Having second thoughts about the Yaris

[hobojon]

I wanted to get a dependable car for my wife to have for the next few years of her commuting for college. I did the research and it seemed like the Yaris 5 door LB was a good choice. It was cheap, dependable and had good resale value and good fuel economy. I didn't realize that the base price of the car as advertised was a scam. They don't sell a Yaris without some kind of package added on. If you want cruise you have to buy the power package or put it in yourself. With TTL and the destination charge, this is not a cheap car. If I wanted to pay 15K or 16K for a car I might as well buy a Scion that comes with all the options you have to pay for on the Yaris. For that kind of money I think I'd rather have a 4 or 5 year old Lexus. Am I missing something? Even the most inexpensive Yaris, the 3 dr LB seems way overpriced. There aren't any 5 dr models in the used market, the used 3 dr cars are priced at 8K or 9K which isn't bad. Maybe I should just wait until the 5dr models start hitting the used market, I guess when the revised 2010 models come out in Sep.

[Forrest]

The yaris is all you say for a inexpensive fuel economy car. If you choose to do the extras, then the price goes up ! If you only buy it with the winter package, prices are reasonable. All depends how much you need the extras.

[daf62757]

I wanted to get a dependable car for my wife to have for the next few years of her commuting for college. I did the research and it seemed like the Yaris 5 door LB was a good choice. It was cheap, dependable and had good resale value and good fuel economy. I didn't realize that the base price of the car as advertised was a scam. They don't sell a Yaris without some kind of package added on. If you want cruise you have to buy the power package or put it in yourself. With TTL and the destination charge, this is not a cheap car. If I wanted to pay 15K or 16K for a car I might as well buy a Scion that comes with all the options you have to pay for on the Yaris. For that kind of money I think I'd rather have a 4 or 5 year old Lexus. Am I missing something? Even the most inexpensive Yaris, the 3 dr LB seems way overpriced. There aren't any 5 dr models in the used market, the used 3 dr cars are priced at 8K or 9K which isn't bad. Maybe I should just wait until the 5dr models start hitting the used market, I guess when the revised 2010 models come out in Sep.

I don't think I can agree. I got my Yaris loaded for 14.898. And today, they are even offering more for their rebate so I could have shaved 150 more off that number.

You just have to know how to deal with dealers. They will lie to you so you have to play their game and make it your advantage.

[1stToyota]

Wish I could have bought a Scion XD for the same price as my Yaris. If you want to load it up like a Scion it'll cost you.

Me and a friend bought a Toyota and a Scion from the same dealership at nearly the same time. Extra options were pretty much the same...just better wheels and stereo on each vehicle over how they come standard. I paid less than 15K, she paid over 18.5K

[hobojon]

You are probably right. I am sick of these dealers, they take all of the fun out of it. It's hard to negotiate with these guys when you just want a base car, mostly because they don't have one. In order to get cruise you have to spend $1800 more than the base model to get it? That's crazy. The Scion XD is looking better because they have no haggle prices. The base model has everything my wife wants and it looks like their resale values are good. Neither one of us is keen to its looks though compared to the Yaris 5 door LB. After I add up the total with TTL I still end up with a total that is just unacceptable. I want to pay cash, when I get close to pulling the trigger I keep thinking, I can buy 4 or 5 nice used cars for that price, or a Lexus a few years old.....Am I just cheap?

[frownonfun]

dude u should come to my local toyota dealership. that's all they have is base priced yarii. lol... the dealer i was buying from didn't even know they made a sport. one could walk out to that lot right now and not find a single yaris over 15k. turns out tiny cars aren't really in demand here in redneck country. who knew.

also i think every car's advertised sell price is a lie anyway. "starting at" price and "walk out the door with an actual car" price are always gonna be quite different. at least in my experience.

[33OH]

Mine is an '08 3 door, which varies from what you're looking at.. but I had to travel to find a base model. Mine out the door was 12,300, and it's base model w/ manual transmission (with a few extras.. cold weather package, CD player, etc.)

[hobojon]

I grew up in South Texas, I live in WA now. I haven't seen one base model for sale here. Online or on the lots. Covenience package, power package, cold weather package, etc...

[33OH]

You basically have to buy the cold weather package, they usually only import it to the northern US zones. For how much it is, it's worth it. (heavy duty starter, heater, bigger windshield washer fluid reservoir..)

