Be honest, if you could go back in time and do it again.....

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by matti

I can't say for sure. The 2012 Yaris is my first subcompact, but I'm surprised at how much things rattle and make noise. Maybe all subcompacts are like this because of cheap plastics, etc.? Regardless, it drives great and I expect years of trouble-free performance from engine and tranny.

Wow...nothing in my car rattles. However, rattling wouldn't be a deal breaker for a 3rd Gen as a replacement down the road.

[tooter]

If I could go back in time...

...I'd go back and buy a 2011 instead of a 2012.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by tooter

If I could go back in time...

...I'd go back and buy a 2011 instead of a 2012.

Why? (Just curious re when I do replace my 07.......If my question is too nosy, please feel free to say you'd rather not say )

[SAV912]

I got a SCREAMING deal on mine. Off lease '09 (so yes to ABS and extra airbags, no to stupid traction control and ESC) with 24K miles for $7999. Now I'm closing in on 93K miles and I've been to St. Louis, Miami, NYC, Chicago, Nashville and countless other places with it. It was my first newish car and hasn't let me down an ounce. Never liked the 1G Fit, and the 2G Fit was way too bloody expensive for being a largely similar car that just had some fancy folding seats.

I'd do it all over again. However, with the offerings on the market now as opposed to just three years ago, I'm thinking of stepping up. That Fiat 500 Abarth is DELICIOUS.

...and recently, a used Honda S2000 has been speaking to me. Hm.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by SAV912

I got a SCREAMING deal on mine. Off lease '09 (so yes to ABS and extra airbags, no to stupid traction control and ESC) with 24K miles for $7999. Now I'm closing in on 93K miles and I've been to St. Louis, Miami, NYC, Chicago, Nashville and countless other places with it. It was my first newish car and hasn't let me down an ounce. Never liked the 1G Fit, and the 2G Fit was way too bloody expensive for being a largely similar car that just had some fancy folding seats.

I'd do it all over again. However, with the offerings on the market now as opposed to just three years ago, I'm thinking of stepping up. That Fiat 500 Abarth is DELICIOUS.

...and recently, a used Honda S2000 has been speaking to me. Hm.

That seat was the largest draw for me....the ability to easily put a bicycle in the car....but there were (and still are) too many things I don't like about the Fit.

[Aldor]

First of all hello everyone, this is my first post. I enjoy this site very much and found lots of useful stuff here. I am from Slovenia and own a '06 2nd gen 5dr Yaris 1.3lit hb with 5spd MT. I bought it used in apr'12.

Since I was in the market for a used small car this spring, I of course also considered a Fit (or Jazz as it is called in Europe). Especially since I had already owned a Honda previously.
What bought me with Yaris was it's amazing practicality and useful interior (numerous closed compartements and sliding/folding rear seats). Jazz's two direction folding rear seats and "flashier" interior don't mean anything to me. Nicer exterior was also a plus. Jazz looks like a minivan to me too, whereas Yaris looks playful and compact at the same time, which I like. It is considered a "girl's car" where I live, but one forgets about that quickly when one does a test drive.

When I drove Yaris for the first time, I was just shocked how good it drives. Handles well and is comfortable at the same time. Great driving position, precise steering, well built. After a test drive I just forgot about the Honda.

The only major complaint is the drive-by-wire-pedal / lazy engine combo. I found about that later when driving in the hills. Honda would probably shine here. Non responsivness took quite a lot of time for me to get used to, especially when driving uphill. Luckily the manual transmision is quick and precise and improves driving dynamics when I desire or am forced to drive in a sportier way.

I would buy a Yaris again if I went back to spring'12. But this time I would try to cough out an extra 2k€ for a newer '09 model (much better 1.33 engine and a 6spd transmission).

[bronsin]

We agree on a lot of things about the Yaris.

I would point out a 6 speed transmission with the same top gear ratios as a 5 speed will get worse mpg.

If thats important.

[Aldor]

With the 1,33L engine 6spd MT came as a standard here in Slovenia so I wouldn't really have a choice.
I didn't know about the gearing but I would expect they would put a longer differential gear into 6spd models. Looks like I'm wrong.

