Peugeot 208 vs. Toyota Yaris: Complete comparison 2026

The Peugeot 208 represents the embodiment of French charm, bringing bold design and modern technology to the small city hatchback segment. Standing against it is the proven Toyota Yaris – a globally popular car historically known in some markets as the Toyota Vitz and, in its current generation, also sold in Europe under the sister name Mazda 2 Hybrid – which scores primarily with exceptional reliability and an advanced, economical powertrain. Let's take a detailed look at which of these roughly four-year-old models offers a better balance of price, everyday usability, and overall driving pleasure from a used car buyer's perspective.

When choosing the ideal city car on the used car market, typically cars around four years old, external dimensions play an absolutely crucial role. The second-generation Peugeot 208 and the Toyota Yaris designated XP21 represent two different philosophies of how to build a compact and agile hatchback. While the French representative bets on more dynamic proportions and a more elongated silhouette, the Japanese competitor takes the path of maximum space efficiency and the pursuit of the best possible maneuverability.

Looking at the overall length, the Peugeot 208, with its 4,055 mm, clearly has the upper hand – in standard versions, it is exactly 115 mm longer than the standard Toyota Yaris (3,940 mm). This difference gives the Peugeot a more mature look, but on the other hand, it means slightly less space when parallel parking in narrow streets. As for the width of the standard models, both cars are perfectly equal, sharing a value of 1,745 mm. Parking between other cars at a shopping center will thus be very similar with both hatchbacks. With the Toyota, you will encounter different dimensions only in the GR Yaris sports special, which is 60 mm wider and slightly longer thanks to its massive fenders.

An interesting situation arises when comparing height and wheelbase. The standard Toyota Yaris, at 1,500 mm, is a significant 70 mm taller than the Peugeot 208 (1,430 mm). The Toyota's taller body structure brings an indisputable advantage in easier entry and better visibility, which you will undoubtedly appreciate in daily traffic. Conversely, the Peugeot's low roof benefits aerodynamics and enhances its visually crouched stance. However, the absolutely key figure is the wheelbase. Although the Yaris is shorter on the outside, its wheels are pushed to the very corners of the body, giving it a wheelbase of 2,560 mm – 20 mm more than the Peugeot (2,540 mm). The Japanese model thus uses its footprint much more efficiently. From the perspective of daily urban mobility, the Toyota is the more agile choice, benefiting from shorter overhangs, while the Peugeot 208 targets drivers who prefer a distinctive, elongated design and a driving feel closer to higher-class vehicles.

When choosing a city hatchback, trunk capacity plays a surprisingly important role. Although these are compact cars primarily intended for city traffic, many buyers expect them to easily handle a larger weekend shopping trip or luggage transport for a long weekend. Space for a few extra suitcases or an easily foldable stroller can often be a deciding factor. Both the Peugeot 208 and Toyota Yaris approach interior space with a slightly different philosophy, which is reflected not only in absolute numbers but also in daily practical usability.

The French representative, the Peugeot 208 (in its 2nd generation, which is an ideal target for those interested in a roughly four-year-old used car), offers a solid trunk capacity of 309 liters in versions with a classic internal combustion engine. After fully folding down the rear seats, this space increases to an impressive 1004 liters, which is fully sufficient for weekend shopping or a longer holiday for two. However, it is necessary to mention the specifics of the fully electric version (e-208), where the installation of large batteries reduces the basic trunk capacity to 265 liters and the maximum volume to 960 liters. Despite a slightly higher loading sill, which is the price for the dynamic exterior design, the trunk of the combustion versions pleases with its relatively regular shape.

The Japanese Toyota Yaris (XP21 generation) maintains a consistent trunk capacity of 286 liters across standard engine options. Its main technological advantage is that even in the highly popular full-hybrid version, there is no loss of capacity – the batteries are cleverly placed under the rear seats so that users do not lose precious space. Compared to the combustion version of the Peugeot 208, the standard Yaris loses exactly 23 liters in its base configuration. After folding down the rear bench, the Japanese hatchback offers a maximum space of 935 liters. Although the Yaris is slightly smaller on paper, it makes up for it with excellent accessibility and smart interior layout. An interesting point for motorsport fans is the extreme sports version, the GR Yaris, where the trunk capacity has shrunk to just 141 liters due to the implementation of a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system.

