2008
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007

Toyota Yaris

Unlock Ratings
The Yaris is offered as a hatchback and a sedan. Either will deliver excellent fuel economy and a very good ride, although handling is sloppy and unforgiving at its limits. Acceleration is adequate, but the engine is noisy at high revs. Stopping distances for our non-ABS equipped hatchback were extremely long.
Alerts
There are 10 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2008
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007

Toyota Yaris

Reliability
See All
Owner Satisfaction
See All
Crash and Rollover Tests
IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver NA
IIHS Side Crash Good
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
See All

Road Test Results

Performance
Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit.
Comfort / Convenience
Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.
Fuel Economy & Emissions
Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
Greenhouse Gas Greenhouse Gas The Greenhouse Gas Rating represents the amount of carbon dioxide the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
NA
Smog Rating Smog Rating The Smog Rating represents the amount of health-damaging and smog-forming airborne pollutants the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
NA

Owner Reports

Worse Better
Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017
NA
2018
NA
2019
NA
2020
NA
Reliability Trouble Spots
Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
NA
Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
NA
Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
NA
Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
NA
Transmission Minor Transmission Minor Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.
NA
Drive System Drive System Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.
NA
View all Reliability
Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
NA
2012
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017
NA
2018
NA
2019
NA
2020
NA
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
View all Owner Satisfaction
Safety Equipment
ABS and side air bags available, standard from 2009. Head protection air bags available from 2007, standard from 2009. ESC standard from 2010.
Road Test

The Yaris is offered as a hatchback and a sedan. Either will deliver excellent fuel economy and a very good ride, although handling is sloppy and unforgiving at its limits. Acceleration is adequate, but the engine is noisy at high revs. Stopping distances for our non-ABS equipped hatchback were extremely long.

Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Body Styles
2-door hatchback
sedan
Transmissions Available
  • 5-speed Manual
  • 4-speed Automatic
Engines Available
  • 1.5-liter 4 (106 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2008 Toyota Yaris owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"decorative trim strips on top of car and along the sides of windows came loose and some came off"

H S., CA (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"The weather strips at bottom of windows had to be replaced for the second time. Also the strips on either side of roof which run front to back. I lived in the desert until last year and these items don't hold up as on my other vehicles"

Dennis A., AZ (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Top coat is peeling"

Anonymous, MS (2008 Toyota Yaris S 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"appears the fender had been repaired as paint did not quite match and there was over spray on sealing rubbers"

Anonymous, NB (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Paint was coming off so we had the car repainted and 2-3 years later it is peeling again. Car is kept outside all the time."

Anonymous, AL (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Very poor paint job. Understand this is typical of Toyota cars."

Anonymous, HI (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"The coating over the paint is peeling/flaking off, especially on the roof."

Marie D., MI (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Paint has started to peel. clear coat flakes off. less use and less miles than my other vehicles but have to repaint to prevent rest and corrossion."

Anonymous, AL (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"The plastic area below the hood, (the bib?) paint began to come off and show the white underpaint. In fact the same is happening now on the back."

Anonymous, CA (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"I have had to repaint the top and hood 3 years ago and now the rest of the paint is to the point of flaking off. the rubber molding is falling apart and the door gaskets are disintegrating. Horrible. my beat up truck, 2006 chevy s-10 is in much better shape and it is used for off road use"

Jeffrey C., AL (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Clear coat on roof is completely gone. Paint has white blotches on roof."

David C., NJ (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
Rust

"Rust beginning to appear on inside door frame"

Anonymous, MI (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"5 years ago the trunk started to rust from the ok inside out and Toyota wouldn't do anything about it. Scenes than more of the car is rusting. Will never buy a Toyota again. I have a 06 Mustang with more miles and no rust or rattles"

Michael M., NY (2008 Toyota Yaris Sport 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Various spots rusting on hood and trunk lid"

Robert F., NS (2008 Toyota Yaris S 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"It's a 2008 model. There is some rust at this point."

