Toyota Yaris II (XP90) (2005 – 2011)

Reliability score : 8.8/10

The second-generation Toyota Yaris (codename XP90, sold as Vitz in Japan) marked a major evolution compared to its predecessor. Larger, safer (5 Euro NCAP stars), and extremely versatile thanks to its sliding rear bench seat, it established itself as a benchmark in the B-segment. Designed at Toyota's European design center (ED2) in France and produced in Valenciennes for the European market, it stands out for its exceptional overall reliability. The 2009 facelift brought slight aesthetic touches, improved interior materials, and the introduction of the 1.33 Dual VVT-i engine. Although this report focuses on the excellent but demanding 1.4 D-4D diesel engine, the Yaris II offers a complete range of gasoline engines renowned for being indestructible.

✅ Strengths

Exceptional overall reliability (especially with gasoline engines and manual gearbox)
Record interior space for its size (3.75 m)
Sliding and flat-folding rear bench seat (Easy Flat system)
Chain timing on ALL engines (no belt to change)
Very low fuel consumption of the 1.4 D-4D engine
Passive safety (5 Euro NCAP stars)

⚠️ Weaknesses

Catastrophic MMT automated gearbox (slow, brutal, unreliable)
Poor sound insulation (wind and road noise on the highway)
Hard interior plastics and prone to scratches
Central digital gauges that don't appeal to everyone
Rapid clogging of the 1.4 D-4D if used only in the city
Tiny trunk when the bench seat is moved back to the maximum

🎯 Verdict

The Toyota Yaris II is a true 'workhorse' and one of the most reliable city cars of its generation. The 1.4 D-4D diesel engine is intrinsically very robust and capable of exceeding 300,000 km without flinching, provided two golden rules are followed: avoid the MMT automated gearbox and banish 100% urban use which irremediably clogs its EGR valve and DPF (on recent models). If you primarily drive in the city, you should definitely opt for the excellent gasoline engines (1.0 or 1.3 VVT-i), which offer absolute peace of mind.

Common issues

Vanne EGR encrassée Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 250 – 500 €

Nettoyage régulier ou remplacement. Conduite sur autoroute aide à prévenir l'encrassement.

Fuite des joints d'injecteurs (rondelles cuivre) Medium

🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km

💶 300 – 700 €

Vérifier les bruits de 'chuintement' ou odeurs d'échappement. Réparer rapidement pour éviter dommages.

Usure prématurée de l'embrayage Medium

🔧 120 000 – 200 000 km

💶 900 – 1 600 €

Tester l'embrayage lors de l'achat. La durée de vie dépend beaucoup du style de conduite.

Usure des silentblocs de bras de suspension (avant/arrière) Low

🔧 90 000 – 160 000 km

💶 200 – 450 €

Écouter les claquements ou ressentir un flou dans la direction. Facilement remplaçables.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£70 – 130
Timing chain	£650 – 1 200 (rarement nécessaire)
Clutch	£750 – 1 400
Complete brakes	£220 – 480
Estimated annual budget	£550 – 1 100

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.