Toyota Yaris SR (2007 - 2009) 1.8 VVT-i SR 3d (2008/57) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Can't quite afford the insurance on a proper GTI?

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

Everybody likes it and thinks it was a sensible Japanese choice.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No I want something faster.

What are you likely to buy next?

Civic Type R hopefully!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£6,700

When did you buy the car?

December 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

They wouldn't move on the price much, but in the end I got £300 off with 2 new tyres fitted.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Looking for a reliable and fast hatchback without the crazy insurance cost.

What was the dealer like?

The dealer was ok. I went on three test drives in a variety of different roads which helped. The dealer I had went to earlier that day (looked at and nearly bought a Fiesta ST) only let me go on a set route, he wasn't very flexible.

What's it like to drive?

It's not quite a hot hatch, it is something inbetween. It handles well but isn't a really hard ride, you do feel the bumps though. It accelerates well, better than the official figures suggest. I've done 0-60 in under 8 seconds, the official figure is 9 or 9.3 depending on where you look. It needs a 6th gear for the motorway runs for a more relaxing drive, but the car never sounds or feels strained, but if you drive at 80mph it's creeping close to 4000rpm, which is abit buzzy. A nice amount of torque from 2500 rpm onwards, 90% of its maxiumum infact, which starts to drop off once you get to 6000 rpm it's not one of these cars that only gets a decent amount of power after 4000 rpm. In all would be nice to have some more power, but a decent drive.

What's it like to park?

The turning circle is crazy because of the 17' alloys it feels like manouvering a barge in comparison to my old car on 14s. But its ok you get used to it.

Have you had any problems with the car?

I am glad I bought from a Franchised dealer. Had a new clutch under extended warranty after approx 16k miles. Drivers headrest was broken. Unusual timing type noise (like a constant high pitched zingy sound) which the dealer says is normal. Rattles abit Problem with the AC system, I think that is something to do with the timing sound mentioned. RRG Bolton and RRG Altrincham have both been hit and miss with returning calls. Was hoping for a trouble free Toyota, maybe I got a lemon? Should have guessed as such after finding out I was the fourth owner in three years.

What's most practical about your car?

Uhmm The sliding rear bench is a good feature. It is quite roomy inside aswell. Fits 4 adults without any issues with the rear bench pushed right back.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Keyless entry and push button start is nice feature. I have also have the bluetooth kit installed into mine, which is great. The Climate control and AC is also good. The electric mirrors are also nice, wish they could be folded electrically aswell though!