Toyota Yaris Hatchback (2006 - 2011) 1.4 D-4D TR (6speed) 3d (2011/11) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It doesn’t really make a statement, so I suppose it says that the owner values reliability above image.

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

I'm from a family of VW fans, so reactions have been fairly lukewarm and I don't think that anyone's been won over! Friends have commented that it's relatively easy to get into/out of the back seats for a three door.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I'd definitely have another Toyota! This one is two years old and has done almost 68,000 miles with no issues at all. The new Yaris doesn't seem as practical but I've driven a top of the range Hybrid model and quite liked it.

What are you likely to buy next?

Possibly the new Yaris Hybrid T-Spirit. I'd like something a bit bigger though, so might take a look at the new Auris estate

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

May 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

N/A: it's a company car.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

It's a company car - my list was quite limited and this seemed the best car on there.

What was the dealer like?

When I was deciding which car to choose, the dealer that I went to was really helpful, even though they knew whatever I chose would be a company car, so wouldn't be ordered through them.

What's it like to drive?

Variable, but generally not great. The handling feels wobbly and imprecise through corners. The ride quality is poor. The car really jars over bumps and seems to find unevenness on roads that look perfectly smooth. It can be so bad that on several occasions I’ve actually got out of the car thinking that I’ve got a puncture, when it’s just the poor ride. The car is very good on the motorway and it does ride much better on these surfaces. It also picks up speed to overtake nicely, even in sixth gear. The D-4D engine is quite a refined unit for a diesel, and I usually get an average of 55-60mpg. The engine usually has enough power for overtaking and slogging up hills. I've had quite a few sets of tyres and found that the Goodyear Duragrip tyres seem to suit it best.

What's it like to park?

Really easy – it’s very short and visibility is fairly good.

Have you had any problems with the car?

It’s covered over 67,000 miles in the last two years and I’ve not had any problems yet. Having said that, service intervals @ 10,000 miles are a bit of a joke for a diesel car in this day and age.

What's most practical about your car?

I like the sliding rear seats. During the week, when I have my kit in the boot I have them slid forward then at weekends if I'm giving friends/family a lift I slide them back for more rear leg room. The cubby holes in the dash are really useful for a small car like this.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Mine’s the TR spec, which has most of the basics (remote locking, air con, electric windows, alloys, MP3-compatible CD player, fog lights, etc) It’s nice to have an Aux input. It's worth spending £40 on a set of Toyota mudflaps, otherwise the rear of the car gets dirty very quickly. Also, I've found that the Yaris isn't too good in the snow, so invested in some snow chains, which were well worth the money.