Is the Yaris outdated?

[daf62757]

Here is a question for you. Is the Yaris outdated? Seems like there are many other models....some much larger....that give you equal to if not better than gas mileage.

I bought my Yaris for a specific purpose to drive back and forth to Chicago and wanted a car that gave me great mileage. Hyundai, Kia, GM, and other car makers have quickly closed the gas mileage gap and overtaken the Yaris.

So that begs the question, is the Yaris outdated? The 2012 new generation model is basically the exact engine and transmission(s) of the earlier generation and no difference in mileage. I was hoping that Toyota would give us a smaller gas engine or even, I dare to say, a clean diesel engine that could produce some super mileage.

I would trade my 2009 model in for a diesel Yaris.

Any thoughts?

[WeeYari]

Not just the Yaris. Toyota has pretty much gone stale across all of its offerings.

[Chuck G]

The "tried and true" nature of the Yaris is a good thing.
Look at the problems Ford is having with their new vehicles.

[Still Learning]

A diesel would be pretty cool. I imagine the gas mileage would be similar to a Jetta diesel, if not better.

[WeeYari]

The "tried and true" nature of the Yaris is a good thing.
Look at the problems Ford is having with their new vehicles.

True, but atleast they are investing in technological advancements. If tried and true was the status quo, we'd all still be driving inline 6s with a 3 speed automatic.

[Chuck G]

Agreed, I'm just not going to be one of their Guinea pigs.

[digitalrain]

For me the Yaris drivetrain is now outdated, but it also still has one of the best MPG for a gas engine.

The 2005 Echo is the only car that I've known that got far better than the EPA numbers on the side window. Even the 2nd gen Yaris gets better than the EPA numbers despite being heavier.

This is an economy car, and saving money is the number 1 goal. I had my Echo for 7 years and didn't spend even a cent on repairs over the years. IF I got a new direct injection engine with much better power but so so reliabilty I don't know if it'd be worth it. It would have to put a serious smile on my face every time behind the wheel if I had to pay for repairs.

On the whole Toyota needs to step up their game big time in order to get me to buy a new Toyota next time around. Looks like it's going to be a SKy-Activ Mazda unless Toyota finds some magic passion!

[thebarber]

the least that toyota could have done with the new yaris is offer a 6spd

[digitalrain]

Yeah for sure, on the manual and auto side of things. They just put up the prices on the Toyota.ca web site for the 2012. The 2012SE is cheaper than the outgoing 2011RS, they had to save coin somewhere or almost everywhere in order to do that. Too bad it had to be the entire power train that got UN-upgraded.

Mazda Sky-Activ is where it's at and going to be for the next few years... Engine, gear box, chassis and body improvements in balanced proportions.the least that toyota could have done with the new yaris is offer a 6spd

[UTVitz]

Check fuelly.com, about the only cars that beat the Yaris is the Prius and just barely the Smart Fourtwo. Most of the 40MPG cars are not actually achieving it and their owners are asking each other why they don't get the posted MPG on their forums.

The Yaris is very current with available technology for a 1.5 liter. Coil over ignition, variable valve timing, electronic throttle. I can't imagine what Toyota could have come up with for the 2012 yaris? Other than the 1.2 which will be coming in the IQ and the 1.8 that is in the corolla there are not any other gas choices. Diesel is nice, but costs quite a bit more per gallon and the engine is more expesive to build.

[TLyttle]

Something new for the sake of something new? The only reason for me to replace my Yaris would be if I wore out my present Yaris. Somehow, I just don't think I will live long enough to do that...

If I end up with another vehicle, it will be something that I build myself; however, I know it will not be anywhere as efficient or as durable as the Yaris. Lots of things I don't like about it, but for the bucks, it is as good as it gets.

[Gogogordy]

The Yaris is built to exact a particular price point, keeping things like 6 speeds out of the picture is the only way to achieve that, primary goal.

I've certainly had pricier, sexier, and more exciting cars but the Yaris appealed to me for it's simple "goodness", low cost of ownership, and of course Toyota (still, IMO) reputation for legendary durability.

So far delighted with my selection, and plan on a 10 year relationship with mine...something that's only happened once before in my vehicular realtionships. That was with a Vespa, another legendary vehicle which I swore I'd never sell. I sold it for another Vespa which will be in my possession for 6 years in January.

