08 Yaris For a Camper and College Student?

[CLuchs]

I found an 08 Yaris HB, cherry red, seems in nice shape. It has one ding maybe the size of a quarter. I drive a ton, and I love camping, and usually take 1-2 people with me. I need 3 things, In this order, 2 of which I know this car can do well, 1.) Reliability. I need 5+ years out of this car. I maintain my cars religiously, and meticulously, It's a toyota, shouldn't be an issue.
2.) Gas Mileage- It's a 2300 pound car with a 1.5... again, no problem
3.) I need to still have good gas mileage with a week and a half worth of 2 people's camping gear and 2-3 people in the car, and have a top speed that is capable of keeping up on the highway
Will the yaris meet the third requirement when packed full of my stuff?
How loud is a yaris at 65-75 mph? If it drones REEEAAALLLLYYY bad on the highway that may be an issue.
Car Mags and Edmunds and Caranddriver say this car is comfy but doesn't handle too well, but you guys say it handles like a dream. Is it really fun to drive? I mean through the twisties is it a bit exciting? Thanks guys! looking forward to being one of you on friday!

[ern-diz]

Hi there...I drive an '07 hb and I think it handles well, especially in twisties...the turning radius is insane...feels like you can pull a u-turn in a parking spot...I regularly move right past cars from the outside lane when getting on near 360 degree fwy on ramps...having said that, I personally wasn't a fan of the way the car bobbed and bounced at highway speeds on stock wheels and tires...felt a lot better with bigger, wider wheels and tires...in respect to load, I can feel a difference from when I'm driving alone to when I've got 4 people in the car...also, my better half and I almost always use my car over her '11 Accord Coupe when hauling stuff, but that's because it basically becomes a wagon with the backseat down...if rolling with 2 or 3 people and the backseat needs to be up, you're significantly limiting the amount of space you'll have to stow stuff...the rear seat is effectively over the back wheels and in my estimation, you wouldn't have space for half a weeks gear for 2-3 people in the space between the backseat and the hatch door...I may be wrong, but I'd suggest taking a close look at that space...in respect to road noise, it's no Mercedes Benz, but I don't find it to be unusually loud...just my two cents, hope it helps...

[bronsin]

In 2011 I drove my 09 hatch from NJ to Ak 10,400 miles there and back in 16 days. I was comfortable the whole time! I put down the rear seat back to hold all the stuff I took including a full size spare and hydraulic jack. I went 85 mph on US freeways and 60 mph in Canada (speed limit 100 kph and everyone seemed to be obeying)

So there is no doubt in my mind this car will work out for you unless you are a wimp or something! :biggrin:

[ern-diz]

In 2011 I drove my 09 hatch from NJ to Ak 10,400 miles there and back in 16 days. I was comfortable the whole time! I put down the rear seat back to hold all the stuff I took including a full size spare and hydraulic jack. I went 85 mph on US freeways and 60 mph in Canada (speed limit 100 kph and everyone seemed to be obeying)

So there is no doubt in my mind this car will work out for you unless you are a wimp or something! :biggrin:

Consider the OP wants to haul half a weeks worth of camping gear for 2-3 people, in addition to those 2-3 people. Unlike your experience, he wouldn't be traveling alone.

If just a driver and passenger, you can utilize the back seat and beyond for storage. My hesitation comes from thinking of a third person who'd sit in the backseat. At that point I'd have to wonder...

[CLuchs]

Hi! Just wanted to say you guys are awesome as a car community. I'm also a fan of LSX chevy engines and follow all their forums and those guys aren't nearly as helpful. Haha. So do all yaris' Have 60/40 split folding rear seats? cause 3 people, If I folded down the 40 section seat, i could stack 2 tents, and 3 camping chairs there, and that would help solve that problem. I'm a pretty efficient packer. And I'm glad you mentioned feeling a difference. I had a 98 civic Lx and you could definitely tell when the car was loaded, but with a few hundred pounds of stuff in it does it feel at all unsafe on the highway? That's my major concern. The car is either a loaded base 3 door HB or an S trim (It has the rear wiper, 10 profile width fatter tires, and abs, am I right in believing they were a bundled option?) so I'm okay with that. I mean that honda didn't feel unsafe with a ton of stuff and people in it, and it only had 4 more horsepower and weighed a few hundred pounds more by itself, but it also wasn't as high riding as the yaris (5.5 inches clearance in a car with such a tiny wheelbase!) I was worried it would be a bit skittish (In a scary unpleasant way, not the amusing frisky way.) Thank you guys so much!

