Toyota Yaris Hatchback (2006 - 2011) 1.0 VVT-i T Spirit Nav 5d (2011/11) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Sensible, stylish and knows a bit of luxury when he feels it.

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

Love it to the point of being tight-lipped and jealous.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Definitely.. I feel like I've got the luxury of a bigger, more expensive car but in the perfect dimensions with the benefits of cheap tax (£30) insurance (cat 3) and great fuel economy. I just want to keep getting in it and going for a drive, I love it so much.

What are you likely to buy next?

I plan to keep this one for at least 7 years.. then I would look for something just the same again.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£6,200

When did you buy the car?

January 2015

Did you get a good deal and why?

The condition, year, spec and mileage were all very reasonable and the car had just been discounted by another £250.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I was looking for a smaller car that was reliable, economical, refined and comfortable, with a practical and spacious interior.

What was the dealer like?

The dealer was excellent. I needed finance for the car and despite changing jobs and addresses quite frequently my application went through without any problems.

What's it like to drive?

It's absolutely brilliant to drive. I accept that I'm not going to race up hills or drag race cars at the lights.. but that's not why I bought it.. If I wanted to drive like an idiot I would have bought a hot-hatch. The 1.0 litre engine is incredibly refined and quiet to the point that I can't even hear when I need to change gears. Was beginning to thing I'd bought a hybrid it's so quite. Even on the motorway it quietly speeds along. The steering has just the right amount of feedback to take corners with confidence and the ride is more like that of a luxury car and completely the opposite to most car magazine reviewers opinions (jittery and bouncy..ha!... try perfectly cushioned!). My last car was a megane and it was rough, unrefined, and unreliable!

What's it like to park?

A complete doddle.. turns on a sixpence, great visibility.. and parking sensors. The other day I reverse parked into a tiny gap effortlessly.. normally I would have kept on driving and looked for a bigger space.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Only had it a few days and no problems so far.

What's most practical about your car?

I love that it's a five door and so easy to get in and out of in car parks. I'm 5'. 10" and there's tons of head and legroom for all 5 passengers (and I like to sit high and upright. The steering wheel also adjusts for reach meaning I can get really comfortable. Plenty of cubbies and the boot is also large and practical with a 60/40 sliding and folding rear seats.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I love the usb option.. no more cd wallets stowed in the dash. Took a while to get used to the Sat-Nav controls.. but after a bit of playing around and reference to the quick-guide it's really usefull.. no more flimsy and awkward sat-nav attachments that decide to fall down just when you need it.