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Old 06-27-2015, 02:20 AM   #1
Kalispel
 
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What are your favorite non-Yaris alternatives, and why?

Just for fun and polling purposes, what are your favorite/preferred NON-Yaris alternatives, and why?

I'll start - from LOWER priced to HIGHER. These are the only cars I would probably consider buying next month+, if I couldn't get a 2015 white SE Yaris, or a quality, low-mileage, one-owner white 2009-2011 Yaris 4DR Hatchback or Sedan (White or Silver in Sedan).

2011-2013 Toyota Corolla L/LE (Manual/Automatic): Overall, the best looking Corolla generation and/or refresh, in my opinion. The S version is okay also, though a bit over-the-top considering the guts are exactly the same as the L/LE. Since I really don't like the somewhat dated rear "wing" spoilers on sedans anymore, I would have to replace the entire S-trim trunk to get rid of that bolted-on rear wing spoiler, and replace it with a more low-key flush lip trunk spoiler instead. Mandatory exterior add-ons would be fog lights, rear sway bar, aesthetically pleasing 17" alloys, and an exhaust tip. This would easily be the most practical non-Yaris "daily driver" commute car for me.

Mid/Late 2008 Civic Si Coupe (Only available in manual, w00t!): The "sweet spot" 9th generation Civic Si, before they switched to goofy looking alloys in 2009, and after they fixed the design flaw in the 6 speed manual that plagued a lot of 2006, 2007, and early 2008 Si's of both types (sedan/coupe). Once again though, I would have to replace the trunk to get rid of that CRAZY LOOKING bolted-on rear wing spoiler in favor of a nice lower-key trunk lip spoiler.

2012 Honda Civic Si (Only available in manual, w00t!): Coupe or Sedan are both fine, and 2012 is the only latest 10th generation Civic that looks decent, since it is before Honda ruined it with those horrible refreshed front bumper designs, those ridiculously over-the-top rear wing spoilers, and/or the awesomely bad alloy wheel designs.

2016 Scion iM (prefer Manual, but Automatic okay also): I really want to like this car, and do for the most part. The lower body kit is a bit "youth-oriented" for this 50-yea-old, but I like the overall look/proportions of the car. I'm still a bit on the fence about the strange front design of the vehicle - namely the seemingly upside-down headlights and lower front-bumper design. Everything else about the car is a overall though.

2012-2015 Acura ILX (Manual version): Built on the same platform as the Civic, it is basically just a higher-end Civic Si in more-conservative tuxedo sheetmetal. The 2016 refresh looks worse (IMO), and borrowed some of the worst design elements of the 2014-2015 Civic Coupe (Ughhh), and integrated them into the front/rear bumper design. The new LED headlights also look a lot more cheesy than the 2012-2015 ones.

How about you?

Last edited by Kalispel; 06-27-2015 at 02:35 AM.
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Old 06-27-2015, 06:53 AM   #2
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Excellent! Another chance to voice my opinions and benefit mankind!

I would require a 2 door model as I am oversized and benefit greatly from the W I D E and high door entering and exiting the vehicle. There aren't many cars in the Yaris class which fit my requirements. In fact I don't believe there are any.

If something destroyed my Yaris I would buy a used one. Or possibly a used ECHO. The price would be lower than new and Im a pretty good judge of used cars (and their owners) so I wouldn't expect any problems. Theres lots of good ones out there and actually almost any used Yaris/ECHO at the right price would fit the bill.

Im intrigued by the Mitsubishi subcompact with a 1200cc engine and also by the Kia Rio. But theyre four doors. And probably not worthy of the Yaris heritage.

Perhaps Mitsu and Kia would see their way to giving me one to try for a year? If I liked the car I would certainly be good advertising!
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Old 06-27-2015, 03:09 PM   #3
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I am considering the new Focus RS, new IS 200t, or a Fusion 2.0t however am waiting to hear if they will be releasing a Sport model again of the Fusion this time with the same 2.3t setup in the RS and Mustang. I would consider a 50th anniversary edition Mustang but the other half says that I don't look good in the driver's seat. I am thinking I look too good! lol. I am passed the pont of buying overly simple so another Yaris would be out. Also the other half can't ride in them due to lack of comfort with her disabilities. I need to purchase my next vehicle with most of what I would want from the factory because she is limiting me to fiddling only on the Yaris.

