Background
The Toyota Verso is a seven-seat car that first appeared in 2005 and is still being made as of April 2013. It is now on its third generation which was released in April 2009. This new generation is more spacious than its predecessor and also has a more efficient engine and better quality cabin fitments.
The Verso has received the top rating for safety from Euro NCAP and it also achieved the highest overall score for safety of any MPV on the market.
The trims and equipment were last updated in 2012 and the trims are now known as the TR, T Spirit and T2.
Bang for you buck
The Verso's signature styling is its novel crease which runs along each of the car's flanks forming a distinctive swoop. Particularly attractive are its rear light clusters that have circles of LEDs surrounding the central indicators.
The designers have continued the swooping theme inside the car with the central instrument panel and centre console sitting on the top of a wavy backdrop.
Toyota added an extra 70mm to the length and 20mm to the width in 2009 which makes a big difference to the legroom and all round space inside the Verso. It also makes for a sizeable boot even with all 7 seats up. The Verso offers a mind boggling 32 different seat combinations.
What you'll pay
Post-2009 cars are by far the best option when it comes to used Versos. Prices start at about £8,250 for 1.6 litre petrol TR on a 59 plate. However, petrol models are much rarer than diesel versions so you may have to compromise on condition and colour. Entry-level diesel cars kick off at approximately £10,500 for an 09-plated D4-D 2.0 litre model with around £40,000 miles on the clock. The better 2.2 litre unit sells for around £12,750.
What to check
Used Toyota Verso cars for sale made before 2009 do have some reliability issues and the build quality inside and out is variable to say the least. Post-2009 cars are a lot more reliable and are definitely the Verso of choice. All of the engines have proved to be tough and the Verso's load area is very hardwearing. You should check all of the electronics inside the car and give the sat nav a test drive as well. Make sure that a used Verso has been serviced on time by a decent garage.
Parts
These prices are based on a 1.6 litre Verso T2. Toyota spares are relatively inexpensive when compared to its rivals such as Vauxhall and Ford. A new clutch assembly will be around £130 and a replacement exhaust about £330. A starter motor sells for £150 while a new headlamp can be as much as £200. Repair costs tend to be pretty reasonable and this has helped to keep insurance costs down.
How it drives
Pre-2009 Toyota Verso cars had a problematically low driving position which just wasn't right for an MPV. Post-2009 cars have a higher seating position which is much more suited to a car like the Verso. Newer cars are also more dynamic in their drive and have plenty of grip and a firm body control. This makes the Verso fairly easy to manoeuvre and reassuring around corners. The electronic power steering is also very good.
The models to look out for are the 2.2 or 2.0 litre diesel engines or the 1.8 or 1.6 litre petrol versions. All engines produce between 125 and 150bhp which is fairly typical for the Verso's class of car.
The petrol engines rev pretty sweetly but are a fair bit less relaxed than the diesels which also deliver significantly more pulling power. For this reason, most buyers have gone for the 2.0 litre D-4D 124bhp engine. This model will reach 60mph in around 11.3 seconds which is around one second slower than the 1.8 litre petrol model.
Overall, the used Toyota Verso is a solid car and a good bet for those looking for a practical, discreet and reliable MPV. Its design may not be the sassiest on the market but used examples are available at some very attractive prices and you can get a lot of car for your money if you shop around.
