2008 Toyota Yaris Reviews

Ewan Kennedy road tests and review the 2005, 2006, 2011, 2014 and 2015 Toyota Yaris as a used buy. The Toyota Yaris is a smaller brother to the big selling Toyota Corolla but is still a reasonable size and may well be all you need if you only ever need to carry one or two people. Indeed, a Yaris can be used as a

Toyota Yaris is the smallest car in the Japanese giant's range that's sold in Australia. It replaced the popular Toyota Echo in November 2005, in turn Echo had superseded the not particularly popular Toyota Starlet in 1999.Yaris is a significantly larger car than Echo and can seat four adults in more comfort than you might expect. It can be used as a family car if the children are in their pre-teen year and even, with some compromises, can carry four adults.The boot is on the small side in the three and five-door hatchbacks, but their rear seat slides forwards, as well as folds flat so you can juggle the amount of luggage/people room you need. A four-door sedan arrived in March 2006 and has a lot more boot space than the hatches.Rough sealed roads can challenge the suspension and the ride is fairly bumpy on occasions. Tyre noise on some coarse chip surfaces is loud enough to be unpleasant. The handling is nicely balanced for a small Japanese car, though you wouldn't mistake it for a European machine. Yaris has understeer if you push really hard, but there's no sign of it at sensible speeds.Noise and vibration are well damped and on good roads and motorways it offers the sort of refinement you would expect from a car that's a full size larger. Power comes from four-cylinder engines of 1.3- or 1.5-litre capacity. Both use variable valve timing to give reasonable torque across the rev range. The engine isn't all that happy to rev to the top of the tacho, but Yaris isn't that type of car so that's hardly a problem.The manual gearbox is a five-speed unit, the automatic transmission has only four forward gears. A good home mechanic will be able to do a lot of the work that doesn't affect the safety of the car. Underbonnet room is understandably tight so expect some frustration and the occasional dribbles of blood.There are Toyota dealers all over Australia, indeed due to the popularity of the marque in country areas Toyota is probably represented in more out of the way places than any other maker. On the other hand, remote outback dealers may not have parts in stock for the Yaris, meaning you may have to wait for unusual bits to be freighted up from the city.Insurance costs are generally good and there doesn't seem to be a great variation from company to company. Nevertheless it's still smart to shop around, always being sure to compare apples with apples in the way of cover and/or extras.WHAT TO LOOK FOR Rust is not likely unless the car has been badly repaired after a crash. So if you do find rust be very suspicious.Trim, seats, dash top and carpets should all be in close to new condition with no tears or other damage. Look out for the interior of a car has been mistreated by bored children. And check the boot in case someone has crammed stuff into there to the extent of damaging the opening.Make sure the engine starts promptly, idles smoothly, accelerates without hesitation and doesn't blow smoke when worked hard.Manual gearboxes should be smooth and quiet in operation and not clash gears on fast downchanges from third to second.Automatics should be smooth and there shouldn't be any delay in it going into gear from Neutral or Park.The brakes shouldn't pull the car to one side no matter how hard they are applied. Make sure the ABS operates correctly – feel for a pulsing through the pedal when you hit it hard indicating the ABS is in action. Don't forget to check the rear view mirror first!If there's the slightest doubt about anything in the Toyota Yaris, have a professional do the final inspection and get a quote for all defects, even apparently minor ones.CAR BUYING TIPSmall cars used in city areas wear more quickly than big cars in the country. So don't let low kilometre readings cloud your judgement.

IT wasn't too long ago that the cheapest class of new car was something of a driveaway then chuckaway choice.Hyundai's Excel was a game-changing device that appealed not so much for its compact, urban-friendly size, but because here was a functional new car for $13,990 with five years' warranty coverage. If it was a rudimentary device, it was also less than half the price of a new Commodore or Falcon -- the default choices in those days. Great numbers of these were used, abused (many a bonnet was never so much as opened, let alone routine maintenance performed) and, yes, chucked away for whatever trade-in or private buy could be eked. Much has changed.While still driven by price -- a new Suzuki Alto has an $11,790 starting price -- the city car segment is no more driven by that than any. These are proper cars, stuffed with the technical, safety and feature comfort equipment of anything bigger and more expensive -- think the full outfit of airbags, the latest engines and Bluetooth streaming.At least the most recent are, which is why those you see on this page are no more than five years old. Competition is feverish for the 130,000-odd annual sales in this segment.As the weekday traffic conditions of Melbourne and Sydney have increasingly come to resemble those of Rome or London, it's started to dawn on us that small of size (less than 4m long) and frugal of thirst (under 6L/100km) is just what's required for a commute that's typically less than 15km.They're also sound family second cars, useful for a dash down the shops, and ideal for the leaner driver in your clan. Being small and not over imbued with power, a city car is a great starting point for the L-Plater to acquire the basics.HOT TIPSManuals almost always work better with small engines.Cheap cars aren't always maintained so buy from a dealer.Ensure your selection has the latest safety upgrades -- they used to be optional on city cars.2011 Honda Jazz GLI GEEngine: 1.3-litre 4-cylinder petrolTransmission: 5-speed automaticThirst: 6.6L/100km CARSGUIDE SAYSThe spacious and practical Jazz is a favourite for its use of interior space. The 2011 safety upgrades bring it up to class standard.2007 Toyota YarisEngine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrolTransmission: 5-speed manualThirst: 5.8L/100km CARSGUIDE SAYSThere's been a new generation Yaris since but it retains much of this car's hardware. Indeed, some argue the interior fit and finish is superior on the older car. If this automatic sedan is about to see 100,000km, we know owners who are happily north of 150,000 with nothing to complain of.2008 Mazda 2 GenkiEngine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrolTransmission: 5-speed automaticThirst: 6.8L/100km CARSGUIDE SAYSThe first of Mazda's jellybean 2s still sells on looks alone five years after it replaced the staid, boxy first generation model. The 100K on the clock is generally no big deal. Against the high klicks is the kit of the top spec Genki, which came with the full complement of safety kit airbags which were originally optional on the lesser variances.

Small cars are in, in fashion that is, since downsizing became sensible in this gridlocked world. In the shrinking process they became serious cars for most people rather than cars just for the impoverished.NEWMarketing men threw around words like, refined, sophisticated, funky and safe, words that were once unheard when the conversation turned to mini motors. The Yaris was Toyota's entry in the new small car world, and you guessed it, it was bigger and more refined.The stylish newcomer had broad appeal with the choice of 3-door hatch, 4-door sedan and 5-door hatch body styles, two engines, and the option of 5-star safety. If compared to its predecessor, the Echo, the Yaris comes up trumps for it roominess and comfort. Front seat passengers treated to improved comfort and rear seat occupants given more space.The two engines on offer were a 1.3-litre four-cylinder unit that delivered 63 kW and 121 Nm, and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit that gave a more appealing 80 kW and 141 Nm. With extra power and torque, and only marginally more fuel consumption, the larger engine is clearly the one to go for.It delivers smooth drivability and sits comfortably on the highway speed limit, and only uses a little more fuel than the smaller unit, which has to work harder to get the job done. Yaris buyers could choose between a 5-speed manual gearbox and a four-speed automatic.The auto didn't have a manual mode, but that's nothing to be concerned about, those systems aren't often used in any case. Road testers at the time were high in praise for the Yaris's comfort and build quality, rating it higher than its rivals. Its ride was rated as comfortable, its handling responsive, the only criticism that consistently came to the fore was a jerky throttle.NOWToyota vehicles have a perception of perfection when it comes to quality and reliability, but the reality is that they can break down like any other car. But the Yaris is generally sound and has no serious flaws that would cause potential buyers any concern.The engines are robust and reliable, and the same goes for the transmissions and drivelines. Reports we have received from Yaris owners show that they are happy with the reliability of their cars, and they like the resale value, both laudable attributes in a car.On top of that they praise the roomy cabin, the storage space, the performance and the fuel economy. Their criticisms are that the headlights are inadequate outside the urban area, the seats are small and unsupportive, the throttle is jerky and the front grounds out when crossing drains and gutters.Check for a service record that shows a regular routine of servicing. Like all modern cars the Yaris thrives on fresh oil and clean filters, fail to service them only leads to greater expense long term. Being a small car and often bought by those on a tight budget, servicing can be neglected, with some owners hoping to pass the car on before trouble strikes.SMITHY SAYS If you're a small shopper give the Yaris a go, it's a good little car. 4 starsToyota Yaris 2005-2010Price new: $16,490 to $21,790Engine: 1.3-litre 4-cylinder, 63 kW/121 Nm; 1.5-litre 4-cylinder, 80 kW/141 NmTransmission: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manualEconomy: 6.0-6.1 L/100 kmBody: 3-door hatch, 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchVariants: YR, YRS, YRXSafety: 4-star ANCAP, 5-star with safety pack 

