2000 Toyota Yaris Verso 1.3 VVTI

Summary:

Good for families, a little rustic

Faults:

Rubber around driver side window torn and had to be fixed.

Clear plastic cover of back lights fell off.

Constant rattle from the rear.

Slight squeal from front brakes.

And, of course, the awful looks.

General Comments:

Car is extremely practical, and as the name suggests, it is highly versatile: the back seats disappear into the floor, creating a huge space. Only one seat can be folded if needed so that small families can throw in an unfolded trolley. Car is quite economical at 14km per liter average. The odd thing is that there is plenty of power at start, but any uphill or higher speed acceleration is slow. Steeper hills uncover the lack of power. Engine noise is well suppressed, but wind noise is quite prominent at higher speeds. Styling is terrible inside and out, air con vents are way too small and flimsily, and plastics look real cheap. Car came with tape deck so had to install after market CD player which had to be placed way low in a hard to reach position. Suspension and steering is quite poor, lots of bumps and vibration with a dead steering wheel. Good handling however. Awkward driving position due to uncomfortable seat angle. Lack of armrest is noticeable. Kind of a civilized commercial van. My wife enjoyed the Saxo much more. More practical than the regular Yaris. All in all a good deal.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 29th September, 2006

3rd Oct 2006, 08:10

Well, I can tell you a positive aspect of your Toyota: the Saxo your wife loved so much behaves very badly on an accident while the Yaris, even the one produced in 2000, gives a better protection.

Take a look at the Euroncap site.

13th Oct 2006, 09:51

I took a look at the Yaris results which seem very good, the question is - does the Verso, which is a completely different car, perform the same?

4th Nov 2006, 16:09

Hmm, good question...

I believe it does because they both come from the same concept basis and probably they use the same platform.

4th Mar 2007, 04:24

Verso actually uses a slightly different chassis.

26th Jun 2007, 18:07

Original owner:

Nearly 10 months and 30,000km later, the car has grown on me and doesn't look that ugly any more... the inside still looks awful though.

Wind noise was due to window alignment so the car is quiet at high speeds as well.

Light covers glued with silicone - haven't fallen since.

Brake squeal gone and knocking from the back was found to be caused by untightened license plate...

Gas mileage: 12-14km/liter.

Reliability: no problems, still running on original panasonic battery - going on 7 years!

In retrospect I would give the car a higher score than I originally did - except for the rather poor riding comfort and bad internal looks the car has been good to me.

2002 Toyota Yaris 1.3

Summary:

Wonderful we intend to buy another one

Faults:

Some wind noise and engine noise have developed in the second year.

Nothing at all has gone wrong.

General Comments:

Superb car, best small car I have ever owned, ideal for a family of 2 and roomy enough for an occasional trip with four adults.

Handling, fuel economy, ergonomics and comfort good, though some mild back pain noted on long trips.

Small boot cannot hold a pram.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd July, 2004