What to Know About Toyota Yaris Road Tax and Running Costs in the UK

The Toyota Yaris has long been a popular choice for drivers seeking a reliable and affordable car with low running costs.

Known for its fuel efficiency, reasonable maintenance expenses, and hybrid options, it’s no wonder the Yaris is a go-to for cost-conscious motorists.

If you’re considering a Toyota Yaris, it’s important to understand the associated road tax and running costs in the UK.

This guide breaks down what you need to know to keep your Yaris budget-friendly.

Understanding Road Tax for the Toyota Yaris

What Is Road Tax in the UK?

Road tax, also known as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), is a mandatory payment for vehicles driven or parked on UK roads.

It’s calculated based on factors like CO2 emissions, engine size, and vehicle type, with higher-emission vehicles typically paying more.

Understanding how these factors affect your Toyota Yaris can help you budget effectively.

How Is Road Tax Calculated for the Toyota Yaris?

The road tax for a Toyota Yaris depends largely on the model year and type of engine.

Newer models, especially hybrids, benefit from lower emissions and can therefore enjoy lower road tax rates.

Older petrol or diesel models, on the other hand, might face higher rates due to less efficient engines.

The key factors influencing road tax include:

• CO2 emissions: Lower emissions often mean lower tax.
• Fuel type: Hybrid models can qualify for reduced rates.
• Registration date: Vehicles registered after April 2017 follow a different tax structure compared to those registered earlier.

Toyota Yaris Road Tax Rates by Model Year

• Pre-2017 Models: The road tax for older petrol and diesel Yaris models is based on their CO2 emissions, with some models costing over £100 annually.
• 2017-2021 Models: For models registered from April 2017 onwards, a flat rate applies after the first year, which is based on emissions.
• 2021 Onwards: The latest hybrid models, known for their low emissions, typically cost £0-£10 for the first year, followed by a flat rate that is lower than that of non-hybrid cars.

Are Hybrid Yaris Models Eligible for Tax Discounts?

Yes, they are! The Toyota Yaris hybrid models often qualify for lower road tax due to their reduced CO2 emissions.

In some cases, this can bring the road tax close to zero, especially for brand-new vehicles.

It’s one of the main reasons why many buyers opt for the hybrid Yaris – not just for the environmental benefits, but for the potential savings on running costs.

Fuel Efficiency: How the Toyota Yaris Helps You Save

Fuel Economy of Different Yaris Models

Fuel efficiency is a major selling point for the Yaris.

The latest hybrid models can achieve impressive fuel economy figures, often exceeding 60 miles per gallon (mpg) in real-world driving conditions.

Even older petrol models can deliver around 40-50 mpg, making them relatively economical compared to other vehicles in the same class.

What’s the Fuel Cost per Mile for a Yaris?

With petrol prices fluctuating, calculating the cost per mile gives you a clearer picture of what to expect.

For a petrol Yaris averaging 45 mpg, you can expect a fuel cost of approximately 14p per mile, based on current fuel prices.

For a hybrid model, achieving 65 mpg, this drops closer to 10p per mile – a significant saving for high-mileage drivers.

Tips for Maximising Fuel Efficiency in a Yaris

To get the most out of your Yaris, consider the following tips:

• Regular maintenance: Keep your engine and tyres in good condition.
• Smooth driving: Avoid sudden acceleration and braking.
• Use ECO mode: Many Yaris models come with an ECO driving mode for better fuel efficiency.

Insurance Costs for the Toyota Yaris

What Affects Insurance Premiums for a Yaris?

Several factors influence insurance costs, including the model year, engine size, and driver details like age, driving history, and location.

Generally, the Yaris is classified in lower insurance groups, which helps keep premiums affordable.

For more details on insurance, check out our page on what insurance group a Toyota Yaris hybrid falls into.

Average Insurance Costs for Different Yaris Models

The average annual insurance cost for a Toyota Yaris ranges from £400 to £700, with hybrid models often being slightly more expensive to insure due to the higher initial cost of the car.

However, these costs can vary significantly based on individual circumstances.

How to Reduce Your Yaris Insurance Premiums

• Consider telematics (black box) insurance: This can be especially useful for younger drivers.
• Increase your excess: Opting for a higher voluntary excess can lower your premiums.
• Install security features: Adding an alarm or immobiliser can help reduce the risk of theft.