[WeeYari]

Not all '08 have a 60/40. You need to go to the 'S' trim level to find that.

I annually have to make a 1,000 mile trek to see the in-laws with 3 in the car and luggage for 2 weeks. For an investment of ~$250, this helps immensely.

I used to do the journey in a minivan. First year using the Yaris with the hitch basket, the savings in fuel paid for the basket.

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=51488&stc=1&d=1375380588

[bronsin]

Consider the OP wants to haul half a weeks worth of camping gear for 2-3 people, in addition to those 2-3 people. Unlike your experience, he wouldn't be traveling alone.

If just a driver and passenger, you can utilize the back seat and beyond for storage. My hesitation comes from thinking of a third person who'd sit in the backseat. At that point I'd have to wonder...

Sounds like a roof mounted cargo hauler would be a good idea. :iono:

I rode around Europe in the back seat of a 69 VW Beetle for 7 weeks when I was 13.

Ah Youth! :biggrin:

[ern-diz]

Hitch basket and roof rack both sound like good ideas to me for what you're trying to accomplish.

[nookandcrannycar]

Is it really fun to drive? I mean through the twisties is it a bit exciting? Thanks guys! looking forward to being one of you on friday!

Houston is pretty flat, and you really have to get past The Woodlands to find any very minor 'twisties' (some back roads that lead to Montgomery). However, when I purchased my '07 Yaris new in October of 2006, I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area. That Yaris has also 'seen' all of the 'lower 48' states and literally all four corners of the U.S. (all types of 'twisties'). One of my past cars was a GTI that I bought new and drove just past 195,000 miles. My blue Yaris = almost as fun as the GTI :thumbsup:. A completely stripped new Yaris in '07 (not mine) would have come with 14" wheels and fairly narrow tires. My '07 had the Convenience Package, which included the wider 15" tires...185/60-15 IIRC...I'm in California right now, so I can't walk out to the garage and look :smile:. My 2014 doesn't have quite the same feeling. Although my 2014 Yaris has 15" wheels, the tires are narrower (Toyota being cheap :eek::biggrin:). Given that the bones of the car are the same, I think my 2014 will probably feel the same or similar once it has the same size wider tires that grace my 2007.

The only location where my 2007 has felt less than absolutely rock solid stable is the 80 MPH limit section of Interstate 10 that covers much of the area between San Antonio and El Paso (significant crosswinds). My 2014 felt more stable over this stretch (IIRC, the 2014 has a lower CD), even with the narrower tires. All of the trips over that part of I-10 so far, have been with just me in the car. The added weight of 1-2 other people, and their stuff, might make the issue disappear.

P.S. .... Only other location where stability was an issue...some of the gravel roads near Table Rock Lake (another side, away from Branson) in Missouri in 2013.

[NYC-SE]

One of my past cars was a GTI that I bought new and drove just past 195,000 miles. My blue Yaris = almost as fun as the GTI :thumbsup:.

I agree. I never owned a GTI but a friend of mine had a first gen model that I drove quite often. My 2014 SE reminds me of it. More than any other car I think the 3rd gen SE embodies the spirit of the first gen GTI. When I tell people that they look at me like I have two heads. Of course I am remembering the experience from long ago. It would be interesting to drive them both back to back. I can't remember the last time I saw a first gen GTI, imagine most of them have gone to the great autobahn in the sky.

[nookandcrannycar]

I rode around Europe in the back seat of a 69 VW Beetle for 7 weeks when I was 13.

Ah Youth! :biggrin:

:thumbsup: When I was 12, I rode around (for 3 weeks, IIRC, coming from the SF Bay Area) Yosemite..The Valley and Tuolumne Meadows...up over Tioga Pass to Mono Lake, up Hwy 395 and then over to South Lake Tahoe, CA (where we stayed in a motel to end the trip), and then back to the Bay Area.....

..... with my neighbor/classmate, his parents, and all of our camping gear (:eek:) in a 1973 Vega Hatchback (:eek:)....not the wagon hatchback, the smaller regular one.

