2016 Toyota Yaris 1.0L Petrol · YF16 ABV

The 1.0-litre VVT-i petrol is one of the most economical small-car engines on sale, typically returning 55-65 mpg in real-world mixed driving. Road tax falls into a low band for pre-2017 cars of this engine size, usually £20-£30 per year. Insurance should sit in group 5-7 depending on trim, making this one of the cheapest cars to insure on the market. The 1.0-litre engine uses a timing chain rather than a belt, which removes one major service cost.

Typical annual maintenance for a Yaris of this age is modest — budget around £150-£250 for a minor service and £250-£400 for a major one including brake fluid and coolant. With brake discs and pads already replaced post-2023, the next major brake job should be some years away. Allowing for fuel, insurance, tax and maintenance, total annual running costs typically fall in the £1,200-£1,500 range for a low-mileage example.

Pay particular attention to the nearside rear wheel bearing that was flagged in 2023 — listen for a hum or drone that changes with cornering, and rock the wheel to feel for play. Inspect the front brake discs and pads visually through the wheel; if the discs show heavy scoring or lipping, the work may not have been done to a high standard. Also check the rear wheel bearing on the offside, as these often fail in pairs.

Beyond the MOT history items, this generation Yaris is known for occasional issues with the dashboard display pixels fading and the rear wiper motor seizing, though these are not safety items. Check that all warning lights clear on ignition, the air conditioning blows cold (a regas costs around £60-£80), and that the clutch bite point is high and consistent. Underneath, look for any corrosion around the rear axle and exhaust mounting points, as this is a common area on early-2010s Yaris models.