So I guess we won't be driving a Yaris...

[J_Lynn]

Originally Posted by A1an

They said they could only do dealer trades within the SE region so the cars we found out in CA or CO would have to be done with those dealers.

After this whole thing started to go downhill we found one manual SE up in either SC or NC that they offered to get for us, but unfortunately it was in a color my wife did not want. I'd say she is being too picky since if it were me I probably would have jumped on that car, but this is her first new car in about 10 years so I can't blame her for trying to get exactly what she wants.

Color means a lot .... you have to look at it every day, and if it's not what you want, you'll end up hating it because you spend the money on something you're not really happy with. So I don't blame her

[why?]

I agree, a car is the second most expensive thing you will ever buy. get exactly what you want And never think you are being too picky. The second you drive a brand new car off the lot you are stuck with it for a long time.

Unfortunately SE Toyota is a pain in the rear. There are a few setups like this from back when being a car distributor was a major deal and the companies didn't want to do it themselves. But SE Toyota is the only one that makes it a real headache. In my area, Subaru of New England is wholly owned by a local car dealer that fronted the cash to import Subaru's in 1968. He chooses which people to give dealerships too, and he owns most Subaru dealerships himself in all of New England.

Anyways, come back and tell us about the Chevy. It looks like an interesting little vehicle.

[A1an]

So I guess Toyota Corp wouldn't step in to set SE Toyota straight? Sounds like I am not the only person with these sorts of problems.

[why?]

Originally Posted by A1an

So I guess Toyota Corp wouldn't step in to set SE Toyota straight? Sounds like I am not the only person with these sorts of problems.

nope they can't. The deal was complete autonomy. They paid to import toyotas to their area at a time when no one though anyone would ever buy a toyota. That gets a ton of respect and leeway.

The only way to get them to change is the pressure of horrible pr.

[A1an]

Originally Posted by why?

nope they can't. The deal was complete autonomy. They paid to import toyotas to their area at a time when no one though anyone would ever buy a toyota. That gets a ton of respect and leeway.

The only way to get them to change is the pressure of horrible pr.

That is kind of what I was figuring. Before we ended up with that last dealer we called Toyota since we were having some serious issues getting answers from four other dealers in the area. The call was transfered to SE Toyota whose representatives were complete morons. We actually knew more about the cars than the reps they hired to take calls. They use Toyota.com to answer questions about specs and, at the time, the "build your own" feature still had the old 2011 on it. They kept telling us the 2012 didn't come in a hatchback.

Anywho...the order for the Sonic was finalized on Saturday and they submit it to Chevy on Thursday. The wife is stoked and so am I since I think we are FINALLY through all this stress. Now I just need to clean up my 89 Jetta to get that sold to make room for the new car.

[CanIHazYarisHatch?]

Originally Posted by A1an

That is kind of what I was figuring. Before we ended up with that last dealer we called Toyota since we were having some serious issues getting answers from four other dealers in the area. The call was transfered to SE Toyota whose representatives were complete morons. We actually knew more about the cars than the reps they hired to take calls. They use Toyota.com to answer questions about specs and, at the time, the "build your own" feature still had the old 2011 on it. They kept telling us the 2012 didn't come in a hatchback.

Anywho...the order for the Sonic was finalized on Saturday and they submit it to Chevy on Thursday. The wife is stoked and so am I since I think we are FINALLY through all this stress. Now I just need to clean up my 89 Jetta to get that sold to make room for the new car.

By all accounts the Sonic (especially the 1.4 turbo and 6-speed manual) is a very worthy competitor to the '12 Yaris. It will be a blast to drive--and much quicker to 60mph!

Excellent choice, mate. Gotta love turbos.

[fnkngrv]

I ended up going half way across the country to get the Yaris I wanted back in 06. Didn't bother me though. I found an awesome dealership that way. They even took me to Red Lobster while the final detailing was being done.

[NJ Drive]

Damn, after reading what you went through I should feel privileged that I'm getting my SE tomorrow for invoice. They are so rare in the Northeast with a 5 speed that I had no choice, plus it was white which is my color.

