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Are Toyota Yaris expensive to maintain?


The Toyota Yaris is a popular subcompact car known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability. However, when considering purchasing or owning one, many people wonder about the cost of maintaining this vehicle. In this article, we’ll explore whether the Toyota Yaris is expensive to maintain and provide insights into what you can expect as an owner.


Why the Toyota Yaris is Considered Affordable to Maintain


One of the standout features of the Toyota Yaris is its reputation for being a low-maintenance vehicle. Here are some reasons why the Yaris is generally affordable to maintain:



  • Reliability: Toyota vehicles, including the Yaris, are renowned for their reliability. This means fewer unexpected repairs and breakdowns, which can save you money over time.

  • Fuel Efficiency: The Yaris boasts excellent fuel economy, reducing the frequency and cost of refueling.

  • Affordable Parts: Replacement parts for the Yaris are widely available and reasonably priced, thanks to Toyota's extensive supply chain.

  • Simple Design: The Yaris has a straightforward design, making it easier and quicker for mechanics to perform routine maintenance and repairs.


Typical Maintenance Costs for a Toyota Yaris


On average, the annual maintenance cost for a Toyota Yaris is lower than many other vehicles in its class. Here’s a breakdown of common maintenance tasks and their approximate costs:



  • Oil Changes: $40–$70, depending on whether you use synthetic or conventional oil.

  • Tire Rotations: $20–$50 per service.

  • Brake Pad Replacement: $150–$300, depending on the quality of the pads and labor costs.

  • Battery Replacement: $100–$200, depending on the battery type.

  • Major Services (e.g., timing belt replacement): These are less frequent but can cost $500–$1,000 depending on the service.


These costs are estimates and can vary based on your location, the mechanic you choose, and the specific model year of your Yaris. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations, is key to keeping costs low and avoiding expensive repairs down the line.


Tips to Keep Maintenance Costs Low


While the Toyota Yaris is already an affordable car to maintain, there are steps you can take to further reduce costs:



  • Follow the Manufacturer’s Maintenance Schedule: Regularly servicing your Yaris according to Toyota’s recommendations can prevent costly repairs.

  • Use Quality Parts: Opt for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts to ensure compatibility and longevity.

  • Drive Responsibly: Avoid aggressive driving, which can wear out components like brakes and tires faster.

  • Shop Around for Repairs: Compare prices from different mechanics to find the best deal without compromising quality.


Conclusion


In summary, the Toyota Yaris is not expensive to maintain. Its reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordable parts make it a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious drivers. By staying on top of routine maintenance and driving responsibly, you can enjoy years of trouble-free ownership with minimal expenses. If you’re considering a Yaris or already own one, rest assured that it’s a smart investment for your wallet and peace of mind.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Toyota Yaris a reliable car?


The Toyota Yaris is a reliable car. In our 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey, it ranked ninth of 15 in the small car class. It has a strong reliability score of 93.5%, which makes it more reliable than the Ford Fiesta and only slightly less reliable than the Suzuki Swift and Honda Jazz.



How long will a Toyota Yaris last?


200,000-250,000 miles
Most drivers will see 200,000-250,000 miles on their Toyota Yaris, especially with excellent care, maintenance, and driving. The high mileage for this discontinued car is around 200,000 miles, and good mileage for the vehicle is closer to the 180,000-mile mark.



What was the worst year for a Toyota Yaris?


2008
2008 Toyota Yaris
Although the 2008 Yaris has fewer complaints, its problems are more severe and at low mileage. For this reason, CarComplaints gave the 2008 Toyota Yaris the distinction as the worst model year. The 2008 model suffered from peeling clear coats and paint like the previous year.



Are Toyota Yaris cheap to insure?


Another relatively cheap model to insure, the Toyota Yaris insurance group can be as low as band 2 for models like the Active 1.0 VVT-i or Icon 1.0 VVT-i. However, the Yaris comes in many different specifications so while it starts out low, other models in the range are in much higher insurance groups.



What are the disadvantages of Toyota Yaris?


The Toyota Yaris, especially the 2020 model, has been subject to criticism for its slow acceleration. With a modest engine power, it takes roughly 9.6 seconds to reach 60 mph, which is quite sluggish compared to many other subcompact cars.



Is the Toyota Yaris high maintenance?


Does the Toyota Yaris have high maintenance costs compared to other cars? The Yaris is known for being economical to maintain, especially compared to larger or more premium vehicles. Its low running costs make it an attractive option for budget-conscious drivers.



What is the common problem of Toyota Yaris?


Common problems with the Toyota Yaris
A diagnostic check may be required to pinpoint the issue in some cases. Rough idling: This was commonly reported in both petrol and hybrid models and is often due to dirty throttle bodies or fuel injectors. Some diesel models also report engine warning lights due to misfires.



Is Yaris worth buying?


Is the Toyota Yaris worth buying? For most buyers, yes. It's economical to run, good to drive, and won't let you down. On the other hand, if you want a really spacious small car, you may prefer the Honda Jazz.



Is insurance high for Toyota Yaris?


Another relatively cheap model to insure, the Toyota Yaris insurance group can be as low as band 2 for models like the Active 1.0 VVT-i or Icon 1.0 VVT-i.



What is the cheapest Toyota car to insure?


Of the Toyota models we researched, the Tacoma offered some of the cheapest average rates for a full coverage policy at $2,326 per year. For minimum coverage, the Toyota Camry is one of the cheapest Toyotas to insure on average, at just $773 per year.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.