Toyota Yaris 2011

Toyota Yaris 2011 Q&As

Check out real-world situations relating to the Toyota Yaris 2011 here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

• Toyota Yaris 2011 and Honda Jazz 2005: Engine longevity

  A few factors determine engine longevity, so let’s start with the first of those, the basic materials and design of the engine in question. Both the Toyota and Honda have advanced small-capacity engines that are made from quality materials. So that’s in their favour.

  The second factor is servicing. A lack of regular maintenance including fresh oil and filters will kill engines fast, so that’s crucial. And finally, how they are driven will also play a part. An engine that only does long distances in the country will always last longer than one that is subjected to frequent cold starts and stop-start traffic. An engine that is regularly revved to redline between the gears will also potentially die younger than one that is driven sensibly and with a bit of mechanical sympathy.

  The bottom line? There’s no short answer. But I have seen small-capacity Honda and Toyota engines clock up 250,000km and more with correct maintenance. Things have certainly changed from the 1950s when the average car engine needed a rebuilt every 100,000km and what was called a de-coke and valve-grind every 30,000km. Ask your grandfather about it.

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• Best first car options?

  Do not buy a Cruze, or buy a European brand. They will prove costly. It's best to go for the cars that are well proven over many years. The Lancer is a good one, but so too is the Toyota Yaris or Corolla, Suzuki Swift, Mazda2 or 3, or Mitsubishi Colt.

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• Which is better for a used car: lower kms or later model?

  The car with the lower kilometres can be an attractive proposition, but it's a Cruze and should be avoided as they have a terrible history of unreliability. The Yaris is smaller and it has done more kilometres, but it would seem to be a much better bet.

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• Ask Smithy Xtra extended warranty for Toyota Yaris

  It comes down to your peace of mind. As she only does a relatively few kilometers a year the car would only have around 30,000 km at the end of the new car warranty, and 60,000 km at the end of the additional three years, or 80,000 km at the end of the five-year extension. Not a lot really. On that basis I probably wouldn’t take the option, but you must keep up the service even though she’s not doing a lot of kays. Regular maintenance is the key to a long life of trouble free motoring.

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