5 things I LOVE & HATE about my Toyota GR Yaris

This week on Buckle Up, Rob talks us through the 5 things he loves and hates about his GR Yaris after 10 months of ownership.
Do you agree with Rob's assessment? Let us know your opinion in the comments down below...
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#BuckleUp #Toyota #GRYaris
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[@connorpimmphotography]

I'd like to add another thing I hate: the fact I do not own this car

[@BuckleUpShow]

One day Connor, one day

[@mrmorizofan7001]

I love that it doesn't have any unnecessary stuff like rear wiper.

[@BuckleUpShow]

I just think it would be useful given the fact it’s still a hatch

[@planbparadise2046]

LOL 😂

[@victordoris2357]

Dope video! The Voice and Attitude for me 😂

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks for watching, Victor!

[@Slojammed]

Thanks for this review. KZbin is full of reviewers obsessed with track battles and hype. Yes we know it's good to drive but what is it like to actually live with.

[@BuckleUpShow]

No problem, if you have any questions, pop them below👇

[@Slojammed]

I do actually. Why did you pick this over the Civic? It seems like the civic is subjectively a better place to be day to day and the general driving experience seems to be better especially a slower speeds, what is it about the Yaris that swayed you?

[@BuckleUpShow]

Very good questions. I drove the Civic and thought it was epic, and I still do. It is no doubt, the best FWD hot hatch out there. The main reason I picked the Yaris was because it is a rally homologation special. One of those doesn’t come along very often and I’ve always preached that when a car maker actually makes something interesting and different, you should buy it. So I did. I also don’t need to put people in the back regularly, so three doors and a low roof line don’t bother me. The 4WD was also a bonus. I am in no way a ‘racing driver’ so the idea of having the security and grip of a 4WD system appealed to me. It just seemed more special to me. I don’t regret it for a second, the best car I’ve owned by a long way.

[@Slojammed]

Yeah that makes a whole lot of sense!

[@NigelsModellingBench]

I just got my GRY in November, after an 18 month wait. So glad I didn't cancel. The seat height doesn't bother me, and I'm 5'11", Mirror could be higher up, Naked carbon roof looks like a kitchen work top, rear camera is fine for me, I love the fact it is a homologation special, I love the two piece discs, the forged BBS wheels, PS4 tyres, 270 odd HP, huge torque, hard ride, stiff suspension, very nice seats, choice of central display in dash and aluminium doors, bonnet and tailgate. I don't love the 6 month service intervals, cost of said service intervals and every bloody traffic light stop turning into the latest drag race with every other hot hatch out there lol.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Great observations, thanks for watching!

[@robertsheppard1333]

Great video - in all honesty, the rear view mirror 'obstruction' has never been a problem for me. Agree that it needs a rear wiper, but the biggest 'hate' if I had to choose one, is that the front seats don't go back to their original position when you fold them down to get people in and out of the back. And then it's only the passenger seat that actually folds down. So that's awkward, but lets be honest, it's forgotten about when you're driving the thing - it's epic! And I kinda like that there are a few compromises hear and there.

[@BuckleUpShow]

If the car was perfect then it’d be boring! We love a good quirk here at Buckle Up. Thanks for watching!

[@V.63]

Great video, good luck 🤞

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks for watching!

[@arda_]

Great video liked and subbed. Waiting for my GR Yaris to arrive! It’s been 7 months since my order and apparently another 7-8 months until it arrives :(

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks Arda! I was quite lucky with my order. Placed in Dec 2020 and took delivery in April 2021. The time will fly by and the wait is worth it!

[@quokkapirquish6825]

I love the seat height- its better for visibility. Agree with the rear visibility comments, I love how strong the car feels, its rigid and handles like no other car I've ever had, going round corners feels so good. My only gripes are the noise - no soundproofing in the car, road noise is loud, and the speakers sound like something from the 1970s.