You're right....Ah Youth! :thumbsup::biggrin:.

[nookandcrannycar]

I agree. I never owned a GTI but a friend of mine had a first gen model that I drove quite often. My 2014 SE reminds me of it. More than any other car I think the 3rd gen SE embodies the spirit of the first gen GTI. When I tell people that they look at me like I have two heads. Of course I am remembering the experience from long ago. It would be interesting to drive them both back to back. I can't remember the last time I saw a first gen GTI, imagine most of them have gone to the great autobahn in the sky.

Yep :thumbsup:.....and the two (?) manual SEs I've driven handle a bit better than my blue Yaris. I wanted the 5-door and a manual transmission (in the U.S....have to get the SE to get this), but I didn't want to give up the turning circle of the non-SE. I asked a question on a long ago thread....Would changing the tires and wheels on the SE to non-SE spec result in the turning circle the non-SE has?...replies = no.

[CLuchs]

I like the roof rack idea. Never even really considered it, haha, but yeah that sounds like a good compromise. I could save even more room if my girlfriend would let me put her dog cage in the roof rack haha. That's awesome, and thanks for the info about the handling and the seats in the base versus the s model. It turns out the one I'm looking at is the base model It just has wider tires on her. I just need a car that won't spontaneously attack my wallet. I love my Buick LeSabre but it's getting to the age where it's one thing after another. And I've always wanted a go kart more than a land yacht. Haha

[WeeYari]

I like the roof rack idea.

I notice your details indicate that the '08 you are looking at is a 3dr. Roof racks for that body are classified as 'short base' as the mounting towers only have the front door frame to mount to.This places the front and rear cross bars of the rack system about 12" apart. Things like bicycle rack attachments then have to utilize what they call a short roof adaptor. Does the job, but not the most stable setup in the world. Just so you know....

[Ben_]

As a member who auto-x s my yaris regularly I will say that OE handling is very sufficient. To some it can seem scary (there is a good amount of body roll) but a simple addition of a sway bar makes the yaris a true performer in the stock handling category. There are LOTS of options for these and if you aren't picky you can pick one up from the classifieds on this forum for cheap

As far as hauling it is very obvious when this car is loaded down. Does that mean its unsafe or unbearable? Absolutely not. The car can keep up with traffic despite extra weight and easily maintain highway speeds (80mph in Utah)

So as cargo space is concerned definitely look for a 60\40 split seat for 3 passengers with cargo. Again as other members have stated a roof rack is an easy mod. Also look for a trailer hitch and a small cargo holder. Harbor freight sells one that does the job and is inexpensive. Here is a link for the cargo holder. The yaris will have absolutely no worries as far as strength is concerned as long as you don't put heavy objects on there (concrete, large metal objects, ect)

http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/cargo/500-lb-capacity-aluminum-cargo-carrier-92655.html

Also I will note that my experience is with a manual. Autos have a small but significant loss in power. Other members can elaborate but I have never driven an auto yaris so I don't know

I suggest everyone owns one of these cars they are a true master of the subcompact category and deserve much more recognition than the car snobs at Edmund's and other "professional" reviews give them. Just remember these guys are used to driving 100k sports cars and their idea of "good handling" is a bit unachievable. Remember to take it with a grain of salt and trust the reviews of ACTUAL owners who have driven these cars for 10,000s of miles, sometimes hundreds


Edit: the stock exhaust is quieter than any other car I've been in. People who drive my car constantly try to start it when its already running (I'm not kidding everyone does it at least once if not twice). At highway speeds you will hear more noise from wind and tires than the drive train. Take it for a test drive and fins out for yourself I dare you [emoji12]

[CLuchs]

You guys are great man, I really appreciate it. This is a good deal for this car (5200 with 92k is 1550 below book) and it has no rust. It drove nice, it's a manual which no one has in Pittsburgh, and if the only issue with car is solved by a tow hitch, woohoo! Haha. Will the tow hitch mounting interfere at all with aftermarket rear sway bars?

[sex]

You'll be okay with any hitch as our sway bars follow the rear beam. Has any recall work been done to car?

