Having doubts about buying a Yaris now

[kurokoma-kun]

Originally Posted by grampi

regarding the handling of the Yaris at highway speeds, particularly during windy/turbulant conditions. I have test driven a LB, but the amount of time I spent at higway speeds was limited to only about 2 or 3 minutes and it really wasn't very windy that day and I didn't encounter any semis to find out how wind/tubulance effects it. Since most of my driving is highway, it's important that I get a vehicle that can handle highway driving without being a handful for the driver, but I also need something that gets excellent fuel economy because I put 2500-3000 miles on my car per month.

I have experienced some of what you describe in windy conditions at highway speed. This improved a lot with new tires; IMO the stockers are crap! I expect lowering the car a little to help also.

Other than that I find the Yaris to be a very capable highway car. I do 1000 miles minimum per month. It gets up the entrance ramp very well, merges well, handles speed well (I usually go faster than I should, a bad habit I know).

It's not as comfy and quiet as say, a Camry. But I was willing to tolerate a little more noise and a little less comfort than some other cars, in exchange for it being cheap as chips (as my friend in Dorking England says) and more fun than I ever expected

[kimona]

Yup, for a car that's as "cheap as chips" it's a remarkable little performer, well mannered, fuel efficient, and functional, with Toyota quality and reliability to boot!

Can't beat that combo!

[PetersRedYaris]

Before tires and suspension upgrades, I remember getting blown around on the interstate. It works so well now that I had almost forgotten it ever happened.

[grampi]

Originally Posted by ChinoCharles

I didn't buy a Yaris for its paint job or CR rating. I bought it for 40 MPG. I get 40 MPG. I'm a happy camper. You would be too if you stopped thinking about it and just bought the damn thing.

I guess I don't have as leasurely of an approach as you do when it comes to making a $12-$15K purchase. I've gotta KNOW it's what I want before I commit to a purchase that substantial.

[stuffy]

Paint quality really isn't the main reason I've become leary, it just adds to it. Since I haven't read what CR said about the Yaris myself, I can only go by what others have said about what CR said. I think CR's main complaint was regarding the handling of the Yaris at highway speeds, particularly during windy/turbulant conditions. I have test driven a LB, but the amount of time I spent at higway speeds was limited to only about 2 or 3 minutes and it really wasn't very windy that day and I didn't encounter any semis to find out how wind/tubulance effects it. Since most of my driving is highway, it's important that I get a vehicle that can handle highway driving without being a handful for the driver, but I also need something that gets excellent fuel economy because I put 2500-3000 miles on my car per month.

the yaris definitely gets tossed around a little bit in a crosswind, but so does every other car that is light with a high profile.
i've driven my friend's honda fit in the same conditions with the same result.

all i do is slowdown to the speed limit and it is fine, pushing the car in these conditions is what makes it not safe.

much has been said of the poor reviews the yaris has recieved, you would do well to take them with a grain of salt because this is a great little car that will get the best fuel economy of any in it's class and will not be spending much time in the shop and it's also one of the most affordable.

that's what a yaris is, it isn't a porsche.

[grampi]

My plan is to see if I can get the use of a LB for an entire day to really get a feel for the car. If I can find a dealer that's willing to let me take one for a day, or if I can find a car rental place that rents the LB, I'm sure then I'll be able to find out if I want one of not.

[nsmitchell]

I have zero issues with crosswinds. My car feels excellent on the highway. Sometimes I may feel a little something when passing an 18 wheeler or something, but other than that though, no problems. I'm lowered with stock tires.

[sherryberry]

I've had no problems on the highway.. actually my boyfriend drove it that one time.. and he was going 90! and it was smooth as ever. I don't remember having much problems with having a truck pass it but it's probably because all cars gets a bit tossed around if a truck passes by at high speeds.

Plus I live in the windy city! haha. I've seen users complainin that it's a death trap and how they've had horror stories driving on highway or whatnot but those are probably just the people who do not know how to drive properly

[ALY]

Originally Posted by grampi

My plan is to see if I can get the use of a LB for an entire day to really get a feel for the car. If I can find a dealer that's willing to let me take one for a day, or if I can find a car rental place that rents the LB, I'm sure then I'll be able to find out if I want one of not.

