Fading Away

[MadMax]

The Yaris is being overshadowed by the Prius-C by Toyota, I don't think the company bothers to market it in the States because all the green-weenie types here don't think a car can be "environmentally healthy" unless it is a hybrid.

However, in my travels overseas this year, I've seen tons of Yarii. It is still a popular car in many countries, we just don't see that in the States. Here in San Antonio I probably spot a Yaris every day or two; but in Europe I was seeing ten or more per day.

I will admit my 08 Yaris has been relegated to a second spot behind the Jeep in my vehicle line-up, but when I do drive it I am constantly reminded of what a great car it is! With all my travels, I get to drive a lot of rental cars and I am always comparing them with my Yaris. The Ford Fiesta I drove last week in Pennsylvania was nice, but it got horrible gas mileage for an economical car and I didn't think it it was very well set-up inside. I've recently driven a BMW 116d and Mercedes A180, as well as a Golf and while they all had their positive attributes; I think for the money the Yaris is a better deal.

I think the "newness" of the Yaris has worn off as well. The Gen IIIs didn't do much for the marque as the restyling made them look more like every other Toyota in the line-up. One of the appealing things about the Gen II was it stood out on the lot, now it's tough to tell a Yaris from a Prius.

So, I will stick with my 08 until such time it blows up (unlikely) or some uninsured driver destroys it (very likely here in San Antonio). While the fading paint bothers the hell out of me, otherwise it has held up extremely well and I still do love driving it. There's nothing that puts a smile on my face faster than cruising down the curvy roads of the Texas Hill Country in Sprocket on a hot, sunny day!

Cheers! M2