Considering Yaris vs. Elantra

[businezguy]

For the record, I wouldn't be frustrated if it wasn't for the fact that I loved the Yaris. I love the car, it's just that in the current environment the car is actually costing more then other cars, and is actually appearing to cost almost as much as the Corolla.

I'm really not concerned about resale or trade in value. I will drive the car into the ground. I want to have this car for at least 200k miles, and would love to get 250k to 300k out of it. Even with all I've stated, I'm STILL considering the Yaris.

I think that those who are getting these cars for 12 to 13k are getting less features then I am.

I don't remember if I mentioned this or not and I don't feel like reading everything I wrote, but my wife has MS and she doesn't always have the best motor function as a result. So I need a car with automatic door locks/windows, and an automatic transmission. If it wasn't for that, I'd be considering a manual transmission to save on the price.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but with a manual transmission wouldn't I expect even better gas milage?

[supmet]

Originally Posted by businezguy

I'm really not concerned about resale or trade in value. I will drive the car into the ground. I want to have this car for at least 200k miles, and would love to get 250k to 300k out of it.

Well you just made a decision on a yaris then. Elantras WILL NOT make it to 200k without rebuilding the entire thing. A yaris will.

[businezguy]

Originally Posted by supmet

Well you just made a decision on a yaris then. Elantras WILL NOT make it to 200k without rebuilding the entire thing. A yaris will.

That's really a generalization, but for the most part you're right, I'm close to making my decision and strongly favoring the Yaris. I love the car, I love the ride, I love the set up, and most importantly I love the awesome MPG I'll be able to get from this car without the need to dole out extra money for a hybrid.

[roxy1]

Originally Posted by businezguy

Correct me if I'm wrong, but with a manual transmission wouldn't I expect even better gas milage?

IMO, you are absolutely correct. back in 07 when i was shopping for my yaris, i made a crude spreadsheet from every forum i could find discussing real world mileage from yaris owners. i tried to compare apples to apples as far as driving conditions with the manual vs the auto. the vast majority (88%) of the highest mileage (identified as non hypermilers based on their posts) drivers were driving manual transmissions.

here is another site comparing a pretty good sampling of drivers of the 2007 yaris (which is identical as far as engine/transmission to the 09 yaris). you will see the manual transmission has an average of 38.8 mpg vs the auto transmission at 34.8 mpg.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calcu...ta&model=Yaris

additionally, id have to say if you can get a corolla for the same price as a yaris, it would be a no brainer to go with the corolla. but, it you really want a hatchback, then the yaris is a no brainer, unless a base model fit appeals to you (which would already be equiped with power windows/locks.

[businezguy]

Originally Posted by roxy1

IMO, you are absolutely correct. back in 07 when i was shopping for my yaris, i made a crude spreadsheet from every forum i could find discussing real world mileage from yaris owners. i tried to compare apples to apples as far as driving conditions with the manual vs the auto. the vast majority (88%) of the highest mileage (identified as non hypermilers based on their posts) drivers were driving manual transmissions.

here is another site comparing a pretty good sampling of drivers of the 2007 yaris (which is identical as far as engine/transmission to the 09 yaris). you will see the manual transmission has an average of 38.8 mpg vs the auto transmission at 34.8 mpg.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calcu...ta&model=Yaris

additionally, id have to say if you can get a corolla for the same price as a yaris, it would be a no brainer to go with the corolla. but, it you really want a hatchback, then the yaris is a no brainer, unless a base model fit appeals to you (which would already be equiped with power windows/locks.

To put it simply, I don't like the Corolla. It's a boring ride, with a plain interior that is...well, boring. The Yaris has a more basic interior, but somehow the overall experience is a fun/high MPG.

I have to admit it, part of the fun is going to be seeing how high I can get my MPG up to, and to me the Yaris is the most affordable route to do that. Unless I change my mind, once I gather all of the cash I need, I'll be going ahead and purchasing a Yaris. That's pretty much my decision.

Thanks for taking the time to answer all of my prices. I can't wait until I own my new car!

[Yaris Hilton]

I certainly could've bought a Corolla (or two.) I wanted a Yaris. (Got two.)

[guzziknight]

Just out of curiosity, have you thought about buying a used one? there's some good deals to be had.

[businezguy]

Originally Posted by guzziknight

Just out of curiosity, have you thought about buying a used one? there's some good deals to be had.

I actually have. I've been looking at some Yaris's that are 2007 models but have only 25k or so on them, and are selling for $8k. I doubt I would be able to do a trade in, or get much for the Focus, but that would still be a fantastic deal. I like the idea of buying new, but those deals are very compelling and I might go that route.

[roxy1]

Originally Posted by businezguy

I actually have. I've been looking at some Yaris's that are 2007 models but have only 25k or so on them, and are selling for $8k..

that would be a very good deal with that little mileage.

[roxy1]

Originally Posted by businezguy

To put it simply, I don't like the Corolla. It's a boring ride, with a plain interior that is...well, boring. The Yaris has a more basic interior, but somehow the overall experience is a fun/high MPG.
!

id agree the yaris hatchback has a more fun overall appearance, at least on the outside. the yaris sedan is even more plain looking on the outside than the new corolla. on mostly highway driving, i easily pull similar mpg's as i did in my yaris. the yaris had a slight advantage in more stop and go situations. i just dont see the value in a yaris sedan unless it can have some type of price advantge over a corolla (or even the Elantra).

[businezguy]

Originally Posted by roxy1

id agree the yaris hatchback has a more fun overall appearance, at least on the outside. the yaris sedan is even more plain looking on the outside than the new corolla. on mostly highway driving, i easily pull similar mpg's as i did in my yaris. the yaris had a slight advantage in more stop and go situations. i just dont see the value in a yaris sedan unless it can have some type of price advantge over a corolla (or even the Elantra).

I love the Sedan. To me it's more fun then either the Corolla or the Elantra. The 5-door hatchback is an awesome vehicle but it actually costs more, and my wife doesn't like hatchbacks.