Going tomorrow to see a 2011 Yaris

[why?]

Tips to buying, find one, negotiate the crap out of the salesperson, and keep it for a long time.

The Yaris is rock solid, it will last as long as you want it to if you treat it right.

One thing I would do is look for other financing before you walk into a dealership. Sometimes banks will give you better deals, and one thing most people don't know is the finance people in car dealerships can and will negotiate.

They drive well enough in snow and ice, but I would use winter biased tires, especially if you are in the suburbs and not chicago proper I would use snow tires.