[@BuckleUpShow]

I think the seat height starts to impede on visibility when you’re tall. I can’t get it any lower, but most of my view is the roof lining 😅

[@PKraemer81]

I love that is do not have a ugly unused rear wiper. Never use rear wiper on any of my car's. (Live in Sweden so same as your lovely whether)

[@BuckleUpShow]

I’m not sure that’s something to boast about

[@woznaldo]

I’m 6’ 2” and the seat height, rear view mirror and rear visibility are an issue and interrelated. I’ve fitted a ‘mirror riser’ (improves front vis, degrades rear). The sloping roofline is why the mirror is so low in the first place. A lower front seat height would reduce the need to raise the mirror but, still not a great fix. The best solution I’ve seen so far is the mirror monitor with front and dash cam integrated. The rear camera just behind the roof antenna isn’t affected by reverse airflow rain and dirt either. A future mod on my car for sure.

[@BuckleUpShow]

All good points and solutions

[@jay_b..]

Where is solution shown? Is there a weblink?

[@Luke-ru5vu]

Great Review! I love my Audi S1 and have been looking at going for the GR Yaris. Was a S1 a consideration when you brought one?

[@BuckleUpShow]

Warning! Don’t take any advice from me! I don’t tend to cross shop when I buy a car, I just decide I want it and if I can find a way to afford it, then I get it. I usually think about practical stuff after I’ve bought it. Basically, I saw Chris Harris do a skid in one on Twitter and then rang my local Toyota dealership. Didn’t look at or consider anything else. But this is a lot more ‘hardcore’ than an S1. Try and test drive one before committing to buy would be my advice.

[@Luke-ru5vu]

@@BuckleUpShow I watched the same Top Gear episode and I rang my local Toyota dealer 😂 At the time the S1 was a much better proposition.

[@amaetfacquodvis2450]

Haha, i like ur rev. style! Keep it going :)

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks for watching!

[@jamnope1074]

As of American this video made me happy we're getting the Corolla version

[@BuckleUpShow]

We're very jealous

[@nbro5529]

The only reasons why I didn't (yet) buy a GR Yaris are the defects that you mentioned: rearview mirror and no rear wiper. That's unacceptable because I want a sports car but I also want something that is comfortable enough. I really like the design of the car and the fact that it's 4-wheel drive, has a lot of power, it's a rally homologation, but damn that rearview mirror position and size sucks. Moreover, the fact that you can't have both the comfort and circuit pack really sucks. These are the stupid decisions that make the company lose some clients, like me.

[@BuckleUpShow]

If you want a sports car that is comfortable we can't recommend the GR Yaris due to the firmness of its suspension. It has a lot of merits as a car, but comfort isn't one of them!

[@johnpaterson4163]

Good review, thanks. I cant make my mind up, saw one local dealer, black with bronze wheels, or try and find pearl white one, decisions. Guess the black is rarer, most for sale seem to be the white.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Decisions, decisions! Thanks for watching!

[@ryanbaxter1627]

I’m 6,5ft I love the gr Yaris and am considering getting one, will I be able to fit in the car comfortably without getting a lowering kit for the seat?

[@BuckleUpShow]

It will be close. My advice is to go and sit in one first before you commit to buying it.

[@Bazoozoos]

@@BuckleUpShow Why did you sell yours?

[@BuckleUpShow]

Because I’m incapable of keeping a car more than 2 years

[@kalaitzisjohn7123]

Nice video. I'm going buy a gr and I would like to ask you, what has to do with a 6 feet tall driver. is it comfortable?

[@BuckleUpShow]

I’m 6ft2” and I was fine

[@kalaitzisjohn7123]

​@@BuckleUpShow but with helmet ?

[@BuckleUpShow]

No idea as I never tested it

[@henryrolt3747]

The rear view mirror might be height adjustable! I've had the same issue on both mk1 (99-05) Yarises I've bought, but the stubby arm the mirror is mounted on swivels at both ends, giving a couple of inches of height adjustment. It's very stiff, you really have to give it a shove.

[@BuckleUpShow]

The problem is the radar equipment also being in the housing means that even if you could move the mirror, the blind spot is still very big.

