The 2009 Toyota Yaris lasts around 300,000 miles with only some minor paint and A/C system issues. At $5,672 to $6,649, it’s a great value for a compact car designed to fit in small spaces.
Is the 2009 Toyota Yaris a Good Used Car?
- Yes, 2009 is a great year for the Yaris. Owner reviews praise the ease of parking in large cities, efficient engine, and great cargo space for its size.
- Interior quality is average for a small car like the Yaris, it has durable fabric seating but the technology is very basic for a car from 2009.
- Reliability ratings are excellent. We recommend avoiding models from 2007 and going with a 2008 or newer which all have relatively few problems.
- Performance is poor from the very weak standard 4-cylinder engine in the car.
- The 2009 Yaris is a very safe car earning an overall 5-star rating in government crash tests, with the lowest score being in the front impact test where it gets 4-stars.
- Fuel economy is outstanding, averaging about 32 MPG, which should get owners around 355 miles of range out of the 11.1 gallon tank.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Toyota Yaris?
- Consumer Reports says the Yaris offers excellent fuel economy and ride quality, with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Yaris 4.7/5, praising the comfortable suspension, but doesn’t like how slow it is.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Yaris 4.7/5 and enjoy the long-term reliability, but owners don’t like the lack of ABS brakes.
What Common Problems Does the 2009 Toyota Yaris Have?
The most common problems found on the 2009 Toyota Yaris include peeling clear coat, A/C blowing weak, and noisy brakes. Overall, these problems are minor compared to other compact cars from 2009, and repair costs are more affordable than rivals.
The clear coat of paint peeling is the most common complaint from owners at around 85,000 miles. Paint that is not properly cared for and left out in direct sunlight will begin to peel as it gets older. The only solution is to repaint the affected areas for about $800 per panel.
The air conditioning blowing weak is another issue mentioned by owners at around 60,000 miles. The blower motor wears out quickly in some vehicles, and costs about $400 to replace, depending on local labor rates.
Noisy brakes also show up on some Yaris models at around 90,000 miles. Worn out pads will lead to metal-on-metal contact with the brakes, which makes squeaking noises. Replacing the pads costs about $150, and new rotors are roughly $450 if they are damaged.
There are 10 recalls, more than other cars from 2009, but most are for air bags which are not a concern once they’re replaced. The most serious recall is for the power window switch, which can melt.
How Long Will the 2009 Toyota Yaris Last?
A well-maintained 2009 Toyota Yaris should be able to last around 300,000 miles, which is about 100,000 miles longer than rivals like the Volkswagen Rabbit. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than other compact cars, according to Repair Pal, at $299 per year.
Since most 2009 Toyota Yaris models have over 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace items including the exhaust manifold gasket for $250, thermostat costing $175, and the ignition coils which cost around $150.
It is very reliable. The only problems I have had with it were faulty airbags and the seat reclining mechanism. Both of these issues are fixed at no cost to me by the company (Toyota).
No problems: only recalls that have been done right away when given notice great gas mileage. Very low maintenance.
The Yaris is very reliable, I've never had any major issues with it. I've replaced the tires and there have been some recalls but otherwise it's been a great value.
Yes it is reliable, and for the most part, no. It does not have any problems, except that the air conditioner gives problems from time to time
Yes. It is very reliable it had a recall on the airbag though Requires little maintenance at 100,00 miles on the vehicle
It's very reliable. So far other than routine maintenance no major breakdowns have to watch ground clearance kind of low to the ground
Very reliable. I've taken good care of it, but have also traveled around with my Yaris a good deal. I've never had any big problems, just general and normal wear and tear
Haven't had any problems. Easy upkeep. Tires aren't costly. Services are low cost. Dealership takes good care of me when I take my Yaris in for service
How Much Is the 2009 Toyota Yaris Worth?
Blue book values range from $5,392 to $7,382, which makes the Yaris hundreds of dollars cheaper than a Mazda3 or Honda Fit. When new, the price range was $12,205 to $15,880. Depreciation is better than average, only losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Toyota Yaris?
There are two models of the Yaris offered for 2009. The second generation Yaris was launched for the 2005 model year, and replaced in 2011 with the third generation.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 14-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Air Conditioning
- Tilting Steering Wheel
S is a step up, adding:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Lower Body Kit
- 4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX Jack
- Cruise Control
What Engines Come In the Toyota Yaris?
The only engine offered in the 2009 Toyota Yaris is the weak 1.5L 4-cylinder which makes 106 horsepower and gets up to 32 MPG combined. Performance is poor, taking 9.3 seconds to go from 0 to 60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Toyota Yaris Come In?
How Big Is the Toyota Yaris?
The 2009 Toyota Yaris is a compact car offered as a sedan and hatchback that’s a bit smaller than some rivals including the Subaru Impreza and Hyundai Elantra. Passenger space is better than average in the sedan, but the hatchback’s backseats are cramped.
Cargo space is worse than competitors fitting 2 to 3 suitcases in the sedan, and 6 to 7 in the hatchback with the seats down.
How Does the Toyota Yaris Compare to the Competition?
The Toyota Yaris is among the best compact cars offered in 2009 with good interior room, and a responsive driving experience.
The Toyota Corolla is a rival from Toyota that costs around $1,500 more. Passenger space is better in the Toyota Corolla, but there’s more cargo space in the hatchback Toyota Yaris. We recommend the Toyota Yaris for the 2009 model year since it’s one of the worst years for the Corolla with mechanical issues.
The Honda Fit is another competitor which costs around $500 more. Space for passengers and cargo are both better in the Honda Fit, but the interior materials feel nicer in the Toyota Yaris. We recommend the Toyota Yaris since there are fewer complaints from owners, but both are great choices.
Do Owners Recommend the Toyota Yaris?
Yes, it is great. It is small, easy to use. It has great mileage, it is very reliable. Also, as a mechanic, it is easy to work on. The parts are cheap and the company is dependable.
Yes got it used only 27000 miles plan to keep it for a lot of years not a lot of recalls very easy to maintain.
Absolutely. The Yaris is very reliable, has great gas mileage, and is super easy to park and drive in the city. The hatchback makes it convenient to carry large items, like furniture, but passengers still feel comfortable in the backseat.
For the most, it is. It is low on horsepower but the miles-per-gallon is pretty good. It is pretty reliable and is good quality for its year
Yes it is because it gets 35 mpg and it looks great with stripes on the side and aluminum alloy wheels.
Yes it's been a very good car cheap to operate dependable looks good rides good it's comfortable and gets great gas mileage I love it
Yes. It is Reliable, surprisingly spacious, gets great gas mileage. A very practical car. I love my Yaris
Yes it's very reliable, good gas mileage. Comfortable, good speakers. Low cost maintenance. Cute and fun to drive