Faults:

The odd brake light bulb and tyre (wear and tear).

General Comments:

Initially inherited this car as my wife had it when we were married. Hung on to the car because I was at uni studying and it costs next to nothing to run (seriously).

After just over 200,000 km I can safely say the only way to kill one of these cars is attack by nuclear explosion. Sadly needed a bigger car (fits one large suitcase in the boot with the back seats up). Have upgraded to a VW Golf, happy memories though.

Faults:

Absolutely nothing except a wheel bearing while still under warranty.

All it ever required was servicing, two sets of tyres and one battery.

General Comments:

Best car I've ever owned, and probably will ever own. Drove for 125,000 miles without even a flat tyre. These 'Japan made' Yaris's are like Swiss watches; they just go forever. Can't find any reason to fault the car at all.

Faults:

Drivers side windows switch panel renewed (2010).

Water pump renewed (2006).

Rear and middle exhaust sections renewed (2011).

Paint scratches and chips (but no signs of rust).

Air conditioning system has been recharged twice.

General Comments:

A very responsive, economical, versatile and reliable car. Original battery and exhaust cat still going.

Amazing load space when the rear seats are folded into the floor - an easy and quick operation, provided the centre seat is left out.

Headroom is no problem in any of the seats - even for the over 6 footers.

You have the ability to step into the rear of the car due to the low floor - great when lifting/manoeuvring large items in or out of the car.

It's not a great looker from the outside - some may think it ugly.

Faults:

Bought the car, and as soon as we got out of the auctions, it stopped working. We wondered at first what the flashing bar was. Turned out it ran out of petrol. No biggie.

About 161000 miles, the throttle body went (it didn't stick on, rather it didn't want to go on).

About 180000 miles, the muffler broke clean off of the pipe. Very cheap to repair.

General Comments:

It's a good family car. Lots of space.

The flat rear means it's easy to park.

Built by Toyota, so it feels as tight as a drum.

Obviously, this being a sort of rare car, it does have some faults.

There is a bit of wind noise.

The back makes a rattling noise a lot.

It has a lot of panel gaps. But then again, it is a cross between the Yaris hatchback and I'm guessing the Hiace van, since the front doors are identical.

On the subject of doors; for some odd reason, the front passenger door sounds really hollow. It echos when you close it.

The engine is what surprises me the most. It's a 1.3, but the Yaris Verso really doesn't have that much weight to haul about. It's a very economical and lively engine.

The seats are very easy to fold away. In about 30 seconds it's a proper van.

There is a brilliant rechargeable torch above the boot, which is great. One minute it's a normal door light, the next it's a handy emergency torch.

Faults:

Driver's electric window switch - part was €250.

General Comments:

Very spacious and comfortable, and the flexible seats fold flat so it's a van too. I am 1.90m/6'3" and am very comfortable in the rear seats. I can even sleep in the back too (seats folded flat).

Performance is good for what it is, but a little thirsty in 1.5 petrol (105hp) Verso (not very aerodynamic) form.

One fault (window switch - sold in one block at €250) in 100,000 kms between two Yaris parts was expensive, but 5 minutes to change myself, so I'm happy.

Handling is typical Toyota; reassuring, safe and secure, but unexciting.

A bit noisy at motorway speeds 130kmh/80mph, but fine at 110kmh/68mph.

Horrible dealer service prices €250 to change oil (4.0 litres) and air/oil filters, but I guess it's the same with other makes - so do it myself now.

So I am now looking for a late diesel model to keep for as long as possible.