[@DavidBrown-bs7gg]

Check out Harry's Garage video on this car, he's taken a file to the rear view mirror arm which allows it to move higher by a few useful centimetres

[@henryrolt3747]

@@BuckleUpShow yes fair enough it did look worse than my T Sport. That's what I love about the mk1 - vast, endless visibility out the front!

[@chazzer666]

@@BuckleUpShow you can move the mirror up. First thing I did when I test drove it. Also you cant get these for £250 a month or on 0%. Not sure where you got that info from.

[@BuckleUpShow]

I’ve been advised by my Toyota dealership not to do that for the reasons already stated above. And I’d be interested where you get your information regarding the finance available? I pay £250 p/m and it’s on 0% from Toyota Financial Services. So, I would perhaps retract your comments relating to this.

[@christopherbassit2757]

Got my gr 2 weeks ago🎉

[@BuckleUpShow]

Congrats, enjoy!

[@MrRoskoPeko]

For all the things Toyota do so right, they always fall over with interior, tech and ergonomics.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Good job I’m not fussy about that sort of stuff

[@MrRoskoPeko]

Perhaps your video title should have been ‘Five things I love & some others I’ve noticed but am not too fussed about’ 😂

[@ingo1234]

Here are my 5 Loves and Hates about my GR Yaris Love -technology features (aluminum doors + hood + tailgate, carbon roof, ball-bearing turbo, etc.) -design (wide fenders, only 2 doors) -responsiveness, power of engine (no turbo hole) -cornering and steering feel -super brakes Hate -Seating position (too high, steering wheel adjustment not good) -annoying assistance systems that you have to switch off before every trip -oem exhaust and intake too quiet -serial tailpipes too small -wheels too deep in the wheel arches + stands too high

[@BuckleUpShow]

Good choices 👍 Thanks for watching!

[@Stringwar]

Nice review, agree it's a great daily. Some of these criticisms are a little bit clichéd. The rear view mirror, rear camera and window don't bother me and I live in rainy, dirty North West England. I love mine, criticisms are , pain to turn on everything you want on and off when you get in every time. Wish they were in the settings. Second is the steering could do with being a little bit sharper, kind of a slow turn in. Third, it has a dated infotainment system, feels last gen, slow and not very attractive. Fourth, for the money it could have had all options, this is a Yen to Pound punishment. Lastly, would have been nice to be able to spec the TRD body kit/stripes from the factory. Also, the UK convenience pack should have had front mechanical diff as standard, based on price of the pack. I'll have to add one to mine later.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Agree with your points too, thanks for watching!

[@James-RJM]

Hi mate. Steering will improve with better rubber. My A5's are great. And I'm not missing the front e-diff of my i30N either. The variable awd, in track mode, is incredible wet, damp, cold and dry/warm. Esc on, traction light occasionally flickers, but mainly when cold and greasy roads, in particular, recently gritted! No wheelspin still, just feeling the power beneath moving around. No understeer, oversteer or bunny hopping, the latter a persistent issue for my N in the wet and cold, it struggled with it big time!! I had my 1st service b4 Xmas and luckily was given the circuit pack as courtesy car and for about 5 hours. My 5th drive of circuit now, always esc on and I actually managed to activate the front torsen a few times. 4.5 hours enthusiastic driving and was like b4, acting like our open diff's cars. Firmer suspension, a little less lean and significantly heavier steering. Much more tiring for longer journeys and I only noticed because of the length of time I had it. Also missed the Convenience pack extras! I drove a sharp turn exiting a specific roundabout where I know exactly how mine drives. That being, only when greasy and full boost, esc flickering, power beneath adjusting, no wheelspin or understeer! Steering not corrupted/tugged. Did the run 5 times, was damp in points/about 7 celcius. I was actually shocked to feel the front turn sharply, harder than the N's e-diff, but I didn't particular like how the steering wheel pulled quite hard, needing very intentional correction. Reminded me, from memory, of the mazda 3 mps and focus rs mk2. Probably just felt very different to how the N was, maybe the rear torsen was also activating, creating those sensations?? I only noticed the front. Anyhow, I literally totally exaggerated the turn in, very sharply and full boost and yet it only activated 3/5 times. On the estoril videos I've previously referred to where 2 Italian reviewers stated in order to truly benefit from the circuit's torsens you need to disable esc, the other gunning it around the estoril track, esc on and they never activated. Long sweeping bends and dry. Likely when esc is disabled and especially in sport mode they are truly relevant. N/A to my uses/needs. Seriously, on the A5's I'd be surprised if you still wanted a front lsd, unless you're tracking etc... I didn't entertain those dunlops, so can only go on the reasoning from many reviews to bin them. A5's or the f1 supersport are likely the current best options for grip, firmer sidewalls vs ps4s's and sharper steering/more feel! Although they've allegedly improved the pz4's, my experiences have put me off them, plus saw a new quadrifoglio review shodding them and in the damp they weren't liked still! Hoping Goodyear will have the next generation of both b4 mine need replacing 🤞