The Sonic does look to be a fine purchase though!

[CPALK719]

so which sonic did you decide on?? hopefully your getting the turbo one. that should be a blast to drive and im sure with a few mods will zip around even better.

[A1an]

We went with the 1LZ and the 1.4 turbo option. Felt the $700 option was worth it for the extra fun and a better gas mileage over the 1.8.

[CanIHazYarisHatch?]

Originally Posted by A1an

We went with the 1LZ and the 1.4 turbo option. Felt the $700 option was worth it for the extra fun and a better gas mileage over the 1.8.

A very wise choice, indeed.

[CPALK719]

Originally Posted by A1an

We went with the 1LZ and the 1.4 turbo option. Felt the $700 option was worth it for the extra fun and a better gas mileage over the 1.8.

NICE!!!! any pics of the car yet ?

[A1an]

Not yet. Still have 6-8 weeks to go until it gets here. Dealer submits the order to GM tomorrow.

[2o6]

No Mazda 2? I fell in love when I drove one back in 2011. I was just too broke to afford it....





I hate to say this (on a Yaris forum nonetheless, where I OWN a Yaris) but the 2012 Yaris isn't very competitive. Engine are basically the same from the old Echo, as is the transmission. The chassis really isn't all new, it's just pretty much the old Yaris with new sheetmetal. The Sonic's a wonderful car (if a bit expensive and heavy) and you'll have fun with it.

If I were going new, it'd be down to Mazda 2 and Sonic. The Rio also impressed me, but there's no possible way to get a manual transmission and any sort of option (not even power locks!).

[J_Lynn]

Originally Posted by 2o6

No Mazda 2? I fell in love when I drove one back in 2011. I was just too broke to afford it....





I hate to say this (on a Yaris forum nonetheless, where I OWN a Yaris) but the 2012 Yaris isn't very competitive. Engine are basically the same from the old Echo, as is the transmission. The chassis really isn't all new, it's just pretty much the old Yaris with new sheetmetal. The Sonic's a wonderful car (if a bit expensive and heavy) and you'll have fun with it.

If I were going new, it'd be down to Mazda 2 and Sonic. The Rio also impressed me, but there's no possible way to get a manual transmission and any sort of option (not even power locks!).

Really?! That's crazy! When I was 16 I wanted a Rio *so* bad and that's all they had was manuals. That's funny how things change in 12 years ... lol

Ohhh I loved those cars!

Ohhh, and I wanted the Roxy Echo too! That and the Rio's were "sooooooooooo cuuuuuuuuuuuuuute" I remember telling my dad hahah

[Thirty-Nine]

Originally Posted by 2o6

No Mazda 2? I fell in love when I drove one back in 2011. I was just too broke to afford it....

I hate to say this (on a Yaris forum nonetheless, where I OWN a Yaris) but the 2012 Yaris isn't very competitive. Engine are basically the same from the old Echo, as is the transmission. The chassis really isn't all new, it's just pretty much the old Yaris with new sheetmetal. The Sonic's a wonderful car (if a bit expensive and heavy) and you'll have fun with it.

If I were going new, it'd be down to Mazda 2 and Sonic. The Rio also impressed me, but there's no possible way to get a manual transmission and any sort of option (not even power locks!).

Just a couple things:

I think the Yaris is competitive. It's on par with fuel economy, the revised steering (especially on the SE) is outstanding. Keep in mind the vehicle is a lightweight, so no need to add much more power. Also, the 1NZ-FE engine is getting the job done in terms of fuel economy and performance (still within reason among the segment). The new interior is miles ahead of the current Yaris, too. Granted, this is my opinion.

The Mazda2 is a another great choice; I highly enjoyed the one I reviewed. However, the engine is a relic (then again, so is the 1NZ-FE, right?).

I agree with you on the Rio, too. I'd just get the Accent instead if I were going that way.

[A1an]

It is going to be tough keeping my petrol head tendencies under control. There is already a tune out for the car for under $500 that yields some very nice results.

[why?]

the MotorTrend article rated the sonic very well.

Good luck not modding the sonic. We should have a poll on how many days it is before you do.