[daf62757]

Check fuelly.com, about the only cars that beat the Yaris is the Prius and just barely the Smart Fourtwo. Most of the 40MPG cars are not actually achieving it and their owners are asking each other why they don't get the posted MPG on their forums.

The Yaris is very current with available technology for a 1.5 liter. Coil over ignition, variable valve timing, electronic throttle. I can't imagine what Toyota could have come up with for the 2012 yaris? Other than the 1.2 which will be coming in the IQ and the 1.8 that is in the corolla there are not any other gas choices. Diesel is nice, but costs quite a bit more per gallon and the engine is more expesive to build.

I agree the diesel is more expensive, both in fuel and production cost, but if the cost benefit side of it means more MPG that is better per mile than the current 1.5L gas engine, then I would be willing to spend the extra to get the extra.

Additionally, diesel engines usually last longer although when talking about Toyota engines, its probably a wash because they last so long as it is.

I am not saying the current Yaris is bad. It is very dependable, reliable, cost efficient, and an excellent value. What I am saying is that Toyota has not advanced fuel mileage to keep track with the industry. Also, the US gets crummy Toyota options compared to the rest of the world. They might cost more, but the options are what sells cars!

No matter who bad the other car makers are, they still can find nifty options that keep people in their show rooms and buying the options!

[RedRide]

The latest sales figures (2010 vs 2011) indicate that Toyota is loosing its market share in the US to US manufactures and has has now fallen substantially below Ford, GM and Chrysler.
Meanwhile, Hyundai/KIA and Nissan are now gaining a bit of US market share.

It would appear that Toyota resting on its laurels somewhat and relaxing quality controls a bit has cost them dearly.

BTW, even Honda's market share in the US has gone down a bit but, not as much as Toyota.

[Buddy Fan]

Check fuelly.com, about the only cars that beat the Yaris is the Prius and just barely the Smart Fourtwo. Most of the 40MPG cars are not actually achieving it and their owners are asking each other why they don't get the posted MPG on their forums.

I agree. Most of these new 40mpg cars are not approacing that number, but a lot of the Yaris owners are meeting or exceeding that number. Part of the lure of the Yaris for me is that I could buy it and keep it for 10 years or more with (hopefully) just maintenance - cheapish parts with little or nothing to break. Having a reliable car that's cheap to run is the only way I'll ever get the Cadillac I've been dreaming about since I was 25.

[TLyttle]

Too bad about your lusting after a Cattletruck... The closest I ever go to one was the '53 Ford I had with a 365 Caddy engine/trans. It was fun, but the saddest people to see it go (to my ex-wife!!) was the local gas station. I could drive my Morris for a whole month on what that pig burnt in 3 days and have a LOT more fun doing it!

[Yury]

I would take simple, tried and true over a few alleged mpg any day of the week.

6 speed in a Yaris...no, thanks. more complexity to achieve very little. btw, I have driven a Malibu with a 6 speed and let me tell you that tranny is not programmed that well. any of the good old 4 speeds I've driven before and after were more intuitive.
Honda's and Mazda's 5 speed ones I do like, but again the 4 in the Yaris doesn't feel any worse.

[nemelek]

The Yaris is economical car. I bought it for the fact that it would get me from point A to point B as cheaply as possible over the next 15 years. More modifications means a higher price tag. Toyota has done a poor job in selling the Yaris. The dealers try to steer you into more expensive cars while on the lot. If there was a bigger demand Toyota might put more effort into the US market.

[bad]

Check fuelly.com, about the only cars that beat the Yaris is the Prius and just barely the Smart Fourtwo. Most of the 40MPG cars are not actually achieving it and their owners are asking each other why they don't get the posted MPG on their forums.

The Yaris is very current with available technology for a 1.5 liter. Coil over ignition, variable valve timing, electronic throttle. I can't imagine what Toyota could have come up with for the 2012 yaris? Other than the 1.2 which will be coming in the IQ and the 1.8 that is in the corolla there are not any other gas choices. Diesel is nice, but costs quite a bit more per gallon and the engine is more expesive to build.

