Having doubts about buying a Yaris now

[grampi]

I thought I really wanted to buy a new LB, but a recent review in Consumer's Reports, and folks in this site complaining about the poor quality of the paint has put me on pause. I haven't read the CR report, but many people are saying they gave the Yaris a poor review. There also seems to be several people in this site complaining about poor paint quality (mainly the thinness of the paint and how easily it chips). Now I don't know what to do. I really like the Yaris (or at least I think I do), but I don't want to make the mistake of buying one only to end up with buyer's regret a month or two later.

[kimona]

I've had my red hatchback for over a year, and I have absolutely no complaints about the paint. I wax my car very slowly by hand every few weeks and know every inch of my car, and I'm perfectly satisfied with the paint quality.

[nsmitchell]

The paint chips easily, but that is only skin deep. Get some of that 3M film applied to the front and that will easy your worries. The car under the paint is great though. Plus you will save money on it all over the place. Payments, gas, insurance, reliability. Don't let paint make or break the deal. My paint still looks as good as any other car I ever had. Some folks may live near or on gravel roads that can tear the paint up fast.

[kimona]

[QUOTE=nsmitchell;111623]The paint chips easily... QUOTE]

This is not my experience. I have almost 16K miles on mine, do a great deal of freeway driving, and have only one pencilpoint chip on my hood that was easily painted with a touchup stick that is a pefect paint match.

[nsmitchell]

Mine has 15.5K miles on it and my hood has only about 6 tiny chips. Our paint is thin with a thin primer too. Look at an old Mercedes Benz paint job and you will see the difference. Thick paint with thick primer. That said, my paint still looks great. An afternoon of careful touch up painting and it will look like new again.

[brickhardmeat]

So far no complaints about the paint. You can go to any car forum and find numerous complaints about paint. It's up to you to by one or not. I would have buyer's regret if I bought a FiT, Aveo, Versa or another Golf. Consider your options if you haven't already. :wink:

[stuffy]

check the honda fit forums, they have had recalls because of poor paint quality.

[roxy84]

brick is correct. go to any site dedicated to any economy car in particular, and you will see complaints about thin/poor paint quality. it is not a yaris problem, it is an industry wide problem, im assuming related to governmental regs. i had a corolla and 9thgencorolla.com was full of whining about thin paint. likewise on honda fit forums. i drove my corolla over a year and actually had no paint chios on the front of the car. i think some people drive in conditions where there is lots of flying debris:iono:

[Mead]

Driving habits and road conditions have an impact (no pun intended) on how many chips you get... IMO

[kurokoma-kun]

Grampi, you might want to take what CR says with a grain of salt. They claim to be completely unbiased because they accept no advertising, but their consumer opinion data collection methods are not exactly scientific, nor are their product testing methods. This is not to say it's not useful info, but not the last word by any means.

Just wondering, have you test driven the Yaris? I made lots of comparisons on paper before buying, but the test drive was key deciding factor for me...

[death is my gift]

Do it! You know you want a Yaris. Seriously though, I wouldn't let a little thing like a potential "paint problem" hinder me from buying a Yaris. Not when you are getting 40 mpg. That's what touch up paint is for. IF there is even a problem in the future with your paint.

[kimona]

... Look at an old Mercedes Benz paint job and you will see the difference. Thick paint with thick primer...

Indeed, Mercedes (and Volvo) have great paint unmatched by any other import or domestic! Unfortunately, they are both only fair cars otherwise.

I can only dream that Toyota gave all their cars a Volvo paint job!

[fearturtle44]

The paint on the Yaris is no better or no worse than almost ANY car out there. Check any car's internet forums and you will see post about "this car has the crappiest paint".

Kevin

[eTiMaGo]

consider it as just a good excuse to the SO to get a custom paint job in the near future :wink:

[Meteorite Man]

With the money you save in gas, you can afford a new paint job. One to your liking and maybe a color Toyota has yet to offer. :wink:

Chuck

[Thirty-Nine]

People complain about the paint on the Scions, Hondas, etc. That would be the least of my worries. As far as the CR thing goes, I think CR is BS.

Drive the Yaris, drive the Fit, Versa, Accent, Rio, Aveo, xB, xA or whatever other cars you're looking it.

I don't care how loyal a person is to a brand -- you should always shop the competition, IMHO.

[ChinoCharles]

I didn't buy a Yaris for its paint job or CR rating. I bought it for 40 MPG. I get 40 MPG. I'm a happy camper. You would be too if you stopped thinking about it and just bought the damn thing.

