Toyota Yaris Problems

It sounds as if you are Yaris fans but the Mazda2 gets The Tick and is best in the class. The i20 will give you better value and, with a five-year factory warranty, it's holding its value well on the second-hand scene.

I couldn’t recommend the Cruze; there are too many problems with its auto transmission, as we have reported here at CarsGuide. Look at the Mazda2 or Mazda3, Toyota Yaris or Corolla, which are generally trouble free.

The Yaris sedan is not likely to get a hatch-style update this year, just as the Corolla sedan lagged more than a year behind the hatch. Officially, Toyota spokesman Steve Coughlan replies: "We have no announcement to make. The Yaris sedan is currently available and remains available".

In this case, Toyota has already done the bargaining with a price that is hard to beat. There's not much margin in the deal, but you might get some free floor mats.

This type of mirror is almost universal but does require some getting used to. If you really can't cope, there are glass shops that will cut a replacement mirror and fit it into the housing.

Overseas recalls of the Yaris have been for other issues. There doesn't appear to be an issue with sticking accelerator pedals here in Australia. Makes sure you haven't got something under the pedal that's causing it to stick, and make sure it's lubricated.

The Mazda2 gets The Tick and is best on your list, but don't ignore the Honda Jazz which had a higher score in Car of the Year judging.

The Polo is the best car on your list — and until the end of the year it is selling for $15,990 driveaway — but you should include the Honda Jazz, which is even better value for money.