Anyone here own a Toyota Yaris?

Question

I don't own a car yet, and I really like Toyota's. In the near future I'm loooking into buying a new one that's in my budget. (I believe the Yaris is around $12,000) I heard the Yaris liftback and Sedan are pretty affordable? Are they any good? If not the Toyota's...what car would you suggest?

Answer 1

Seriously consider the Honda Fit, Dodge Caliber, and Nissan Versa before you get stuck with a Yaris. If you are looking at style the Dodge CAliber is right for you, it has above average reliability paired with a good looking car and cool features. If fun and functionality is your priority, get a Honda Fit. The Fit is easily the most versatile car in its class with its adjustable seats, and it is also said to be the funnest. The Versa is the biggest and safest. The Versa is built with the highest quality parts in the class that you wouldnt expect to find in a budget car, and got top scores on the NHSTA crash test (although the Dodge did well too). These cars have many advantages over the Yaris, still have the same fuel economy, and cost about the same (with options). The Yaris is a bare-bones car, you have to add every option you want jacking the price up, while its competitors have that all standard. Toyotas "legendary" reliability, that always wound up coming second to Honda, and Toyotas reliability is fading. Last year Toyota had the most recalls, but the media "failed" to notice since millions would stand against them because of thier reputation. These days reputation is nothing, technology advances so fast it cant keep up. Ford also had more recalls than GM and DaimlerChrysler combined, for reasons like exploding engines and wheels falling off. Common problems with Toyotas are, cheap stereos, grotesquely underpowered 4 cylinder engines, and plastic rattling until it falls off. People then complain that when they take it to the dealer to be fixed they just say "The cars are made with so much plastic its practically impossible to fix". Just look at the competition, and you will see you cant assume somethings the best just because its a Toyota, or Japanese.

Answer 2

The Yaris has been getting pretty decent reviews all around, and if $12,000 is your budget, you'll be fine; the Yaris ranges from about $11,000 to $13,000 (MSRP). Toyota has an excellent reputation, both for quality and reliability, and their cars tend to retain their value well over time.

If you were willing to spend a little bit more, you could even spring for a Corolla, which has been a Toyota standard for years. Of course, you won't get the unique styling of the Yaris, but you'll have a little more power and more space. Another Toyota option might be the Matrix, which is also a little bit larger than the Yaris and includes a few more standard features, but is also around the same price range as a Corolla.

A similar non-Toyota vehicle is the Honda Fit, and another one you might consider is the Mazda Mazda3, which is about $13,000 but is larger and more powerful.

Below is a page that shows each of these cars' specs side by side. Like someone else mentioned, the best thing to do would be to settle on a couple choices and test drive them yourself. Can't get any better feel for a car than when you drive it.

Answer 3

I have one since August 2006, and I have to say it's the best damn car I've drove in that category. Not a glitch, not a single problem at all, the speeding is awsome. Get the hatchback two doors -- me and another coworker both have one. They handle way better than the sedan, and they're just so much more fun... I've thought about the Versa and Fit as well, The versa didn't prove anything yet at its the first model out, so I wouldn't buy one. The yaris has been out in europe for the last 5 years so. As for the fit, I just didn't like the really, really boxy look of it. Just look at the damn Yaris, it's as cute as a spotted pup. And Yeah -- the options might cost a lot, as mines added an extra 7 000$. But I've got every option available, as for styling and features. I've had the only fully equipped black two door hatchback in Canada till last week -- the demand is so big, and they're not importing that much. and everyone in town knows mine.

Caliber? Whatever, the finish is so cheap, and the reputation.. less than recommendable.

Its just a very reliable, fun, awsome car.

Try it, you'll love it.

Answer 4

I have one. I'm a guy, 27, and my previous car was a 01 mustang so going to a foreign car, let alone the yaris, left me with some funny feelings about it. I will tell you this though, you get a lot for what you pay for. It may not be ultra sporty, but with the automatic it has plenty of passing power. The engine is also a vvt-i which makes a difference in how it drives. Also it has great control around turns and is great in the snow (part of the reason I sold the mustang). The outside looks kind of small, but there is plenty of leg room on the inside and is good for taking trips. It's not the most beautiful car in the world, but for its price, the 33-40 mpg, it's definitally a good car. Minus the non-power windows and cruise control without the power package.

Answer 5

I have a Yaris, bought it in Nov. I LOVE it! My friends make fun of me, they say it looks like an egg or they ask how many clowns I can fit in it. The gas mileage is great, I am in traffic for over an hour and I still get 34 mpg. I had wanted the 4 door but when I test drove, I liked the hatchback better. Go test drive t, that is the only way you will know if YOU like it.

Answer 6

I have had my Yaris sedan since last October. I love it! It drives great. I am averaging about 38-40mpg city! I have not taken it on a trip yet but I know it will be great!

Answer 7

yes i use one i got in December 2006. fantastic car. very economical. it moves well and as fats as the corrolla which has a bigger engine.the automatic is wonderful. i hated automatic cars but this one really cought me spell bound. it costs 17,000 down here so its cheaper there. i live in Ghana west Africa. but i lost the owners manual for the car, can any one help where i can get one on line free. also can any one show me how to operate the electronic over drive

Answer 8

driven both 4 and 2 door for about 2 weeks each - hated it hated it hated it- felt cheap and underpowered- and good luckon the 12k thing allhteones i saw were 13900 up- i wold go nissan versa of honda fit

Answer 9

Toyota are real good any foreign car is good

Answer 10

well i used to like it..
you should go to a car dealer and check em out personally maybe you really like..