[CLuchs]

I'm not positive actually. Any way I can find out? Isn't the recall for the Ill-fitting seat brackets that cause the seat not to lock into position properly? If so I mean I moved to every setting individually and slowly let it back and it locked into all of them just fine. Although the dealer thought i was insane with one leg out of the car and one knee in the seat shaking the hell out of it to see that it stayed hahaha.

[WeeYari]

Three recalls that I can recollect off the top of my head are;

- removal of a piece insulation in the driver side B pillar which can catch fire

- replace clock spring (spiral cable) mechanism in the steering wheel. Can cause airbag malfunction

- replace driver side seat rails. These for the most part work with a few failures reported. There is no one specific spot where they fail, they just decide to fail

The service department can do an inquiry on the VIN to see if any applicable recalls have been performed on that car.

[Ben_]

So you ended up buying it?

[CLuchs]

Not yet! The inspection is up in 2 days so i waited and it paid off, I'll be buying this week, and because I waited the price went down 200 dollars and the car will have a fresh inspection. Haha, that's the money for the cargo carrier right there! I'm excited about it though, really glad no one around here can drive a stick or this thing wouldn't be as cheap now as it is.

[ern-diz]

Not yet! The inspection is up in 2 days so i waited and it paid off, I'll be buying this week, and because I waited the price went down 200 dollars and the car will have a fresh inspection. Haha, that's the money for the cargo carrier right there! I'm excited about it though, really glad no one around here can drive a stick or this thing wouldn't be as cheap now as it is.

Nice

[Ben_]

Yep these cars go for super cheap with manual trans since people DEMAND autos haha

[CLuchs]

Why would you ever want a car with 106 horses in an auto? Haha. small cars are only fun with standards. Hey one last question. The infamous pink crust... Where do I look for it? Does it show up around the external piece of the water pump assembly that can be seen on the left side of the motor or somewhere else? I need a reliable car so I gotta be sure this one's all good. Pictures would be awesome if possible!

[bronsin]

Check the right underside of the hood.

A couple times a year.

I note this is a LEAK not a sign of classic wp failure where it falls in your lap in a few days. Mine leaked quietly for 6 months before I replaced it.

[CLuchs]

Yeah but I can use that to leverage the price down further to have a little nest egg together for the repair when the time comes. If you can't tell, I've gotten very good at being a broke college student hahaha.

[CLuchs]

Oh and In case anyone wondered, This is the car!
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/ctd/5018453903.html

[ern-diz]

Oh and In case anyone wondered, This is the car!
http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/ctd/5018453903.html

Looks good from the pics

[WeeYari]

Oooo...bonus bumper protector.

"All the major mechanical systems under the hood have been inspected and are confirmed to be mechanically sound.www.boulevardmotormart.com"

^ there's a bit of your waterpump leverage. Not much, but a bit.

Also, to lock in the deal, see if they will replace the control arm bolts for you.

[CLuchs]

He sells a one year warranty for mechanical systems for 400 dollars. I mean it's a warranty, so it is kind of inherently a bad deal, but If I could get both control arm bolts and the pump to go all at once in that time woohoo haha. I was considering the warranty though.

[WeeYari]

Provided they don't snap one or both, replacing the control arm bolts would be easy/cheap for them to do. If it guaranteed they get rid of the car...No brainer.

[nookandcrannycar]

Provided they don't snap one or both, replacing the control arm bolts would be easy/cheap for them to do.

^^^^^ This. When I had mine replaced in 2013, I bought the bolts at a Toyota dealer ($16 ?) and had an outside shop install them (under $30).

[Ben_]

That's a great deal man. Glad you jumped on it!

[aspro]

I think you will love the Yaris as a camper. See if you can find a 2009 and up. That way you can plug and play cruise control. That's a must for a long haul vehicle.

And see if you can go for a 5 door. Roof mounting options for the cargo hauler are difficult with three doors because you need a short roof kit. Whereas the 5 door has many more options and better weight capabilities than the 3 door short roof kit. And I think your passengers will dig having a window that rolls down and easy in and out access. And I think 5 doors are also cheaper on insurance. Well, at least in Canada they are.

[ern-diz]

Spotted this while grabbing dinner last night and it reminded me of this thread lol.