He makes the best points. I will add that if you look at forums of other cars like the fit you will find that more expensive problems happen. -- If it weren't for yarisworld.com I would probably still be trying to figure out what car to buy. The Yaris apparently only usually has an alternator or water pump go bad. And on this forum you'll be able to figure them out for cheap.
AND the yaris has a low low initial cost compared to most vehicles. AND the yaris had a chain instead of a belt which is good because if the belt breaks on an Aveo your engine is really messed up. You could use this forum to do what ever you wanted to a base model yaris for sure. This website kicks ass.
:respekt:

[Flipper_1938]

Change for the sake of change (and something to see in Motor Trend) is not the best way to do things. Automakers have proven that they sometimes have a hard time making simple things work. Cramming cars full of high tech is a recipe for long term durability issues.

Overall, Toyota still seems to build a reliable car. The biggest gripe I have with the latest batch of Toyotas is styling. Several models got uglier in the redesign. I don't care for the flat noses and high hoods that the seem to be sticking on everything.

Second biggest gripe is the feeling of cheapness that is the result of cost cutting. The plastic clutch pedal is a fine example. It just doesn't give me a warm and fuzzy feeling that it will last 20 years and go a million miles. See through paint/half-ass painted parts in the wheelwells and through the lower grill opening piss me off too.

I have been a Toyota owner since 1991, but the love of everything Toyota is not as strong as it once was.

[RedRide]

^
Yeah, There is much more profit in more expensive cars.

IMO, Toyota marketing has always had much to be desired as they always seem to completly ignore one model(s) or another.

[Yury]

"Toyota is not as strong as it once was."

I hear this statement on forums on pretty much any make. And, in part, I agree. For instance my prelude is build more thoroughly when it comes to little things than current hondas. Those rattle all over the place. (but, don't burn oil like preludes:)). The level of redundancy when it comes to clips and fasteners is definitely greater and everything lines up well even though the car is old.

In regards to Yaris, though, I find that this is the right kind of cheapness if you will. Yes, plastics are basic, but everything fits well and works well. I'd rather see than pseudo-stylish interiors with uneven gaps and loose parts. That just annoys me.

Overall I find that current models are more build to sell than work well and last long.

[rick996]

All cars become out of date soon after you buy them :iono:. My 2010 just had it's 2 year birthday without costing me anything except for routine maintenance :laugh:. It was up to date when I bought it with air bags, stability control, etc. When I buy a car I buy it to drive until it's worth $50 for scrap :tongue:. With just a few mild hypermileing techniques (following cars don't even realize I'm doing anything) I am consistently averaging 42 to 43 mpg (summer) :thumbup:. The only technology that was old, the timing chain, is a benefit :bow:. I hear on this site that the brake pads/shoes are long lasting too. This will probably be the last car I own. :wub:

[TLyttle]

Seconded, Rick...

[Hi mpg]

I traded in a Jetta Sportwagen tdi for my Yaris. I like it for it's simplicity. Good mileage, cheap maint. cost, and I love the timing chain, instead of a belt. I would love to get the diesel version. I had the chance to drive a diesel Landcruiser in Canada and it was amazing. Toyota has a freat reputation with their diesels.

[racerb]

I'm looking to buy a Yaris because it reminds me of a VW Beetle or Opel Cadet from the '60s, just a good simple and practical car. As some of the others have said, new technoligy is great but not always needed. My wife recently took delivery of a 2011 F-150 (her company vehicle) with the Ecoboost V-6, which Ford claims to get 22 mpg. Well the best mileage we've acheived with this thing has been 18.8 on a round trip to Savannah Georgia about 600 miles total. On most trips my 2001 Tundra V-8 gets an average of 20 mpg on the interstate and normally 15-17 towing my open car trailer.

I'll take the Yaris any day, good mileage, great reliabilty, and it's a Toyota above all!!

racerb :thumbup:

[roadrunner]

The Yaris is economical car. I bought it for the fact that it would get me from point A to point B as cheaply as possible over the next 15 years. More modifications means a higher price tag. Toyota has done a poor job in selling the Yaris. The dealers try to steer you into more expensive cars while on the lot. If there was a bigger demand Toyota might put more effort into the US market.

