Toyota Yaris or VW Polo

Pipmae

I'm considering downsizing one of our cars. Both are 2006 - one a 1.6 Toyota Corolla Verso Luna (petrol) and the other a 2.0 Toyota Rav4 Luna (petrol). We don't do big mileage annually - approx. 4k to 6k kilometres in one and 8k to 10k kilometres on the other (there is less than 80,000kms on each car). Full Toyota service history on both.

My budget is the sale of the 2006 plus about €2k. So in or around €9k. I've fairly sure I'll move the Rav4 on first and I've somewhat narrowed it down to a Toyota Yaris or a VW Polo (engine size 1.2 or 1.3). I like the option of the 'occasional' 7 seater but I don't actually need it (3 kids).

Slightly anxious I'll miss the bigger style car but have to face facts that I don't really need a car that big and therefore it doesn't make sense to take the hit on the running costs.

Head is wrecked..... Any thoughts? I do like the VW Golf as well but it is that bit bigger in size than the other two. It also seems near impossible to get one with somewhat low mileage.

Mick ah

Get a MK I Toyota Yaris (99 - 05). And get a decent one. Service it every year (or when you've covered an interval, every year seems more likely in your case). And you'll have no problems. They're great cars, which is reflected in how well they hold their value.

The 1 lt will obviously be cheaper to tax (~€200) but the 1.3 lt will have a little more grunt (but be honest, you're not buying an econobox because you're concerned about the driving experience (not that the 0.3 lt will make much difference))

Anyway, that's my two cents if you're looking to keep running costs down.

Mick

bazz26

€9k will be getting you a 2006 to 2012 model Yaris which imo are not a great car. Lots of cost cutting with this model such as the low grade interior plastics and average build quality. With the Polo you will be looking at a 2010 model which was only launched that year. Feels a lot more upmarket than the Yaris but on your budget you will be looking at the 1.2 litre in 60bhp form which isn't great. The better higher powered engines will cost you more.

With all this in mind I would look at other makes and models such as the Ford Fiesta, Suzuki Swift or Honda Jazz. The Jazz will be the most spacious of that bunch which might be a more suitable downgrade to adjust to.

Pipmae

Thanks a mil for that. I'll have a look at the other suggestions.:)

bazz26

Example of a Honda Jazz:


http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Honda/Jazz/1.4-I/44013940509078440/

Pipmae

Can I ask your view on my Rav4. It's due a service and the NCT is up in September. I got a ballpark of €6k on a trade in - I'm not sure if I could be bothered selling it privately. Would you do the service and NCT before trading it in ie will I get a better trade in price?

If I was to sell it privately how hard would it be to find a buyer for it? It's 2006, approx 92,000 kms on the clock, silver luna model, bull bar at front and side steps. There is a small bit of wear and tear on the paintwork but it was never crashed (not even a slight tip). One owner - I bought it new. I would do the service and NCT before a private sale.

Moneymaker

Petrol or diesel?

Diesel would probably be easier to shift.

Pipmae

Oops vital info.

Petrol

Full Toyota service history on it too. It also has Thule roof bars for a roof box.

colm_mcm

Tax on a diesel would be classed as 2.3 so I don't think the petrol Rav Is worth that much less tbh.