Toyota Yaris

kneisl1

I was at the Toyota dealer this morning buying an air filter for my ECHO. They had a new Yaris Sedan in the lot and I had a good look at it. Having previously seen a Yaris hatch about a month ago there, the two cars do not appear to be the same vehicle. The wheelbase of the sedan, if I am not mistaken, is longer than the hatch. Indeed, the Sedan looks HUGE! Toyota is well on the way to doing to the ECHO what Honda did to the Civic, ie making a Camry out of it. I would expect the Yaris will get the Corollas engine the next time it is redesigned. Now I can understand why people are so often comparing the Corolla to the Yaris. Clearly Toyota is heading in the wrong direction here. They seem to have American Disease ie keep making the car bigger and bigger instead of smaller and smaller. Having put my ECHO up against the Yaris sedan, I would say the Yaris is 25-35% bigger. They are ruining it!
Incidently there was a sticker on the Yaris saying: NOT FOR SALE FLEET USE.

backy

Having previously seen a Yaris hatch about a month ago there, the two cars do not appear to be the same vehicle.

That's right. Different design teams did the sedan and liftback.

Don't blame Toyota for making the Yaris sedan bigger, blame the overall market. In general it seems Americans want roomier, safer, more comfortable cars. So that's what Toyota is doing. The ECHO wasn't a stellar seller for Toyota.

kneisl1

I agree Toyota is probably following what it thinks the public wants. Actually, the public doesnt even want Yaris's. What it NEEDS is smaller, not larger, cars. I understand Toyota sells a 1.0 liter version of the Yaris or whatever they call it overseas. (or at least in some markets) I would like to see Toyota sell a car smaller and lighter than the ECHO here with that engine. But in reality it is playing along with the failed Bush strategy of letting the market decide what to buy. You cant argue with that economically, but we are going to pay in spades down the road for that policy (if we arent already)
Incidently, the ECHO was a hit in Canada and also everywhere else cars are sold. Its only Americans who rejected it.

qwalls

No financial trouble. :-) My main car is a 2005 Acura TL, and the Legend is starting to need a lot of work. I figure I don't need two lux cars, and whatever I buy will go to my son in 6 years when he's ready to start driving. Then I'll buy something fun and use the TL as my 2nd car.

fearturtle44

Yeah, Toyota is following what the public wants. Isn't that their mission?

As far as the Yaris, I think Toyota did the correct thing. Put out the liftback for those wanting a smaller vehicle and not having to put 3-4 people in them a lot. Then make the sedan with enough room to comfortably put 3-4 people in. I had a 2001 Corolla which was a great 4 door car but there was NO room for the back seated people. The Yaris give me that needed room.

I do think it is wild that the liftback and sedan basically get the same MPG though the sedan is a much larger vehicle!!

abcabc1

I'm thinking of buying a Yaris, but it seems like the ride quality isn't that great, even when you consider the size of the car. I drive a 97 Tercel now so I know something about small car ride quality. So far I have seen very few negative comments about Yaris ride quality, so is it just my imagination? What is your impression of Yaris ride quality?

kato1

no. its not just your imagination. here is an article that was in the wall street journal this past friday.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06132/689645-185.stm

it briefly discusses most of the new players in the subcompact market. their assessment of the yaris ride quality was the same as mine. they seem to like the kia rio5, and i think its clear kia/hyundai have cone a long way. however, in doing so their prices are no longer bargain basement.

incidentally, chevy, what are you thinking? 26/35 mpg for aveo. this is the fuel miser of your lineup?

iluvmysephia1

is that big at all. I have extensively looked at the car and I'm still kind of interested in it. It looks similar in size to the Corolla and the 1999 Kia Sephia that got me started in buying foreign cars is similar to the Corolla in size and is a sedan. So I like this size of rig and the Yaris sedan is designed very smartly.

I agree, how does the Yaris sedan pull similar gas mileage numbers to the Yaris liftback? Shouldn't the liftback get 45 mpg and the sedan 35? Will real-world mileage be more like that? Good topic to make into a new thread here on Edmunds, eh?

No, I don't think the Yaris sedan is big at all. At the same time I have read many reviews of the new Toyota sedan and apparently there is fairly decent space in the rear seats for two people to ride comfortably, at least. Three people is no doubt gonna be kinda painful on a long vacation ride, but two should be fine for a long cruise, from the look I got of it and the reviews I've read.

I am actually looking at a small sedan from Toyota for once. Everything I've seen before this has been cheesy looking and I feel that Kia out body-designs Toyota in this class. The Sephia blew away the Corolla in body design, IMHO. No contest.

Yes, I would definitely drive the Kia Rio5 and probably the Kia Spectra5 before ever getting serious about getting a Toyota Yaris sedan. I'm very interested in what Toyota dishes up for their 2007 Scion xA, too.

Will it be the 5-door Yaris/Vitz liftback for sale in so many markets besides America's? Or will they bring the tall Ractis sedan and call it the 2007 Scion xA? We do seem pretty sure Scion is bringing a new design in for 2007 for the xA, eh? Meanwhile the 2001 Kia Sportage 4x4 is at 112,125 miles and running like a vigorous Seahawk middle linebacker. I didn't know this but apparently the Sportage design is used by the Korean military for their rough territory application. I knew this little tiger was gonna be fun when I scooted up a Washington state(North Cascades Highway area)logging road in 2WD(rear wheel drive)popping between wheel ruts and not even needing 4WD at all.

The Sportage's automatic-hub application 4WD system has helped me get through an icy, slippery winter here in Pocatello, ID. We're now enjoying 80 degree sunshine in the spring...I wonder what our summer temp.'s are gonna be here?

stevengordon

Why would decelerating slowly improve gas mileage? Does it prevent the auto tranny from downshifting too soon? Or does it give the driver time for the red light ahead to turn to green? Or both?

kneisl1

It wont improve mileage. The idea about driving more conservatively, without jackrabbit starts and stops, is to make the car last longer with fewer reapirs. (also improving your safety)

kato1

if you decelerate slowly, you are starting the process of stopping farther from, say, a red light or stop sign. so, your foot comes off the gas sooner. people that decelerate quickly must be on the gas longer, maybe not taking their foot off the gas until 300 feet from a stop sign, whereas one could take their foot off the gas 600 feet from the stop sign. so, wouldn't that save gas?

kneisl1

Possibly. Hard to say. For sure you are wearing out your brakes faster. One of these days you may also wish you had more time to stop.

ronald711

I had a deposit on order here in KY for a base sedan in flint mica(auto), with power package (I want ABS, power windows and locks, cruise) and the black faced stereo with MP3 jack. after 5 weeks on allocation the dealer gave my money back and said its probably not going to happen in the KY region. So I'm wondering if anyone else knows if in their region your finding base sedans with power package? pricing should be about $15,100 or greater. I'm told Chicago region might have these the way I want, but the dealers dont seem to want to check or tell me who has them, and they want a deposit before they will even look... Can anyone help?

camai

Last night 5 of us went out in the Yaris liftback. Total distance was 20 miles roundtrip. Back seat had plenty of room (headroom is exceptionally nice). Driver is 6'1" (175 lbs). Back seat passengers were 6'1" (200 lbs), 5'8" (130 lbs), and 5'7" (125 lbs). I rode shotgun and I'm 6'3" 350 lbs. I was very comfortable (in fact I've driven the car often in the last week and love it).

Only complaint is that front seats have to be reset after anyone gets in/out of the back seat.

Before anyone points it out - yes we did exceed the 845lb load capacity.

fearturtle44

Bad luck. For me, I rather lucked out. Last Monday I decided on a Flint Mica auto/S model and my dealer did an exchange with a dealer in WVA. So the car was here last WED. However, my tC which I am trading in has been in the shop and I should get back today.

I would go to another dealer and see what cars (like you want) are allocated/out there in your region. Then your dealer should call that dealer and see if an exchange can take place.

Good luck.

