Yaris vs. Prius

[bear4]

Originally Posted by brg88tx

if you must get another car, i'd get a good used 07 yaris for about $8k.

All used yarii I looked at so far did not impress me... I bought both our echos from private sellers but I can only find used yarii at the dealers ...

[Bluevitz-rs]

Originally Posted by bear4

I am planning to keep both echos and I do work on them myself. The reason I am looking for a new car is because my wife and I are expecting a baby soon and I want to get a quieter vehicle with more safety features for my wife. We also like to drive very long distance (1000-1500 miles) for vacation and I wanted something more comfortable to travel with the baby. WE also need to haul our bikes and this is why I was asking if you can fit 2 bikes in a yaris. I know you cannot in echo as it does not have folding rear seat...

Prius all the way then.

I know several people with them from first gen to 3rd gen. and they've had no problems with them at all (even Highlander hybrid). The first gen has over 250,000km on it with the original battery. So don't worry about that. The newer cars have better batteries that only currently cost around 3k to replace, not 20K. And just like any piece of technology will only come down in price as time moves on.

I suggest you test drive one and decide on it based on you needs as you've described.

[Flipper_1938]

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[sickpuppy1]

And most all the Prius I've seen on the road are driven moderately so the abuse factor usually doesn't enter into it.

[Flipper_1938]

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[yaris2010RS]

i believe ur looking for a minivan then.

[bear4]

Originally Posted by Bluevitz-rs

Prius all the way then.

I know several people with them from first gen to 3rd gen. and they've had no problems with them at all (even Highlander hybrid). The first gen has over 250,000km on it with the original battery. So don't worry about that. The newer cars have better batteries that only currently cost around 3k to replace, not 20K. And just like any piece of technology will only come down in price as time moves on.

I suggest you test drive one and decide on it based on you needs as you've described.

I get mixed reports on Prius reliability, some people have issues with them that are normally covered under warranty. However, a used Prius in my price range will be out of warranty and I do not have enough knowledge or equipment to work on them myself.

[bear4]

Originally Posted by Flipper_1938

I'd be looking for an echo in a junk yard with fold down seats. I'm guessing an Echo rear seat would cost $30-40

I don't think echo ever came with fold down seats. On top of it, I have body reinforcements behind the back seats of our echos so this is not really an option

[Bluevitz-rs]

Originally Posted by bear4

I don't think echo ever came with fold down seats. On top of it, I have body reinforcements behind the back seats of our echos so this is not really an option

Yes the Echo did come with fold down seats. 60/40 split. You just remove that X-brace.

[bear4]

Originally Posted by Bluevitz-rs

Yes the Echo did come with fold down seats. 60/40 split. You just remove that X-brace.

If I remove the x-brace would it reduce the structural strength of the body?

[Yaris]

I would go with the Prius. Speaking from experience, I never had any aches and pain on long drives and comfort is all that matters for me.

[auxmike]

Tough call. A 5 door Yaris hatch would be a great bet. My 3DR would swallow up those 2 bikes no prob. I thought 5DR since there's a child on the way.
The Prius is definitly a lot nicer and cozy inside , and it's real quiet too. Prius may be more child friendly and safer too.
I'd rather have a brand spankin' new car who's history I know because "I" will be creating it!