[CLuchs]

I wish i could afford to be pickier about the lack of split folding seats, and opt for more doors, but its soooo hard to find a manual (Of any car) In Pittsburgh. Famous for 25 mile an hour free ways. Cruise control is eh. Could take it or leave it, I am a "driver" In the sense that I usually prefer me being in control of acceleration and stuff and once you're in 5th you just keep a steady foot and enjoy the view anyway. haha, Aspro, your car is beautiful by the way. Yeah the short base roof rack concerns me, but I was thinking possibly a rear mounted cargo carrier would be best because when we pull up the car on the camp ground we can just leave the stuff thats on there where it is, plus, they seem to be generally cheaper. And I can't say it enough this is one of the most active and helpful car forums I've ever encountered, and I've been part of a bundle. This forum alone would've talked me into a yaris over another car just for the sheer availability of advice and support.

[ern-diz]

I wish i could afford to be pickier about the lack of split folding seats, and opt for more doors, but its soooo hard to find a manual (Of any car) In Pittsburgh. Famous for 25 mile an hour free ways. Cruise control is eh. Could take it or leave it, I am a "driver" In the sense that I usually prefer me being in control of acceleration and stuff and once you're in 5th you just keep a steady foot and enjoy the view anyway. haha, Aspro, your car is beautiful by the way. Yeah the short base roof rack concerns me, but I was thinking possibly a rear mounted cargo carrier would be best because when we pull up the car on the camp ground we can just leave the stuff thats on there where it is, plus, they seem to be generally cheaper. And I can't say it enough this is one of the most active and helpful car forums I've ever encountered, and I've been part of a bundle. This forum alone would've talked me into a yaris over another car just for the sheer availability of advice and support.

:thumbsup:

[CLuchs]

Oh and I thought you guys would enjoy this. I told my mom of my space dilemma and she had an 01 Prizm that she drove until the engine practically fell out and she responded "Oh don't be a pussy, I drove 1700 miles straight in a Rambler with 10 people in the car and all of our stuff. If you need 3 people and all their stuff, you'll find a way." hahaha xD We also took maaaany week long 2 person trips in the Yota, and my mother does not pack light. haha.

[aspro]

I'm not sure what your budget is but check this one out. 2010, 5 door, 60/40 split rear bench and power windows and locks and she's automatic and located in PA. See link!

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=15201&endYear=2011&vehicleStyleCodes=HATCH&modelCode1=YARIS&sortBy=derivedpriceASC&showcaseOwnerId=1363189&startYear=2009&makeCode1=TOYOTA&listingType=used&listingTypes=used&searchRadius=500&mmt=%5BTOYOTA%5BYARIS%5B%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D&listingId=398881400&Log=0

Oops just realized you wanted a stick. Oh well, take a look anyway.

[aspro]

How about this one?

2011, Power everything, stick, 60/40 split rear seat, 95k miles, it has a TACH which is rare, a centre arm rest also rare, mudflaps and bumper guard on the rear and it comes with some pretty decent looking rims and rubbers. Not a 5 door though, but still not bad for the money, I'm sure you can have this for $6k and the dealer is offering it with a 10 year 100K warranty from date of purchase. That's pretty cool too and its a PA car - Link below.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?endYear=2011&zip=15201&listingType=used&listingTypes=used%2Ccertified&transmissionCode=MAN&transmissionCodes=MAN&mmt=%5BTOYOTA%5BYARIS%5B%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D&vehicleStyleCodes=HATCH&modelCode1=YARIS&sortBy=derivedpriceASC&showcaseOwnerId=1363189&makeCode1=TOYOTA&startYear=2009&searchRadius=500&listingId=397028982&Log=0

[CLuchs]

So I bought it! very few complaints, one of which is the paint. Seems very thin and flimsy, but other than that It's very nice. Fit 300 bucks in groceries in the hatch with the seats up, and Im really glad this is my first manual car! It's so much fun, and if you really dig in to it, Once it finds it's power band, It makes a nice little roar and zips along just fine. Shift right and it's dead silent on the highway and it does 85 like it was 30, Couldn't be happier! (:

[WeeYari]

very few complaints, one of which is the paint. Seems very thin and flimsy

Lots of gripes on here about paint.

Couldn't be happier! (:

:clap:

[aspro]

Congratulations! How much did you end up getting it for?

