Pricing anomaly - Gen 2 GR Yaris manual

[Seakingsam]

I m a New Zealand-based PH follower on the Aston Martin forum, and I recently decided my much modified VH Vantage V8S manual needed a playmate.

Yesterday I purchased a new 2026 GR Yaris manual (delivery next week) having looked at a couple of older Gen 1 and a 1 year old lightly modified Gen 2. The first Gen 1 was 2021, but low kms, but had a very crunchy gearbox, and the Gen 2 had been curbed, cut PS4S tyre and a hideous alcantara steering wheel fit.

Research says everyone tinkers with them, some remapped, all sensitive to fuelling and regular 6 monthly servicing and top quality engine and transmission oil essential. Therefore, 5 year OEM warranty a must, and avoid used with history or evidence of misuse.

So, it had to be new or outstanding lightly used Gen2 with required spec. Limited dealer stock in NZ as Toyota NZ setting up a dedicated GR outlet, but 4 manuals held nationally in white, frosted white, and black. So I thought buy perfect used Gen2 in UK, VAT qualified to recover VAT at border, ship to NZ, register, pay GST, and job done.

My experience over the years has been UK and NZ market prices broadly equivalent - that’s the case in my Aston world, also virtually all other cars.

Not so the GR Yaris !

I was shocked to see the 2026 GR Yaris manual was Stg48,000 in UK, equivalent to NZ$114,000 - and Toyota UK has put a ballot system in place to manage demand, I see.

I m paying full retail of NZ$62,000 (Stg28,000) for mine, immediate delivery, brand new, out the door.

UK RRP is at an astounding 87% premium over NZ - surely unmatched across any other vehicle you care to name.

What gives ?

Edited by Seakingsam on Wednesday 16th September 20:29

Edited by Seakingsam on Wednesday 16th September 20:31

[rodericb]

Can you buy one in Australia? Plenty of MK1 and MK2 there.

[Seakingsam]

Yes, but not worth sourcing new from Australia as can’t recover GST at the border.

The point is the extraordinary premium in the UK over market price in NZ for this particular vehicle. That is not matched by other vehicles or marques, so what’s up ?

[rodericb]

Mk2 got a price bump in many places either through Toyota realising people would pay more, or government pollution taxes entered the chat.

[GT4P]

EU emissions, UK not the only place in Europe where they are expensive ROW a lot cheaper

[rodericb]

Ironically, New Zealand is just about the cheapest place for 'em.

[tonyg58]

Can't comment on the price, but I don't think Toyota has implemented a ballot system for the car.
Dealers may have done so as each GR dealer is only getting one car at this time.

[ecsrobin]

GT4P said:

EU emissions, UK not the only place in Europe where they are expensive ROW a lot cheaper

Yep. UK is around 50% cheaper than places like Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands to name but a few.