Trailer weight, or towing capacity, represents one of the key figures for drivers who plan to transport a utility trailer, bike rack, or even a smaller caravan behind their car. When comparing approximately four-year-old used cars – namely the second-generation Peugeot 208 and the Toyota Yaris XP21 generation – we find quite significant differences in this discipline, which can fundamentally influence your purchasing decision.

The Peugeot 208 is noticeably more capable in the area of towing. Most of its engines, including the popular 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder petrol engines (from 74 kW upwards), mild-hybrids, and the economical 1.5 BlueHDi diesel version, can tow a braked trailer with a maximum weight of up to 1,200 kg. A standard unbraked trailer for these more powerful versions reaches a typical capacity of around 580 kg. The only exception is the basic naturally aspirated 1.2 PureTech 75 engine, which is structurally limited to 500 kg for both types of trailers.

Conversely, the Toyota Yaris is designed more as a strictly city car with much more modest capabilities. Its absolute maximum is 850 kg for a braked trailer and 550 kg for an unbraked one, and that is only for the standard 1.5 Dynamic Force (92 kW) petrol version. The basic one-liter engine can tow a maximum of 750 kg. The most significant limitation is suffered by the very popular hybrid variants (1.5 Hybrid 116 and 130), which are widely represented on the used car market. Due to the specifics of the electrified powertrain, these have their towing capacity reduced across the board to just 450 kg, for both braked and unbraked trailers.

In practice, these differences mean that while the Peugeot 208 can easily haul a fully loaded trailer with firewood or construction materials or serve to tow a smaller caravan for a summer holiday, the hybrid Yaris offers a capacity limited to the lightest transport tasks. With it, you can count on at most space for a few extra suitcases in a light utility trailer, which is sufficient for weekend shopping or spring removal of garden waste. Thus, a tow bar is often installed on it primarily for the purpose of a bike rack. However, if the ability to tow medium-heavy loads is a priority for you, the Peugeot 208 is clearly the more practical and versatile choice of the two.

When choosing a roughly four-year-old used B-segment car, the Peugeot 208 (2nd generation) and Toyota Yaris (4th generation) represent two completely different approaches to propulsion, which has a fundamental impact on fuel consumption, purchase price, and typical use. While the French carmaker relies primarily on turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engines for the Peugeot 208 and also offers a fully electric variant, the Japanese Toyota Yaris is the uncrowned king of efficient full-hybrid technologies. The Peugeot's strength is its overall variety – it offers a quiet and affordable naturally aspirated base, more dynamic turbo engines, and even an economical diesel for long-distance drivers, making it a great all-rounder. However, its weakness can be slightly higher fuel consumption in conventional versions in heavy city traffic compared to the Japanese hybrid. Conversely, the Yaris, with its hybrid powertrain, crushes the competition with unattainable efficiency in the city, but motorway travelers will not find a classic diesel engine in its lineup. A peculiarity of both model ranges is the niche but technologically top-tier offering at the edges of the spectrum: the GR Yaris track special with all-wheel drive on one side, and the quiet, zero-emission Peugeot e-208 on the other.

Peugeot 208

The engine range for the second-generation Peugeot 208 (produced since 2019) relies primarily on 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder petrol engines. The standard is a naturally aspirated version with 55 kW, which is more suited to a calmer pace in the city. The turbocharged variants with 74 kW and 96 kW bring much more convincing dynamics to the lightweight car, and with the more powerful version, the option of pairing it with a comfortable eight-speed automatic (EAT8). A major advantage on the used car market from 2020 to 2022 is the presence of the 1.5 BlueHDi diesel engine with 74 kW. According to used car market data, however, its production was significantly scaled back and ended after 2023, making used examples highly sought-after items for people commuting long motorway distances. An alternative with no direct local emissions is the e-208 version featuring a 100kW electric motor, which provides the car with excellent linear pull.

