New Car

[Gigi]

Hey guys, first time posting in Motors so treat me well!

Following a disasterous first car, where everything went wrong, tyre blew when going round a roundabout, engine cut out when braking, overheated etc etc... i've decided to get a new car.

The car i'm looking at is a 2008 reg Toyota Yaris. Its cheap to run, cheap to insure and will do me for a run about.

The only thing i'd like to enquire about, or see whether it is a concern is the fact its only done 7700 miles.

Is this something to be concerned about? and if so, what should I be looking for when I test drive this?

cheers for the help

 

[Gigi]

Its being bought from a Toyota Dealership, so the full service, history, shabang.

@Jon1818 - any reason for an oil change? (im a car noob) - is it bad for the oil to be sitting around for long periods of time?

@Firestar - How would it be in a worse state?

Thanks for the advice!

 

[Gigi]

It's low millage for one of two reasons:

1) Long distance infrequent trips

2) Lots of short trips

it's very unlikely to be 1, so it's going to be 2.

Short trips are bad for a car in many ways, these are some of the reasons:

- Engine never warms up
- Exhaust always has water sitting in it, so it's rusts from the inside out
- Lots of clutch wear
- Additional gearbox wear
- Interior wear could be excessive

The list goes on and on, short trips are a total killer for a car.

Ah right, I see.

Didnt quite realise the effect of short trips on a car.

I'll certainly make sure its been well serviced and check the history of the car.

Thanks again!

 

[Gigi]

First of all, how much and what trim level is the Yaris you are looking at and what engine? I just got an 08 plate Yaris last month too.

In terms of trim level, I would not get it lower than T3, I would try to get T-Spirit (or TS for short) one if I were you. So you get ally wheels and Air con/Climiate control.

In terms of engine size, I'd get the 1.3 over the 1.0. There is also an Yaris SR which has a 1.8L engine, which is what I got.

Look for extras like:-

Bluetooth
USB
Electric wing mirrors
Keyless entries and keyless start
Parknig sensors
Protection pack (rubber thing on the side of the door)
3 or 5 doors (5 door ones can fetch a couple of hundred pounds more)

7,000 miles in 3 years is a tad low, that's like 45 miles a week. It sounds like it was a shoppnig trolley! lol

Toyota service is very reasonable, i got my 20k done at the Toyota dealer and it was £140 parts and labour inclusive (oil change, filters changed, inspection checks etc). Look to see if it has the offical capet installed, I got an advisory from my service for not having official carpets....they wanted £56 for some, I got some secondhand off ebay for £9.

Is there a particular model you are looking at?

Overall, the Yaris is pretty bullet proof. I never heard anyone have serious problems with the car - engine, gearbox, clutch etc.

The Yaris im aiming for is - 1.0 VVT-i TR 3-Dr

It will do me because i dont do a lot of motorway driving, its purely for commuting and a run around. Its incredibly cheap to insure and should be superb for mileage as long as it drive it as a granny.

Its going for £6,795

Thanks.

 

[Gigi]

Does it have parking sensors?

I dont believe it has parking sensors. But its small enough that parking shouldnt be an issue.

 

[Gigi]

sorry, I left my humour on my bedside table this morning.



7k miles 08 plate TR for £7k...I suppose its reasonable as it is from an offical dealer, private I would expect it to be less as it is a 1.0L one. I just feel you might want something quicker in a few months. I know you said you never do motorway, i thought i didn't but i had to on the first day so I can get it home! But it's up to you, 1.0 is perfectly fine on the motorway, it will rev that bit higher that's all.

and yes, check bitnig point on the clutch!

There is a Yaris 1.3 5door (08 reg) model at the showroom also, done 43k miles and priced at £6,475

I wasnt too sure about the mileage. I guess im learning quickly!

 

[Gigi]

Honestly mate, this will be my last decent post of the day, just buy the cheapest car or the one you like best, dont worry about the miles, either car is going to serve you well.

Thanks for the advice, the test drive should reveal all.

If you can find a 1.3L 5 dr at 20k at £6.5k then it would be perfect

Out of the 2, I would probably go for the 1.3L one (if it is a TR as well). 43k sounds like it was used to commute to work. I would go for it because of the engine.

If you are going for the 1.0L one then check clutch, check rust in the exhaust and push for a warranty if you can.

It is a TR model.

I will check the clutch and exhaust.

It comes with 12 month warranty - standard for used cars.

Thanks again for all your advice. should spend plenty of time inspecting the car and checking everything.