[@Stringwar]

@@James-RJM I wouldn't mind running a circuit pack for a few hours just for curiosity sake. I don't really drive that hard, I'm in my 40s with kids so there isn't much opportunity. Manchester is always wet or cold so maybe the Dunlops are a bit shit for the front end. I know 4wd cars aren't the best for turn in and sharpness of front end because they are being pushed from the back as well. When I've worn these out I think I'll switch to Goodyear or Pirelli's based on the weather. I find the car very balanced but yeah in greasy weather it can be a little bit wild and you can feel all four wheels struggling. I think I'd prefer that than 100% grip because it adds a bit of involvement and drama, I'm not trying to set a lap time on the way back from the school run. Interesting that the circuit packs steering is heavier. I don't think I would want firmer dampers but I may lower it with eibachs at some point, not too expensive to trial them. In any case I love my car. Hope you're still enjoying yours as much as day 1.

[@James-RJM]

@@Stringwar A few initial annoying niggles but all sorted now mate. I'm loving it and have absolutely NO regrets in not getting the circuit pack car for MY uses! Upto around 8 tenths it's not needed or relevant for road use only. Yes, if tracking or driving it with esc off and very very hard, the circuit is more focused, but it's minimal on the road, with A5's on mine at least. Our convenience pack extras plus the standard more road biased suspension are much better imo, again, for road use. I didn't think I would regret it, due to the totally anal research I did lol, but having NOT actually driven the standard car set up, yet parting with £32,200 made the 7.5 months wait very frustrating! Driving just out and offsite from toyota, immediately confirmed all was very good! No more fuc..ng wheelspin 🥳 My research and confidence didn't disappoint, that's for sure 🙂 If Goodyear haven't brought out updates when I'm getting new tyres, I'll probably try the supersport. They have even firmer sidewalls, but knowing our suspension set up and feeling now, the A5's are great but the supersport may even be better. I shied away from the supersport due to the A5's being better in the wet in that tyrereviews video. Was mindful of it being on a fwd gti and therefore likely less relevant for awd but, along with not knowing the firmness of the standard suspension, I went for the A5's and have no complaints 👌

[@51KTM51Hurricane]

Hello Your 5 dislike are not wild. Rear Window, Glas Politur, better in Rain. Rear Camera, yeah but who need one for a short car like this one. My Ram Rebel, yes he need one. Back view mirror, lucky I’m living in Switzerland. We don’t need the rear view in the middle so I take mine away. So I guess I’ve less dislikes… 😁 Greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭

[@BuckleUpShow]

Greetings from the UK! Having no rear view mirror in the middle sounds ideal!

[@solefreak2]

Only problem is, Toyota are no longer offering the 0% finance option and are unlikely to when the next round of cars are produced.. Wish I'd bought one now!

[@BuckleUpShow]

Ah that’s a shame! The 0% made it a no brainier for me

[@solefreak2]

@@BuckleUpShow Absolutely, which is why I'm kicking myself for not ordering one when I had the chance.. Still want one though

[@solefreak2]

@@relentlesspursuit6894 So why are Toyota here in the UK still allowing people to register their interest for the GR Yaris?