I agree with you on all points. Depreciation is also good on the Yaris. In the past 55,000 miles, my 2007, 5 speed, hatchback has needed tires, two wiper blades, one front light bulb, and some oil changes that I did. Amazing car, and inexpensive too. I am very pleased in what this small car has cost me.

[TLyttle]

Oh no!! My 07 sedan had another failure! First it was a faulty fuel gauge, I no longer trust it. Then the other day the airbag came on, the dealership diagnosed it as a "spiral cable failure", and ordered the part. Cost? "No cost sir, we will repair it under warranty." On a 4 year old car??? Wow.

Keep on chirping about "outdated" or "uninspiring", I am one of the reasons that the Yaris keeps its resale value; it is my car, and will be for a long, long time.

[daf62757]

I'm looking to buy a Yaris because it reminds me of a VW Beetle or Opel Cadet from the '60s, just a good simple and practical car. As some of the others have said, new technoligy is great but not always needed. My wife recently took delivery of a 2011 F-150 (her company vehicle) with the Ecoboost V-6, which Ford claims to get 22 mpg. Well the best mileage we've acheived with this thing has been 18.8 on a round trip to Savannah Georgia about 600 miles total. On most trips my 2001 Tundra V-8 gets an average of 20 mpg on the interstate and normally 15-17 towing my open car trailer.

I'll take the Yaris any day, good mileage, great reliabilty, and it's a Toyota above all!!

racerb :thumbup:

Amen Brother!

[daf62757]

Oh no!! My 07 sedan had another failure! First it was a faulty fuel gauge, I no longer trust it. Then the other day the airbag came on, the dealership diagnosed it as a "spiral cable failure", and ordered the part. Cost? "No cost sir, we will repair it under warranty." On a 4 year old car??? Wow.

Keep on chirping about "outdated" or "uninspiring", I am one of the reasons that the Yaris keeps its resale value; it is my car, and will be for a long, long time.

Amen Brother!

[sickpuppy1]

FYI, I've been told that safety features like seatbelts, the airbag wiring and such HAVE to be functional for the life of the car unless its due to a wreck or abuse. We had a like 98-99 camry wagon for awhile, which had the motorized seatbelts that you didnt have to undo, it would move out of the way. Well in the mid 2005-6 area the motor went bad.Toyota covered it because its a basic safety system and has to be functional per goverment mandate......no charge!

[Nanook]

I'm not sure if the engine would warrant a 6spd. It may not be strong enough to hold a higher gear. What I would like to see though is an AWD version brought to America.

[Yar Is Word]

What I would like to see though is an AWD version brought to America.

Before Yaris and before ECHO there was...

Tercel AWD!

http://www.myspace.com/video/vid/4064413

[Captain Slow]

diesel? ugh.

I'll take my peppy little gasoline engine that still gets 30mpgs in the city. compared to 99% of the other cars made in the last decade that is an incredible number ;)

[rick996]

Before Yaris and before ECHO there was...

Tercel AWD!

http://www.myspace.com/video/vid/4064413

And before Yaris and before ECHO there was...

The Justy!

[TLyttle]

Justy?? Hawww... Wasn't the Tercel before that? We still see them around here, godknowshowmany miles on them, still running just fine. Bodies ain't what they used to be, just like my mom's Corona: without the corrosion, I think most Toyotas would still be on the road...

[Captain Slow]

older Jap cars were notorious for rust issues. trust me, I had two old Z cars. awesome cars if you can find one that's less than 75% rust at this point.

tell you what I totally dig, the old Celicas. this model.

[rick996]

Justy?? Hawww... Wasn't the Tercel before that? We still see them around here, godknowshowmany miles on them, still running just fine. Bodies ain't what they used to be, just like my mom's Corona: without the corrosion, I think most Toyotas would still be on the road...

Yes, the Tercel came out in 1978 and was replaced by the Echo in 2000. The Justy came out in 1984 (Japan) and wasn't sold in the U.S. until 1987. It certainly did rust. Not just the sills and fenders, the hood had holes in it. The original nickname for our 1987 was "little foot" and then went to "the Trusty Rusty Justy".

[TLyttle]

What is it with my memory? Why do I think that the Justy was produced by someone else, Suzuki maybe? Ah, just one of the hazards of being old, I guess... I'm sure that the LaSalle was produced by Cadillac, though.

