Description
I am reluctantly selling my beloved 2003 1. 3 Toyota Yaris T3. This car has served me brilliantly for nearly a decade, and it has never let me down. Sadly, with a very long motorway commute since changing jobs, I need something a little sturdier.
Key positives:
* Very cheap to run, maintain, and insure
* Long MOT (January 2027)
* ULEZ compliant
* Nearly-full service history
* Only 3 owners from new
* Regularly serviced
* Very fun to drive, especially at low speeds
* A breeze to manoeuvre and park (tiny turning circle!)
* Deceptively roomy
* 3 keys
* Sunroof
* Space-saver spare tyre, original toolkit included
Key negatives:
* Quite rusty
* Bodywork is a bit tatty
* Some moisture in the boot
* 12V socket not working
* Small chip on windscreen (2022, addressed)
* Boot does not lock with central locking
I bought my Yaris from a dealer in December 2016, with 94k miles on the clock, and have kept every receipt since. The first owner kept up with service history and stamps on the logbook, but the second one didn't, so there is a small gap. Since I purchased the car it has had regular services, the last one in January.
Work done since purchase:
* Radiator and starter motor replaced in 2018
* Full exhaust system replaced in 2018/ 2019; end silencer replaced again in November 2025
* Spark plugs replaced in 2018 and 2023
* Battery last replaced in 2022 (Yuasa)
* Side indicators replaced March 2025
* Sills welded in 2020 and 2026
* Front tyres last replaced in February 2024; rear in April 2026 (all Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons)
* Aerial antenna and boot struts replaced March 2026
In terms of fuel consumption, over the past nine years I have regularly averaged 350-400 miles to a tank (so an average of 45-48 mpg), with around 75% of the driving on motorways and A roads. The fuel economy does drop if only driving short distances, but it's still pretty reasonable (high 30s to low 40s), especially for an older car.
The engine likes to be pushed occasionally, and its sweet spot sits around 2500-3000 RPM. It has a lovely kick at low speeds, and it's quite responsive when you give it some gas! The clutch is quite stiff, seemingly by design, and it takes some getting used to. The suspension is quite rigid, also by design.
The main issue with this car is rust, as can be appreciated from the pictures. The spot on the roof was already there when I purchased the car, it has only progressed slowly. There is some bubbling on the rear n/ s wheel arch. The sills have been patch-welded to address the worst of the corrosion. There is corrosion also on some of the suspension components and subframe, though everything is still solid underneath the rust.
The bodywork is also a bit tatty in places, though I have always tried to seal or repair any scratches before moisture got in. The largest scratch is under the n/ s front bumper. There is also some light denting and scratching by the o/ s rear wheel, and small dents under the rear bumper. This car would make a perfect little runabout for a delivery driver, a learner, or someone who just wants to have some fun on a track. Or maybe someone who loves it as much as I do, but has the means and time to restore it.
This Yaris was my first car, and I am very sad to let it go. It's a very fun little car to drive, with some life still left in it, and I would love to see it go to a good home.
