A mechanic and used car expert has named the Toyota Yaris as a model that "never needs repairs" at his garage, recommending it for its low maintenance and running costs.
Robert Hannah, owner of East Kilbride Autocare in South Lanarkshire, told the Telegraph: "I never see them coming through the garage requiring engine repairs. They’re cheap to run and fairly cheap to purchase."
Mechanics Favour Toyota Over Rivals
While many motorists might favour sportier, powerful manufacturers, Hannah highlighted the more modest Japanese brand as a reliable choice. He specifically pointed to the Yaris petrol hybrid as a low-maintenance option.
Fellow mechanic Charlie Sterrett, who owns Sterrett's Auto Centre in Northern Ireland, also advocates for Toyota, stating he favours an automatic Aygo, provided it is serviced on an annual basis.
Warning Over Jaguar Land Rover
As for a manufacturer to avoid, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has united sceptical mechanics. Alex Alfano, owner of North London garage Diagnostic Service & Repairs (DSR), claims Land Rover cars suffer recurring issues involving oil leaks and air suspension systems.
"They’re lovely to drive, but they can be very expensive cars to own," he explained, before sharing his thoughts on JLR’s Ingenium diesel engine: "I think someone at JLR seriously sabotaged the future reputation of the brand by designing this hateful engine."
Alfano also alleged the cars' internal combustion engines are "extremely poorly built and unreliable", noting: "We see lots of I-Paces with charging, high-voltage insulation, as well as heating ventilation and cooling faults."
Yaris Tested Against Corsa
Earlier this month, car expert Christopher Sharp put a Yaris to the test in a like-for-like experiment alongside a Vauxhall Corsa. "On paper these cars should handle very similarly," he explained. "They’re both front wheel drive, they both have hybrid systems, they both have grippy tyres; so there shouldn’t be much between them; but you’d be wrong."
Chris continued: "The Vauxhall sits slightly higher and is slightly softer than the Toyota. Look at the photos and you’ll notice the Toyota is squarer, slightly lower, with slightly lower profile tyres. On twisting back roads the Toyota hugs the tarmac a bit more, especially as you go over crests, it feels lighter than the Vauxhall, but the extra stiffness means it feels more vulnerable to big potholes."
However, he noted: "On the flipside the Vauxhall is bigger, softer, taller. It leans a scintilla more, but it has a lot more low down punch than the Toyota. The Toyota’s engine is a bit more raucous accelerating up to motorway speeds. Meanwhile, the Vauxhall doesn’t quite hug the inside of a corner, but it is stable and neutral. Both cars have very little understeer and remain neutral for the most part."