[grampi]

Grampi, you might want to take what CR says with a grain of salt. They claim to be completely unbiased because they accept no advertising, but their consumer opinion data collection methods are not exactly scientific, nor are their product testing methods. This is not to say it's not useful info, but not the last word by any means.

Just wondering, have you test driven the Yaris? I made lots of comparisons on paper before buying, but the test drive was key deciding factor for me...

Paint quality really isn't the main reason I've become leary, it just adds to it. Since I haven't read what CR said about the Yaris myself, I can only go by what others have said about what CR said. I think CR's main complaint was regarding the handling of the Yaris at highway speeds, particularly during windy/turbulant conditions. I have test driven a LB, but the amount of time I spent at higway speeds was limited to only about 2 or 3 minutes and it really wasn't very windy that day and I didn't encounter any semis to find out how wind/tubulance effects it. Since most of my driving is highway, it's important that I get a vehicle that can handle highway driving without being a handful for the driver, but I also need something that gets excellent fuel economy because I put 2500-3000 miles on my car per month.

I typically take what CR has to say about vehicles as generally useful info, but I also don't take it as gospel. CR and Edmunds both voiced their disapproval of the now defunked Echo, but Echo owners overwelmingly state just the opposite. Any forum message I've ever read pertaining to the Echo has been nothing but praise for the car. Echo owners have voiced very few complaints about the car. It kind of makes me wonder why the Echo and Yaris have received such bad press.

[brickhardmeat]

My mom loves her Echo. I have altered my suspension so I don't have any problems with handling to speak of.

[kurokoma-kun]

regarding the handling of the Yaris at highway speeds, particularly during windy/turbulant conditions. I have test driven a LB, but the amount of time I spent at higway speeds was limited to only about 2 or 3 minutes and it really wasn't very windy that day and I didn't encounter any semis to find out how wind/tubulance effects it. Since most of my driving is highway, it's important that I get a vehicle that can handle highway driving without being a handful for the driver, but I also need something that gets excellent fuel economy because I put 2500-3000 miles on my car per month.

I have experienced some of what you describe in windy conditions at highway speed. This improved a lot with new tires; IMO the stockers are crap! I expect lowering the car a little to help also.

Other than that I find the Yaris to be a very capable highway car. I do 1000 miles minimum per month. It gets up the entrance ramp very well, merges well, handles speed well (I usually go faster than I should, a bad habit I know).

It's not as comfy and quiet as say, a Camry. But I was willing to tolerate a little more noise and a little less comfort than some other cars, in exchange for it being cheap as chips (as my friend in Dorking England says) and more fun than I ever expected :smile:

[kimona]

Yup, for a car that's as "cheap as chips" it's a remarkable little performer, well mannered, fuel efficient, and functional, with Toyota quality and reliability to boot!

Can't beat that combo!

[voodoo22]

The Yaris is a cheap car.

It's not a BMW with a 12 year unlimited miles rust protection etc.

If you want better paint you have to buy a more expensive car. All cars in this pricing segment and up will have paint problems.

If you want a terrific value and a great, basic all around car get a Yaris, and you'll be happy. If you worry more about quality than value, save up your money and buy a Lexus or BMW.

[PetersRedYaris]

Before tires and suspension upgrades, I remember getting blown around on the interstate. It works so well now that I had almost forgotten it ever happened.

[grampi]

I didn't buy a Yaris for its paint job or CR rating. I bought it for 40 MPG. I get 40 MPG. I'm a happy camper. You would be too if you stopped thinking about it and just bought the damn thing.

I guess I don't have as leasurely of an approach as you do when it comes to making a $12-$15K purchase. I've gotta KNOW it's what I want before I commit to a purchase that substantial.

[stuffy]

Paint quality really isn't the main reason I've become leary, it just adds to it. Since I haven't read what CR said about the Yaris myself, I can only go by what others have said about what CR said. I think CR's main complaint was regarding the handling of the Yaris at highway speeds, particularly during windy/turbulant conditions. I have test driven a LB, but the amount of time I spent at higway speeds was limited to only about 2 or 3 minutes and it really wasn't very windy that day and I didn't encounter any semis to find out how wind/tubulance effects it. Since most of my driving is highway, it's important that I get a vehicle that can handle highway driving without being a handful for the driver, but I also need something that gets excellent fuel economy because I put 2500-3000 miles on my car per month.


the yaris definitely gets tossed around a little bit in a crosswind, but so does every other car that is light with a high profile.
i've driven my friend's honda fit in the same conditions with the same result.

all i do is slowdown to the speed limit and it is fine, pushing the car in these conditions is what makes it not safe.

much has been said of the poor reviews the yaris has recieved, you would do well to take them with a grain of salt because this is a great little car that will get the best fuel economy of any in it's class and will not be spending much time in the shop and it's also one of the most affordable.

that's what a yaris is, it isn't a porsche.

