Skip advert
Advertisement

Used Toyota Yaris (Mk3, 2011-2020) review - What should you look out for?

A strong reputation for reliability makes the Toyota Yaris a safe bet

A five-year/100,000-mile warranty provides peace of mind when buying a later Toyota Yaris Mk3, but you could find that it’s not required. The Yaris’s reputation for reliability is matched only by rival supermini the Honda Jazz.

Common used Toyota Yaris problems

Bodywork
Rear number plate trim can react with the tailgate and corrode. Dealers know about it.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Trim
Shiny dash plastics can reflect in the windscreen. Some owners have made their own dash-top mats. 

Gearbox
Multidrive CVT auto is either loved or hated by owners; it’s less reliable than the manual alternative. 

Fuel costs
Poor fuel economy is a common gripe. Hybrid buyers expect more than 70mpg, when 45-50mpg is more realistic. 

Recalls

There have been eight Yaris Mk3 recalls; two in August 2013 for brake fluid leaks and power steering failure.

Possible brake fluid leaks led to an action for Hybrids in December 2014. In January 2015 turbos were called back for oil leaks. Other campaigns came in March 2015 (rear hubs working loose), June 2015 (faulty airbags), May 2016 (rear seatbelts) and July 2016 (suspension failure).

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris

Toyota Yaris

RRP £22,555Used from £12,199
Mazda 2 Hybrid

Mazda 2 Hybrid

RRP £23,880Avg. savings £3,577 off RRP*Used from £12,400
Honda Jazz

Honda Jazz

RRP £22,005Avg. savings £2,256 off RRP*Used from £11,490
Suzuki Swift

Suzuki Swift

RRP £19,699Avg. savings £600 off RRP*Used from £6,399
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

SEAT Arona vs Hyundai Bayon: Cheap 'n' cheerful small SUV showdown
SEAT Arona vs Hyundai Bayon - front tracking

SEAT Arona vs Hyundai Bayon: Cheap 'n' cheerful small SUV showdown

SEAT has updated its long-running Arona SUV and Hyundai’s done the same with the slightly younger Bayon. We find out which one is best.
Car group tests
28 Mar 2026
Dacia targets 30% more UK car sales, thanks to good-value, larger cars
Dacia Striker- full front

Dacia targets 30% more UK car sales, thanks to good-value, larger cars

Dacia’s UK boss speaks to Auto Express about her bold plans to seize market share
News
27 Mar 2026
New Citroen 2CV: icon to be reborn for the electric era, and it’s coming soon
Citroen 2CV exclusive image 2026

New Citroen 2CV: icon to be reborn for the electric era, and it’s coming soon

The planets are aligned! Retro design buzz and rules promoting small EVs will see Citroen's most famous car rebooted
News
30 Mar 2026