But i've read some statistics on some German site a while ago and the real world data (large sample of user mpg reports) show mpg improvement in favour of 1,33 l engine (6,0 vs 6,5 litres/100km) so the better engine seems to offset the gearbox "issue".

I do miss an extra gear sometimes between 2nd and 3rd or between 3rd and 4th though. Real PITA:(

[bronsin]

Sounds like you drive for performance.

I drive for economy.

Lucky you theres a six speed!

Poor me Im too old to push a clutch in and now drive automatic

[jcboy]

(If you have the honda city there, pretty much the sedan of the honda fit)

I would think twice about the honda city or fit, but il still go for this yaris sedan.
I hate the interior exterior price and the lack of amenities/features of the city and fit and the only things i dislike about my yaris sedan is the centered gauge amd green lights.

I sometimes have regrets of not getting the 1500cc variant bec of the engine power (i have the 1300cc), but when my gas meter goes down to 2bars, i thank god i didnt.

[Aldor]

@bronsin

Heh, my friend, with gas prices here at 1,5€ per liter (8$/gallon) driving for economy is not a choice but a must:(

The trouble with gears is that I live in a hilly country so there's a frequent need for shifting. The VTEC (not VTI!) powered Honda I drove before Yaris was happy in 5th even with steeper grades, Yaris not so much. Maybe I should move to Florida or Danmark:)

Ah, you aren't too old, you're just spoiled:D They're funny these cultural differences. I've never driven an AT car and I only know one guy who owns one. Even though the AT additional fee is usually moderate, people here rather opt for a better engine or xenons, auto climate control, foglights or stuff like that. AT comes at the bottom of the "most desired" list. I too can't imagine myself driving an auto, but i would rather spend the saved money on ski tickets or something though.

Cheers and have a nice day.

[mr_miles]

I don't think I'd change anything. I'd still buy gnar gnar, because I ended up finding a car I like modifying, and plan on keeping. I'm notorious for buying cars and selling them, and I don't plan on it this time. And besides, it made me buy the 3rd gen! I still end up buying and selling / trading cars on the side, but I kept the yarii as my daily drivers.

[b20vteg]

honestly... in retrospect, i would've gone with the fit. but it was too expensive for what it is, so i went with the next best thing which also happens to be within budget - my '12 yaris.

[bairjo]

To answer the original question...yes. In fact I have my second Yaris now. These things are so easy to maintain and work on. As far as fuel economy, I could have spent almost another 10K on a prius for just a few more mpg...i don't think so...

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by bairjo

To answer the original question...yes. In fact I have my second Yaris now. These things are so easy to maintain and work on. As far as fuel economy, I could have spent almost another 10K on a prius for just a few more mpg...i don't think so...

+1

[why?]

if i had to go back in time i wouldn't change. I was looking for a 2 door hatch, the Yaris was one of 3 on the market. I think the other two were hyundai/kia. No choice at all.

If I was choosing now, it would be a much longer process, so many good 2 door hatches.

[Superfly]

Honestly, if I could go back in time I would probably opt for something with a better finance rate. My sis bought a Corolla with 0% financing and is almost done paying half of it off and I still owe so much because the Yaris is standard bank rate at most of the dealerships I checked out regardless of my credit score or downpayment. Outside of financing, I would not change my decision. My Yaris is a good compromise on fuel efficiency, power, handling, storage space, and size. I'm not in love with my Yaris but it is suited for me and my practical needs more than the competitors. I cannot wait for 2014-15, though, as most companies are going to be rolling out new productions and redesigns that are sounding sweet.

[jRoss]

Originally Posted by Superfly

Honestly, if I could go back in time I would probably opt for something with a better finance rate. My sis bought a Corolla with 0% financing and is almost done paying half of it off and I still owe so much because the Yaris is standard bank rate at most of the dealerships I checked out regardless of my credit score or downpayment. Outside of financing, I would not change my decision. My Yaris is a good compromise on fuel efficiency, power, handling, storage space, and size. I'm not in love with my Yaris but it is suited for me and my practical needs more than the competitors. I cannot wait for 2014-15, though, as most companies are going to be rolling out new productions and redesigns that are sounding sweet.

Can't you refinance after awhile and get a better rate? I'm in the same boat.