[hobojon]

I think maybe I just like my money more than I like the car. (I'm cheap)

[33OH]

I'm cheap too, but I also bought an '07 Hyundai Accent hatchback for $15,000 when they first came out because it was the cheapest brand new hatchback car I could find. Next year, I see a brand new Yaris LB for $13,000 :drool:, I offer 12,000 and he says 12,300, and I'm all over it. :wub:

It doesn't quite pay for itself with gas savings (I got rid of a 2000 Ford Focus sedan for it), but the gas savings + my love for the car = worth it.

[Thirty-Nine]

It is difficult to find a stripped-down Yaris (heck, it's difficult to find a stripped-down anything these days). Have you gone into the dealer and told them you want a bare-bones model? They might be able to locate one for you.

Otherwise, try to find a used one. Autotrader has several three-door liftbacks for under $12,000 within 100 miles of Portland (where I live).

The Yaris can get spendy, no doubt. However, I'd go in and talk to the dealer. Otherwise, if you're really looking for a steal, pick up a used Hyundai Accent or Kia Rio (2007 and up). The resale sucks which is great for used car buyers, they have a great warranty, and are really inexpensive.

[hobojon]

A used Hyundai or Kia? I may as well flush my money down the toilet.
I'm trying to find a 5 dr LB. It would be much easier to buy used or work a deal on a new 3 dr. The 5 dr LB is hard to find new or used around here.

[hobojon]

The best deal I've come up with is $750.00 below listed invoice on any Yaris on the lot. What do you guys think?

[33OH]

That's about how much they're going to come down, if it's on a 5-door I'd say go for it.

[PETERPOOP]

I bought an 08 3 door LB brand new with no packages, manual transmission, roll up windows, manual locks, no rear windshield wiper, and no radio for 12,500k out the door here in hawaii. that's cheap for hawaii.

[hobojon]

The invoice minus $750 price is how the USAA or AMEX car buying service prices the cars out with their member dealers (it's probably the same for the Costco /Sam's Club etc. programs as well) They also price any options added at invoice price. The total for the car including destination is invoice minus $750.00 plus any options priced at invoice. This price includes the $750.00 dealer incentive so basically I am getting the car and any options I want for invoice prices (in theory)They give me a certificate I print out to present to the dealer. The service doesn't cost anything, it's just a benefit of being a credit card holder. The main problem is the dealer mysteriously stops emailing me back when I forward the certificate for them to honor.

[hobojon]

According to this service I should be able to purchase a base 3 dr LB with 5 speed for $11831.00 +TTL and a 5 dr LB with an auto trans for $12899.00 +TTL. Has anybody actually got one of these cars for close to that amount of money?

[PETERPOOP]

I bought an 08 3 door LB brand new with no packages, manual transmission, roll up windows, manual locks, no rear windshield wiper, and no radio for 12,500k out the door here in hawaii. that's cheap for hawaii.

.

[hobojon]

.

Thanks, I don't know what the invoice price of a 2008 3 dr LB model is. I guess I should have specified the 2009 model year when I asked my question. Do you remember what invoice was and how much of the $12500 was for TTL? Thanks.

[firemachine69]

You are probably right. I am sick of these dealers, they take all of the fun out of it. It's hard to negotiate with these guys when you just want a base car, mostly because they don't have one. In order to get cruise you have to spend $1800 more than the base model to get it? That's crazy. The Scion XD is looking better because they have no haggle prices. The base model has everything my wife wants and it looks like their resale values are good. Neither one of us is keen to its looks though compared to the Yaris 5 door LB. After I add up the total with TTL I still end up with a total that is just unacceptable. I want to pay cash, when I get close to pulling the trigger I keep thinking, I can buy 4 or 5 nice used cars for that price, or a Lexus a few years old.....Am I just cheap?




They did it that way because the prior years, it cost over 400 to get a factory cruise installed by the stealership - At least a 30% premium over every other Toyota that had it installed by the factory.


And a four year old Lexus has no more bumper-to-bumper warranty, which can get real expensive in a hurry.

[hobojon]

After numerous emails about when I wanted a car, what color, what options etc. Dealer number three immediately stopped replying to my emails after I told him I'd pay invoice minus the $750 incentive plus TTL, like the car buying service stated. Hmmm.
I said any color, any time, and any options/packages are fine as long as I pay invoice for them.