Toyota Yaris

Under the hood of the fourth-generation Toyota Yaris (offered since 2020), the engine portfolio is strictly subordinated to maximum operational efficiency. The absolute bestseller and cornerstone of the used car market is the 1.5 Hybrid 116 powertrain with a combined output of 85 kW, which utilizes a three-cylinder petrol engine, an electric motor, and an e-CVT planetary gearbox. For conservative drivers, Toyota also offered non-electrified variants in the early years of the generation – a 1.0-liter three-cylinder with 53 kW and a full-blooded 1.5 VVT-i with a very respectable 92 kW. However, these pure internal combustion units officially left the price lists for many European markets around 2023, so the market for roughly four-year-old used cars represents an ideal opportunity to acquire them. At the absolute top of the range sits the GR Yaris – a purist, radical "hot hatch" that extracts 192 kW from its turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and transfers it to the road via a six-speed manual and the advanced GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system.

Choosing the right engine is absolutely crucial for your long-term satisfaction. While the second-generation Peugeot 208 relies primarily on turbocharged three-cylinder engines with high torque and engaging dynamics, the Toyota Yaris is the uncrowned king of full-hybrid powertrains, offering unbeatable fuel economy, especially in city traffic. Both manufacturers approach efficiency differently – the French through downsizing and turbocharging, the Japanese through an exceptionally efficient naturally aspirated engine paired with an electric motor. Our recommendations for roughly four-year-old used cars are based on real-world experience, service reliability, and actual fuel consumption.

For the Peugeot 208, we recommend: 1.2 PureTech 100 (74 kW / 100 hp)

From the second-generation engine lineup (available since late 2019), the 100-horsepower 1.2 PureTech turbocharged three-cylinder is the best and most balanced choice. Compared to the weaker 75-hp naturally aspirated version, which is truly only suitable for the city, it offers significantly better dynamics thanks to the turbocharger and a decent 205 Nm of torque. In real-world driving, this engine maintains very favorable fuel consumption of around 5.5 to 6 liters per 100 km. It is perfect for versatile drivers – it handles city stop-and-go traffic with ease but isn't afraid of highway journeys either, especially if you find a unit paired with the very successful EAT8 eight-speed automatic transmission. The biggest known risk of this engine is the timing belt, which is "bathed" in oil. If proper maintenance is not followed or when driving very short distances where fuel dilutes the oil, the belt can begin to crumble. These particles then clog the oil pump's pickup screen, which can lead to fatal engine seizure. To minimize this risk, we strongly advise shortening the oil change interval to a maximum of 10,000 to 15,000 km (or 1 year) and using only the prescribed oil. When buying a used car, always insist that a mechanic checks the condition of the timing belt surface – fortunately, this can be checked relatively easily visually through the engine oil filler neck.

For the Toyota Yaris, we recommend: 1.5 Hybrid 116 (85 kW / 116 hp)

With the fourth-generation Yaris (XP21 generation, on sale since 2020), there is little point in experimenting too much with conventional internal combustion engines. The clear and by far the best choice is the legendary full-hybrid powertrain. The system, combining an efficient naturally aspirated three-cylinder with an electric motor and an electronically controlled transmission (e-CVT), is almost bulletproof in terms of reliability. This car absolutely excels in the city and on suburban routes, where real-world fuel consumption typically ranges between 3.5 and 4.5 liters per 100 km without any effort. It is an ideal car for daily commuting, for calmer drivers, and for those looking for maximum mechanical durability and minimum operating costs. Main risks and weaknesses for this powertrain practically do not exist in terms of expensive failures (the car has no clutch, starter, alternator, or complex transmission system). However, two things deserve your attention during selection and subsequent operation. First, when buying a used car, carefully check the rear brake discs. Because the hybrid brakes mostly through recuperation (the electric motor), the mechanical brakes are used sparingly and are very prone to rusting, which can cost an unwary buyer money for their premature replacement. Second, watch out for the standard 12V battery. If you only drive the hybrid Yaris on extremely short trips or if the car sits for a long time, it can discharge. The solution is to drive the car regularly or occasionally recharge the battery with an external charger.