[aspro]

Also, you mentioned you might contemplate a short roofbar kit. Someone is selling one on here. See link below.

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53588

[CLuchs]

I ended up doing 5,748 out the door with a 2 year warranty that includes water pump failure (:!

[nookandcrannycar]

Yep these cars go for super cheap with manual trans since people DEMAND autos haha

:thumbsup::laugh:. I wouldn't have gotten the deal I did on my '14 if it had been an automatic.

[nookandcrannycar]

I ended up doing 5,748 out the door with a 2 year warranty that includes water pump failure (:!

:thumbsup:

[nookandcrannycar]

Oh and I thought you guys would enjoy this. I told my mom of my space dilemma and she had an 01 Prizm that she drove until the engine practically fell out and she responded "Oh don't be a pussy, I drove 1700 miles straight in a Rambler with 10 people in the car and all of our stuff. If you need 3 people and all their stuff, you'll find a way." hahaha xD We also took maaaany week long 2 person trips in the Yota, and my mother does not pack light. haha.

:thumbsup::laugh:...sounds as though you lucked out in the mom department.

[nookandcrannycar]

I was thinking possibly a rear mounted cargo carrier would be best because when we pull up the car on the camp ground we can just leave the stuff thats on there where it is, plus, they seem to be generally cheaper.

:thumbsup: Like the one WeeYari has.

And I can't say it enough this is one of the most active and helpful car forums I've ever encountered, and I've been part of a bundle. This forum alone would've talked me into a yaris over another car just for the sheer availability of advice and support.

:thumbsup:

[WeeYari]

:thumbsup: Like the one WeeYari has.


Bloody thing has been indispensable. Aside from luggage and gear, it has been used to haul:

- gas cans
- liquid pool chlorine
- nursery plants
- a tree!

Try transporting some of that stuff with a roof rack.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[CLuchs]

:thumbsup::laugh:...sounds as though you lucked out in the mom department.

Definitely. Hahaha. So i tested my first 2 bars being down to see my gas mileage, and I really only drove a stick a few times so i had to practice, and my mileage suffered, but even with all suburban driving in heavy stop start traffic with the occassional stall (Ooops), I still got 23 mpg. This is mostly due to the fact that I find the gas peddle to be suuuuper responsive and occasionally over rev it trying to pull off from a stop sign or light. The brakes squeal sometimes but that aside the car has been perfect, and I never really realized what you can do with 9 cubic feet. Have yet to have to fold the seats down, and I bought a Lawnmower the other day. Haha:biggrin:

[CLuchs]

Okay, so I figured it out, why the low gas mileage, and fortunately it was due nearly entirely to my shite driving habits from years of driving autos. Haha, once i figured out where it can shift both smoothly, and at low rpms, I managed 37 mpg in heavy suburban driving with some 80 mile highway trips. I still have a quarter tank and have 320 miles on this tank! I love this little thing. It's so spunky for what it is. That said i do think I'll invest in some stabilizer bars and a little Uhaul exterior cargo carrier for when i go on my camping trips. I have managed to fit 2 friends and myself and a bicycle with the tire off INSIDE the car. Hahaha, It's a fantastic car and I couldn't be happier with it for the money.

[ern-diz]

Okay, so I figured it out, why the low gas mileage, and fortunately it was due nearly entirely to my shite driving habits from years of driving autos. Haha, once i figured out where it can shift both smoothly, and at low rpms, I managed 37 mpg in heavy suburban driving with some 80 mile highway trips. I still have a quarter tank and have 320 miles on this tank! I love this little thing. It's so spunky for what it is. That said i do think I'll invest in some stabilizer bars and a little Uhaul exterior cargo carrier for when i go on my camping trips. I have managed to fit 2 friends and myself and a bicycle with the tire off INSIDE the car. Hahaha, It's a fantastic car and I couldn't be happier with it for the money.

That's awesome. Thx for the update. :thumbsup:

[2009Toyotoad]

In as few words as possible the Yaris will not meet your needs based on the requirements listed. My suggested alternative would be and 05 thru 09 Ford Crown Vic or Mercury Grand Marquis. All the safety of a Yaris, "As good as" mileage with the load requirements listed, and they are abundant as police fleets are retiring them in large quantities.

