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 £22,570Used from £12,199
Mazda 2 Hybrid

Mazda 2 Hybrid

RRP £23,890Avg. savings £3,519 off RRP*Used from £12,400
Honda Jazz

Honda Jazz

RRP £22,020Avg. savings £2,004 off RRP*Used from £11,290
Suzuki Swift

Suzuki Swift

RRP £19,999Avg. savings £600 off RRP*Used from £13,990
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Used Cupra Born (Mk1, 2021-date) buyer's guide: the EV the VW ID.3 wishes it was
Used Cupra Born - front

Used Cupra Born (Mk1, 2021-date) buyer's guide: the EV the VW ID.3 wishes it was

A full used buyer's guide on the Cupra Born that's been on sale in the UK since 2021
Used car tests
6 Apr 2026
Best car engines of all time
Best car engines - header image

Best car engines of all time

What makes a great internal-combustion motor? We explain why these petrols, diesels and even a hybrid made the list
Features
3 Apr 2026
Long-term test: Dacia Bigster Journey hybrid 155
Dacia Bigster Journey hybrid 155 - header

Long-term test: Dacia Bigster Journey hybrid 155

First report: New SUV joins our fleet and starts life with a road trip to Kent
Long-term tests
6 Apr 2026