# Toyota iQ — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Toyota iQ on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/toyota-iq

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2013
- **Ideal trim**: iQ2
- **Target mileage**: 50,000–70,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 3
- **Target price**: £4,500

## Why this model

The Toyota iQ is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a super compact city car that's incredibly easy to park and navigate tight streets. It's got Toyota's legendary reliability, so it should be a dependable little runner, and it's surprisingly spacious inside for its size. Plus, it's very fuel-efficient, making it cheap to run.

## What you should pay

For a 2013 Toyota iQ, you're looking at a sweet spot in its depreciation curve. Most of the value loss has already happened, so you're buying into a stable price range. Expect to pay around £4,000-£5,000 for a well-maintained iQ2 with average mileage. Prices can vary a bit based on condition and exact mileage, but anything significantly above £5,500 for this age would be too much.

## Which trim to buy

The iQ2 trim offers the best balance of features and value. It usually comes with alloy wheels, climate control, and keyless entry, which make it feel a bit more modern and comfortable than the basic iQ. The iQ3 adds a few more luxuries like leather, but the price jump isn't always worth it for a car of this age, and the iQ2 is perfectly equipped for daily use.

## What to check before you buy

- CVT gearbox can be problematic on automatic models (listen for whining or jerky acceleration)
- Water pump leaks (check for coolant leaks or overheating signs)
- Suspension components (bushes, shock absorbers) can wear out, especially on older models – listen for knocks over bumps
- Minor electrical gremlins (check all lights, windows, and infotainment)

## Running costs

Running costs for the iQ are very low. For a 1.0L model, you can expect around 60 mpg, which at current petrol prices (approx. £1.45/litre) works out to about £0.11 per mile. Road tax (VED) for a 2013 1.0L iQ is typically very low, often £0-£20 per year due to its low CO2 emissions. Insurance is also cheap, usually falling into groups 3-6, so expect annual premiums in the £300-£600 range depending on your circumstances.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Petrol
- **Horsepower**: 67-98 bhp
- **Mpg**: 58-65 mpg
- **Reliability Score**: Excellent (4.5/5)
- **Safety Rating**: 5-star Euro NCAP (2009)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| iQ | £10,250 | £3,500 | 15-inch steel wheels; Manual air conditioning; Electric front windows |
| iQ2 | £11,750 | £4,500 | 15-inch alloy wheels; Automatic climate control; Keyless entry and start |
| iQ3 | £13,250 | £5,500 | 16-inch alloy wheels; Leather upholstery; Automatic headlights and wipers |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £4,500 | 0% |
| 2027 | £4,000 | 11.1% |
| 2028 | £3,500 | 22.2% |
| 2029 | £3,000 | 33.3% |
| 2030 | £2,500 | 44.4% |

The Toyota iQ has already gone through its steepest depreciation curve. Buying a 2013 model now means you're getting it at a point where its value loss will be much slower in absolute terms. While it will continue to depreciate, the percentage loss year-on-year will be less significant than a newer car, making it a relatively stable purchase for short-to-medium term ownership.

Total value lost since new: 70%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [Smart ForTwo](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/smart-fortwo.md)
- [Fiat 500](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/fiat-500.md)
- [Volkswagen Up!](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/volkswagen-up.md)

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.