Questions considering a 2011 Yaris

[jader201]

Hi!

Just joined to ask some advice on a 2011 Yaris we're considering. It has 94k miles, being sold for $6k.

My main concern is some rust around the bottom of the body. I've read this can be a problem on Yaris's around this timeframe.

Is this only going to get worse? Have others been able to remove/prevent future rust?

I've never dealt with rust on any of our other vehicles previously, so not sure whether this is a minor issue that I could pretty easily manage, or if I should avoid at all costs.

One other question: this is one where they were putting the gauge cluster in the center -- do others feel like this is a pretty big negative, or is it pretty easy to adjust to and ultimately not a big deal?

Any other things we should look out for?

Ultimately this will be a starter car for my son, and hoping to get something reliable for him that will last him a while until he's able to afford something newer. I know Toyotas are typically very reliable, so I can maybe live with the above downsides for a reliable car.

Thanks for your help!

[johnwk]

I know this post is a little old—did you end up buying? I have some thoughts on rust if so.

[alanwagen]

Without a pic, it would hard to judge. Low miles for a car this old. The gauge in the middle is not a problem at all. Easy peasy to adjust to.

[Billiam]

I would be more concerned with the lower control arm bolt corrosion and the condition of the welds on the rear axle beam where the beam and trailing arms are welded together.

[CrimsonEclipse]

I would be more cocerned with the lower control arm bolt corrosion and the condition of the welds on the rear axle beam where the beam and trailing arms are welded together.

How the heck do you check for lower control arm corrosion on a pre buy walk around?