[digitalrain]

Yeah I'll go with the Justy being a Subie up here. Don't know about other countries tho.

What is it with my memory? Why do I think that the Justy was produced by someone else, Suzuki maybe? Ah, just one of the hazards of being old, I guess... I'm sure that the LaSalle was produced by Cadillac, though.

[why?]

it was a Subie pretty much everywhere. I do wish Toyota would have kept an AWD option on all of their cars like those early 80's vehicles had.

[swidd]

It seems to me the best model Yaris was the 2007, because it didn't have side airbags, electronic stability and ABS brakes, which saves weight and improves fuel efficiency. With my 2007 Yaris with 96,000 miles, I still get 40MPG depending on driving style. "Outdated" is a matter of presence. People still think the Yaris is a brand new car.

[daf62757]

It seems to me the best model Yaris was the 2007, because it didn't have side airbags, electronic stability and ABS brakes, which saves weight and improves fuel efficiency. With my 2007 Yaris with 96,000 miles, I still get 40MPG depending on driving style. "Outdated" is a matter of presence. People still think the Yaris is a brand new car.

Until somebody side wipes you and send you to the morgue. Then you will have thought those side air bags were worth their weight in gold.

[The Limo]

My 2007 sedan has 8 air bags. Driver and front passenger, side airbags on both front seats and 2 curtain airbags in front and 2 in the back. It also has ABS and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
Roy

[refotsirk]

I read last week in the news that BMW was teaming up with Toyota for future diesel engine mergings.
I wonder who makes what? BMW body, Toyota diesel engine? Or other way around?
A Yaris diesel engine.....hmmmm I could pull my kayak then on a trailer? Or more?
More HP for my bang for my buck?
Or I wonder if this is just for the EU markets?

[daf62757]

My 2007 sedan has 8 air bags. Driver and front passenger, side airbags on both front seats and 2 curtain airbags in front and 2 in the back. It also has ABS and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
Roy

I wonder if they Canadian models have different safety requirements than the US. My 09 Yaris has the side airbags too, but I think it was an option...not sure when it was almost 3 years ago.

[daf62757]

I read last week in the news that BMW was teaming up with Toyota for future diesel engine mergings.
I wonder who makes what? BMW body, Toyota diesel engine? Or other way around?
A Yaris diesel engine.....hmmmm I could pull my kayak then on a trailer? Or more?
More HP for my bang for my buck?
Or I wonder if this is just for the EU markets?

That would be wonderful combination. That might actually tempt me to sell my Yaris and buy another one with a diesel engine. The right size diesel in a Yaris could get you 60 MPG.

That being said, I don't think we would get it in the US market. We always suck hind tit on Toyota innovation in the US.

[bronsin]

That would be wonderful combination. That might actually tempt me to sell my Yaris and buy another one with a diesel engine. The right size diesel in a Yaris could get you 60 MPG.

That being said, I don't think we would get it in the US market. We always suck hind tit on Toyota innovation in the US.


Sadly, the day of the diesel engine as an economic proposition is over. Diesel fuel is over 25% more expensive than gasoline, effectively nullifying any advantage it used to have. When you factor in the added premium of a diesel engine over a gas powered one that is the final nail in the coffin.

No the most cost effective engine is a small gas one in the lightest car possible.

[tk1971]

My first car was a 81 Datsun 210SL hatch that got 40+ mpg and was rear wheel drive. I bought it used for $1000 with 60k miles on it and drove it to death. I loved that thing. The front seats would recline all the way. When I'd open up the windows and propped up rear hatch @ the beach, I can enjoy the breeze and sleep inside after boogie boarding. I put 375,000 miles on that car. I lent it to my brother one time, and he blows the head gasket. Fun times.

My Yaris reminds me of my 210SL. I hear Chevy Sprints also had high MPG's.

Newer isn't always better. The Yaris is pretty good the way it is. I'm talking about the manual version, of course.

[tk1971]

blip... double post?

[daf62757]

Sadly, the day of the diesel engine as an economic proposition is over. Diesel fuel is over 25% more expensive than gasoline, effectively nullifying any advantage it used to have. When you factor in the added premium of a diesel engine over a gas powered one that is the final nail in the coffin.

