# Toyota Yaris — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Toyota Yaris 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-yaris

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2021
- **Ideal trim**: Design
- **Target mileage**: 30,000–50,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £13,648

## Why this model

The Toyota Yaris Hybrid is a fantastic choice for a used car, especially if you do a lot of city driving or shorter journeys. It's renowned for its bulletproof reliability, which means fewer unexpected repair bills, and its hybrid powertrain delivers excellent fuel economy, keeping your running costs low. It's also surprisingly spacious for a supermini and comes with a good level of standard safety tech. Toyota's reputation for longevity means a well-maintained Yaris can easily handle 100,000+ miles.

## What you should pay

The Yaris, particularly the hybrid model, holds its value exceptionally well in the UK market. The verified price anchor for a 2021 Hybrid Design with typical mileage is around £13,648. You might find slightly cheaper examples, but be wary of very low prices as they could indicate higher mileage or poorer condition. Expect to pay towards the upper end of the market for a good example, as demand is consistently strong.

## Which trim to buy

The 'Design' trim hits the sweet spot for value. It adds some really useful features over the entry-level 'Icon' without jumping up too much in price like the 'Excel' or 'GR Sport'. You'll typically get things like alloy wheels, a larger infotainment screen with smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), and a reversing camera, which are all great to have for daily driving. It feels a bit more modern and comfortable without breaking the bank.

## What to check before you buy

- Minor infotainment glitches (rare)
- Occasional manufacturer recalls (check service history)

## Running costs

Running costs are a major strong point for the Yaris Hybrid. Fuel economy is excellent, typically achieving 60-70 mpg in real-world driving. At current petrol prices (approx. £1.45/litre), this works out to roughly 10-12 pence per mile. Road tax (VED) for a hybrid Yaris registered after April 2017 is £170 per year. Insurance costs are generally low, as the Yaris is considered a safe and sensible car, making it affordable for most drivers.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Hybrid
- **Horsepower**: 116 hp
- **Mpg**: 60-70 mpg
- **Reliability Score**: Excellent
- **Safety Rating**: 5-star Euro NCAP (2020)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Icon | £19,910 | £11,500 | 15-inch steel wheels; 7-inch infotainment touchscreen; DAB radio |
| Design | £21,010 | £12,750 | 16-inch alloy wheels; 8-inch infotainment touchscreen; Apple CarPlay/Android Auto |
| Excel | £23,010 | £14,200 | 17-inch alloy wheels; LED headlights; Keyless entry and start |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £13,648 | 100% |
| 2027 | £12,140 | 89% |
| 2028 | £10,926 | 80% |
| 2029 | £9,833 | 72% |
| 2030 | £8,850 | 65% |

Buying a 3-4 year old Toyota Yaris like the 2021 model means you've let the first owner take the biggest hit of depreciation. While the Yaris holds its value well, the initial drop from new is always the steepest. From this point onwards, the depreciation curve flattens out significantly, meaning you'll lose less money each year compared to buying new. It's a great balance of modern features, remaining warranty (if applicable), and reduced value loss.

Total value lost since new: 35%.

## Alternatives to consider

- Honda Jazz Hybrid
- [Skoda Fabia](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/skoda-fabia.md)
- [Volkswagen Polo](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/volkswagen-polo.md)

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