Toyota Yaris: Navigating through 25 years of evolution

Toyota Yaris debuted 25 years ago, and we now have the fourth generation on the market. The car has pleased customers every time a new model appeared. It is appreciated for its low failure rate, high durability, and spaciousness. We are looking at each generation to check which one will be suitable for whom.

The first-generation Toyota Yaris is a good car for novice drivers and commuters. Unfortunately, it is not cheap but offers low running costs (fuel consumption and repairs) and remarkably low unreliability. These factors affect the price, although one might get the impression that the first Yarises are somewhat overvalued.

While prices start extremely low, a well-maintained unit can cost about £1,400-£2,000. Similar German or French cars in similar condition cost about £400-£800 less. There is also a difference with cheaper cars, but rather in technical condition than pricing.

When inspecting the car, it is vital to check the condition of the chassis because that is the most crucial. The chassis and sills can be heavily corroded. Engines generally do not cause problems, although the vehicle's age should be considered. They are solidly made, with fewer leaks than French, German, and especially Italian ones. On the other hand, they are somewhat more complicated and sensitive to neglect. Gearboxes are not remarkably durable, but there is no need to worry. A significant advantage of the Yaris is stable electrics and electronics.

There are not many engine options. The 1.0 petrol engine (65 or 68 HP) is a good option for driving as cheaply as possible. There is also a 1.3 version with better dynamics and power of 86-87 HP. In turn, the diesel 1.4 with 75 HP is good, but it will be much more expensive to repair in case of faults. Fuel consumption is slightly lower, but the pleasure of driving compared to the 1.0 petrol is much higher.

A big plus for the diesel is the absence of a dual-mass flywheel, DPF filter, simple injection system, and solid timing chain. If you find a good unit, it will not require any repairs for many years. Unfortunately, it meets the relatively low Euro 3 standard.

Sporty TS variants with a 1.5 engine (105 HP) are almost rare. If you want to buy such a car for driving, now is a good time because the prices have not yet skyrocketed. They may soon be significantly higher. Generally, however, well-maintained Yarises keep their value well regardless of the version. So, it's worth maintaining an excellent unit in good condition after purchase.

Remembering the Yaris Verso version, a somewhat unique variation on the theme of a family car in segment B, is worthwhile. It is not exactly a station wagon or minivan, but it is very spacious. Unfortunately, driving at higher speeds is not very pleasant due to the high and narrow body, especially in windy conditions.

It is even more spacious but still small. It is safe, drives well, and remains technically economical and uncomplicated. Its maintenance costs are practically the same as its predecessor's, and it feels like a much more modern car during operation.

Second-generation prices are higher. The cheapest cars, usually excessively worn but still running, cost around £800. Drivers showed no mercy for many fleet units, especially those with the Diesel 1.4 D-4D engine.

A fair-standing car can be bought for about £1,200-£1,400. Excellent units cost several thousand. Those with low mileage and good condition will not be enough for £4,000. Interestingly, the TS sports model does not stand out here. It is more expensive than cars in worse condition, but you will pay as much as for a nicely maintained Yaris 1.33.

Speaking of engines, the 100-HP 1.33 petrol engine had problems with rings and took oil. It was often repaired. Today, it is risky, but not too bad. It should not be confused with the 1.3 version with 87 HP, which is booming. However, choosing the 1.0 petrol version with a modest power of 69 HP is safer.

Proper, excellent Diesel 1.4 D-4D units can be risky if they were neglected in the past. If the car does not have high mileage and is in private hands, such a diesel will last a long time and will not require a lot of money. There is no dual-mass flywheel, although DPF and piezoelectric injectors appeared in 2008. The turbocharger and the new injection system are more expensive than in the first generation. Although the block and head are the same, all the accessories compared to the first generation have changed. The engine meets the Euro 4 standard.

Corrosion remains a problem for the Yaris, but electrics are a strong point. Due to its age, the second generation has less damage caused by rust. Beware of automated transmissions. They are neither comfortable nor durable and can be troublesome, so buying a car with a manual gearbox is better.

When faced with purchasing a Toyota Yaris of the third generation, we have a completely new dilemma. Namely, the alternative to petrol and diesel engines has become a hybrid. And each of these options is good, though with certain drawbacks.

Hybrids are the most expensive to purchase but have excellent dynamics and are potentially the least prone to failure. If you buy a good unit, operation costs will be the lowest. Hybrids rarely require servicing and consume the least fuel.