Paper Promises vs. Everyday Reality

Official fuel consumption figures, measured in ideal laboratory conditions, rarely match the reality of morning stop-and-go traffic or high-speed motorway journeys. To get the most accurate picture of operating costs, we rely on long-term user data from the independent community portal Spritmonitor.de. We focused on roughly four-year-old used cars, which means our search caught the current fourth-generation Toyota Yaris (XP21) and the second-generation Peugeot 208.

What Do Long-Term Trends Tell Us?

Looking at the hard data, the absolute triumph of Japanese hybrid technology is immediately apparent. The Toyota Yaris with its 116 hp 1.5 full-hybrid powertrain is the uncrowned king of efficiency, reliably maintaining values around 3.8 litres per hundred kilometres in real-world traffic. On the side of the French lion, the biggest saver is the proven 1.5 BlueHDi 100 diesel engine, which is the only one capable of keeping up with the hybrid, albeit at the cost of the typically higher complexity of a diesel system and its emission components.

An interesting, yet technically understandable finding is the real-world behavior of the entry-level petrol engines. Small naturally aspirated three-cylinder engines (like the Yaris 1.0 VVT-i) or weaker non-turbocharged versions (Peugeot 208 1.2 PureTech 75) don't actually save much fuel in the real world. Drivers have to rev them significantly higher on hills and motorway slip roads to achieve acceptable dynamics. This explains why the turbocharged 1.2 PureTech 100 in the Peugeot, with a value of 5.3 l/100 km, is ultimately a tenth of a litre more efficient than its weaker, non-turbocharged sibling.

How Does This Affect the Typical User?

• City drivers: The hybrid Yaris wins hands down here. Frequent braking, starting from traffic lights, and slow crawling can be handled largely on electric power by the XP21 system. This is where you will commonly drive for even much less than the stated average of 3.8 litres.
• Long-distance travelers and commuters: If you regularly devour dozens of kilometres at a steady speed on country roads or motorways, the diesel Peugeot 208 (1.5 BlueHDi) makes sense. Diesel excels precisely on long journeys where the Toyota's hybrid drivetrain cannot fully utilize its recuperation.
• Budget-oriented buyers: If you don't want to pay extra for hybrid or diesel technology, the naturally aspirated 1.5 petrol in the Toyota, with an average of 5.2 l/100 km, offers a perfect balance between above-average mechanical durability and more than acceptable fuel consumption.

Final Verdict: Is Fuel Consumption Decisive?

Is operational efficiency the main factor in choosing in this comparison? It certainly can be. If you are buying a car primarily for the urban jungle and shorter suburban routes, the financial savings and comfort of the Toyota Yaris Hybrid (around 3.8 l/100 km) represent a heavy-hitting argument. The petrol combustion variants of both cars otherwise differ in consumption only by negligible tenths of a litre. Your final choice should therefore be guided by your specific driving profile: the Yaris excels as an economical city companion, while the Peugeot 208, thanks to its reliable diesel, also performs excellently in the role of a car for long intercity journeys.

When choosing an approximately four-year-old used car (2021 and 2022 model years), we are talking about the current generations for both models – the P21 generation for Peugeot, while for Toyota, it's the generation designated XP210. Although they are direct competitors in the small city car segment, their price tags on the used car market clearly reflect different depreciation trends and demand for specific technologies.

Peugeot 208: Attractive price-to-equipment ratio

The French hatchback is a very tempting choice for buyers on the secondary market. Peugeot experiences a slightly faster price drop in the first few years than its Japanese competition, making it a more affordable car.

• Base internal combustion version: 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder petrol engines with lower power output (typically 55 kW) and a manual gearbox from these model years can be purchased in the range of €11,000 to €13,000.
• More powerful petrol and automatic: For more popular specifications (74 kW), often combined with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic and a higher trim level (e.g., Allure), you will most often pay €14,000 to €16,000.
• Electric alternative: If you are looking for an entry-level car into the world of electromobility, the all-electric e-208 version with a 50kWh battery is currently priced at favorable amounts around €15,000 to €17,000.