[@sultanoftippoo3857]

@@solefreak2 interesting you say Toyota UK are allowing people to register their interest? Two months ago (when you posted) I was directed by three dealers to go on the Toyota website but the wait list option has been removed (is it back up again?). I was also told there is no news on any more GR Yaris’ being built due to the US production run of the GR Corolla. I gave up and bought a nearly new Circuit edition from Arnold Clark in Glasgow. Haven’t regretted my purchase for a second, fabulous car.

[@solefreak2]

@@sultanoftippoo3857 Well they were, I was on the list only to be emailed more recently to say that I was unsuccessful in securing one for 2022. Think they then allowed me to register my interest for 2023 models if I'm not mistaken. But I've done a complete U-turn and decided on going electric so looking at Tesla's now

[@fretstain]

haha you complaining about the civic type R spoiler makes me wonder what your thoughts are on the new GRMN Yaris

[@BuckleUpShow]

It’s an awfully expensive body kit

[@mr2gti]

Who's going to design a rear spoiler with a wiper built in, then?

[@BuckleUpShow]

I hear Land Rover are pretty good at hidden wipers in the spoiler

[@rtorbs]

4:22......Not sure about off a lambo....looks more like off a kitchen counter top lol......i hate forged carbon. Im not a massive fan of the driver seat movement, Ive two kids to get in now and then and its a PITA to move the drivers seat if you want to get in from both sides. Im also not a masive fan of the android auto connection, its fine when connected to spotify or whatever but playing audio files from your device means youre unable to use the volume controls on the head unit as itll turn up whatever is displayed there. Not grumbling too much though as sat nav via google maps for gratis makes the convenience pack even less appealing as i can upgrade the speakers anyway

[@BuckleUpShow]

Some Lambos do use forged carbon, and I think it looks much better than the wrap but each to their own. I never move the drivers seat for this very reason. Don’t use android but Apple car play seems to work fine for me. Hope you’re enjoying yours!

[@DonkeyOaty]

Nice trainers.

[@BuckleUpShow]

I’ll take this at face value and say thanks

[@dylanmoorcraft3105]

They are actually cool trainers.

[@maxdinnall7124]

Your a belter have you ever drove a van you have two mirrors either side of you

[@BuckleUpShow]

Firstly, it’s you’re, not your. Secondly, it’s driven, not drove. And thirdly, yes I have driven several vans. Here’s a review I did of one on this very channel - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIiYp5yhaNGIqsk

[@RideOnTime1]

It would be better with a CVT

[@BuckleUpShow]

No it wouldn’t 😅

[@Dlust88]

Better than a type r? Stop

[@BuckleUpShow]

I’ve driven both and I bought the Yaris. Each to their own.

[@pocketfella5176]

A type r is a beautiful car and fast but the Yaris is a different car, it will be the last car of its type ever to be built , so enjoy any car you own and be happy 😃

[@faith1980]

Like the car, but does NOT justify the price!

[@BuckleUpShow]

It’s in line with its main rivals and can be had for £250 a month on 0% finance?

[@mr2gti]

@@BuckleUpShow £212 0% is what I'm paying. Huge deposit - obvs

[@DavidBrown-bs7gg]

Toyota sell them at a loss, how can it be overpriced

[@urgandma]

@@DavidBrown-bs7gg because he knows nothing about the car

[@Matomiii]

@@mr2gti doubt you're getting that on 0%, maybe the 1.9% over 4 years

[@edwardaw1]

Tosser

[@BuckleUpShow]

Would you like to elaborate, Alan?

[@kicknick7771]

OK, maybe a Honda Civic Type R is the better car 4U... give the GR to someone who loves it like it is. I think you don`t know what is a homologation special.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Have you watched the same video as me? Do you think I would have bought the car if I didn’t like it? Are you incapable of saying anything bad about a car you own? These are some questions it may be worth asking yourself.