Considering Yaris vs. Elantra

[Kal-El]

Some of my points after reading through the thread...

- As many have pointed out, the Elantra competes with the Corolla, not Yaris regardless of price. Although for shopping purposes based on price, the argument can be made for a cross-shop. Point is, the Elantra, as is traditional with Hyundai, is a very good value and cheaper than direct competitors. Just like the Accent can be typically had for less than the Yaris.

- businezguy, since you want the power package, it does bring down the "value" factor of the Yaris and puts it at a price point that makes it overlap with fancier cars such as the Elantra. The Yaris is the best value in base form (or convenience package only) for around $13-$14K. That said, I wouldn't call a $16K Yaris overpriced, but an $18K one is (power pack, S-pack w/ alloys, ect..)

- As for the debate about which gets better highway mileage, MT or auto, well it's pretty close either way and is negligible. Fact is, the EPA tested both and rates the MT at 36 and the auto at 35 mpg. Maybe the auto revs slightly lower, but the MT makes the car lighter and less complex.

- businezguy, do you run into a lot of stop and go during your long commutes? If so, opt for the auto. It may save your sanity.

- Also, I know you want the sedan, but the liftback has more storage compartments for all the needs you listed. And there's now 4-doors available if that's your need. That said, I prefer the sedan too.

Good luck with your purchase!

[Yaris Hilton]

Originally Posted by Kal-El

- Also, I know you want the sedan, but the liftback has more storage compartments for all the needs you listed.

For stashing small objects, packing pistols and such, the liftback's got an edge. For carrying larger things like guitars, amps, rifles, equipment boxes, anything that needs to be kept out of sight, the sedan's the only way to go. Occasionally the liftback might have an edge with a tall, square box that would go in the back with the seat down and wouldn't shut in the trunk of a sedan, but on the whole they just don't have the hauling capacity of the sedan. Most of the time you don't need to fold down the sedan's seats and give up passenger space to carry stuff. It's got a good sized trunk.

[jambo101]

Originally Posted by Kal-El

- Also, I know you want the sedan, but the liftback has more storage compartments for all the needs you listed. And there's now 4-doors available if that's your need. That said, I prefer the sedan too.

Good luck with your purchase!

I opted for the sedan as the lift back may have more useable storage space with the rear seats folded forward but add the wife and two kids and the sedan has a full trunk whereas the liftback has virtually no storage space .

[businezguy]

Originally Posted by jambo101

I opted for the sedan as the lift back may have more useable storage space with the rear seats folded forward but add the wife and two kids and the sedan has a full trunk whereas the liftback has virtually no storage space .

I completely agree. That's why I decided to go with the sedan as well. The 5-door was very tempting, I must say. That is a pretty nice looking car, and I do love all of the extra storage in the front of the vehicle. Now that I have my sedan, I am confident it will have enough storage to meet my needs.