Toyota Yaris: Champion of value retention

The Toyota Yaris is an absolute phenomenon in used car dealerships in terms of "price resilience." Especially its famous hybrid versions maintain their residual value uncompromisingly high thanks to an excellent reputation for reliability.

• Classic petrol: Cars with standard internal combustion engines (1.0 VVT-i three-cylinder or the more powerful 1.5 Dynamic Force) from 2021–2022 start at approximately €12,000 to €14,000.
• Popular hybrid: By far the most in-demand variant, the 1.5 Hybrid, forms the backbone of the used car market offering. Here, it is necessary to prepare a more generous budget, as prices for average four-year-old used cars confidently stay in the €15,000 to €17,000 range. For top-tier trims like Selection or GR Sport, you will encounter even much higher amounts.

Comparison of prices for approximately 4-year-old used cars (2021–2022)

Market assessment:
For bargain hunters and those interested in a classic petrol engine, the Peugeot 208 represents an exceptionally smart buy. For an overall lower purchase price, you get an avant-garde design and often very generous equipment. Conversely, the Toyota Yaris will hurt a bit more at purchase (especially in the hybrid version), but in the long run, this disadvantage is 100% offset by very low depreciation. Once you want to pass it on after a few more years, you will get your invested funds back with much higher certainty.

Both cars have earned five-star Euro NCAP ratings in their history; however, it is crucial to emphasize the context and the specific year of testing for the generations currently being compared. The methodology of independent tests by the Euro NCAP association is constantly evolving and becoming more stringent. Therefore, percentage results or the number of stars from different years cannot be directly and simply compared. A vehicle that excelled under older rules would have to face much more demanding crash simulations and stricter requirements for active assistants in newer and more rigorous tests.

Peugeot 208

The current generation of the Peugeot 208, corresponding to roughly four-year-old used cars, underwent crash tests in 2019, where it received an overall four-star rating in its standard equipment. The reason it did not achieve the full five stars (which was the standard for the previous generation) was the stricter requirements for electronic safety assistants in the base trim. The standard Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system relied solely on a camera and could not adequately react to faster-moving cyclists. However, the protection of the occupants themselves was rated at a very high level. Regarding the validity of the rating, it is important to mention that Euro NCAP certification typically expires after six years, and the 2019 Peugeot result thus officially lost its formal validity in 2025.

Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris underwent testing in 2020 and became the first car on the market to be evaluated according to the new, radically stricter protocols for that year. Under these tough conditions, it earned the full five stars. The Yaris was the first in its segment to undergo a new type of frontal impact with a moving deformable barrier and introduced an innovative center airbag, which protects the heads of front passengers from colliding with each other during a side impact. It also excelled with its advanced systems – the Toyota Safety Sense assistant was already able to reliably react to potential collisions at intersections. Given the current year 2026, Toyota's 2020 certification is reaching the end of its standard six-year cycle.

Interpretation of Results and Overall Summary

At a quick glance at the table, it might seem that the Peugeot 208 provides better adult protection at 91% than the Toyota Yaris at 86%. This is precisely where the treachery of comparing across different years fully manifests. Toyota's 86% score was achieved under substantially tougher conditions that simulated a collision with an oncoming vehicle in detail. Furthermore, the Yaris significantly pulls ahead in the protection of vulnerable road users and in the level of assistance systems. From the overall perspective of today's standards, the Toyota Yaris offers a clearly more modern and comprehensive safety package, both in terms of active and passive safety.

In addition to standard equipment, each of the models offers several unique features that can be decisive for the customer and bring unexpected added value to the small car segment.

Peugeot 208: Avant-garde design and revolutionary ergonomics

With this model, Peugeot focused on a premium interior feel, technological innovation, and a style that is hard to match in the city car class.

