What to look for on a Toyota Yaris 1999-2005
What to look for on a Toyota Yaris 1999-2005
Some things to look out for on the Toyota Yaris...
Checklist
PANEL FIT: most examples have flawless panel fit, but some petrol Yaris models built in 2000 and 2001 suffer from uneven shut lines – traditionally, a sign of body repairs. Get a history check to establish whether or not it’s been in an accident, just in case.
CLUTCH: drive the car at low engine revs and listen out for any noises coming from the transmission. Then press the clutch pedal, and if it all starts to get a bit squeaky, the clutch release bearing could be on its way out. l altogether, yet the noise can be disconcerting because the rest of the motor is so quiet.
PAINTWORK: chips in the paint on the leading edge of the bonnet are common, even if the car hasn’t been thrashed up and down the motorway. It’s particularly the case with solid colour Yaris models. Stay on top of this, or rot will easily develop.
COOLANT: it’s essential for the coolant fluid level to be maintained, especially on early diesel engines, which are prone to blown head gaskets. If there’s a white emulsion on the underside of the oil filler cap, it’s a sign of potential damage.
GEARBOX: on the whole, the Yaris is a very refined little car. And although the gearboxes can whine, they do keep going. It’s unlikely that the transmission will fail altogether, yet the noise can be disconcerting because the rest of the motor is quiet.
History
Mar 1999: All-new Yaris replaces Starlet.
Oct 1999: 1.3-litre engine introduced.
Jan 2000: High-roofed Yaris Verso estate joins line-up. Also uses 1.3 engine.
Mar 2001: ABS made standard on all models, and 1.5-litre T Sport introduced.
Feb 2002: 1.4 D-4D diesel arrives.
Mar 2003: Facelift with restyled nose. Old S, GS, GS, GLS and CDX trims replaced by T3, T Spirit and T Sport variants
I recently bought a 1999 1.3L Yaris for my GF. It's a great little car, very fuel efficient and reliable.
Since I bought it she has averaged 54 MPG, which is good for an old petrol car.
A/C isn't standard, so make sure make sure the button to the left of the rear window heater button says A/C.
With the Linea Sol package you get electric front windows and mirrors as well as the ability to raise and lower the driver's seat.
There are a few different engine options. The 1L engine could probably work for inner city use, but on the motorway you'd want at least the 1.3l. That one would actually uses less fuel at motorway speed.
The 1.5L Yaris T-Sport looks a lot better and is almost fun to drive. It features analogue gauges instead of the wierd digital ones.
There is also a 150hp Turbo Yaris, but it's very rare and really expensive for its size.
i looked at 1 this morning its a 1.0 sol year 2000 with 47000 km. its really clean and has AC and comes with a spare set of winter wheels.
few supermarket scratches here and there but nothing that wont be obvious after a good polish.
ill see what i can beat the dealer down to :Bazza:
rob Patrik,Sorry for the delay mate, I forgot about this thread.
The auto window function on the drivers window - is it auto in both directions up and down?
i ask as mine is auto down only - for up i have to hold it up, switch feels a bit odd so it might be the switch- can you try it on your yaris pls.
rob Patrik,Sorry for the delay mate, I forgot about this thread.
The auto window function on the drivers window - is it auto in both directions up and down?
i ask as mine is auto down only - for up i have to hold it up, switch feels a bit odd so it might be the switch- can you try it on your yaris pls.