[grampi]

My plan is to see if I can get the use of a LB for an entire day to really get a feel for the car. If I can find a dealer that's willing to let me take one for a day, or if I can find a car rental place that rents the LB, I'm sure then I'll be able to find out if I want one of not.

[Thirty-Nine]

I highly suggest going back for another test drive. Spend some more time on the highway with it. Remember: you're the one spending the money, and you should be able to test drive this car as long as you want.

[nsmitchell]

I have zero issues with crosswinds. My car feels excellent on the highway. Sometimes I may feel a little something when passing an 18 wheeler or something, but other than that though, no problems. I'm lowered with stock tires.

[sherryberry]

I've had no problems on the highway.. actually my boyfriend drove it that one time.. and he was going 90! and it was smooth as ever. I don't remember having much problems with having a truck pass it but it's probably because all cars gets a bit tossed around if a truck passes by at high speeds.

Plus I live in the windy city! haha. I've seen users complainin that it's a death trap and how they've had horror stories driving on highway or whatnot but those are probably just the people who do not know how to drive properly :thumbsup:

[ALY]

My plan is to see if I can get the use of a LB for an entire day to really get a feel for the car. If I can find a dealer that's willing to let me take one for a day, or if I can find a car rental place that rents the LB, I'm sure then I'll be able to find out if I want one of not.


Your dealer should have a "demonstrator" that they can lend out if you put a deposit on a new one with a subject clause stating that it is subject to your test drive.

I have driven (all the competition) prior to working for TOYOTA and I know I made the right choice in getting the Yaris.

Versa - Made in Mexico ('nuff said)

Fit - narrow front wide rear - lights colour coded to car (ugly) and did not drive as nice as the Yaris. Maintenance is higher on Honda vs TOYOTA

Hyundai - to big for what I wanted and Yaris beats in both quality and reliability

Smart - too small, great mileage, just did not feel safe

Suzuki - well... it's a Suzuki (could not bring myself to drive it)

I did not take the decision lightly... But it definitely is the best car in its class in my opinion.

Good luck, grampi.

[Pavel Olavich]

Actually, the CR review of the LB Yaris was good...how can anyone complain about CR's review? It was not 100% highest score across all categories, but it was very, very good.

CR uses very scientific methods when reviewing cars. They are 100% trustworthy.....but talk to someone that owns a BS car which received a poor score, and they will say CR is bias, or their methods are not scientific, and other BS......sore losers, to be sure.

Grampi, the Yaris scored very well. True the Yaris paint is mediocre at best, but then so is the paint on perhaps 90% of all Japanese models. Domestic cars still have the better paint then the Japanese...my fords had much much better paint then any of my Hondas and Toyotas.

[tk-421]

Versa - Made in Mexico ('nuff said)

:stupid:

I don't believe the Versa's problem is that it's made in Mexico. Ask the millions of satisfied VW costumers if they think their car is crap because of where it was made.
A car's quality goes well beyond where the manufacturing plants reside. Mid-priced Nissan's have a history of shoddy quality components, and it usually shows.

There are a few reasons why Mexico is quickly becoming one of the premier vehicle manufacturing countries in the world (http://www.buyusa.gov/mexico/en/automotive_manufacturing.html#_section5). So do your homework and stop spreading FUD just for the hell of it. Please use your brain before you post next time.

[kimona]

:stupid:

I don't believe the Versa's problem is that it's made in Mexico. Ask the millions of satisfied VW costumers if they think their car is crap because of where it was made.
A car's quality goes well beyond where the manufacturing plants reside. Mid-priced Nissan's have a history of shoddy quality components, and it usually shows.

There are a few reasons why Mexico is quickly becoming one of the premier vehicle manufacturing countries in the world (http://www.buyusa.gov/mexico/en/automotive_manufacturing.html#_section5). So do your homework and stop spreading FUD just for the hell of it. Please use your brain before you post next time.

However, it's no secret that VW's are plagued with quality problems, which probably have little to do with place of manufacture.

[tk-421]

However, it's no secret that VW's are plagued with quality problems, which probably have little to do with place of manufacture.

My point exactly. :thumbsup:

[Violin]

I've got over 30,000 miles on mine in a little over a year - probably 60% highway miles - and I've got absolutely no complaints about the car.

[churp]

I have over 12,000 miles in the last 5 months....the wind bothered me at first then I put the lowering spring on, now the combination of that and the driving time I rarely notice a problem (with a 30-40 mile sidewind I slow down to 70 on the interstate).

