry for this car as it was a great car. Felt really well put together. BUT, make sure your's has been looked after well. nice and clean underneath. Make sure you know if it was made in Japan or France as this will influence the ease of getting parts. Would I have another.....YES, but I'd never buy it in the dark again!