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Old 06-27-2015, 03:11 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bronsin View Post
Excellent! Another chance to voice my opinions and benefit mankind!

I would require a 2 door model as I am oversized and benefit greatly from the W I D E and high door entering and exiting the vehicle. There aren't many cars in the Yaris class which fit my requirements. In fact I don't believe there are any.

If something destroyed my Yaris I would buy a used one. Or possibly a used ECHO. The price would be lower than new and Im a pretty good judge of used cars (and their owners) so I wouldn't expect any problems. Theres lots of good ones out there and actually almost any used Yaris/ECHO at the right price would fit the bill.

Im intrigued by the Mitsubishi subcompact with a 1200cc engine and also by the Kia Rio. But theyre four doors. And probably not worthy of the Yaris heritage.

Perhaps Mitsu and Kia would see their way to giving me one to try for a year? If I liked the car I would certainly be good advertising!
I don't think you would like the Kia honestly knowing what I do of you on here. Kia is junk period. I have driven all of their models now and even though I like the looks of the recent gen Optima I still found it to be underwhelming and just junk.

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Old 06-27-2015, 05:54 PM   #5
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Miata manual, fun to drive.
Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky, manual, turbo, more fun
Lotus Elan, manual: I would just park and polish. Most likely sigh a lot.
Smoke a cigar and wonder why I'm broke without a driver's license.
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Old 06-27-2015, 11:13 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by fnkngrv View Post
I don't think you would like the Kia honestly knowing what I do of you on here. Kia is junk period. I have driven all of their models now and even though I like the looks of the recent gen Optima I still found it to be underwhelming and just junk.

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I'm no Kia or Hyundai fan, period. BUT calling Kia junk is an overstatement. Junk is FIAT, Chrysler,and usually Jeep. Kia and Hyundai are along the same lines of Ford. They still have a ways to go, but they have made some huge improvements.
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Old 06-27-2015, 11:24 PM   #7
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If I wasn't considering a new Yaris SE, I'd seriously consider a new Tacoma, 4runner revision(next year supposedly), Subaru Crossteck, or if Toyota brings the Aygo over here to the US as a Scion. I don't see a lot of love for the new Yaris on this group. Either people don't like the looks, or they say it's too simple. Reliability is key for me. A fun throwabout is also welcome. That's what I see the Yaris as. And I think the new white Yaris SE in white is a great looking little car. A Honda Fit makes more sense on paper, but I've had 2 of them and I had small issues with them. Honda just isn't as solid as Toyota. Perhaps initially, but not long term. Been there done that. I'm drive a 13 Avalon Limited now. Too fancy for me. Plus it's an automatic. And I hate driving automatics.
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Old 06-28-2015, 12:55 AM   #8
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I'm no Kia or Hyundai fan, period. BUT calling Kia junk is an overstatement. Junk is FIAT, Chrysler,and usually Jeep. Kia and Hyundai are along the same lines of Ford. They still have a ways to go, but they have made some huge improvements.
My family has had several Fords over the years. The only one we had issues with was my 86 escort and that was due to the duel alloy engine design. I consider Ford miles ahead of Kia.

I am not an LB person at all. I have never found any really sharp unless they are modded. The biggest issue moving forward is that Toyota is essentially discontinuing the Yaris platform in markrts with thier Mazda collab BS.

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Old 06-28-2015, 02:04 AM   #9
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- New manual Honda Fit
- New base manual Subaru Forester
- 2016 Scion iM (if actually like IRL)
- New 6-speed manual Corolla S
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Old 06-28-2015, 08:21 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fnkngrv View Post
I don't think you would like the Kia honestly knowing what I do of you on here. Kia is junk period. I have driven all of their models now and even though I like the looks of the recent gen Optima I still found it to be underwhelming and just junk.

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I checked out the 2001 Rio before buying my 2001 ECHO. That car truly was junk! I couldn't BELIEVE the US would allow such a crudely made car to be sold in this country! If they GAVE me one I wouldn't even sell it much less drive it. I don't want to be any part of someone dying.

There was a guy on the ECHO list at Edmunds who wouldn't shut up about Kias and Hyundais. Said they were just a good as Toyotas! I cut him down to size every chance I got!

If I could drive one (suspension too stiff) and fix it, I would own a 1999 silver with black interior Miata and seldom drive the Yaris! Had one for many years...
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Old 06-28-2015, 12:26 PM   #11
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There was a guy on the ECHO list at Edmunds who wouldn't shut up about Kias and Hyundais. Said they were just a good as Toyotas! I cut him down to size every chance I got!