No the most cost effective engine is a small gas one in the lightest car possible.

Yea....no! I think your thinking is reminiscent of early times when US auto makers tried to produce diesels and failed....as most US manufactures do! There is a new generation of diesel engines that are clean burning and offer 20 to 30 percent better gas mileage than a gas engine of the same size. Now if diesel fuel, when comparing mileage vs cost, is more expensive than regular unleaded gas, then you comments holds true. But if the mileage is better and cheaper even when factoring in more expensive fuel, then diesel is a good alternative.

As more people start to use diesel, you can expect the price to drop as more dealers carry more non-freight diesel. Not the landslide of savings and increased mileage, but for those who pinch pennies, it might be a winning long term alternative.

[TLyttle]

You ain't old enough, Big Dave. No one here knows about the Cummins-powered racers at Indy in the 30s! They did well, without all the razzmatazz of, say, the later Novi. A lesson wasted on people who could buy Gasoline for 15c a gallon....

[bronsin]

You need help if you think the Yaris is outdated.

Quality NEVER gets old.

Diesel=Hybrid=Jerkoff.

Diesel option costs nearly what the hybrid option does. (compared to buying a Yaris)

Diesel fuel is currently 25% MORE than gasoline. Explain how paying a premium for a diesel engine PLUS 25% more for fuel is going to cost LESS.

I await your answer and if you are right I will be the firt to admit it.


Here is a question for you. Is the Yaris outdated? Seems like there are many other models....some much larger....that give you equal to if not better than gas mileage.

I bought my Yaris for a specific purpose to drive back and forth to Chicago and wanted a car that gave me great mileage. Hyundai, Kia, GM, and other car makers have quickly closed the gas mileage gap and overtaken the Yaris.

So that begs the question, is the Yaris outdated? The 2012 new generation model is basically the exact engine and transmission(s) of the earlier generation and no difference in mileage. I was hoping that Toyota would give us a smaller gas engine or even, I dare to say, a clean diesel engine that could produce some super mileage.

I would trade my 2009 model in for a diesel Yaris.

Any thoughts?

[Edwin5000]

Diesels and hybrids are good. Manufacturers are finding that people WILL pay a premium for efficient cars. I know that I will seriously consider a Prius c along with the Yaris next spring when I buy a car.
Any 'Yota made in Japan is a great 'Yota.

[bronsin]

Diesels and hybrids are good. Manufacturers are finding that people WILL pay a premium for efficient cars.

Which car would cost LESS to buy and drive for 100,000 miles, a Prius or a Yaris?


Well, lets see!

Yaris = $15,000

Prius = $25,000

Oh my my my you just spent $10,000 more if you bought a Pruis!

Now for 100,000 miles at $3 a gallon assuming your Prius gets 40 miles per gallon you are going to spend $7500 for gas.

At 30 mpg for the Yaris you will spend $10,000.

Well gee golly willikers you spent $10,000 more and SAVED $2500 by buying a Prius instead of a Yaris!

That cost you $7500!

What you did was take the money you would have given to Exxon and gave it instead to Toyota! And, you're so considerate of others, you gave Toyota a $7500 BONUS besides!
How NICE of you!

And all because you want to drive a more fuel efficient car!

[Still Learning]

That doesn't even take into consideration all the batteries that you have to eventually replace in the Prius.

[TLyttle]

Not so far, by what I hear. Our local dealer says that the have yet to hear of a battery replacement anywhere in North America. Also, the price has gone down significantly since the pack was introduced.

Just what I hear...

[daf62757]

You ain't old enough, Big Dave. No one here knows about the Cummins-powered racers at Indy in the 30s! They did well, without all the razzmatazz of, say, the later Novi. A lesson wasted on people who could buy Gasoline for 15c a gallon....

I think I was referring to the diesels that GM tried to sell back in the 80s. They were junk....as are most GM products.

[daf62757]

You need help if you think the Yaris is outdated.

Quality NEVER gets old.

Diesel=Hybrid=Jerkoff.

Diesel option costs nearly what the hybrid option does. (compared to buying a Yaris)

Diesel fuel is currently 25% MORE than gasoline. Explain how paying a premium for a diesel engine PLUS 25% more for fuel is going to cost LESS.