Spiralling petrol prices mostly fuelled the demand for affordable, well-built small cars that were economical and practical, and Toyota responded with the Yaris.The Yaris took over from the Echo as the starter model in the Toyota range, but it represented a huge step forward in the small car class.MODEL WATCH While the Echo was popular and offered the usual Toyota qualities of build quality and reliability it was still a bare bones small car built for people who couldn't afford anything bigger.The Yaris was bigger than the Echo and brought with it a new level of refinement for those who chose to drive small.There was also plenty of choice in the Yaris range, with a selection of three-door and five-door hatch body styles, and a four-door sedan, and three levels of equipment.With a curvy, sculptured shape the Yaris presented a fresh, vibrant face to the small car world when it was launched in 2005, and it has remained so six years later.Despite its small size the Yaris offered a surprising amount of room and comfort thanks to some clever packaging and efficient use of space.A high, upright seating position created a roomy cabin with generous headroom and ample knee room, even in the rear.Not only was the cabin roomy for four - it was a squeeze for five - but it was also quite practical with the rear seat able to slide and fold to liberate a decent amount of space to carry bulkier items in the rear.Storage throughout the cabin was also generous with 25 storage compartments to swallow all manner of smaller items.The range starter YR was powered by a 1.3-litre double overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine that gave 63 kW at 6000 revs and 121 Nm at 4400 revs, the other models had a 1.5-litre double overhead cam engine that delivered 80 kW at 6000 revs and 141 Nm at 4200 revs.There was also a choice of a five-speed manual gearbox and a four- speed auto, and drive was through the front wheels.On the road the 1.3-litre engine, while adequate for the task, lost some of its edge when connected to the auto.With more punch the 1.5-litre got the job done more comfortably with either gearbox and was more pleasant to drive as a result.Equipment levels were quite good with even the base model having air, remote central locking, CD sound, and power windows, mirrors and steering.IN THE SHOP There has been little complaint from Yaris owners suggesting they are content with their lot.With little to be concerned about potential buyers should focus on the service side and check to make sure their potential buy has seen the inside of a service shop every 10,000 km or six months as Toyota recommends.Once that's established start looking closely at the body for signs of crash damage that hasn't been repaired well. Mismatching colours, overspray, oddly coloured window tinting that doesn't match the other windows, doors, bonnets and hatches that don't open and close smoothly are some of the giveaways to look for.Listen for clunks and rattles inside and out when driving, and make sure the transmissions shift readily without hesitation.IN A CRASH All models had the safety basics of dual front airbags and antilock brakes, but there was also an optional Enhanced Safety Pack that added front side and curtain airbags along with a knee airbag for the driver for comprehensive crash coverage.ANCAP gave the small Toyota a creditable four stars in its base form, but five stars when equipped with the safety pack.AT THE PUMP It's came as no surprise that the Yaris was an economical little car, after all that was one of Toyota's design objectives.Toyota claimed the 1.5-litre models would do an average of 6.1 L/100 km with the manual gearbox and 6.7 L/100 km with the auto.Having to haul the same body as the larger engine the 1.3-litre models were only marginally more economical at 6.0 L/100 km in manual form and 6.5 L/100 km in auto guise.Road testers recorded figures slightly higher than that, the 1.5- litre models typically giving around 7.0-7.2 L/100 km.LOOK FOR . Fresh looksRoomy cabinQuiet and comfortableZippy 1.5-litre performanceOptional safety packToyota build qualityTHE BOTTOM LINE A step up in class, drives smoothly, is quiet, roomy and comfortable. 80/100