Maintenance and Servicing Costs

Typical Maintenance Schedule for a Yaris

Keeping your Yaris in top shape involves regular servicing.

Toyota recommends an annual service, which usually includes an oil change, brake inspection, and tyre rotation.

Hybrid models may also require additional checks on the hybrid battery system.

Learn more about how long it takes to service a car at a dealership.

How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Toyota Yaris?

Annual maintenance costs for a Yaris typically range between £150 and £300, depending on the service required.

Hybrid models may have slightly higher servicing costs, particularly if hybrid battery health checks are needed.

However, this is often offset by lower fuel costs and the availability of Toyota’s hybrid servicing plans.

Are Hybrid Models More Expensive to Maintain?

While some people worry that hybrids are more complex and thus more expensive to maintain, the Yaris hybrid’s costs are generally reasonable.

The main component that could be costly to replace is the hybrid battery, but Toyota provides lengthy warranties on these batteries, reducing the likelihood of out-of-pocket expenses.

Depreciation and Resale Value

How Well Does the Yaris Hold Its Value?

The Toyota Yaris is known for holding its value reasonably well, particularly the hybrid models.

After three years, a Yaris typically retains around 50-60% of its original value, which is better than many other cars in the same segment.

To understand why the Yaris is a popular choice, you can explore more about where the Toyota Yaris is made.

Comparing Resale Values of Petrol vs. Hybrid Yaris Models

Hybrid models often perform better in terms of resale value due to increasing demand for fuel-efficient and low-emission vehicles.

Buyers are generally willing to pay more for a used hybrid, making it a wise investment if you’re concerned about depreciation.

Tyres, MOT, and Other Miscellaneous Costs

How Often Do Yaris Tyres Need Replacing?

The lifespan of your tyres depends on driving habits and road conditions.

On average, a set of Yaris tyres lasts around 20,000 to 30,000 miles.

Replacement costs typically range from £50 to £100 per tyre, depending on the brand and quality.

MOT Costs for the Toyota Yaris

Once a Yaris reaches three years old, it will need an annual MOT test.

The cost for an MOT is capped at £54.85, but you may find discounted rates at some garages.

Keep in mind that any required repairs could add to this expense.

Additional Costs to Consider

In addition to the basics, factor in other costs like parking permits (if applicable), congestion charges for driving in certain areas, and potential tolls if you frequently travel on major motorways.

If you’re buying a new car, check out our guide on how much a dealership might come down on price in the UK.

Are Toyota Yaris Hybrid Models Cheaper to Run Overall?

Comparing Total Cost of Ownership: Hybrid vs. Petrol

When looking at the overall costs, hybrid Yaris models generally come out on top.

The savings on road tax, fuel, and potentially higher resale value make the hybrid a strong contender.

However, if you’re not covering many miles annually, the cost differences between petrol and hybrid models may be negligible.

Government Incentives for Low-Emission Vehicles

The government often provides incentives for drivers who choose low-emission vehicles.

Although grants for hybrid cars are less common than for fully electric vehicles, choosing a low-emission Yaris could still result in lower road tax and potential exemptions from congestion charges in some cities.

Conclusion: Is the Toyota Yaris a Cost-Effective Choice?

With its low running costs, impressive fuel efficiency, and affordable maintenance, the Toyota Yaris is indeed a smart choice for budget-conscious drivers.

The hybrid models, in particular, offer substantial savings on road tax and fuel costs.

Whether you’re a city commuter or looking for a reliable family car, the Yaris provides excellent value for money.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the road tax for a Toyota Yaris hybrid in the UK?
  For new hybrid models, road tax is typically between £0 and £10 for the first year, followed by a lower annual flat rate.
• How much does it cost to insure a Toyota Yaris?
  Annual insurance costs usually range from £400 to £700, depending on factors like the driver’s age, location, and model year.
• Is the Toyota Yaris expensive to maintain?
  No, annual maintenance costs are typically between £150 and £300, with hybrid servicing plans available.
• Are Toyota hybrid cars exempt from road tax?
  Not fully, but they usually qualify for reduced rates due to lower CO2 emissions.
• How much does a Toyota Yaris depreciate each year?
  On average, a Yaris loses about 10-15% of its value annually, with hybrids retaining their value slightly better.

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