Anonymous, NY (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"The car was bought used 6 months before I noticed rust which had to be repaired to pass inspection"

Anonymous, NB (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"progression of previous rust areas - no perforation"

Anonymous, ON (2008 Toyota Yaris 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"progression of rust spots - no preforation"

Anonymous, ON (2008 Toyota Yaris 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
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Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"IAC Sensor bad"

Anonymous, PR (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Water Pump bearing started making sounds"

Anonymous, IA (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Water leak from rain, driver's side, rear quarter, drains directly into bottom of trunk spare tire location. removed plug in floor of that location to drain water directly outside. Unknown origin of leak: rear side window, quarter panel, tail light seal-to-body panel."

Thomas S., FL (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
Seals and/or weather-stripping

"During rain storm water drips onto driver's leg from top of window"

Anonymous, MI (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Window seals leak on passenger window and front window. Therefore, carpet gets soaked and interior freezes in winter and fogs up in summer"

Anonymous, SC (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
Squeaks or rattles

"Engine makes screeching noises when it starts up"

Anonymous, CA (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"I have had squeaks and rattles scenes I bought the car new. Fealer tells me rattles are hard to fine and fix"

Michael M., NY (2008 Toyota Yaris Sport 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Accessory belt noises (squealing when running A/C or heat), steering and suspension noises (noises when turning wheel or going over bumps, hitting brakes)"

Anonymous, MD (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"WAY TO MUCH ROAD NOISE THROUGH ALL WINDOWS. CAN HARDLY HEAR A CONVERDATION CLEARLY"

Luis V., CA (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Belt squeals loudly Dealership has tightened several times which takes care of the problem for a few days and then the noise starts again"

Anonymous, TX (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Car is loud"

Anonymous, NM (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
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Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Antilock system (ABS)

"ABS sensors at right rear wheel was bad, replaced"

Anonymous, MA (2008 Toyota Yaris S 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Abs goes on and off all the time"

Kimberly B., IA (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"I had the ABS light come on in February and the unit on the left rear had to be replaced. again in May the ABS and Brake light came on. The right rear ABS needed to be replaced."

Anonymous, IL (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"A wheel sensor failed causing unnecessary anti-lock activation."

Anonymous, IL (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"ABS on right rear became disconnected."

Anonymous, IL (2008 Toyota Yaris Unsure 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
Premature brake wear

"Service found that the brake pads had failed after new pads were installed. This caused other problems with the brakes."

Anonymous, IL (2008 Toyota Yaris 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
Rotors

"Front brake rotors were rusted through"

Anonymous, MB (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"rotors had to be replaced with name brand parts, generic didn't work in my car without knocking"

Anonymous, TN (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
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Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

What Owners Say

Exhaust leaks

"leak in exhaust required repair - the first in it's 9 year life"

Ian S., ON (2008 Toyota Yaris 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"It was noisy and I was told that there was a hole in the muffler. I had the muffler replaced by Midas. It was still noisy and was told that the exhaust manifold gasket was leaking. I have scheduled this for repair but it hasn't been done yet."

Kenneth M., IN (2008 Toyota Yaris S 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
Exhaust manifold

"Exhaust manifold donut gasket was leaking and had to be replaced"

Anonymous, MB (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"leaking and had to be replaced (engine was really noisy)."

Anonymous, IN (2008 Toyota Yaris S 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
Loose/rattling heat shield

"simple fix"

Ian S., ON (2008 Toyota Yaris 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
Muffler

"Car was very loud because Muffler had rusted out."

Anonymous, ME (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
Other/unsure

"I comes on for a day or two particularly when the temperature is really cold. It's done this for years but I haven't been able to get it to malfunction for the dealer. At this point I consider it just the way it is."

Anonymous, IN (2008 Toyota Yaris S 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"This was a factory recall."