I await your answer and if you are right I will be the firt to admit it.

The Yaris is getting old. The engine is old, there are other cars that are starting to get 40 mpg, and Yaris is essentially the same car as it was back in 2006. In today's world of car's being completely redesigned every 3 to 4 years, having basically the same car in 2012 as 2006 leads you to think it is outdated. I don't know if the term quality is what I think of when I think of the Yaris. Do a google search on quality car and Yaris doens't come up. Reliable, yes....quality...no. Its cheap, has the basics, and and will last over 300K miles so longevity and quality don't meet at the Toyota dealer under the line of Yaris cars.

As for the diesel, I think if enough are produced, the cost will not be 25% more. I personally would like to have one as it would give you better mileage. Now I don't know the cost of diesel fuel in your area, but here in Indy, diesel fuel is only 7& more expensive.

Multiple the savings by 300k miles and I believe you will come out ahead in the long run.

[bronsin]

Not so far, by what I hear. Our local dealer says that the have yet to hear of a battery replacement anywhere in North America. Also, the price has gone down significantly since the pack was introduced.

Just what I hear...

That is substantially correct. The batteries dont fail, last a long time, and replacements are on ebay for half what the dealer wants.

Having said that the car is a total ripoff. Bottom line it makes no sense whatsoever.

[bronsin]

The ECHO got 40 mpg + back in 2000. How nice the so call "new and improved" models from other companies are "starting" to get 40 mpg.

I would argue the Yaris is a step in the wrong direction from the ECHO. It is heavier. Remember the 1985 Honda Civic? The one that got ~50 mpg highway?
What are the "new and improved" ones getting, huh? 35 mpg hiway?

And I do not believe for one second those claims of Ford and others with larger engines than the ECHO/Yaris that they get an honest 40 mpg. No sir!

The 1.5 liter engine in the ECHO/Yaris is the best small engine made today by a large margin. Nothing else comes close. MPG wise and powerwise (106 hp)

Although the "engine of the future" is even smaller IMO.

Before you buy one of these "cutting edge cars of the future" with a hybrid or diesel engine that will "pay off after 300,000 miles" (are you kidding me?!)
all I ask is you DO THE MATH beforehand.




The Yaris is getting old. The engine is old, there are other cars that are starting to get 40 mpg, and Yaris is essentially the same car as it was back in 2006. In today's world of car's being completely redesigned every 3 to 4 years, having basically the same car in 2012 as 2006 leads you to think it is outdated. I don't know if the term quality is what I think of when I think of the Yaris. Do a google search on quality car and Yaris doens't come up. Reliable, yes....quality...no. Its cheap, has the basics, and and will last over 300K miles so longevity and quality don't meet at the Toyota dealer under the line of Yaris cars.

As for the diesel, I think if enough are produced, the cost will not be 25% more. I personally would like to have one as it would give you better mileage. Now I don't know the cost of diesel fuel in your area, but here in Indy, diesel fuel is only 7& more expensive.

Multiple the savings by 300k miles and I believe you will come out ahead in the long run.

[TLyttle]

Yeah, my buddy's Echo still gets better mileage than my Yaris, but it IS smaller. We could never been able to make it do as much as the Yaris, strictly because of its lack of room. Other than that, my main objection to the newer cars is the added BS that one must buy on a standard model. I don't NEED the alarms and other electronics; I just want a car that will move me from A to B with as little trouble as possible, using as little fuel as possible. 40mpg is not new to me; I was getting that from my cars in the 60s.

I do, however, enjoy the lack of corrosion built into today's cars, and the longevity they are showing. Somehow, I just know that it will be the damn electronics that will kill my Yaris...

[sickpuppy1]

You guys may know it already, but I just read today that the 2012 is available in 3 door and 5 door only, no sedan this year, that sucks. When I have to get rid of this one, no more yaris for me.......waaaaa

[daf62757]

Yeah, my buddy's Echo still gets better mileage than my Yaris, but it IS smaller. We could never been able to make it do as much as the Yaris, strictly because of its lack of room. Other than that, my main objection to the newer cars is the added BS that one must buy on a standard model. I don't NEED the alarms and other electronics; I just want a car that will move me from A to B with as little trouble as possible, using as little fuel as possible. 40mpg is not new to me; I was getting that from my cars in the 60s.

