Yaris vs. Prius

[bear4]

I am considering purchasing either new 2010 Yaris sedan or a used 2008-2009 Prius. The price is about the same for both of these so I am trying to make a best decision. Currently I own 2001 and 2003 Echos and I love them, but the mileage is getting high on both.

I have one question for people who own Yaris sedan with folding rear seat: can you fit 2 bicycles in the trunk if you fold down the rear seat and take the front wheel off the bikes? My step father has 2009 Prius and I know two bikes fit in it with no problems. How about the Yaris?

Thank you!

[teddy]

If they're the same price, I don't really see that there would be any competition unless you like one more than the other.

The Prius will have better fuel economy, it's larger, more comfortable, and quieter.

[bear4]

If they're the same price, I don't really see that there would be any competition unless you like one more than the other.

The Prius will have better fuel economy, it's larger, more comfortable, and quieter.

The competition is the fact that I can afford a new Yaris, but only a used Prius. I am a great mechanic myself and I can fix almost everything in Yaris but I cannot really work on Prius should something go wrong with it, and buying a used car with no warranty is always a gamble...

[yaris2010RS]

personally i would vote yaris. i would always vote new car over used. also a used hybrid could problem-matic as its gonna start to need very expensive maintinance and i'd be worried about the life left in the batteries (as ive heard they need to be replaced every 3 - 4 years and cost about 10-20k)

from experience with sedans and bikes, they dont work out well. i have a HB and 2 bikes will fit np. just to make it easier i still got a bike rack.

[bear4]

personally i would vote yaris. i would always vote new car over used. also a used hybrid could problem-matic as its gonna start to need very expensive maintinance and i'd be worried about the life left in the batteries (as ive heard they need to be replaced every 3 - 4 years and cost about 10-20k)

from experience with sedans and bikes, they dont work out well. i have a HB and 2 bikes will fit np. just to make it easier i still got a bike rack.


I got a bike rack too for our echos, but it seems to put too much stress on the trunk lid so the metal would almost bend... Also driving 80 mph for 400 miles on the highway with a bike rack is not a good idea, that is why I am trying to see if they would fit inside...

[yaris2010RS]

its not? lol, i fly with it on. lol. its true the trunk lid doesnt like it much but it survives. even with the prius i would recomend to get a bike rack. maybe get a hitch mounted one.

[bear4]

its not? lol, i fly with it on. lol. its true the trunk lid doesnt like it much but it survives. even with the prius i would recomend to get a bike rack. maybe get a hitch mounted one.

Well, I rather have them inside for safety... I guess I can ask a dealer and see if they would know if you can fit two bikes in a sedan...

[Flipper_1938]

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[nemelek]

Not sure about the bike. The difference between the new vs used might depend on the miles of the usde one.

[Flipper_1938]

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[bear4]

I recently bought my NEW yaris because I had a hard time finding a good used Echo. People keep the good ones and only want to trade after they have been wrecked.

If you want a good one, you almost HAVE to buy a new one.

In my opinions, hybrids are ticking time bombs....there is going to be a very expensive battery replacement at some point.

This is very much true; nobody would sell a good vehicle unless they have to. I bought both of our echos used and both are in great shape. 2003 has been in accident but no structural, just fenders and bumper, so I bought it. 2001 was never in accident; but it is always a gamble with a used vehicle – you never know how well it was maintained and driven… That is why I am leaning toward a new Yaris rather than a used Prius… Why would one sell a good prius?

[Flipper_1938]

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[bear4]

They are scared of the potential repair costs.

I heard prius battery has 150,000 miles and 10 years warranty...

[slothman86]

Drive the wheels off of your echos before you buy another car! Save!!!

[OTA'sTOY]

Drive the wheels off of your echos before you buy another car! Save!!!

+1

your better off with the yaris cheaper in the long run
what you think you'll save with the prius will end up costing you more if you decide to keep it past its warranty.

