VERDICT · A GENUINELY SAFE, ULTRA-BUDGET CHOICE

Toyota Yaris 1.5L
is it a safe used buy?

One of the simplest, most dependable small cars on the used market — modest performance in exchange for genuine peace of mind on reliability, and very low running costs to match.

GENERATION2nd gen (2007–2012)

ENGINE1.5L 1NZ-FE

POWER106 hp

USED PRICE$6,500–11,500

How the engine fits this car

The Yaris's light hatchback or sedan body is an easy, unstressed load for this small engine — genuinely good fuel economy and low running costs that are the entire point of this car's existence.

This is one of the more accessible ways into Toyota's broader reliability reputation, at a price point that undercuts most other vehicles covered on this site.

Toyota Yaris-specific pros and cons

This is about the car itself — for engine-specific failure points, see the dedicated engine page below.

WHAT HOLDS UP WELL

Engine has a genuinely strong reliability reputation, detailed on its own page
Among the most affordable used cars available with a Toyota badge, with correspondingly low running costs
Genuinely good fuel economy for buyers prioritising low cost of ownership above all else
Simple mechanicals throughout keep independent-garage repair costs low

WHAT TO WATCH

Modest power output can feel strained on motorway inclines or with a full load
Interior material quality and features are basic, consistent with the car's budget positioning
Road and engine noise are more noticeable than in larger, more insulated vehicles
Rust can appear on neglected examples, particularly around wheel arches and sills

Pricing on the used market

Mileage band

Typical price

What to expect

Under 80,000 mi

$9,500–11,500

Lower-mileage, well-kept examples

80,000–130,000 mi

$7,500–9,500

Sweet spot, minimal additional risk

130,000+ mi

$6,500–7,500

Still a confident buy with documented maintenance

The engine itself

This Yaris is a defining application of the 1.5L 1NZ-FE. Full detail on this engine's genuinely strong reliability track record lives on the dedicated engine page.

FULL ENGINE BREAKDOWNToyota 1.5L 1NZ-FE — Reliable or Not →

Pre-purchase checklist for this generation

Beyond general maintenance history, there's genuinely little engine-specific risk to flag on this combination.

Test drive on a motorway incline or with a passenger load if possible, since modest power output is the main practical consideration rather than reliability.

Inspect for rust around wheel arches and sills, especially on cars from regions that salt roads in winter.