Yaris vs. Corolla

[bmlors]

I'm new to the Yaris world, but am strongly considering purchasing one once this "Cash for Clunkers" program goes through. I drove one at the local dealer yesterday, and their only suggestion was to consider a Corolla. For the options I want (15" wheels, keyless entry, cruise -- basically the power package w/ keyless), the pricing after incentives is almost the same ($300 more for the Corolla). MSRP is obviously significantly lower on the Yaris, which will impact registration and insurance pricing. It appears that MPG is nearly identical. Any thoughts on comparing the two? I do have 3 kids, so the additional size of the Corolla is attractive, but certainly not a requirement as this will primarily be a commuter vehicle.

[SpaceShot]

It depends on if you need more commuting or more family use out of it. For us, my wife has the first gen Scion XB which has a much roomier back seat and thus we didn't really need a second family vehicle.

My Yaris needs to get the best mileage it can on my 70 minute commute. Check FuelEconomy.gov and other sites and you should find that a significant percentage of Yaris owners beat the EPA rating by anywhere from 5 to 25%.
While you may not get more on the clunker program for it, your actual commuting savings in the Yaris should be better.

The Corolla isn't bad if you can get it on the dealer lot with the options you want, and if any of those 3 kids might eventually be taking this vehicle as their own, you might look at the insurance impact of both models with a 16 year old driver behind the wheel.

[supmet]

Insurance and registration on my corolla(well prizm) were dirt cheap. Both the yaris and corolla are awesome, reliable, low maintenance, high mpg economy cars. Go test drive them both and come home with which ever one feels better for you. Also, I've driven around with 3 other adults in my yaris sedan fairly comfortably. It has a surprising amount of room.

[voodoo22]

When the price is that close it comes down to personal preference.

If you're driving mostly city, you will do better on gas with the Yaris, but on the hwy there will be very little difference.

[roxy1]

When the price is that close it comes down to personal preference.

If you're driving mostly city, you will do better on gas with the Yaris, but on the hwy there will be very little difference.

my personal experience is that is quite accurate. my 5 speed 09 corolla gets within 1 mpg (highway/suburban type driving) of what my 5 speed yaris hb did on the same route and driving style. in strictly city type driving the yaris would get 2-3 mpg's better.

if the prices are similar, and it is corolla vs yaris sedan, the yaris has no advantage. the corolla is quieter and rides more comfortably and feels like much more car...and when driving a manual transmission (if that is your thing) the experience of shifting in the corolla is like heaven compared to the notchy shifter and bizarre clutch uptake of the yaris. however, if you want a hatchback and want the high mpg's, then the yaris hatchback is the answer for sure.

[kimona]

Both are outstanding cars. I love my Yaris, but when I drive my Mom's Corolla, I feel I'm driving a luxury car, and I enjoy it very much; it's smooth, quick, and quiet. Which one fits your needs best?