[Ben_]

Yaris and crown Vic..... Hard to think of better opposites in commuter cars

[WeeYari]

In as few words as possible the Yaris will not meet your needs based on the requirements listed. My suggested alternative would be and 05 thru 09 Ford Crown Vic or Mercury Grand Marquis. All the safety of a Yaris, "As good as" mileage with the load requirements listed, and they are abundant as police fleets are retiring them in large quantities.

Absolutely meaningless post.

[aspro]

I think it has met his needs. And the crown vic will never maintain Similar fuel ecoconomy to the Yaris. Although I would imagine the crown vic would be hella comfy to crush miles in. A better alternative comparison to the Yaris as far as a size upgrade goes to "similar" fuel economy would be a Toyota matrix or Nissan versa hatch. I don't know where you came up with a crown vic as a similar comparison. And police package Vics are beat to sh*t. Wouldn't want to take my chances on a long trip with something that has seen hard, wreckless miles.

[WeeYari]

I don't know where you came up with a crown vic as a similar comparison.

I think he was trying to convey his belief that, when fully loaded with passengers and gear, the Yaris f/e would suffer to the point of being equal to the crown vic hauling the same stuff.

It's all mute anyway. OP has purchased and OP is happy (and that is all that matters :wink:).

[CLuchs]

Op has driven crown vics. Haha. They're actually dog slow and yes, I did manage a trip out to a watering hole with 9 people in the car, but it broke something new every other day. Nothing big until the headgasket, but it hasn't nickel and dimed me and for an exterior cargo carrier me and my girlfriend can take our 320 mile trip to Maryland for (at my current average) 22 dollars. Can't beat that. Drove a Vic to Maryland once and it cost us 85. And that was driving it easy. Haha, I think I can manipulate space well enough to make it work just fine and in the mean time it's not too shabby on comfort and it gets amazing gas mileage and feels tight as a drum even in its old age

[TL2010]

Hey WeeYari, wonder if you could share the model of your rear cargo rack. I'm contemplating following your lead.

I'm down to two contenders:

http://www.rolaproducts.com/products/cargo-management/cargo-carriers/cargo-carrier-economy/uHvTF2JB0IPCS5cWMNmCD80lOYAZPL5GuWt9hbMy3S8=

http://www.rolaproducts.com/products/cargo-management/cargo-carriers/cargo-carrier-fixed-1-1-4/uHvTF2JB0IP%7CnA%7CdotskMPmiXI7xMmEQ

I'm debating whether the riser shank on the latter would be a benefit or a curse. Your rack appears to have plenty of ground clearance even when loaded, so curious to get your advice.

Thanks!


Not all '08 have a 60/40. You need to go to the 'S' trim level to find that.

I annually have to make a 1,000 mile trek to see the in-laws with 3 in the car and luggage for 2 weeks. For an investment of ~$250, this helps immensely.

I used to do the journey in a minivan. First year using the Yaris with the hitch basket, the savings in fuel paid for the basket.

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=51488&stc=1&d=1375380588

[CLuchs]

So I did it! First trip to Maryland with a tent , a mini foam mattress, a weeks worth of food, all our stuff, and equipment for crab fishing. Car was tight as a drum the whole time and even packed full I could see out the rear window. There was a noticeable drop in acceleration from the extra weight but it was by no means dangerous and I got used to it quickly. Got it back and she's all cleaned up,and the whole trip (1100 miles) cost me about 70 bucks and that's wig 2 tanks in Maryland where gas is expensive as hell. I calculated what it would've cost in my mates Lincoln continental (He used to rag me about the yaris) and it would've been almost 300 dollars haha.

[LeetViet]

Which foam mattress did you bring?

[Ben_]

Glad it went well. How do you like the car?

[ern-diz]

Nice! :thumbsup:

[jambo101]

My 08 sedan does camping just fine for 2 people, handles everything needed , tent,camp cots,air mattresses,sleeping bags,cooler and all the food,stove and firewood for 2 nights. The car drives nice,fuel economy is very good.
A recent shot=
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g156/jambo101/DSC00582_zpstbpiopez.jpg
on this particular excursion i forgot the rainfly and am using the ground sheet as a replacement top,of course it rained all night and i ended up sleeping in the car.