Used Toyota Yaris

What to know before buying: Toyota Yaris

From 2 forum threads and 3 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The Yaris is a dependable small car: a What Car? used-car survey placed it seventh overall and first in the small-car class.[3][4]
• The hybrid is particularly well suited to town use, spending more time in electric mode and delivering strong urban fuel economy.[2][5]Third generation (XP130)Fourth generation (XP210)
• The 2024 update addressed some weaknesses of the 2020 cabin with a new central screen and digital instrument display.[2]one sourceFourth generation (XP210)
• The third-generation Yaris earned five Euro NCAP stars in both 2011 and 2017, scoring highly for adult and child protection.[4]one sourceThird generation (XP130)

Typical faults

• The 2005–2011 MultiMode automated manual can suffer jerky shifts, delayed engagement, shudder and clutch-actuator wear.[3][5]Second generation (XP90)

  2005–2011 · MultiMode automated manual

• On 2011–2020 diesels, frequent short urban trips can block the DPF, causing power loss or limp mode.[3][4]Third generation (XP130)

  2011–2020 · diesel

• Some later 2011–2020 cars develop leaking injector seals, indicated by fuel smells, drips beneath the car or increased consumption.[3][4]Third generation (XP130)

  2011–2020

• On 2020-present hybrids, the 12V battery can go flat after prolonged inactivity or repeated short journeys.[3]one sourceFourth generation (XP210)

  2020+ · hybrid

• Older first- and second-generation cars can develop structural corrosion around rear suspension mounts, sills, wheelarches and the lower tailgate edge.[1][5]Second generation (XP90)
• Front suspension knocks are often traced to worn anti-roll-bar links or top mounts and may accompany uneven tyre wear.[5]one source

Which engine and version to take

• The 1.5-litre hybrid suits urban use: its traction battery commonly lasts beyond 200,000km, and the e-CVT has no conventional wearing clutch.[2][5]Third generation (XP130)Fourth generation (XP210)
• The naturally aspirated 1.0- and 1.33-litre petrol engines are generally long-lived with documented oil changes; a manual is preferable to MultiMode.[5]one sourceSecond generation (XP90)Third generation (XP130)

What to avoid

• Approach the 2005–2011 MultiMode with caution: repairing and recalibrating its worn clutch and actuator is more involved than on a manual.[3][5]Second generation (XP90)
• The 1.4-litre diesel is a poor fit for mostly short trips because these promote DPF blockage; turbo wear can also cause reduced power.[3]one source

What to check at the inspection

• Cold-start a petrol car, listen for timing-chain rattle in the first second, and verify oil-change records and the oil level.[5]one source
• Test MultiMode with gentle and firm pull-aways, including a hill start; watch for delay, shudder, inconsistent shifts and warning lights.[5]one sourceSecond generation (XP90)
• For a hybrid, obtain a block-voltage battery health check; watch for rapid charge swings and inspect the cooling intake for debris.[5]one sourceThird generation (XP130)Fourth generation (XP210)
• Inspect older cars on a lift, focusing on sills, arches, rear-beam mounts and the tailgate edge; scaly rust near mounts may be structural.[5]one sourceSecond generation (XP90)
• Drive over rough surfaces, listen for suspension knocks, check tyre wear, and confirm that the steering self-centres smoothly and the car tracks straight.[4][5]
• On a hybrid, check for even braking, seized rear calipers and moisture around the calipers or rear brake-pipe connectors.[4][5]Third generation (XP130)Fourth generation (XP210)

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]auto.jautajums.lv — Toyota Yaris atsauksmes | jautajums.lv - Auto, moto · forum
2. [2]iauto.lv — Toyota Yaris. Turpmāk tikai ar hibrīdu (+VIDEO) · forum
3. [3]whocanfixmycar.com — Toyota Yaris Problems: Common Issues and Repair Costs · press
4. [4]images.cdn.autocar.co.uk — Toyota Yaris 2011-2020 Reliability & Common Problems · press
5. [5]cardata.hu — Common problems on a used Toyota Yaris - cardata · press

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