• i-Cockpit concept with 3D display: The interior is dominated by a specific dashboard layout with a very compact steering wheel and a raised instrument cluster. In higher trim levels, the 208 offers a unique 3D digital instrument panel that projects the most important information (speed, warnings) spatially closer to the driver's eyes, which, according to the manufacturer, shortens reaction time by fractions of a second.
• Choice of powertrain without compromising on design: The Peugeot 208 was designed so that the electric version (e-208) shares the exact same design, space, and platform as the internal combustion engine versions. This allows the customer to choose the look first and then the type of powertrain, without having to make concessions in practicality.
• Distinctive light signature: The hallmarks are the front LED headlights with "sabre-tooth" daytime running lights and the rear light clusters with a three-lion-claw effect, making the car unmistakable on the road.
• Attractive GT and GT Line trims: Sport-tuned versions add gloss black wheel arch trim, aluminum pedals, sports seats, and ambient interior lighting with a choice of eight colors, enhancing the premium feel of the cabin.
• Piano keys and infotainment: The center console uses elegant physical buttons reminiscent of piano keys (so-called toggle switches), which serve as quick shortcuts to the main menus of the up to 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

Toyota Yaris: First-class safety and hybrid dominance

With the fourth-generation Yaris, Toyota bet on maximum efficiency in city traffic, top-tier chassis rigidity, and safety equipment from cars two classes larger.

• Advanced fourth-generation hybrid system: At the heart of the Yaris is a very efficient 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor. This system is so efficient that in city traffic, it allows for up to 80% of the time to be spent in pure electric mode without the need to plug in.
• Uncompromising safety as standard: The Toyota Safety Sense suite of safety assistants is present across all trim levels. Furthermore, this generation of the Yaris was the first car in its class to introduce a center airbag between the front seats, which effectively protects passengers in a side impact.
• TNGA-B architecture: Thanks to this chassis platform, the Yaris has a very low center of gravity, shortened overhangs, and an exceptionally rigid body. The result is agile and confident driving characteristics, making the car turn excellently and providing driving fun even with standard engines.
• Color Head-Up Display: In the highest specifications, the Yaris offers a full-fledged 10-inch head-up display that projects driving and navigation information directly onto the windshield, which is a very rare and useful feature in the small car segment.
• Dynamic GR Sport trim: For those interested in a more aggressive look and sharper driving performance, but who do not want the extreme "rally" GR Yaris version, Toyota offers the GR Sport trim. This brings sport-tuned shock absorbers, specific 18-inch wheels, a front grille with a specific mesh, and sports seats.

The Peugeot 208 is an ideal choice for drivers looking for a stylish and comfortable city car with a touch of luxury. Thanks to its wide range of engines, it will satisfy both fans of classic internal combustion engines and those interested in switching to pure electromobility.

The Toyota Yaris will primarily appeal to rational buyers who demand maximum reliability, low operating costs, and top-tier safety. Its exceptionally efficient hybrid drive makes it an unbeatable city companion that also holds its value excellently.

Based on long-term tests, our own CarAudit inspections, ADAC breakdown statistics, and service reports, we have compiled an overview of the most common problems you should watch out for in both models at around four years of age.

The second-generation Peugeot 208 is a stylish and modern car, but its reliability depends heavily on the chosen engine and careful maintenance.

• 1.2 PureTech engine: The biggest concern is the timing belt running in oil. If the oil is not changed on time or the wrong type is used, the belt begins to degrade. Rubber fragments then clog the oil pickup screen, leading to a loss of oil pressure and, in extreme cases, engine seizure. The recommended solution is to shorten the oil change interval to a maximum of 10,000 km.
• Diesel engines (1.5 BlueHDi): These versions often experience problems with the AdBlue system (faulty pumps, defective sensors) and, with frequent city driving, rapid clogging of the diesel particulate filter (DPF).
• Electronics and infotainment: A common ailment is occasional freezing or slow response of the central touchscreen, which also controls the air conditioning. The fault is usually reliably resolved by installing the latest software update at a service center.
• Fuel system: Some petrol models experience fuel pump or pressure sensor failures, manifesting as unpleasant jerking, fluctuating RPMs, or a sudden loss of power while driving.