Thomas S., FL (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
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Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Alarm or security system (excluding aftermarket systems)

"DEALERSHIP DENIED SERVICE AFTER WARRANTY HAD FINALIZED 1 MONTH BEFORE. ALARM SOMETIMES DOES'NT ARM ALL DOORS NOBODY HAS GIVEN AN EXACT REASON"

Luis V., CA (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
Headlights

"Not a big deal, just a headlamp that needed a new bulb"

Anonymous, IL (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Headlights burn out more often than normal I think and they are EXTREMELY difficult to shange"

Anonymous, TN (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"one headlight stops working every year, alternates from drivers to passemger side"

John S., VT (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
Interior lights

"Failed light bulb in climate control dials"

Farhad M., OH (2008 Toyota Yaris S 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
Warning lights

"The check engine light will not go off, despite there being no engine problems, as confirmed by the dealer. It has some sensor that is shot, but it would be more then $600 to fix it, as it is not readily accessible"

Anonymous, VA (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"The "car disabled/duel flasher" warning lights would not come on for only 1 week."

Anonymous, CA (2008 Toyota Yaris Unsure 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
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Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"The A/C isn't cold anymore"

Anonymous, CA (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"It stinks every single time - like dirty socks"

Marina S., WA (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"just recently has the problem started and hasn't been fixed yet"

Anonymous, TX (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
Blower (fan) motor

"The blower motor went bad. It sputtered to a halt over time. Not realizing how simple of a thing it was to fix, I went a long period of time without heat or cooling--including during my trip across the country in December, with temperatures reaching -2 degrees (F). The fix was simple, some screws and an ounce of time. Now I have air once again."

Ryan T., FL (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
Heater system

"It is too slow - I am already at home from work and vice versa and it didn't wormed up my car"

Marina S., WA (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
Refrigerant leaks

"When I moved from Mass. to Texas, air conditioner performance became more important. It has gradually gotten weaker and I suspect refrigerant leakage. However the dealer wants $200 just to check it which I declined to do. Will try an aftermarket recharge kit and if it works, then great. Otherwise I'll live with it as is and perhaps accelerate buying a new vehicle (it runs fine is all other respects)."

Anonymous, TX (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
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Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

What Owners Say

Water pump

"It did not fail, was found on a routine inspection. Replaced along with alternator belt"

Paula S., CO (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Water Pump had small leak"

Dennis V., FL (2008 Toyota Yaris S 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Had to replace the water pump"

William G., CA (2008 Toyota Yaris S 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Water pump failed and had to be replaced at 85,000"

Anonymous, TN (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
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Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Bushings

"during routine service mechanic noted a seal was leaking and should be replaced"

Leslie G., NM (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
Shocks or struts

"Rear struts failed and had to be replaced"

Anonymous, TN (2008 Toyota Yaris S 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

"Firestone can not fix the alignment on this car"

Anonymous, NM (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
Wheel bearings

"Wheel bearings on front right were worn out and needed replacing"

Anonymous, OR (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
Load more

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Clutch replacement

"Recommended with transmussion"

Anonymous, (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
Transmission rebuild or replacement

"Car having trouble up hills"

Anonymous, (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Noticed noise from under hood. Determined it was from transmission. Inspection found that a bearing had failed."

Anonymous, GA (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

What Owners Say

Alternator

"Replaced alternator in July 2016 which ended up draining the battery in January 2017. Had the alternator replaced again, including a new battery. The 1st alternator bought in 2016 was a bad one"

Anonymous, TN (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
Battery (not hybrid or electric)

"Battery was under warranty. Prorated price for a new one. I was satisfied with that"

Paula S., CO (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Driveline vibration

"A rear wheel bearing failed and there was no wheel damage so it just wore out in 30,000 km"

Mat A., ON (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)
Driveshaft or axle

"Had to be replaced"

Anonymous, CA (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

CD player

"It quit working"

Ann P., TX (2008 Toyota Yaris S 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

"it won't play a cd anymore"

Michelle H., WI (2008 Toyota Yaris S 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Transmission leaks

"recurrent leak of transmission fluid - have repairedx2"

Anonymous, ON (2008 Toyota Yaris 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Engine knock or ping

"Had to have the engine oil system flushed and debris in the cylinders cleared twice by the dealership within one month"

Anonymous, IL (2008 Toyota Yaris Base 1.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

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