Yaris, Yaris, what should I know?

[2o6]

Not sure where I should post this, but I'm in the market for another car. Right now, I own a 2000 Ford Focus ZTS (5-speed manual) that I love to drive, but it's turning out to be an unreliable heap. Granted, I did buy the car with 140K (in may of last year) and I'm now up to 10K. In 10K, I have averaged around $200 a month in repairs.


I've replaced the:

- Struts, shocks and springs; $350 (upgraded to SVT Focus spec, though)

- Brake shoes and parking brake line (which ended up breaking again); $400

- Wheel bearing; $300, and a mechanic screwed it up in a such a fashion that now my brakes act screwy

- Wheels and tires - $300; I had TWO lug studs break off and ruin a wheel.

- Front halfshafts - $400

Plus other problems that I can't even rememeber right now. And it hasn't even been a year yet.

And it still needs

- Timing belt, water pump - at least $450

- Clutch (in the near future) - at least $650

- Front ball joints? (Still unsure if needs fixed, but that is what is looking likely)

- Wheel bearing

- E-brake line (which actually I fixed in June, but then it broke again in September)

- possible heater fan, it occationally decides to cut in and out



I set it on a hill the other day, and I felt and watched the car jerk and jump backwards.


With the amount of repairs needed on this car, It doesn't seem cost-effective to keep putting $$$ in this car, especially at the rate of things breaking. (Ball joint came up on me a few days ago)


Anyways, I have a budget of around $8000, and most of the cars are crapola (Cobalt, Aveo) too undesirable (Accent/Rio) or too old (Civic). However, I noticed that the Scions and Yaris seem to be right in this price range, especially the xA. I drove an xA, and I fell in love. It's not as good to drive as the Focus, but it's entertaining in it's own right. And the one I drove had reasonable miles and was 2K under budget, before any negotiating.

However, the Yaris, especailly the sedan is AS CHEAP AS the Scions (if not cheaper) and is a newer model. The Yaris isn't as sharp to drive, or as nice inside, but it's better on gas IIRC, and it has cruise. (The Scions never had this)


Also, anything I should be worried about with these cars? I need something reliable and good on gas for school and work.


There's an '07 Yaris "S" with 69K listed at $7695. How much would you guys pay for this? (and how much DID you guys pay for yours?) The car has been sitting, and he seems to not be able to get rid of it.