I do, however, enjoy the lack of corrosion built into today's cars, and the longevity they are showing. Somehow, I just know that it will be the damn electronics that will kill my Yaris...

Makes me remember cars that came with manual chokes and manual floor vents for ventilation. How long would today's cars last if they had these old systems?

[bronsin]

[QUOTE=TLyttle;621242] 40mpg is not new to me; I was getting that from my cars in the 60s.

QUOTE]

Granted mileage was better in the 80s than it is today.

I know Honda Civics in 1985 got nearly 50 mpg highway. And my brothers 1983 Renault Alliance got 53 mpg when we were on a trip from Morgantown WV to Houston.

But what car(s) was it that got 40 mpg in the 60s?

[TLyttle]

Morris Minor for one. Mine got 59mpg Imp, but I helped it a bit. Minis got even better mileage, and a few other orphans got better than that on poorer fuel. I must admit that I go back to the 50s as well as the 60s, but in those days I couldn't afford gas guzzlers even at 35c/gal.

And I didn't mind adjusting my floor vents and manual chokes and starter buttons (they're back, fergodsakes!), it was just part of driving a car. We also had no-draft vents that worked very well indeed! I don't need my Minor back, but it wouldn't be any surprise or drawback.

[bronsin]

My father adored his Moris Minor. There were not a lot of them in Brooklyn and that was long before foreighn cars became in any sense of the word acceptable so it was something of a cross to bear.

Especially driving across the GW Bridge in any kind of wind.

[charles nelson]

I just read a new 2012 report that states that the new compact cars are more gas efficient than sub-compact. Partly because the compacts have slightly longer chassis which allow a better airflow than the short stubby sub-compacts.
With the 55-mpg rules coming on in a few years a lot of aerodynamic studies have been done. Most subcompacts also have nearly vertical rear ends to maximize rear seat-rear storage space. Engineers have not been able to smooth the airflow as much as the longer compacts' rear sheet metal.
Both GM and Toyota are finding that their newly designed compacts are getting 40-50 mpg while their sub-compacts are struggling to reach 40 mpg.

[Damo]

Luckily I didnt buy my Yaris being overly concerned with mileage.

For me it was all about the 14 cup holders :)

[junorico24]

Here, in Sydney. Yaris are every where the 2nd generation is multiplying on the road.

Most are 3 doors hatch backs.I noticed that this year so many people are buying Yaris

[docB]

Why isn't a prius diesel/battery car available? How come a Chevy volt doesn't have a tiny tubine? It would be great to run any type of full just to recharge the battery to power the thing to extended range. I think it would be awesome to loose all the airbags in exchange for all the stupid people who don't believe that driving requires one's undivided attention. I had an '89 Justy w/ the 3 hole engine and a CVT. Got over 49 mpg on a trip with it. It had a carb. The fuel we burn could give us better milage, too. Get rid of the alcohol. Look at F1 and the custom blends of full they got to make mileage and power at the end of the turbo era...
doc

[TLyttle]

In my experience, turbines are THIRSTY! Chrysler found that out 50 years ago, Rover before them. Here in the model builders world, miniature turbines are the rage, and their fuel loads are outrageous! I run small diesels, and the fuel tanks are really small; models running 90mph for miles on 1oz of fuel.

US safety laws have made sure that we must buy heavy vehicles so that we survive running into bridge abutments at 55mph; answer is not to run into bridge abutments at 55 mph. The extra weight costs us fuel, period.

[malibuguy]

I dont know how anyone gets below 40mpg in a yaris...i have to beat mine 100 % of the time to get low 40s

[CanIHazYarisHatch?]

It's not outdated.

It's PROVEN.

[daf62757]

In my experience, turbines are THIRSTY! Chrysler found that out 50 years ago, Rover before them. Here in the model builders world, miniature turbines are the rage, and their fuel loads are outrageous! I run small diesels, and the fuel tanks are really small; models running 90mph for miles on 1oz of fuel.

US safety laws have made sure that we must buy heavy vehicles so that we survive running into bridge abutments at 55mph; answer is not to run into bridge abutments at 55 mph. The extra weight costs us fuel, period.

Government costs us money. Period!