2024 Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid: a clean Japan import with original paint

This 2024 Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid was a direct Japan import with 49,660 km and no Irish registration yet. With no recorded history to rely on, the car itself had to provide the evidence, and it did: original paint on every panel, a dry underbody and a hybrid battery with all 48 cells within 0.008 V of each other.

The car

The 1.5 litre three-cylinder petrol hybrid (M15A-FXE) with an eCVT hybrid transaxle, a self-charging hybrid with no plug. Because the car had not been registered in Ireland, no Irish history check could be run, so Irish finance and write-off status could not be confirmed. No Japanese history certificate or auction sheet was available either. The service book was present and showed servicing had been carried out. One key was supplied.

What we found

Body and underbody. Original paint on every panel with no filler, overspray or repair marks, and even panel gaps. Underneath there was no oil, coolant or fuel leak, the shock absorbers were dry, and there was no play in the ball joints or bushes. For an import, original paint everywhere is the clearest sign the car has not been in an impact.

Hybrid battery. Toyota does not release the State of Health percentage to third-party tools, so we used cell data instead. All 48 cells sat between 3.604 V and 3.612 V, every cell returned the same internal resistance, and the six temperature sensors were within 0.3°C of each other. There were no faults in the battery or hybrid modules.

Fault codes and a recent jump start. Seven communication codes were stored across four modules, all about the navigation and telematics units not answering. The engine computer showed the battery had been disconnected only 8 km and about 13 hours before the scan, and we found a battery clamp connector open, evidence of a recent jump start. Modules waking at different rates after a disconnection log exactly this kind of code. We cleared them and none returned during the visit. The engine, hybrid control, battery, brakes, power steering and airbag modules were all clean.

Emission readiness. The same disconnection reset the engine's self-test monitors, and three were still incomplete. Nothing is broken, but the car should be driven normally for about a week before its NCT emissions check.

Smaller items. Tread was 3.32 mm to 4.17 mm, but fine cracking had started on the outer sidewalls. The engine oil was above the maximum mark. The plastic cover over the engine bay fuse box was missing, leaving it open to dust and water. A rattle came from the loose plastic surround around the screen. The Japanese telematics unit is tied to a Japanese mobile network, so its connected services will not work in Ireland.

What it would cost

The total estimate was €830 to €1,310, none of it a condition of purchase. Four tyres account for €520 to €760. Correcting the oil level, a fuse box cover and refitting the screen surround are small jobs. The total also includes a preventive transaxle fluid change at €120 to €200 that is not due until 60,000 to 80,000 km, and a re-scan before the NCT. VRT, customs and registration charges are set by Revenue and are not included.

Our verdict

Pass, recommended for purchase, with no conditions. The engine data was clean: zero misfires on all three cylinders, long-term fuel trim at minus 0.781%, both oxygen sensors working and no knock correction of any significance. The brakes were only 10% to 15% worn, normal on a hybrid. The odometer reading was confirmed by 8 control units with a normal ascending trip history. The road test was very good, with seamless changes between electric and petrol drive and no drivetrain noise. The report notes the verdict was based on incomplete recorded history, which is why the paperwork steps still matter.

Buying a used Yaris Cross Hybrid in Ireland: what to check

• On a Japan import, get written confirmation of whether the price includes VRT, customs and Irish registration, and ask for the export certificate and auction sheet.
• Check hybrid battery cell balance on a scan. Toyota does not release the State of Health figure to independent tools, so the spread between cells is the best indicator.
• Never let generic CVT fluid go into the hybrid transaxle. Confirm the correct Toyota specification for the build year at the time of service.
• If the 12V battery was recently disconnected, allow time for the emission monitors to complete before the NCT.
• Expect the Japanese telematics and connected services not to work in Ireland.

When the paperwork is missing, the paint, the cell data and the control modules are what tell you whether an import is worth buying.