In the market for a Yaris

[ALLWiTE2JZ]

Hey everyone, I am new to the forum, but not new to Toyota. I am usually over on the ClubLexus forums and I actually own a Lexus SC300 that I am always tuning and working on, so you all know how that goes.

Anyway, I am looking for a car for a friend and we have $10K to work with here. We are particularly looking for a Polar White Yaris, not older than 2008, with less than 30K miles, and to be in overall mint condition. Doesn't seem too hard to find this combination since these cars aren't that expensive, but I just had a few questions before I go to buy one of these cars.

I have Googled and looked online on different sites but I am having a hard time finding the correct information regarding the differences between the 2005-2010 model years of the Yaris. Do all of the Yaris's come with power windows and locks etc? What are the different trim levels of these cars? We would prefer to get a Yaris with the most power features and whatnot, not just the base model. Can anyone fill me in on some info to get started on finding the right Yaris because when I search for these cars they all look the same to me lol.

Also, I know these cars are still relatively new at the moment, but when I go to buy one of these cars, are there any notorious problems to keep an eye out for that are common in these cars?

Thanks in advance.

[MadMax]

Try Craigslist, there's always some on ours in your price range/specs.

As for differences, not all Yarii have power windows and locks (my 08 LB doesn't). It's an option package more than a trim level, so you'll have to check each car. Other than that, in their original form there isn't much difference. There were slight changes in 09 but they were mostly cosmetic (the tail lights being the biggest difference, as well as the fog lights). Otherwise, the latest generation are pretty much the same mechanically.

As for "notorious problems," I honestly don't think there are any particular to this model. You just have to apply the same common sense as you would buying any used car, which is checking for crash repairs and what not. Outside of that, they are reliable, fun little cars that can be modded to your heart's content (and your wallets limitations!).

Good luck! M2

[why?]

yup, what he said. There really aren't many differences in trim levels, it is all in the cars options.

[DandiDani]

I have never ran into any problems. We first bought a sedan in 2007 for my husband. We liked it so much we got a liftback for myself in 2009. Neither car has been any trouble. I would go with the power option as far as windows and locks. I am glad that we got this option on our vehicles. My lights on my liftback are different than older models. My husband actually put a new set of tail lights on my car from the older model. It looks great if you dont mind them sticking out an inch along the bottom of your bumper. Are you wanting to buy a sedan or a liftback?

[fnkngrv]

Cosworth is selling his S package...that would be the most optioned model.

[nemelek]

Make sure the oil has been changed ever 5000 miles on a used Yaris.

[ALLWiTE2JZ]

I am actually looking for a 3-door hatchback Yaris, if that helps any. I've noticed when I go to KBB.com to run car values it says that there is a Yaris Type-S? Anyone know the difference between the rest of the Yaris's and the Type-S?

[DandiDani]

it is a sport version. as far as i know the only difference is some exterior modifications.i chose not to go for it because it cost much more. i also wanted the freedom to chose my mods elsewhere.

[ALLWiTE2JZ]

Oh okay cool thanks.

[DandiDani]

[33OH]

^ Yep, an "S" lip kit and slightly different seats.

You mention '05 to '10, they actually weren't introduced to the U.S. market until 2007, and there is no real difference between an '07 and an '08 (besides the '07's not having TPMS sensors - which are a pain anyway.) So I would broaden your horizons to include '07's as well. The '09s got a slight body style change but nothing major, the headlights indent a little and the bumpers are a little different.

[ALLWiTE2JZ]

Alright cool. But you would think that having TPMS sensors are a good thing though right?

[eric81]

I have seen the 2006 Yaris, but it is a VERY rare car, as they didn't really start to take off until 2007/2008. The S-model is some very basic exterior mods, but you can save the money, and buy the stuff on ebay or Micro Image for a LOT less than the mark up. I would personally go with the 5 speed manual as it is a LOT more modifyable. The automatics have a tendancy to not have any real power, where a manual lets you control when to change gears. The real options to look for are power windows, locks, and mirrors. Everything else is easy to change, but those add ons require switches, wires, motors, and lots of time. Good luck, and make sure you check autotrader, craigslist, and do some searching for a CERTIFIED USED TOYOTA at your nearby dealerships. Then ask them to remove the certification and sell you the car for about $500 less. Cert means it passed some pretty regerous tests, including paint and body, carfax, engine and tranny, and interior, as well as accident and stock parts. There's my two cents.

[33OH]

Originally Posted by ALLWiTE2JZ

Alright cool. But you would think that having TPMS sensors are a good thing though right?

It's neither a good or bad thing really, unless you already heavily rely on them to tell you when a tire is low on air. It's nice if you want to keep the stock wheels.

But just when you swap wheels you have to swap the sensors, and they aren't always compatible. Then you have a "!" light on your dash.

[33OH]

2006 is the first year of distribution in Canada, so you may have been seeing a 2006 Yaris but it'd be north of the border.

[Astroman]

Originally Posted by 33OH

^ Yep, an "S" lip kit and slightly different seats.

You mention '05 to '10, they actually weren't introduced to the U.S. market until 2007, and there is no real difference between an '07 and an '08 (besides the '07's not having TPMS sensors - which are a pain anyway.) So I would broaden your horizons to include '07's as well. The '09s got a slight body style change but nothing major, the headlights indent a little and the bumpers are a little different.

That isn't exactly true. The yaris was introduced May 2006 in the US as a 2007 model. I bought mine in July 2006.

[33OH]

I meant model years, not physical years. But yes, you are correct. :)

[why?]

There are definitely no model year 2006 Yaris in the USA. I bought mine in May of 2006, and it is labeled a 2007. Man that hurts with insurance, makes them think I drive a ton more than i do.