Quote:
If I could drive one (suspension too stiff) and fix it, I would own a 1999 silver with black interior Miata and seldom drive the Yaris! Had one for many years...
Any issues with having a convertible re winters in the Northeast and not having a garage?
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Old 06-28-2015, 12:29 PM   #12
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Miata manual, fun to drive.
Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky, manual, turbo, more fun
Lotus Elan, manual: I would just park and polish. Most likely sigh a lot.
Smoke a cigar and wonder why I'm broke without a driver's license.
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Old 06-28-2015, 01:07 PM   #13
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Any issues with having a convertible re winters in the Northeast and not having a garage?
No. The last five or so winters we are in a Little Ice Age here in SJ. Cold and Snowy! I think when I owned the Miata we were in a period of little snow and cold.

You definitely don't want a foot of snow on your vinyl roof!
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Old 06-28-2015, 01:37 PM   #14
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You definitely don't want a foot of snow on your vinyl roof!
That's what I was thinking about.
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Old 06-28-2015, 02:04 PM   #15
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I just don't trust the quality of Korean car manufacturers (sort of a gut feeling sort of thing), and their styling is a bit cheesy/weird to me for the most part. I like the look of several U.S. manufacturer cars, but will never trust their quality/craftsmanship.

I think Mazda has come a long way since their partnership with Ford, and their quality has slowly increased in the years since - especially with their "skyactiv" design philosophies. I would have considered a 2016 Mazda2 Sedan, had they ever decided to release it here in the States without the unsightly Scion bastardization of it. Hell, even the previous generation of the Mazda2 sedan was a sharp looking car, and should have been released in the U.S. instead of the hatchback (or at least alongside it). Likewise, their decision to pull the 2016 Mazda2 hatchback release from the U.S. market, in favor of focusing on the new CX-3 release, was a big disappointment. The cheesy over-sized wheels of the CX-3 and higher stance just don't do it for me - but I am sure it will be a HUGE success for Mazda, just as the new HR-V will be for Honda.
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Old 06-28-2015, 04:37 PM   #16
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I know there is a lot of interest being generated about the new Civic Type R as well. I have just not been a fan of Honda's futuristic (for lack of a better term) dash and cluster design. I just don't care for digital gauges really.

This being said I suppose that my choices (RS, IS, Fusion, and the Type R) aren't really in the same category, but I have been over the simple entry level prowess of the Yaris. Possibly my attitude about it may have been different if Toyota had given it the few things I believe that it needed to continue to demand attention as they continued to sell over the last 10 years especially. At the same time I also get how the mother Corp sees them as less of a boon here in NA so they don't feel they need to add in those improvements with the supposed small ROI.

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Old 06-29-2015, 01:37 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kalispel View Post
I just don't trust the quality of Korean car manufacturers (sort of a gut feeling sort of thing), and their styling is a bit cheesy/weird to me for the most part. I like the look of several U.S. manufacturer cars, but will never trust their quality/craftsmanship.

I think Mazda has come a long way since their partnership with Ford, and their quality has slowly increased in the years since - especially with their "skyactiv" design philosophies. I would have considered a 2016 Mazda2 Sedan, had they ever decided to release it here in the States without the unsightly Scion bastardization of it. Hell, even the previous generation of the Mazda2 sedan was a sharp looking car, and should have been released in the U.S. instead of the hatchback (or at least alongside it). Likewise, their decision to pull the 2016 Mazda2 hatchback release from the U.S. market, in favor of focusing on the new CX-3 release, was a big disappointment. The cheesy over-sized wheels of the CX-3 and higher stance just don't do it for me - but I am sure it will be a HUGE success for Mazda, just as the new HR-V will be for Honda.
I think Ford benefitted from the Mazda partnership much more than Mazda benefitted. I remember the Ford Festiva, Mercury Tracer, Escorts, etc. Much higher build quality than Ford was doing at that time. Mazda brought the quality to that party. It wasn't Ford.
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Old 06-29-2015, 05:54 AM   #18
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On a related note look at what the Chrysler-Merceded relationship did to the "styling" of MB cars. Whereas MB used to have tasteful, dignified looking cars worthy of their heritage NOW they all look like Clown Cars.
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