What are your favorite non-Yaris alternatives, and why?

[invader166]

For me, I suppose it would have to be a Ford Fiesta. (not necessarily the ST trim, but if available, why not?)
That car has been a real success story in Europe since 1976. Size, fuel economy and versatility is very comparable to the Yaris.

[The Limo 2]

My next car, if I was going to have a next car, would be a 2007-2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid. I have always liked them. Just like comfort and reliability. Don't like the body shape of the newer ones. Guess I am getting old.
Roy

[WeeYari]

Originally Posted by invader166

For me, I suppose it would have to be a Ford Fiesta. (not necessarily the ST trim, but if available, why not?)
That car has been a real success story in Europe since 1976.

And yet has abysmal reliability ratings in North America

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by WeeYari

And yet has abysmal reliability ratings in North America

I pulled into a space at Wal-Mart last night next to a brand new Fiesta ST (still had the dealer advertising plate placard). Color looked almost exactly like my '14. It was nice looking, but I still think about the Fiesta rental I had in Tampa last year......35,000 miles, and it felt as though it would fall apart any minute . At the 290,000 mile point (before the accident ), my blue Yaris felt extremely tight and solid by comparison.

[invader166]

Originally Posted by WeeYari

And yet has abysmal reliability ratings in North America

No kidding. Seems to be the norm with a lot of European imports these days. (Fiat, I'm looking at you)
I honestly wish I had an answer to that. My theory is that cars in Europe just aren't driven as much as cars in N. America, so manufacturers just don't bother using quality parts.
Whereas in N.America, people usually drive an average of about 25,000 miles a year.

[jambo101]

Our 08 Yaris sedan bought new has given us bulletproof reliability and economy so we will be staying with the Toyota Brand as their products have earned out loyalty, looking like summer of 2016 will be time to get something new, Toyota Rav4 is at the top of the list.

[BLKHILLSGUY]

Originally Posted by jambo101

Our 08 Yaris sedan bought new has given us bulletproof reliability and economy so we will be staying with the Toyota Brand as their products have earned out loyalty, looking like summer of 2016 will be time to get something new, Toyota Rav4 is at the top of the list.

I like the Rav4 and have owned one. Unfortunately, I think the current interior is on the cheap side, which is unfortunate because it is such a good vehicle. Maybe a refresh will fix that.

[nookandcrannycar]

I've sat in both the RAV4 and the Honda CR-V each of the last two years at the Houston Auto Show. Each time, I came away with the impression that the CR-V has a better executed, more useful interior. However, the RAV4 is much better looking. I'd pick the Subaru Crosstrek or the Subaru Forester over both the RAV4 and the CR-V solely re just one of the reasons I prefer them, namely that you can't get the RAV4 or the CR-V with a manual transmission.....at least not in the USA.

[Kalispel]

Originally Posted by nookandcrannycar

I've sat in both the RAV4 and the Honda CR-V each of the last two years at the Houston Auto Show. Each time, I came away with the impression that the CR-V has a better executed, more useful interior. However, the RAV4 is much better looking. I'd pick the Subaru Crosstrek or the Subaru Forester over both the RAV4 and the CR-V solely re just one of the reasons I prefer them, namely that you can't get the RAV4 or the CR-V with a manual transmission.....at least not in the USA.

Yeah, my interest was perked for the new 2016 Honda HR-V when I learned that you could pick-up an LX trim with manual transmission (and the LX trim is lacking most of the tech-bloat garbage that I don't want). Plus, it's more the size (and look) of "SUV vehicle" that I would want, compared to the RAV4 or CR-V. I'm just not interested in paying more than $20K (out the door price, including sales tax, etc.) for a car that is a pure work/errand commute vehicle, and subject to the BRUTAL sun/heat (and fellow motorists) of AZ.

[kimona]

I checked out the HR-V LX last week. I like the size, the styling is decent enough, and the interior is really quite nice. Don't like the colour options and all the tech crap that comes with the base model, but that's probably just me. The driving experience was just borderline due to the terrible CVT. I wish Honda USA had gone with the 6-speed automatic like in other export markets. If you're a manual tranny buff, then this model may work better for you. Too bad the base model isn't a little more basic; then, the price would be more attractive, too.

[nookandcrannycar]

I like the looks of the HR-V (on the internet ) but, like the CR-V, the AWD version isn't available with a manual.

[matti]

Originally Posted by nookandcrannycar

I've sat in both the RAV4 and the Honda CR-V each of the last two years at the Houston Auto Show. Each time, I came away with the impression that the CR-V has a better executed, more useful interior. However, the RAV4 is much better looking. I'd pick the Subaru Crosstrek or the Subaru Forester over both the RAV4 and the CR-V solely re just one of the reasons I prefer them, namely that you can't get the RAV4 or the CR-V with a manual transmission.....at least not in the USA.

This may be apropos of nothing, but my friend recently bought a Crosstrek with AT. He's always had manual transmissions, but he test-drove the Crosstrek MT and he said the shifting felt like crap and did a very poor job of engaging. He wouldn't buy the MT because he said it was so bad.

[BLKHILLSGUY]

Originally Posted by matti

This may be apropos of nothing, but my friend recently bought a Crosstrek with AT. He's always had manual transmissions, but he test-drove the Crosstrek MT and he said the shifting felt like crap and did a very poor job of engaging. He wouldn't buy the MT because he said it was so bad.

