Yaris Toyota - Your Opinions?

[caution]

Originally Posted by johnnytang24

I bought a new Yaris Hatchback in 2006. Sold it 1 year later. No mechanical defects, roomy interior, great mileage, and I like the way it looked. The only problem was it handled like a boat. I actually had to follow the speed limit signs around corners. You know the ones set low enough for the common denominator? The Yaris is the common denominator. Yes, the handling compares to passenger vans, school buses, the Toyota Avalon, big rigs, etc.

They must have fixed the problems you had. We have an 08 that's quite zippy around the bends-- at least as much as any other econo-box

[ATCdude]

My roommate drives an 07 Hatch that he bought new. It's got 47k on it now, and it he's never had a single issue with it. Still getting 37+ MPG and doesn't have rattles or burn oil, etc. Not a bad car, though a tad noisy, but what can you expect for $13k?

[Cosmic]

Bought it new for $12K. Coming up on 20K miles, zero problems.

In general well pleased, does what I bought it for. On long trips, I've gotten in the 44 MPG category where you can be on the freeway in 5th gear for long periods. We are talking the basic transportation, lots of folks get them as commuter / second cars.

Toyota is one of the best for price of options, the others kill you on the option packages. Get the bigger wheels, high capacity electrical system, interior option package.

Pro's:

Like the A/C, electric power steering standard, fit and finish. Ability to get a small car with no clap-trap, manual windows, no beeping stuff, no idiot lights, nothing much to go wrong. Handles good. Very good value for the money, I buy them cash. Very cheap to insure. Will probably run it for 60K, maybe get another. Comfortable, fair storage for two persons on longer trips, can put the back seat down for big stuff, hauls a good load for the size car. Sort of like the old Omni's I had, only far more reliable. Basically you get what you pay for.

Cons:

Hate the fact the aux electrical power is off, when the key is off. I want to use a solar panel to always keep the battery at max peak charge, makes them last a lot longer. 4th gear is sort of useless, I usually go 3th to 5th. Probably will total out in any sort of accident but most modern cars will do that. Is nimble enough to avoid many accidents if you are a good driver.