The fourth generation of the Toyota Yaris (since 2020) is considered the absolute benchmark for reliability in the small car segment, yet it has one very specific and frequently discussed weak point.

• Discharged 12V battery: Clearly the most common problem with hybrid versions, confirmed by current German ADAC statistics. The standard 12V car battery discharges very quickly if you only drive short distances or leave the car stationary for a few days, which leads to the hybrid system not starting at all. The manufacturer's solutions include software upgrades to prevent parasitic drain or installing a higher-capacity battery.
• Brake corrosion: During gentle city driving, the hybrid brakes mostly through recuperation using the electric motor. Conventional brake discs and pads are therefore not used enough, tending to rust prematurely and degrade. A thorough technical inspection of the car before purchase should therefore focus particularly on the braking system.
• Paint and interior: Japanese cars traditionally have a thinner layer of eco-friendly paint, and the front of the Yaris is thus very susceptible to damage from stone chips. Furthermore, slight rattles and squeaks from some harder plastic parts may occur in the interior over time.
• Assistance systems: In the first model years, there were occasional false alarms from the pre-collision assistant or malfunctions of the radar sensor in the front grille, which were often resolved by free recalibration or replacement under warranty.

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is key. Although these are modern cars, here are several specific points you should focus on to avoid expensive service repairs.

When choosing a Peugeot 208:

• Condition of the timing belt (1.2 PureTech): Three-cylinder petrol engines have a timing belt running in oil. If service intervals are not followed or the car is driven on short trips, it can start to crumble, clogging the oil pickup screen and potentially leading to fatal engine seizure. Demand a verifiable history of timely oil changes and consider a comprehensive car inspection, where a mechanic can visually check the belt's condition through the filler neck or by measuring oil pressure.
• Infotainment and i-Cockpit functionality: Displays and touch controls (which also adjust the air conditioning) can freeze or load slowly in early models. During the test drive, click through the system thoroughly, try pairing your phone, and check if it requires a software update.
• AdBlue system in diesel versions (1.5 BlueHDi): If you are considering an economical diesel, watch out for warning messages on the dashboard related to the emission system. Urea pumps and tanks can be a source of expensive faults, so connecting to diagnostics is important.
• Front axle noise: In cars with higher mileage that have often been driven on broken city streets, play in the control arm bushings or stabilizer links may appear. During the test drive over bumps, listen for any dull thumping sounds from the front wheels.
• Manual gearbox linkage: Especially with lower-powered engines with a five-speed manual, test whether the gears can be shifted smoothly and without snagging. Difficult shifting between first and second gear can indicate worn synchros.

When choosing a Toyota Yaris:

• Condition of the hybrid system and battery: The hybrid drive is what makes the Yaris so popular, but it requires the traction battery to be in flawless condition. During the test drive, monitor the smoothness of the drive mode switching and the car's ability to drive purely on electricity at low speeds. An independent technical inspection of the car is definitely worth it here, which should include a detailed health diagnostic of the hybrid battery.
• Condition of the 12V battery: Fourth-generation models, especially those produced early on, suffered from faster discharge of the standard 12V starter battery in less frequently used vehicles. Find out if the battery has already been replaced or have its current capacity measured.
• e-CVT gearbox behavior: Driving with the planetary gearbox in a hybrid must be perfectly smooth, even under sharp acceleration. Any jerking, shuddering when starting, or unusual mechanical noises can signal a serious problem.
• Interior plastic wear: The Yaris has a higher proportion of hard plastics in the interior, which are relatively prone to surface scratching. Carefully inspect the door panels, dashboard, and luggage compartment. Significant scratches will tell you how gently the previous owner used the car.
• Connectivity and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto dropouts: With older software versions, the phone occasionally disconnects spontaneously during the drive. Connect your smartphone via cable and wirelessly during the test drive and monitor whether the connection remains stable throughout the trip.

Sources: ADAC, aktualne.cz, idnes.cz, techfocus.cz, automagazin.cz, youngtimer.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.