FYI it cost a couple hundred just for the special vented battery that reside in rear qtr panel

[why?]

prius are not worth it money wise. The only real reason to buy a prius is because you want to be seen driving one. That is it.

For the money, the yaris is much better. But I would drive the wheels of the echo's first, especially if you can work on them yourself.

[brg88tx]

if you must get another car, i'd get a good used 07 yaris for about $8k.

[bear4]

prius are not worth it money wise. The only real reason to buy a prius is because you want to be seen driving one. That is it.

For the money, the yaris is much better. But I would drive the wheels of the echo's first, especially if you can work on them yourself.

I am planning to keep both echos and I do work on them myself. The reason I am looking for a new car is because my wife and I are expecting a baby soon and I want to get a quieter vehicle with more safety features for my wife. We also like to drive very long distance (1000-1500 miles) for vacation and I wanted something more comfortable to travel with the baby. WE also need to haul our bikes and this is why I was asking if you can fit 2 bikes in a yaris. I know you cannot in echo as it does not have folding rear seat...

[bear4]

if you must get another car, i'd get a good used 07 yaris for about $8k.

All used yarii I looked at so far did not impress me... I bought both our echos from private sellers but I can only find used yarii at the dealers ...

[Bluevitz-rs]

I am planning to keep both echos and I do work on them myself. The reason I am looking for a new car is because my wife and I are expecting a baby soon and I want to get a quieter vehicle with more safety features for my wife. We also like to drive very long distance (1000-1500 miles) for vacation and I wanted something more comfortable to travel with the baby. WE also need to haul our bikes and this is why I was asking if you can fit 2 bikes in a yaris. I know you cannot in echo as it does not have folding rear seat...

Prius all the way then.

I know several people with them from first gen to 3rd gen. and they've had no problems with them at all (even Highlander hybrid). The first gen has over 250,000km on it with the original battery. So don't worry about that. The newer cars have better batteries that only currently cost around 3k to replace, not 20K. And just like any piece of technology will only come down in price as time moves on.

I suggest you test drive one and decide on it based on you needs as you've described.

[Flipper_1938]

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[sickpuppy1]

And most all the Prius I've seen on the road are driven moderately so the abuse factor usually doesn't enter into it.

[Flipper_1938]

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[yaris2010RS]

i believe ur looking for a minivan then.

[bear4]

Prius all the way then.

I know several people with them from first gen to 3rd gen. and they've had no problems with them at all (even Highlander hybrid). The first gen has over 250,000km on it with the original battery. So don't worry about that. The newer cars have better batteries that only currently cost around 3k to replace, not 20K. And just like any piece of technology will only come down in price as time moves on.

I suggest you test drive one and decide on it based on you needs as you've described.

I get mixed reports on Prius reliability, some people have issues with them that are normally covered under warranty. However, a used Prius in my price range will be out of warranty and I do not have enough knowledge or equipment to work on them myself.

[bear4]

I'd be looking for an echo in a junk yard with fold down seats. I'm guessing an Echo rear seat would cost $30-40

I don't think echo ever came with fold down seats. On top of it, I have body reinforcements behind the back seats of our echos so this is not really an option

[Bluevitz-rs]

I don't think echo ever came with fold down seats. On top of it, I have body reinforcements behind the back seats of our echos so this is not really an option

Yes the Echo did come with fold down seats. 60/40 split. You just remove that X-brace.

[bear4]

Yes the Echo did come with fold down seats. 60/40 split. You just remove that X-brace.

If I remove the x-brace would it reduce the structural strength of the body?

[Yaris]

I would go with the Prius. Speaking from experience, I never had any aches and pain on long drives and comfort is all that matters for me.

[auxmike]

Tough call. A 5 door Yaris hatch would be a great bet. My 3DR would swallow up those 2 bikes no prob. I thought 5DR since there's a child on the way.
The Prius is definitly a lot nicer and cozy inside , and it's real quiet too. Prius may be more child friendly and safer too.
I'd rather have a brand spankin' new car who's history I know because "I" will be creating it!:biggrin: