2014 SE or 2016 LE?

[Lair]

I'm looking for my third Yaris, and I've narrowed the search down to two candidates.

First one is a Blazing Blue 2014 SE with all the USDM options, and the second is a super white 2016 LE. Everything else is equal except the price. The 2016 is still cheap at $500 more.

Which one would you choose? The only real advantage the 2016 has is age, color, and a slightly better stereo head unit. The 2014 SE has everything else.

[scratchpaddy]

The 2016 sounds like a better deal, but I would go for the SE all the way. All the cool convenience and appearance stuff to make you happy, and there aren't many SE models out there at all. Plus, Blazing Blue is the best color. :wink:

Don't park a white LE near a rental agency or they might assume it's theirs. :laugh:

[NYC-SE]

As the owner of a 2014 SE can you guess what I would say?

[Kalispel]

The Sexy Blazing Blue 2014 SE all the way IMO. :thumbup:

[Dodge Aries K]

You can easily install the fancier radio into the 2014, as I have done. Plug and play.

[Lair]

I like the blue, but I'm an old guy who might look a little conspicuous in it. I drive 100-300 miles per day as an insurance adjuster, and the Yaris is perfect for my occupation. My first one was a red base two-door, and I got more comments on it than I ever did on my other cars. All I did was put 17" wheels on it.

Only one vote for the white one today - and that was from my buddy's wife.

Thanks for the opinions. Looks like I'll be driving a Blazing Blue SE this week. :thumbsup:

Karl - what did you have to pay for the later radio? Did you get it from a dealer?

[thebarber]

personally id get the SE, but the '16 LE makes more sense fiscally

[Dodge Aries K]

I paid around 140 bucks shipped I think for a used one out of a wrecked Yaris.

[kimona]

How many miles on the cars in question?

[scratchpaddy]

I like the blue, but I'm an old guy who might look a little conspicuous in it. I drive 100-300 miles per day as an insurance adjuster, and the Yaris is perfect for my occupation. My first one was a red base two-door, and I got more comments on it than I ever did on my other cars. All I did was put 17" wheels on it.

Only one vote for the white one today - and that was from my buddy's wife.

Thanks for the opinions. Looks like I'll be driving a Blazing Blue SE this week. :thumbsup:I don't think anyone would look too conspicuous in a stock Yaris, no matter what the color. A bright blue SE should be just the right amount of spice to make you a cool old guy. People will look at you and think, "there's a guy who still enjoys life." :w00t:

[justanotherdrunk]

i like the LE wheels

[Lair]

SE has 15k.

LE has 13k.

[Lair]

I paid around 140 bucks shipped I think for a used one out of a wrecked Yaris.

Too cheap!

[kimona]

Hmmm... The LE is 2 years newer with less miles, a colour you prefer, and a better stereo head unit... and better resale value. If both are in excellent condition, well maintained, and accident free, I'd go with the 2016LE rather than the 2014SE. After all, the difference between the Yaris LE and SE is basically only cosmetic.

[NYC-SE]

i like the LE wheels

Those are the same wheels that came on the 2012-2014 SE models.

[Lair]

It really is a tough call. I just drove the LE, and it is basically a brand new car. One fender ding, a couple of chips, and one paint scratch - otherwise flawless.

[NYC-SE]

BTW I find the stock radio in the 2014 great in terms of sound quality and functionality. It is a little unconventional in design, it may take an extra effort to figure out how to perform certain tasks, but the learning curve is not too steep. I have no experience with the radio in the later models so I can't give a true comparison however.

[Kalispel]

I would rather have the OEM radio from the 2014 SE than the blinding, glarescreen...err touchscreen radio in the 2015+. It's annoying as hell (at least here in sunny AZ). Luckily I never need to touch it for much of anything, as it is just one oversized MP3 player that randomly plays my music collection off my flash drive. I have no use for the CD player in it, the bluetooth or the radio tuner.

[Kalispel]

i like the LE wheels

They look good until you see them on the road with their skinny little bicycle tires on them. :rolleyes:

Plus, anything smaller than 16" (and 195/50 tires) looks weird to me on the boxier 3rd-gen models. The Corolla L/LE models have the same aesthetics problem (among others).

[Lair]

The stock LE wheels are a huge improvement over the steelies, but I'm already shopping 17 inch wheels.

Will I have any trouble selling the 15's if I buy the LE?

[kimona]

The stock LE wheels are a huge improvement over the steelies, but I'm already shopping 17 inch wheels.

Will I have any trouble selling the 15's if I buy the LE?

I don't think you'll have any problem selling them quickly through this forum or on craigslist.

[Dodge Aries K]

I need those wheels if you're selling them.

[Lair]

Brought it home today. So far it's just like a Yaris, only newer.

Looking at a fog light kit and OEM spoiler first. Any tips on which fog kit to buy, or where to get a deal on a pre-painted OEM rear spoiler?

I've looked at few dozen wheels, and so far the Alutec Monstr in a 17" fitment seems to look best on a monitor. The TR pic only shows the 5-lug version of the wheel, though. I really want to check out the 4-lug wheel before I order.

[Dodge Aries K]

Did you end up getting the LE? I just bought a 2016 L today lol.

[Lair]

I caved and got the LE. It's basically a brand new car, and it was only 25 miles away. The 2014 SE would have cost me more than the 2016 after factoring in time off, fuel, and a one-way rental car to make the 500 mile trip.

I'm pretty sure I can make it look as good as an SE for another $1000 or so. Wheels, spoiler, fogs, and maybe a slight drop will make it look less like a plain jane transportation appliance.

I think I made the right choice. The SE looks better, but this was a better deal for my needs.

Congrats on the new L purchase!

[Dodge Aries K]

Thanks! It's the 2nd brand new car I've ever purchased in my life so I hope it lasts for a very long time.

How many miles were on that LE you got?

In all honesty, the non SE cars are more maneuverable in small spaces like a city or whatever since they have a better turning radius.

Plus, the updated interior of the 15 up cars seems a little nicer than the 12 to 14. Although, I do actually prefer the look of the 12 to 14's outside and inside a bit more for some reason.

[Dodge Aries K]

Also, when you find some wheels, I would love your stock LE wheels for my car. The L gets stuck with crap plastic wheelchairs and steel wheels. Yuck.

[Lair]

It had just over 13K miles on it.

I'll probably put the wheels up for sale here when I make the switch.

[Dodge Aries K]

Awesome. I will keep my eyes open for them.

[kimona]

Congrats! Post a photo or two.

Here are the wheels in 4 lug:

[kimona]

You could also check out the wheels here: Good prices, free shipping, and a great sale right now on wheels and rubber!

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/filterWheelProducts.do?pgWheels=0&wd=17&rw=&bp=4-100*9-100&counter=1&fl=&sortBy=prca&fqs=true

[Lair]

I've been a tire rack customer for 25 years, but I use discount as well. They didn't have anything that blew my dress up.

[Lair]

Congrats! Post a photo or two.

Here are the wheels in 4 lug:

Thanks for finding that. Looks different, but still good. I may buy one just to see how it looks on the car.

Dunno if i want to do black ones or silver ones. Black wheels disappear on a white car.

[Dodge Aries K]

I think they would look good in silver.

[kimona]

Thanks for finding that. Looks different, but still good. I may buy one just to see how it looks on the car.

Dunno if i want to do black ones or silver ones. Black wheels disappear on a white car.

I've never been a fan of black wheels; IMHO, they disappear on black tyres (unless they have polished rims) and seldom look better than OEM steel wheels. I've always liked silver wheels... but it's all about personal taste.

[ern-diz]

... but it's all about personal taste.

:thumbsup:

[kimona]

Silver:

[kimona]

Here's a wheel that is similar to the Alutec Monstr, but it is a split 5 design rather than split 6.

[ern-diz]

Interesting that you'd suggest silver when one of your dislikes about black wheels is that they don't add much over OEM -- but silver is the color of the large majority of OEM wheels.

I can understand the aversion to black, but I'd assume any color other than silver lol.

[kimona]

^^^ I was referring to OEM (black) steel wheels. Sorry if I wasn't clear about that.

From a distance, black wheels often look like the hubcaps have been removed; you have to get closer to see that the wheels are nice black alloy wheels to fully appreciate them.

[ern-diz]

^^^ I was referring to OEM (black) steel wheels. Sorry if I wasn't clear about that.

From a distance, black wheels often look like the hubcaps have been removed; you have to get closer to see that the wheels are nice black alloy wheels to fully appreciate them.

Ah, gotcha.

[Kalispel]

These are still my favorite aftermarket wheels. Nothing crazy, and a classic OEM look to their design. I plan to get them (in 16") when it is time to replace my first set of tires.

http://cdn4.wheelbasealloys.com/product-images/productlarge_3976_600.jpg

[ern-diz]

...a classic OEM look to their design.

No doubt about that.

Are they significantly lighter than OEM wheels?

[Lair]

Here's a wheel that is similar to the Alutec Monstr, but it is a split 5 design rather than split 6.

That looks better than the Alutec.

[kimona]

That looks better than the Alutec.

I agree.

[Lair]

The Borbet wheels above aren't available for a Yaris, so I went with the Alutecs. I ordered one so I could take a look at it on the car, and it looks OK. They're German wheels, too. The rest of them should be here Friday. I'll post some pics after they're installed.

I'll probably get some street coilovers as well. Any recommendations on those? I drive this car 100+ miles per day, so it needs to be a comfortable ride. It will probably need an inch drop with these wheels.

[Lair]

17 x 6.5. Going to run a 205/45zr17 tire.

[kimona]

Excellent!

[Dabuu]

Wheels look good :)

[scratchpaddy]

They do look good. I like your license plate, too. :laugh: It reminds me of these stickers that were popular with the Geo Metro crowd:

http://www.dhresource.com/260x260/f2/albu/g3/M00/36/37/rBVaHFXZiMmALXQkAAN23ijUR2g530.jpg

[Captain Yaris]

Those look amazing!

[hotracer_05]

LOL that license plate is awesome

[Dodge Aries K]

I want your stock wheels lol

[thebarber]

best.

plate.

ever.

[Lair]

Tire Rack usually nails it, but this time they forgot my lug nuts and rings. Can't put these wheels on until they get here Wednesday.

I installed my $37 fog light kit instead, and found fog light prewiring in the bumper. What are the chances that the blank switch plate next to the dash light dimmer has a corresponding plug behind it?

[Dodge Aries K]

The factory fog lights are on the turn signal stalk. From what I understand, it's pre-wired for that.

[Lair]

Could it be so simple?

[Dodge Aries K]

From what I've seen on here it should be.