Petrol 1.5 with 111 HP (since 2017) has better dynamics, mainly on paper; one might think it is the most desirable drive option. However, it is worth knowing that it also came with a continuously variable transmission. It delights with dynamics, but only with a manual gearbox. It has a pleasant character and does not scare off conservative technophiles like the hybrid.

We also have the diesel 1.4 from previous generations with 90 HP and a modified injection system (return to electromagnetic injectors). It is a good choice because it has the best performance and consumes little fuel. Thanks to the six-speed manual transmission, the characteristics are enjoyable. Of course, the weak point can be the technical condition and costs of repairs in the event of a severe fault. Unfortunately, the diesel meets only the Euro 5 standard. This variant was offered until 2017.

Finally, there are two petrol versions: 1.0 and 1.33. The weaker one (69 or 72 HP) is a fleet classic and a good proposition for the cautious. The more robust unit producing 99 HP is the predecessor of the 1.5 variant and has similar performance. It's a golden mean between the base engine and the others and a cheaper alternative for those looking for a more powerful petrol engine but do not have the money for a newer car.

It's important to emphasize that choosing any unit in the Yaris III is a good choice. However, not everyone may like the characteristics and dynamics. Also, selecting this car is good because it represents an excellent compromise between price and age. Prices are higher than those of competitors, but proportionally, not as much as those of older Yarises. Only the price range is enormous.

Purchases are possible from about £2,400, but the most expensive cars are valued at over £14,000. Here, the year and mileage depend on most, not just the car's condition, as with Yarises I and II. For a good-looking vehicle from the beginning of production with a reasonable mileage, you must pay about £4,000, roughly the same as its predecessor in good condition. The market for the third generation is somewhat healthier.

From the point of view of reliability or durability, definitely. Although the first voices of dissatisfaction are already appearing, the main reason is battery discharging—a global problem for Toyotas for some time now. The cars do not start after a few days of standing. The rest are minor, sporadically occurring electrical faults—previously Yaris's most vital point.

The 1.0 engine has been almost wholly transferred from its predecessor. It even has the same power of 72 HP. It is also a design known as Aygo. It was durable and economical, but fleets bought such versions almost exclusively. Unfortunately, it sometimes struggles with the operation of the manual gearbox mechanism. It is not super precise.

The 1.5 unit with as much as 125 HP is attractive. With a manual gearbox, it's a little rocket, especially since this generation's Yaris has the best driving qualities. Yet the hybrid version with 116 HP remains the king of this Yaris instalment.

It is more modern and economical, though undoubtedly operating in a way not acceptable to everyone. The buzzing three-cylinder engine is one thing, but many feel irritated when combined with a continuously variable transmission. However, fuel consumption of about 5.6 litres per 100 km in summer is within reach, although in winter, you should prepare for values of about 6.2 to 7.1 litres per 100 km.

One cannot fail to mention the Cross variant, constructed like a Yaris. It's a successful and aesthetically pleasing urban crossover that copes in all conditions—as long as you do not take it off-road. Unlike the classic Yaris, it is available with all-wheel drive.

Car prices start from about £9,000, but you must pay at least £12,000 for a hybrid. That's a lot for a car in this class. A few years ago, such an amount could buy a new B and C-segment car. So, I would not call a used Yaris IV a tempting deal because, for much less money, you can also buy a good Yaris III or a Suzuki Swift from the same year, but with a mileage four times less.

Buying a first-generation Yaris only makes sense when looking for a cheap but reliable car. If you have a budget above £2,000, it's already worth looking, negotiating, and buying a Yaris II. It is a more spacious and much more modern car. It can serve as a family car. You can quickly go on a more extended trip there.

The third generation represents a significant technological breakthrough. Often, we have multimedia (although they sporadically appeared already in the second generation), safety systems, and rich equipment. In addition, the car is nicely made from materials suitable for this class, but in the more expensive versions. It drives well and has strong engines. The vast price range also gives a wide choice of configurations, years, and mileage. For example, starting in 2020, you can buy an excellent, well-equipped Yaris III for about £2,000-£3,000 lower than a fleet Yaris IV.

A fourth-generation Yaris as a used car is still too expensive, and if you do not intend to go on long trips often, it is not worth the purchase. Of course, the matter of taste remains because the car looks much better than its predecessor, but it must also be in an excellent configuration. The Yaris III is the optimal choice between practical values and price up to about £8,000. Meanwhile, the Yaris II is the best proposal for those who want to buy a decent small car for reasonable money, up to about £4,000.