[Tamago]

Wish I could have bought a Scion XD for the same price as my Yaris. If you want to load it up like a Scion it'll cost you.

agreed. in all depts except "fuel economy" xD>yaris :eek:

[Bob_VT]

I wanted to get a dependable car for my wife to have for the next few years of her commuting for college. I did the research and it seemed like the Yaris 5 door LB was a good choice. It was cheap, dependable and had good resale value and good fuel economy. I didn't realize that the base price of the car as advertised was a scam. They don't sell a Yaris without some kind of package added on. If you want cruise you have to buy the power package or put it in yourself. With TTL and the destination charge, this is not a cheap car. If I wanted to pay 15K or 16K for a car I might as well buy a Scion that comes with all the options you have to pay for on the Yaris. For that kind of money I think I'd rather have a 4 or 5 year old Lexus. Am I missing something? Even the most inexpensive Yaris, the 3 dr LB seems way overpriced. There aren't any 5 dr models in the used market, the used 3 dr cars are priced at 8K or 9K which isn't bad. Maybe I should just wait until the 5dr models start hitting the used market, I guess when the revised 2010 models come out in Sep.

Nope your right. Who in the hell would pay taxes title registration fees. Go ahead and get a 4 or 5 year old Lexus....... Please promise you will not come back and bitch about repair costs on a Lexus.

The used 5 doors will not hit the market until they have been out for at least a year in the USA.

Go look for a pre-owned scion xA for the price range you are seeking.

[hobojon]

The price range I am seeking is what is advertised by Toyota. You are right, I didn't word my post very well. The bottom line is these cars are being sold for too much money. The option packages are ridiculously overpriced and it's almost impossible to find a car without them.

[PETERPOOP]

can't you special order one?

[Altitude]

It's not the car, it's the dealer. Find another one who's willing to work with you.

And while dealer tactics are usually indefensible, you really can't blame a business for wanting to make a profit. They too have mouths to feed.

[1stToyota]

agreed. in all depts except "fuel economy" xD>yaris :eek:

Yeah, I was just thinking about that after I posted. Recently the lady with the XD bragged when she got 32-33mpg, I told her I just got over 41mpg, and our driving habits are pretty close...mostly hwy, observe the speed limits...

[Tamago]

Yeah, I was just thinking about that after I posted. Recently the lady with the XD bragged when she got 32-33mpg, I told her I just got over 41mpg, and our driving habits are pretty close...mostly hwy, observe the speed limits...

are you both the same trans? auto vs manual?
41-33=8mpg

say you drove 2000miles a month... 48.78 gallons, at $2.50 a gallon, $121.95
she drives 2000miles @ 33mpg... 60.60 gallons, at $2.50/gallon $151.52

so, $30 more a month (saying you both pay the exact same for car payments (not likely) and insurance (also not likely, as the scion has more safety features) and you could be driving something that'll be worth more in 5 years than the yaris, is faster than the yaris, has more room than the yaris....

please people, i'm not bashing the yaris, just doing a little math here..

[Black Yaris]

Hell if you are in WA.... you can just head up to Canada and get a nice used 06 5DR hatch super cheep

[1stToyota]

are you both the same trans? auto vs manual?
41-33=8mpg

say you drove 2000miles a month... 48.78 gallons, at $2.50 a gallon, $121.95
she drives 2000miles @ 33mpg... 60.60 gallons, at $2.50/gallon $151.52

so, $30 more a month (saying you both pay the exact same for car payments (not likely) and insurance (also not likely, as the scion has more safety features) and you could be driving something that'll be worth more in 5 years than the yaris, is faster than the yaris, has more room than the yaris....

please people, i'm not bashing the yaris, just doing a little math here..

Her payments are higher per month, plus an extra yr or two, her insurance is higher, not hardly any extra room, especially 5dr vs 5dr.

Hers is an automatic, which should be about the same, but hers is a lot noisier, probably because of the Dunlops on the XD, doesn't ride nearly as well, maybe her 16" wheels vs the Yaris 15", and my Goodyears vs her Dunlops...and I've driven both...her extra curb weight and my manual transmission, they feel pretty equal. Yeah, hers might bring more $ at resale, but she started off by spending nearly $2700.00 from day 1

Yaris!! :headbang:

[Tamago]

Her payments are higher per month, plus an extra yr or two, her insurance is higher, not hardly any extra room, especially 5dr vs 5dr.

Hers is an automatic, which should be about the same, but hers is a lot noisier, probably because of the Dunlops on the XD, doesn't ride nearly as well, maybe her 16" wheels vs the Yaris 15", and my Goodyears vs her Dunlops...and I've driven both...her extra curb weight and my manual transmission, they feel pretty equal. Yeah, hers might bring more $ at resale, but she started off by spending nearly $2700.00 from day 1

Yaris!! :headbang:

ok but you're not comparing apples to apples

compare an auto yaris to auto xD or a manual yaris to a manual xD..

you might as well be comparing your car to an automatic honda civic :bow:

[hobojon]

It's not the car, it's the dealer. Find another one who's willing to work with you.

