Youngest son has a 1.0 Yaris and I have replaced the chain on it at 97k miles.. BUT only because it was very noisy from a lack of oil changes..

The rattling sound at tickover is - as you suspect - the chain. It may be using the wrong oil, not had an oil change or the chain is clapped out.

A new chain plus tensioners plus all the various gubbins costs in the region of £230... Plus labour.

To change it is a quite lengthy proces involving removing the chain cover (the aluminium top of engine), the air filter, the power steering pump needs to be moved to one side, the Drivers side negine mounting romoved after the engine is suspended on a hoist or a jack under the sump, the auxiliary belt removed, the chain case removed.

Phew.

Then the chain removed plus tensioners and gubbins and replaced with new and all the bits reassembled.

The manual says remove the engine sump but it is not neccessary.

Labour is about 5 hours at £70-£100 per hour.. say £500

Total bill £750. If not done done properly you get nasty oil leaks. Special sealnat specified by Toyota.

I'd look at a different car.. Versos are reasonably common.. If you don't need the extra space a saloon (5 door) is easier to drive when it's windy...

An elderly Yaris may also need the following replacing.:-

Anti roll bar rubbers at front Parts (Toyota) £50, others £25. 1 hour labour.

Exhaust. Rust. If catalyst OK £100+ Cat £250 ish. Toyota parts £££s more.

Front disks and pads.. age. Say £225.

Filler tank from fuel filler to tank: these are in the rear wheel arch and eventually rust. New £100 + plus Labour. Look under wheel arch with torch and squint under at rear.

Watch for worn clutch.. releases at top of travel.. £300++

See the HJ write up. for full list of possibles.

Basically they are very reliable but age and use..mean you have to be very careful..

I have a diesel one, son has a petrol one so we both like them.

Many very good ones, lots neglected as so reliable.

Edited by madf on 26/09/2011 at 15:07