Thinking of buying a new Yaris...

[UTVitz]

Did not know they made an Echo hatch, never had that down here in the states. They quit selling the Echo here 7 years ago so unless that is different in Canada you'd be getting a way older car. Personally the Yaris is a fantastic little car-oil changes are simple and the filter is right under the front of the car and easily accessable-this was important to me as I do all my own oil changes. Airfilter is easy to check and the spark plugs are easy to get to. So the car is cheaper to maintain and fix even if you have to pay a mechanic. I get in the low 40's with our ethanol blended fuel here in the states, now that is mostly freeway driving, but some light city stop and go.

In 09 at least here in the states cruise control became available on the hatch usually with the power options of door/mirror/windows. I have never had good luck with aftermarket cruise controls, but maybe they've improved them.

[jayeh]

Originally Posted by why?

if you can grab an echo hatch, I'd take that. It will get you better gas mileage than the Yaris, plus it is rare.

The fuel economy is tempting, but damn they are ugly.

Originally Posted by UTVitz

Did not know they made an Echo hatch, never had that down here in the states. They quit selling the Echo here 7 years ago so unless that is different in Canada you'd be getting a way older car. Personally the Yaris is a fantastic little car-oil changes are simple and the filter is right under the front of the car and easily accessable-this was important to me as I do all my own oil changes. Airfilter is easy to check and the spark plugs are easy to get to. So the car is cheaper to maintain and fix even if you have to pay a mechanic. I get in the low 40's with our ethanol blended fuel here in the states, now that is mostly freeway driving, but some light city stop and go.

In 09 at least here in the states cruise control became available on the hatch usually with the power options of door/mirror/windows. I have never had good luck with aftermarket cruise controls, but maybe they've improved them.

The Echo is rare here on dealer lots. Lots of them on the road though. Still, the prices on the used Echo hatch's are slightly crazy. People seem to want $4995 for a 2005 echo hatch, and $4995 for a 2006 Yaris, in the same shape.

I wanted an Echo, but can't find them anywhere. The hatchbacks that are around are always in very weird ridiculously ugly colours. Thats why I upgraded my search to the Yaris.

I still haven't bought anything yet, I might in the fall.

[why?]

Originally Posted by bentjazz

why?,

Just curious, do you have an AT or a MT?
If it's a MT, what kind of gas mileage do you get?
Thanks.

I have an MT and get between 38 & 42 mpg usually. The Echo has a better 5th gear that revs lower at highway speeds and can usually get 45-50 mpg with ease. I think the final drive is different as well. If I ever get enough money I plan on looking into a swap.

But man if they are the same price go for the newer car. That is nuts.