And while dealer tactics are usually indefensible, you really can't blame a business for wanting to make a profit. They too have mouths to feed.

When you use this car buying service it gives you a list of participating dealers with a buying certificate. It gave me an option of using two dealers in WA and one in Oregon. It is appearing that these dealers just partnered with USAA and AMEX to get leads and have no intention of honoring the partner price. I will contact USAA and AMEX and let them know their service is a sham and ask why, see if I can get anywhere. I doubt it.

[hobojon]

Hell if you are in WA.... you can just head up to Canada and get a nice used 06 5DR hatch super cheep

Go to another country to buy a used Toyota? No thanks.

[Altitude]

Another thing to consider - show up in person. They may be more willing to haggle with a live body.

I started my inquiries online too, but there comes a point when the dealer wants to know you're serious and you need to show up.

You can definitely get a base model but you need to find a dealer willing to order it and wait for it. This can be difficult because models to be sold are selected by Toyota and dealer partnerships on a regional basis. The dealer typically wants to stay with the packages and models offered in their region and sell you a car out of their inventory.

[PreciousPups4U]

There are base models around here. I have seen several on the dealer lots. Roll up windows, no rear wiper, no radio. They do exist, but there's not bunches of them.

Go to the dealer and have them look up what's on the way and see if it's spoken for. If not, they can request it when it lands. That's how they got mine. It was already on the boat, but not yet allocated for a specific dealer. Took about 10 days for me to get it (wanted Bayou Blue). At least that's the way it works in the Southeast. Your region has to be similar.

[tomato]

A used Hyundai or Kia? I may as well flush my money down the toilet.


I agree with that. Better get a used model from a reputable manufacturer :bow: than a new car from a lesser manufacturer, I think. And there is nothing wrong with getting a good used car either. I got my Yaris LB used, but in excellent condition.

[hobojon]

So it looks like invoice plus TTL is the fair price? The $750 cash incentive cancels out the $720.00 destination charge.
I noticed that the incentive in South TX is $1500 but they raise the listed invoice price to make up for it.
This all gets really tiring.
I think the Scion may have better resale prices because they have fixed pricing. If it didn't look like a futuristic PT Cruiser I'd be incline to skip all the dealership drama and just buy an XD.

[SilverBack]

This must be a new thing. I paid $12,500 for mine, and it has power everything with factory alloys. You just gotta do your research and figure out what you wanna pay, then haggle with dealers until one can make it happen.

And what you said about the price of add-ons and getting a Scion instead, keep in mind you'll still pay more than what you'll want for the Scion because of dealer mark-up and all those options they'll wanna thrown in. If you let them, they'll charge you up to $16K or more.

IMO your best bet is the base Yaris if you just want a Point A to Point B car. Just make sure you make that VERY clear to dealer so he'll be more likely to give you the deal you're looking for. My 2 cents.

[1stToyota]

ok but you're not comparing apples to apples

compare an auto yaris to auto xD or a manual yaris to a manual xD..

you might as well be comparing your car to an automatic honda civic :bow:

Is there really that big a difference in the fuel economy ratings with the auto or 5-speed? When I bought mine I thought they were pretty much the same. And performance-wise, what is it...3% max difference in the drivetrain loss, auto vs. standard?

Automatic: 29/35mpg
5-speed: 29/36mpg

Not a big difference

[TheRealEnth]

manual is ... better fuel economy,WAY Faster, Last Longer...

[otterhere]

Hobo... I feel ya, LOL... I also hate to part with even a dime of my hard-earned money... Car-buying is a nightmare! My understanding, going in, was that Toyota didn't "dicker" on price; it was what it was; also that you could "order" a base model.

I think there's a lot of confusion on here as to what a "base model" is; to some, that means convenience package, cold-weather package, MP3, and $150 floor mats, but no power package. To me, it means STRIPPED; I'll add what I want, if i want anything, and that WON'T include the MP3 player, thanks very much.

Overall, my experience with this car (both in buying and now owning) has been quite a disappointement; I watched, waited, and researched for years to buy the cheapest yet MOST RELIABLE (and it has been that; no complaints on performance; more on cost and design) tiny hatchback I could find; formerly loved my Suzuki Swift/Geo Metro hatches.

Now I think I should've just done the repairs and waited a couple more years to see what else they come up with; I may be trading in. Is just holding off an option for you? If gas prices increase again, car makers may finally get serious about offering options.