I've seriously been considering the Subie Crosstek UNTIL just a few days ago when Consumer Reports listed 3 of the Subaru engines as using major amounts of oil. If I'm not mistaken, the owners manual says something like a quart for every 1,100 miles or so. I hadn't realized that, but Consumer Reports is usually spot on about crap like this. Not a fan of their car reviews, but the reliability statistics are the real deal. So the Crosstrek is off my list.

[428CobraJet]

What am i looking at in addition to a
1. 2016 special order black SE 5 speed for 18k....the ocd alternative?
Well...in no certain order and i could buy tomorrow or in a year...
2. 2016 special order FiST in black with orange Recaros and flat black stripes. ...because it runs so sweet at 20k. Im afraid id have to prove my manliness at every light. Comes with advanced driver training.
3. 2014-15 Abarth - Cabriolet or not - in black or white with black or red leather. Black top. Its full of passion for under 20k. Whats to prove! Comes with advanced driver training. Will it hold up to 20,000 miles per year? Actually currently looking at leftover GQ...."the machine for the modern man!"triple black.
4. 2016 Japanese built Fit Ex in black because its the sensible alternative and comes with sunroof for 18k. Only non Yaris here that could truly replace my 2009. So practical. But the engine sounds terrible.
5. 2016 or expected-to-be-refreshed 2017 Japanese build Mazda3 5dr 6speed S GT...its pretty and has soul (especially in soul red with tan leather) for 24k. I want to wax it.
6. 2014 or 2015 Juke Nismo rs in black or white with red leather Recaros if it was 20k. A sense of humor. Good Design here...like the Mazda3.
7. 2016 Scion IM in black or blue and the 6 speed because my Yaris has been so good...and it looks somewhat as good as the Mazda3. Somewhat. 20k plus leather.
8. Screw it....a 2016 flat plane crank GT350 R in performance blue for 60k....because i might croak tomorrow!

Toyota, are you listening? Fomoco follows the forums, DO YOU????
Craig

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by matti

This may be apropos of nothing, but my friend recently bought a Crosstrek with AT. He's always had manual transmissions, but he test-drove the Crosstrek MT and he said the shifting felt like crap and did a very poor job of engaging. He wouldn't buy the MT because he said it was so bad.

Interesting. I would pick the Forester over the Crosstrek because I don't like the plastic wheel well trim on the Crosstrek, and (for the base manual) the extra room is worth the extra cost and the slight MPG hit.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by BLKHILLSGUY

I've seriously been considering the Subie Crosstek UNTIL just a few days ago when Consumer Reports listed 3 of the Subaru engines as using major amounts of oil. If I'm not mistaken, the owners manual says something like a quart for every 1,100 miles or so. I hadn't realized that, but Consumer Reports is usually spot on about crap like this. Not a fan of their car reviews, but the reliability statistics are the real deal. So the Crosstrek is off my list.

if the 2.5 in the current Forester is included in the above.

CTScott recently posted that he's driving his Yaris and that his Crosstrek is sitting 'waiting for winter'. I wonder if he has put enough miles on his Crosstrek to be able to tell whether the above is the case for him or not.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by 428CobraJet

What am i looking at in addition to a
1. 2016 special order black SE 5 speed for 18k....the ocd alternative?
Well...in no certain order and i could buy tomorrow or in a year...
2. 2016 special order FiST in black with orange Recaros and flat black stripes. ...because it runs so sweet at 20k. Im afraid id have to prove my manliness at every light. Comes with advanced driver training.
3. 2014-15 Abarth - Cabriolet or not - in black or white with black or red leather. Black top. Its full of passion for under 20k. Whats to prove! Comes with advanced driver training. Will it hold up to 20,000 miles per year? Actually currently looking at leftover GQ...."the machine for the modern man!"triple black.
4. 2016 Japanese built Fit Ex in black because its the sensible alternative and comes with sunroof for 18k. Only non Yaris here that could truly replace my 2009. So practical. But the engine sounds terrible.
5. 2016 or expected-to-be-refreshed 2017 Japanese build Mazda3 5dr 6speed S GT...its pretty and has soul (especially in soul red with tan leather) for 24k. I want to wax it.
6. 2014 or 2015 Juke Nismo rs in black or white with red leather Recaros if it was 20k. A sense of humor. Good Design here...like the Mazda3.
7. 2016 Scion IM in black or blue and the 6 speed because my Yaris has been so good...and it looks somewhat as good as the Mazda3. Somewhat. 20k plus leather.
8. Screw it....a 2016 flat plane crank GT350 R in performance blue for 60k....because i might croak tomorrow!

Toyota, are you listening? Fomoco follows the forums, DO YOU????
Craig

2016 Japanese built Fit EX ? Is the production for certain USDM Fit trim levels now going to be coming from Japan ?...or.....Importing one and doing any necessary modifications ? (...if that is possible)

[bronsin]

In the past almost every manufacturer has stated that burning a quart of oil every 1000 miles is "normal" even when the car is new.

Just goes to show you what a gem we have in the Yaris!

My 1992 ST1100 Honda motorcycle took 100k miles to get to the point where it used half a quart in 3000 miles and that was a very hi performance engine.