What's the used Toyota Yaris Verso estate like?
It's not what you'd call pretty. The front end says 'city car' - one just like the standard Yaris on which it's based - but the rear screams 'van'.
However, if you can get beyond that, the Yaris Verso has a lot to recommend it; behind the wheel, the driving position is comfortable with good visibility, although the digital central instrument binnacle can be hard to read.
There's room for five adults, but the big plus-point is the load space. With the back seats folded away it's vast, and the large side-opening rear door with a very low lip makes for excellent practicality.
Dynamically, though, things aren't so great. The car's tall body means it leans into the bends and the ride is too easily unsettled by an uneven road surface. It's not as supple as some rivals and the steering can be slow to react.
Ownership cost
What used Toyota Yaris Verso estate will I get for my budget?
How much does it cost to run a Toyota Yaris Verso estate?
Okay, so the Yaris Verso's styling means it isn't everyone's cup of tea, but owners love them. What's more, their rarity on the used market - compared with the standard Yaris - coupled with Toyota's legendary reliability means they hold their value very well. Expect to pay at least 50% of the new price for a three-year-old model.
The low-cost insurance is another reason for its desirability, with the diesel in group 5 and the petrol one category below. Fuel economy is excellent, too, with the 1.4 returning a very impressive 56mpg. Even the 1.3's figure is 44mpg, although the automatic gearbox brings it down to 40mpg. The bills shouldn't be too big at the garage, either. This is a straightforward car to look after and Toyota's parts aren't any more expensive than its rivals'.
Our recommendations
Which used Toyota Yaris Verso estate should I buy?
There's a choice of two engines: the 1.3-litre 84bhp petrol or the 1.4-litre 74bhp D-4D diesel. The former is great for city use but you'll need to work it hard to get decent performance, and it's noisy at motorway speeds.
The diesel, on the other hand, is more relaxed when you're cruising, but very noisy around town. There's extra low-down power that the petrol doesn't have, but it feels flat at higher revs. In the end, which you buy will come down to personal choice, but both are acceptable performers.
Standard kit on all models includes twin airbags, remote central locking, electric front windows and a radio cassette player. S models have 13-inch alloys and tinted glass, while GS gets a better sound system and 14-inch wheels. A sunroof and electric mirrors are part of GLS trim. In early 2003 the names changed to T2, T3 and T Spirit.