Your dealer should have a "demonstrator" that they can lend out if you put a deposit on a new one with a subject clause stating that it is subject to your test drive.

I have driven (all the competition) prior to working for TOYOTA and I know I made the right choice in getting the Yaris.

Versa - Made in Mexico ('nuff said)

Fit - narrow front wide rear - lights colour coded to car (ugly) and did not drive as nice as the Yaris. Maintenance is higher on Honda vs TOYOTA

Hyundai - to big for what I wanted and Yaris beats in both quality and reliability

Smart - too small, great mileage, just did not feel safe

Suzuki - well... it's a Suzuki (could not bring myself to drive it)

I did not take the decision lightly... But it definitely is the best car in its class in my opinion.

Good luck, grampi.

[Pavel Olavich]

Actually, the CR review of the LB Yaris was good...how can anyone complain about CR's review? It was not 100% highest score across all categories, but it was very, very good.

CR uses very scientific methods when reviewing cars. They are 100% trustworthy.....but talk to someone that owns a BS car which received a poor score, and they will say CR is bias, or their methods are not scientific, and other BS......sore losers, to be sure.

Grampi, the Yaris scored very well. True the Yaris paint is mediocre at best, but then so is the paint on perhaps 90% of all Japanese models. Domestic cars still have the better paint then the Japanese...my fords had much much better paint then any of my Hondas and Toyotas.

[tk-421]

Originally Posted by ALY

Versa - Made in Mexico ('nuff said)

I don't believe the Versa's problem is that it's made in Mexico. Ask the millions of satisfied VW costumers if they think their car is crap because of where it was made.
A car's quality goes well beyond where the manufacturing plants reside. Mid-priced Nissan's have a history of shoddy quality components, and it usually shows.

There are a few reasons why Mexico is quickly becoming one of the premier vehicle manufacturing countries in the world. So do your homework and stop spreading FUD just for the hell of it. Please use your brain before you post next time.

[kimona]

Originally Posted by tk-421

I don't believe the Versa's problem is that it's made in Mexico. Ask the millions of satisfied VW costumers if they think their car is crap because of where it was made.
A car's quality goes well beyond where the manufacturing plants reside. Mid-priced Nissan's have a history of shoddy quality components, and it usually shows.

There are a few reasons why Mexico is quickly becoming one of the premier vehicle manufacturing countries in the world. So do your homework and stop spreading FUD just for the hell of it. Please use your brain before you post next time.

However, it's no secret that VW's are plagued with quality problems, which probably have little to do with place of manufacture.

[tk-421]

Originally Posted by kimona54

However, it's no secret that VW's are plagued with quality problems, which probably have little to do with place of manufacture.

My point exactly.

[Violin]

I've got over 30,000 miles on mine in a little over a year - probably 60% highway miles - and I've got absolutely no complaints about the car.

[churp]

I have over 12,000 miles in the last 5 months....the wind bothered me at first then I put the lowering spring on, now the combination of that and the driving time I rarely notice a problem (with a 30-40 mile sidewind I slow down to 70 on the interstate).

The clearcoat seems soft and easily scratched, which I think is more due to the type of paint which is used on almost all cars today.

Bottom line....if anything happened to my Yaris, I'd have another LB/pwr pkg/auto (hint to Toyota: the 5 door would be nice!!!) as soon as I could get the papers signed. I highly recomend to everyone, including my kids, this is the best bang for the buck.

[Nigal]

This is simply the result of buying an economy car. There are going to be compromises when buying a $12K car and body integrity is usually the first thing. After 35,000 miles my car has a nice collection of chips and dings. But that wonderful little engine will live forever!

[grampi]

I'm going to check with some paint shops to see if they can spray on either more coats of a more durable clearcoat, or some other type of sealant/protectant. Even if it costs a few hundred bucks, it would be worth it to protect the factory paint.

[clayky]

I've got 11k on mine and no chips yet. This paint is much better than my last car, a Nissan.