Toyota Yaris T Sport (2001 - 2005) 1.5 VVT-i 3d (2004/04) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

You have done your research and not gone for a pap french alternative i.e. Citroen saxo vtr.

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

Most people dont know what a tsport is as the brand never took off like 'Hondas type r'. people tend to think its a standard yaris until they get up close and i point out the differences and even more so when i take them for a drive.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I wouldnt buy the same car twice. Im happy with my choice of car, and would have chosen this car again now knowing what its like to own. if i were to summarise this car in a sentence id say: "Its a brilliant car overall with great performance handling, running costs and very reliable!!"

What are you likely to buy next?

Mini cooper s, when i can afford the insurance.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£7,500

When did you buy the car?

May 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

yes they knocked £500 off eventually and threw in mats and a tank of fuel.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I have always loved the way the car looks and the fact i cant afford the insurance on a hot hatch. The performance for a group 7 car was also a main factor.

What was the dealer like?

Pushy, keen, after service was not very good as did not seem to like me using my 1 year warranty when i bought the car.

What's it like to drive?

Brilliant, for a car of this size in this insurance group i think you will struggle to find a better handling and accelerating car. Its very quick off the line and will embaress most more powerful cars i.e. 2.0 saloons to 70 (0-60 is only 8.7 secs) and sticks to the road like its on rails. can be hard to put power down in wet. Theres a lot of feel through the wheel and is very chuckable and is easy to control. starts to feel bit wobbly unstable at 100mph plus but stays stable to 90, bearing in mind it is a narrow city car. Only thing i would complain about this car is, it is upright and isnt a great laid back driving position like some alternative cars, not much legroom can get uncomfy on long journeys.

What's it like to park?

good visibility all round, easy to manouver with electric mirrors (handy to watch the curb so you dont graze your wheels). Turning circle is large for a car of its size.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing major, water pump was making a clicking noise at 25k miles, got replaced on warrenty (eventually) and clutch release bearing has been making a ticking noise since 40k miles. nothing major happened, could have carried on using car with out replacing these only the ticking and clicking noises were very anoying. i have owned this car since it has had 24k on the clock and now has 70k, i use it daily 50 60 miles a day and it does get a pasting through the gears pretty much every day also. Only things what have needed replacing are wear n tear items, tyres etc, overall very reliable bullet proof engine, pulls like it did at 24k and doesnt burn any oil at all so far.

What's most practical about your car?

Upright cabin is roomy for a car of its size, and sliding rear seats are useful when a bigger boot is needed.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Im going to seriously bore you with this part.. Tell you everything i love... analogue t sport dials standard bodykit, skirts n spoiler 15" alloys sports seats 1.5 vvti engine close ratio gearbox