Otherwise, just scan the ads and deal ONLINE ONLY (do *not* go in person, except to test-drive, and then make it crystal clear that you're there ONLY to test drive the car).
Get it in writing and close the deal, but don't count on getting exactly what you want...

In all my wanderings, I never encountered a true "base model," although I'm fairly happy with the price I finally paid: $13,700 out the door for a new 2008 auto 3-door liftback...

[Tamago]

Hobo... I feel ya, LOL... I also hate to part with even a dime of my hard-earned money... Car-buying is a nightmare! My understanding, going in, was that Toyota didn't "dicker" on price; it was what it was; also that you could "order" a base model.

I think there's a lot of confusion on here as to what a "base model" is; to some, that means convenience package, cold-weather package, MP3, and $150 floor mats, but no power package. To me, it means STRIPPED; I'll add what I want, if i want anything, and that WON'T include the MP3 player, thanks very much.

Overall, my experience with this car (both in buying and now owning) has been quite a disappointement; I watched, waited, and researched for years to buy the cheapest yet MOST RELIABLE (and it has been that; no complaints on performance; more on cost and design) tiny hatchback I could find; formerly loved my Suzuki Swift/Geo Metro hatches.

Now I think I should've just done the repairs and waited a couple more years to see what else they come up with; I may be trading in. Is just holding off an option for you? If gas prices increase again, car makers may finally get serious about offering options.

Otherwise, just scan the ads and deal ONLINE ONLY (do *not* go in person, except to test-drive, and then make it crystal clear that you're there ONLY to test drive the car).
Get it in writing and close the deal, but don't count on getting exactly what you want...

In all my wanderings, I never encountered a true "base model," although I'm fairly happy with the price I finally paid: $13,700 out the door for a new 2008 auto 3-door liftback...

you should have picked up a used Scion xA..

[Havana]

I guess some dealers don't order base models. I don't know how much say they have over that but at least two dealers in my area had base, no options models on the lot when I was buying in Dec. One dealer even had 5 of them. I don't feel my Yaris was overpriced. I actually consider to be a steal because of the value. Value is something to remember. Don't let sticker price overshadow that. I bought a Yaris because I am cheap or frugal as I prefer to say. It's an investment that will pay off in the long run and even in the not so long run. The way I look at it, I paid a Hyundai/Kia price for a new Toyota. I can't complain about that. I'm sure I won't be complaining about it 5 to 10 years from now either.

[33OH]

The way I look at it, I paid a Hyundai/Kia price for a new Toyota..

I actually paid $1,700 more for my 2007 Hyundai Accent GS Hatchback then I did for my 2008 Yaris LB, and the Yaris has more options.

[Yawesh]

I wanted to get a dependable car for my wife to have for the next few years of her commuting for college. I did the research and it seemed like the Yaris 5 door LB was a good choice. It was cheap, dependable and had good resale value and good fuel economy. I didn't realize that the base price of the car as advertised was a scam. They don't sell a Yaris without some kind of package added on. If you want cruise you have to buy the power package or put it in yourself. With TTL and the destination charge, this is not a cheap car. If I wanted to pay 15K or 16K for a car I might as well buy a Scion that comes with all the options you have to pay for on the Yaris. For that kind of money I think I'd rather have a 4 or 5 year old Lexus. Am I missing something? Even the most inexpensive Yaris, the 3 dr LB seems way overpriced. There aren't any 5 dr models in the used market, the used 3 dr cars are priced at 8K or 9K which isn't bad. Maybe I should just wait until the 5dr models start hitting the used market, I guess when the revised 2010 models come out in Sep.

try not buying it at the dealer, sometimes deals are out there for used by almost likenew cars

scions can start at 15/16k but when they start adding their packages, it raises the cost too.

or there's that Versa for 9,900, no power steer, ac, manual.

[hobojon]

The best quote I have so far is $13,463.00 +TTL for a 2009 5 dr LB with the convenience (CQ) and all weather (CP) packages. What do you think?

[nemelek]

I wanted to get a dependable car for my wife to have for the next few years of her commuting for college. For that kind of money I think I'd rather have a 4 or 5 year old Lexus. Am I missing something?

A 4-5 year old Lexus is probably out of its warrantee. When problems occur, Lexus is not a cheap car to fix. If average yearly miles is 12,000 to 15,000 a used Lexus would have 48,000 to 75,000 miles on the odometer. Brakes and other items will start costing money. Looking 5 years into the future I would rather have a 5 year old Yaris with 75,000 miles than a 10 year old Lexus with 150,000 miles. Especially if gas hits $4/gallon again.