The clearcoat seems soft and easily scratched, which I think is more due to the type of paint which is used on almost all cars today.

Bottom line....if anything happened to my Yaris, I'd have another LB/pwr pkg/auto (hint to Toyota: the 5 door would be nice!!!) as soon as I could get the papers signed. I highly recomend to everyone, including my kids, this is the best bang for the buck.

[Nigal]

This is simply the result of buying an economy car. There are going to be compromises when buying a $12K car and body integrity is usually the first thing. After 35,000 miles my car has a nice collection of chips and dings. But that wonderful little engine will live forever!

[grampi]

I'm going to check with some paint shops to see if they can spray on either more coats of a more durable clearcoat, or some other type of sealant/protectant. Even if it costs a few hundred bucks, it would be worth it to protect the factory paint.

[clayky]

I've got 11k on mine and no chips yet. This paint is much better than my last car, a Nissan.

[Black Yaris]

I've got 11k on mine and no chips yet. This paint is much better than my last car, a Nissan.
not saying a whole lot there guy

[clayky]

not saying a whole lot there guy

Sure I am, everyone else on here is griping about the paint right out of the showroom....must be a LB issue.

[sherryberry]

all I had before my yaris were nissans. I never had any paint issues with nissans.. just durability.. ability to last a while and some performance issues.

[Nigal]

My dream Nissan...

http://blog.gtroc.com/dino/sc2.jpg

[fnkngrv]

I picked up my S on June 9 06...I have 15k on it and many of the months were winter even...I have not one chip on the front end. I have inspected the car as well as a professional detailer friend of mine (I am going to be silly and enter it in a wax and shine show)....he said that for a daily driver he is amazed.

[naossoan]

The paint chips easily, but that is only skin deep. Get some of that 3M film applied to the front and that will easy your worries. The car under the paint is great though. Plus you will save money on it all over the place. Payments, gas, insurance, reliability. Don't let paint make or break the deal. My paint still looks as good as any other car I ever had. Some folks may live near or on gravel roads that can tear the paint up fast.

How hard is it to apply that film? Could I do it myself? I have a silver car so chips and stuff aren't relaly that noticable, but if I can apply that stuff fairly easily I would like to.

[grampi]

Sure I am, everyone else on here is griping about the paint right out of the showroom....must be a LB issue.

To imply the paint quality of the sedan is somehow better than that of the LB is just ridiculous.

[birdman]

CR is so corrupt. They cant have conducted a thorough test on the Yaris or they would have given it the high marks that foreign reviewers give. American reviews are generally poor for these fine cars. This car wasn't designed for the American market so it's only natural that many Americans cant appreciate them. Especially the LB's. If you need proof regarding the owner satisfaction levels then you've come to the right place. This fabulous website wouldn't be here if people weren't happy with their choice.

[Billiam]

Holy old thread Batman!!! :eek:

Clear......*ZAP*......we have a pulse!! :thumbup:

[swidd]

I'm approaching 70,000 miles, and the paint looks just fine, still lots of shine after a detail/wax job - which I haven't always taken care to perform regularly. There are a few chips on the front, but no more severe than on any other car, and it only detracts from the looks when viewing the vehicle up close.

I drive defensively/go slow/stay far back, and I hit the brakes hard if a dirty truck/dumpster trailer pulls in front of me.

[Twistoffate0817]

I don't think your going to find a car in the segment of vehicles you are shopping in with perfect paint...

My Yaris has not experienced the paint chipping that others complain about. I did buy it for the MPG though, which is around 41.6 right now :)

[M4One]

Purchased in 2006. No problems with paint except for when a couple of trucks passing by each other smashed their mirrors together and the shards flew onto my hood causing a couple of minor chips.

I did apply a paint protection when I bought it and have reapplied a few times since.

[why?]

grave digger! lol. fun stuff.

[jollyfreak]

I have my car since 2008 and i have abt 25K..
Absolutely no problems.
Its a great little fun car. I liked the looks of a 08 3dr liftback..
I test drove to find out how smooth and solid it was....
Also like the visibility you have on the road.. there are numerous other +ves that made me buy this car. I dont regret it.

and abt the paint.. no problems at all.. i just wash just with water no soap or anything.. it looks great.

[bkrownd]

CR is so corrupt. They cant have conducted a thorough test on the Yaris or they would have given it the high marks that foreign reviewers give. American reviews are generally poor for these fine cars. This car wasn't designed for the American market so it's only natural that many Americans cant appreciate them.

Not corrupt, just American. I sense that the auto reviews are made to address typical American perceptions and interests, and since I'm not a typical American I have to read between the lines and filter all that stuff out. None of my relatives would ever purchase the same car I did.