Can you help me choose a second hand Toyota Yaris?

Hi, I'm looking for a second hand Toyota Yaris; am I better to stretch my budget to a 2006 mdoel or if I find an 04 or 05 with low mileage would it be just as good (saving me much needed cash)? Also, what kind of things should I be looking out for on inspection? Is there any maintenance needed with timing chain or the like that I should be asking about before I buy?

A load of questions I know, I would appreciate any advice you can give me.

Thanks!

Aoife Smyth

Jan 2015 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi Aoife,

I think you might actually be better off going for the older Yaris, price advantage or otherwise. According to our research it seems to be more reliable than the model that came along in late 2005. The only problem area seems to be the gearbox, which can develop an annoying whine. The clutch can be a bit fragile too but if you buy one that's got a full service history you shouldn't go too far wrong. 

That generation Yaris used a timing chain, not a belt incidentally, so it should only need a regular check and possibly an adjustment at a scheduled service rather than a full change.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe