By Josh Rosenberg
Due to extremely high new and used car prices, as well as high interest rate loans, many car shoppers have turned to "older" models to better fit their budgets. And one possible candidate has been the Toyota Yaris due to a fairly consistent solid reputation for reliability.
In fact, a well-maintained 2010 Yaris is expected to last in the 250,000 - 300,000 mile range, with reports of some doing even much better. But of course, all car models require regular maintenance and have possible individual mechanical tendencies and quirks.
So here, ...
- We'll review this Yaris as it was released in 2010.
- Then cover its general pros and cons.
- And also go over areas of possible mechanical problems that should be checked before buying one today.
But first, two very important suggestions ...
1. Things To Do When Considering A Yaris:
Locate Lower Mileage Vehicles: They are certainly out there to be found with careful and patient shopping. Be willing to drive a distance if you have to.
Vehicle History and Maintenance: Ask for the vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) as well as documented maintenance and repair records. If not provided by the dealer or private seller, it's best to move on.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have the vehicle independently inspected before making a final decision. This usually will cost in the $150-$200 range but is well worth it given the potentially thousands in savings over the long term.
2. Know How To Get The Lowest Used Car Price:
Get Dealers To Compete For your Business: When you are searching vehicles to possibly purchase, the following is the absolute best way to get the lowest price, and it is extremely easy and stress-free.
Just go to a national car listing site, (I happen to prefer CarsDirect.com for their massive dealer participation and ease of use, although others will get the job done as well) and find several listed vehicles that you may be interested in.
Then write something like the following in the "Check Availability" box or "Contact Dealer" box or whatever the site you are using uses.
"Hello, I've contacted several dealers about cars I am interested in and am looking for the best value. I am also a serious buyer planning to make a decision soon. Please send me your best out-the-door price. Thank you.
After receiving the offers, follow up by explaining that based on the price, you're leaning in another direction but still really like their car and would certainly consider another offer. When dealers drop out, you'll know you're at the best price.
Using the internet to get dealers to compete for your business is extremely important. More details on this and how to intereact with the dealers can be found here at Best Used Car Buying Techniques.
2010 Toyota Yaris Review
The 2010 Yaris made a solid choice in the economy car segment due to its versatile body style choices, comfortable drive, outstanding fuel economy and attractive cabin.
It's actually an "entry-level" vehicle that offers more than typically expected in terms of both features and performance. While you shouldn't expect quick acceleration from its 106-horsepower four-cylinder engine, you can enjoy smaller gas bills with up to 36 mpg on the highway. Toss in its easy driving dynamics, comfortable ride and affordable pricing, and you've got a vehicle well worth consideration.
And new for the 2010 model was the addition of standard traction and stability control, as well as a manual transmission choice for the five-door Yaris hatchback. In addition, the previous S model was replaced by the optional Sport package.
Also, for those shopping for oder vehicles in this segment, those possibly worth considering include the Honda Fit, Ford Focus and Nissan Versa.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2010 Toyota Yaris is classified as a subcompact economy car and is offered in three-door hatchback, five-door hatchback and four-door sedan body styles.
Base Yaris models come somewhat sparsely equipped, although you're unlikely to come across a lot of these, with standard features such as air conditioning, intermittent wipers, 14 inch steel wheels, a tilt steering wheel and 4-way-adjustable front seats. And while speakers are pre-wired, technically even a radio isn't standard issue. There's several additional standard features on the sedan, including a height-adjustable driver seat, a remote trunk release and a tachometer.
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Many optional features are grouped into packages and there are several stand-alone options. The Convenience package includes a CD/MP3 player with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack, a rear window wiper for the sedan and a 60/40-split rear seat that slides and reclines for the hatchbacks. The Power package includes all of the Convenience package features plus full power accessories and keyless entry.
In addition, there's a Sport package that adds to the Power package with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, sport seats, 15 inch wheels, iPod integration, foglights and exterior styling upgrades.
Available stand-alone options include cruise control, 15 inch alloy wheels and foglights.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Powering the front-wheel-drive 2010 Yaris is a 1.5-liter inline-4 engine that produces 106-horsepower and 103-pound-feet of torque. The standard transmission is a 5-speed manual while a 4-speed automatic is optional.
The EPA-estimated gas mileage for the new Yaris is a class-leading, at the time, 29 mpg city and 36 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission. But the automatic doesn't suffer much, rated at a nearly identical 29 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.
Safety:
Standard safety features on all 2010 Yaris models include antilock brakes (ABS), stability control, traction control and side curtain airbags.
In government crash tests, the Yaris sedan received four out of five stars for both frontal and side-impact protection for all occupants. The three-door and five-door hatchbacks earned five stars for driver protection and four stars for passenger protection in frontal-impacts and five stars for front passenger protection and three stars for rear passengers in side-impact tests.
Interior:
The Yaris' cabin is attractively designed and fairly comfortable for an economy car. That said, rear seating in the hatchbacks is somewhat cramped, but this can be significantly offset with the optional sliding/reclining rear seats. On the other hand, the sedan is fairly spacious for a subcompact because it's 20 inches longer than the hatchback.
It should also be noted that the center-mounted instrument panel, while attractive, draws the driver's sight further away from the road in order to see them.
While the sedan offers 12.9-feet of luggage space to the hatchback's 10, the hatchbacks have three gloveboxes to the sedan's one and also offer 25.7-cubic-feet of cargo room with the rear seats lowered.
Drive:
The 2010 Yaris makes for a versatile city car with its light and responsive steering and easy maneuverability, while still feeling solid cruising down the highway. Obviously, the Yaris isn't engineered for power-seeking driving enthusiasts, but still boasts adequate oomph for highway passing.
The engine is also fairly quiet overall, but can get a bit noisy when pushed. Car shoppers seeking a practical and sensible commuter vehicle with great gas mileage will likely be pleased with its overall performance.
2010 Toyota Yaris Pros
Fuel Efficiency: This Yaris is known for its excellent fuel economy, making it cost-effective for daily commuting and city driving.
Reliability: Toyota has a reputation for building reliable vehicles, and the Yaris is no exception. It's known for its durability and longevity.
Compact Size: Its small size makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and park in crowded urban areas.
Low Maintenance Costs: Generally, Toyota vehicles have lower maintenance costs compared to some other brands, and the Yaris typically follows suit.
Decent Cargo Space: Despite its compact size, the Yaris offers reasonable cargo space, especially when the rear seats are folded down.
2010 Toyota Yaris Cons
Performance: The 2010 Yaris might feel underpowered, especially on highways or when carrying heavier loads due to its small engine.
Interior Quality: Some users might find the interior materials and finishes to be less upscale compared to other vehicles in its class.
Limited Features: Models lack some of the latest tech and safety features available in newer cars.
Comfort: The compact size could compromise comfort for taller passengers, particularly on longer drives.
Road Noise: Some owners have reported that the Yaris can be noisy on highways due to its smaller size and less advanced soundproofing.
2010 Toyota Yaris Mechanical Problem Watchlist:
The 2010 Yaris, while generally proven to be quite reliable with proper care, still had incidents of owners reporting mechanical issues and concerns. Fortunately, they have not been widespread but should still be checked prior to buying.
Rust Issues: Some Yaris owners have reported premature rusting, particularly in regions where road salt is used during winter months. This could affect various parts of the vehicle, including the undercarriage and body panels.
Suspension Concerns: There have been occasional complaints about suspension components such as struts and shocks wearing out prematurely, leading to a rougher ride or uneven tire wear.
Noisy Brakes: Some owners have reported noisy brakes, which might be due to various reasons like worn brake pads or dust accumulation. While this might not affect the braking performance, it can be bothersome.
Electrical Issues: Occasional electrical problems have been reported, including issues with power windows, door locks, or dashboard warning lights. These problems might stem from wiring or sensor issues.
Airbag Recalls: Certain 2010 Yaris models were part of recalls related to Takata airbags. This affected numerous vehicles across different brands, including Toyota. Ensuring that any recall work has been completed is crucial for safety.
It's important to note that not all vehicles of this model year experience these issues, and the severity can vary widely among individual cars. Vehicles that got regular maintenance and timely servicing might have significantly mitigated these problems.
Again, stick to vehicles with comprehensive maintenance records.