UPDATE for July 2023: For a limited time period, CARSOME is offering an additional 1+1 year warranty for selected units of Toyota Vios. Find out more here.

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Let’s put our cards on the table here, you’re looking to buy a used Toyota Vios, Honda City, or any other similar rivals in the segment because you’re just not into a brand-new Proton or Perodua. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, everyone has their own needs and preferences.

Perhaps you’ve been bitten by past experiences or there’s just not much of an option when it comes to a new sedan at around RM 50k. Whichever it is, you’ve decided to take the used car route and the Toyota Vios, specifically the third generation (codenamed NCP150), is right at the top of your shortlist.

Also read: Review: Toyota Vios - This over the Honda City?

Which variant should I pick?

The third-generation Toyota Vios was launched in 2013 with five variants. The entry J variant gets a 5-speed manual transmission, which is safe to assume that most buyers aren’t looking for it. The range-topping TRD variant is merely a cosmetic upgrade to the G variant with no added features.

That leaves us with three automatic variants – J, E, and G. The J and E variants aren’t worlds apart in terms of equipment, notable ones being power folding mirrors, 60/40 split folding rear seats, and front fog lamps. If you were to pick between those two variants, we would place higher emphasis on the condition of the car.

But the variant we’d recommend searching for is the G variant. It has all-round disc brakes (the J and E get rear drum brakes), projector headlamps, keyless entry and push start button (standard in all variants from 2015 onwards), acoustic windshield, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 6 speakers (as opposed to 4 in J and E variants).

Also read: Pros and Cons: 2020 Toyota Vios 1.5G – Great value but there’s one potential deal-breaker

Plus, the price difference in the used car market between all variants aren’t that significant so why not pick the better-equipped one, right?

That being said, the third-generation Vios has had many running changes throughout its lifecycle (the current one on sale is technically still the third generation). We’re focusing on the ones between 2013 to 2017 as the newer ones are well above the RM 60k mark.

The most significant change within that period would the introduction of a new powertrain in 2016 – the 2NR-FE 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i engine mated to a CVT. It replaces the old 1NZ-FE 1.5-litre VVT-i and 4-speed automatic transmission combo.

Output of the new powertrain is actually down compared to the one it replaces – 107 PS/140 Nm vs 109 PS/141 Nm. However, the new powertrain is said to be 18 percent more fuel efficient than before.

Another important change would be the addition of Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) in all variants, though airbag count is still two. So, if you’re able to splurge just a tad more for the newer versions from 2016 to 2017, we’d recommend going for those regardless of variants.

How much is a used Toyota Vios between 2013 to 2017 going for?

At the time of writing, early ones from 2013 to 2015 can be found listed for around RM 40k to 50k. Updated models with the new powertrain from 2016 to 2017 are in the region of RM 60k to 65k.

Are there any common problems I should look out for?

Being a Toyota, reliability is one of the Vios’ forte. This writer has one in the family and it has served its duty faithfully for eight years without skipping a beat.

We spoke to Jason from V Max Autoworks, which has served many Vios owners from all generations including the third-generation model, to find out if there are any common problems.

Jason says the engine mount, specifically the right engine mount that is most visible one, may fail prematurely.

When that happens, fluid from within the engine mount can leak to its surrounding components. A new mount will set you back around RM 400 but Jason is able to source a used unit for RM 150 and charges RM 30 for labour.

Jason also says that rattling and squeaking noises are common when going over uneven surfaces or speed bumps. This is likely down to either joints or bushings in the lower control arms, or steering rack.

The former costs about RM 600 for a pair of lower arms, while the steering rack can be an expensive repair. Authorised services centres will likely quote around RM 4,000 for a new steering rack, but Jason says an OEM replacement costs RM 950 before labour.

Apart from those, the Vios is as reliable as it gets. The steering rack issue is a common occurrence in many cars with electric power steering, while the lower control arm is more of a wear-and-tear issue.

How much to maintain a Toyota Vios?

Anything else I should know?

As with all used cars, pay attention to the bodywork and structure to find out if it has been in a serious accident. Powertrain wise, it’s likely to be fine irrespective of new or old but a full-service history will give peace-of-mind. 

Conclusion

Regardless of the reason you’re avoiding our national brands, the Toyota Vios is a perfectly rational choice for a used car. It’s comfortable, reliable, and easy to maintain. Happy hunting.

Also read: Review: 2020 Toyota Vios GR-Sport - The ride and handling champ in class

To browse for more quality used cars with warranty, visit CARSOME today or download the CARSOME app here.