Two of the most reliable, affordable used cars on the Irish market. Both under €10,000, both cheap to run — but they suit different buyers. Here's the honest breakdown.
The Yaris is the benchmark for small car reliability in Ireland. The 1.0 and 1.33 petrol engines are virtually bulletproof with basic servicing. Hybrid version available from 2012 — exceptional fuel economy.
The i20 punches above its price with a more modern interior, better infotainment, and a 5-year warranty that most Irish examples still benefited from. More car for the money, slightly less proven long-term.
| Category | Toyota Yaris | Hyundai i20 |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term reliability | Best in class ✓ | Very good |
| Interior modernity | Dated | More modern ✓ |
| Purchase price | €500–€1,500 more | Better value ✓ |
| Fuel economy | Hybrid outstanding ✓ | Good |
| Insurance cost | Low | Low |
| NCT performance | Excellent ✓ | Good |
| Resale value | Strongest ✓ | Lower |
| Warranty coverage | Standard | 5-year history ✓ |
| Boot space | 286 litres | 326 litres ✓ |
| Irish price range | €7k–€14k | €6k–€13k |
If you are doing significant urban or commuter mileage, the Yaris Hybrid is the standout option in this class. Real-world fuel economy of 3.5–4.5 litres per 100km is genuinely exceptional and saves hundreds per year over a standard petrol at Irish fuel prices. The hybrid battery on Mk3 cars has proven extremely reliable — Toyota hybrid battery failures under 200,000km are rare.
Post-2015 Mk3 facelift brings improved infotainment and updated safety kit. The 1.33 VVT-i manual is the most reliable spec. Hybrid versions post-2015 are the recommended choice if budget stretches.
Post-2017 i20 benefits from the mid-cycle refresh and most examples will have full service history from new. The 1.2 MPI petrol manual is the most dependable spec — avoid early T-GDi turbos from 2015–2016.
Yaris 1.33 petrol manual 2016–2018 — €8,000–€11,000. Yaris Hybrid 2016–2018 — €9,500–€13,000. i20 1.2 petrol manual 2017–2019 — €7,000–€10,000. i20 1.0 T-GDi 2018–2020 — €8,500–€12,000.
For pure reliability and long-term ownership confidence, the Toyota Yaris is the correct choice — and the Hybrid version is exceptional value if your mileage justifies it. The Hyundai i20 is a genuinely good car, well priced, and a sensible choice — but the Yaris has the stronger long-term track record in the Irish market. If you are choosing between both at the same price, always take the Yaris.
A Cartell or Motorcheck report costs €10–€15 and takes two minutes. These are the flags to watch for on a used Yaris or i20:
Tell us your budget and we will find the right car and the right spec — saving you from the common mistakes.
Get Expert Advice →