Yaris vs. Prius

[bear4]

I am considering purchasing either new 2010 Yaris sedan or a used 2008-2009 Prius. The price is about the same for both of these so I am trying to make a best decision. Currently I own 2001 and 2003 Echos and I love them, but the mileage is getting high on both.

I have one question for people who own Yaris sedan with folding rear seat: can you fit 2 bicycles in the trunk if you fold down the rear seat and take the front wheel off the bikes? My step father has 2009 Prius and I know two bikes fit in it with no problems. How about the Yaris?

Thank you!

[teddy]

If they're the same price, I don't really see that there would be any competition unless you like one more than the other.

The Prius will have better fuel economy, it's larger, more comfortable, and quieter.

[bear4]

Originally Posted by teddy

If they're the same price, I don't really see that there would be any competition unless you like one more than the other.

The Prius will have better fuel economy, it's larger, more comfortable, and quieter.

The competition is the fact that I can afford a new Yaris, but only a used Prius. I am a great mechanic myself and I can fix almost everything in Yaris but I cannot really work on Prius should something go wrong with it, and buying a used car with no warranty is always a gamble...

[yaris2010RS]

personally i would vote yaris. i would always vote new car over used. also a used hybrid could problem-matic as its gonna start to need very expensive maintinance and i'd be worried about the life left in the batteries (as ive heard they need to be replaced every 3 - 4 years and cost about 10-20k)

from experience with sedans and bikes, they dont work out well. i have a HB and 2 bikes will fit np. just to make it easier i still got a bike rack.

[bear4]

Originally Posted by yaris2010RS

personally i would vote yaris. i would always vote new car over used. also a used hybrid could problem-matic as its gonna start to need very expensive maintinance and i'd be worried about the life left in the batteries (as ive heard they need to be replaced every 3 - 4 years and cost about 10-20k)

from experience with sedans and bikes, they dont work out well. i have a HB and 2 bikes will fit np. just to make it easier i still got a bike rack.

I got a bike rack too for our echos, but it seems to put too much stress on the trunk lid so the metal would almost bend... Also driving 80 mph for 400 miles on the highway with a bike rack is not a good idea, that is why I am trying to see if they would fit inside...

[yaris2010RS]

its not? lol, i fly with it on. lol. its true the trunk lid doesnt like it much but it survives. even with the prius i would recomend to get a bike rack. maybe get a hitch mounted one.

[bear4]

Originally Posted by yaris2010RS

its not? lol, i fly with it on. lol. its true the trunk lid doesnt like it much but it survives. even with the prius i would recomend to get a bike rack. maybe get a hitch mounted one.

Well, I rather have them inside for safety... I guess I can ask a dealer and see if they would know if you can fit two bikes in a sedan...

[Flipper_1938]

!

[nemelek]

Not sure about the bike. The difference between the new vs used might depend on the miles of the usde one.

[Flipper_1938]

!

[bear4]

Originally Posted by Flipper_1938

I recently bought my NEW yaris because I had a hard time finding a good used Echo. People keep the good ones and only want to trade after they have been wrecked.

If you want a good one, you almost HAVE to buy a new one.

In my opinions, hybrids are ticking time bombs....there is going to be a very expensive battery replacement at some point.

This is very much true; nobody would sell a good vehicle unless they have to. I bought both of our echos used and both are in great shape. 2003 has been in accident but no structural, just fenders and bumper, so I bought it. 2001 was never in accident; but it is always a gamble with a used vehicle – you never know how well it was maintained and driven… That is why I am leaning toward a new Yaris rather than a used Prius… Why would one sell a good prius?

[Flipper_1938]

!

[bear4]

Originally Posted by Flipper_1938

They are scared of the potential repair costs.

I heard prius battery has 150,000 miles and 10 years warranty...

[slothman86]

Drive the wheels off of your echos before you buy another car! Save!!!

[OTA'sTOY]

Originally Posted by slothman86

Drive the wheels off of your echos before you buy another car! Save!!!

+1

your better off with the yaris cheaper in the long run
what you think you'll save with the prius will end up costing you more if you decide to keep it past its warranty.

FYI it cost a couple hundred just for the special vented battery that reside in rear qtr panel

[why?]

prius are not worth it money wise. The only real reason to buy a prius is because you want to be seen driving one. That is it.

For the money, the yaris is much better. But I would drive the wheels of the echo's first, especially if you can work on them yourself.

[brg88tx]

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

[bear4]

Originally Posted by why?

prius are not worth it money wise. The only real reason to buy a prius is because you want to be seen driving one. That is it.

For the money, the yaris is much better. But I would drive the wheels of the echo's first, especially if you can work on them yourself.

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...