Kevin

smallisgood

Feeling your pain here in Chicago regarding the Yaris. Regrettably, I've soured on several dealers in the Chicago area because, as you pointed out, they don't seem overly interested in doing ANYTHING as it relates to this model (just try getting a Yaris liftback; it's like pulling teeth). I've had to do considerable legwork myself and then you have to race quickly to the dealership to see one up close and personal if it's what you want before someone comes along and purchases it. But for the sedan, your options appear better. I've seen many of them with the power package on dealers lots. Carmax in Kenosha, WI sells new Toyotas and recently had six or seven sedans, several with the power package you wanted, listing at $15,028. Look 'em up online and check their inventory daily, as they are currently down to one as of this writing. Another dealership in my immediate area would be Schaumburg Toyota (847-882-1800). They've had a good selection of base model sedans and several w/ the package you're seeking. Hope this helps and best of luck!

lhanson

You didn't have any problems from the excessive weight then? I have often wondered how much extra weight can be safely carried without damaging the vehicle. I imagine the manufacturer allows quite a bit of leeway with his stated capacity.

kdhspyder

We have them frequently a little east of you in CAT. I delivered two last week. $15365 +TTF

camai

No problems at all. Handled wonderfully.

wvgasguy

This is even more critical of a habit with the TCH and Prius as the engine shuts off and that's where the large gains are made in MPG's with the hybrids.

kneisl1

The gain in mpg in hybrids probably comes mostly from the de tuned ECHO engine they have. The Prius and ECHO share the same engine, only in the Prius it is 75 hp and in the ECHO 106. The "recovery" system of regeneritive braking leading to a storage battery probably contributes 5% or less to its economy (I wonder has anyone tested a Prius mpg without the battery hooked up?) Recently German engineers were told that they WILL develope a hybrid car for VW, BMW, Diamler Chtrsler etc. because they are selling so well in the US. They protested mightyly because they know the hybrid system is a fraud engineeringwise. It is no more efficient than a diesel engine. They expressed astonishment how anyone could come to believe in anything so stupid and initially refused to be part of such duplicity.

mackabee

turtle44 you traded an 05 tC for a Yaris? Did you bump your head? The Yaris is not even in the same class! So what if most people don't know what a Scion is. Wouldn't you prefer the anonymity better?
Mackabee
:shades:

fearturtle44

I did like the tC. However it had been in two minor wrecks (none my fault btw). Plus I have always had small four door cars (ie. Datsun B210, Escort, Corolla). So when I saw the sporty look of the Yaris S, I had to go for it. Plus the 39MPG helped.

Also on the tC, I was battling a couple of rattles which over time can drive anybody crazy. I figure the time to sale, if you are going to sale, is within the first couple of years so you can at least get an adequate trade-in price.

With the Yaris S (still have not seen one Yaris on the road), I feel I still have the anonymity.

Kevin

mackabee

I understand. I was not trying to put you choice down. I was just curious. My oldest son (27) has a tC and he wouldn't trade it for the world LOL! I've driven it a couple of times to work and get these crazy looks from the young ones. I've been trying to convince my wife I really need a tC. I've driven Camrys mostly but like the sporty looks and economy (price) of the tC. The Yaris is a fine automobile also and you will enjoy many trouble free miles out of it. Congrats!
:shades:
Mackabee

p.s. I hope you got a good trade in on it. Here in my area tC's are being sold used for the same or more as a new one. Go figure.

fearturtle44

Yeah, the tC was/is a very good car. I bought one of the first and had it almost two years. Still, people did/do not know what a Scion is. Most pronounce it as SKYON. My only complaints (minor though) were some of the rattles and the stereo had a volume up/down and not a knob (fixed with the 06 model). Still think it is the best 2 door coupe for the money. Almost got a Mazda 3 but hard to not buy a Toyota made vehicle.

Kevin

brucepadgett

I've tested the Yaris sedan several times, and I got a rather rude surprise today. The first couple times I drove the car I was very impressed, and in my opinion it was an overall more pleasing experience than what my '06 Corolla offered. I had asked the dealer to let me know when a white one was available, and so they did. I had been prepared to trade in the Corolla after a routine test drive, but boy was I surprised at how rough the ride was this time. I have to wonder how these things leave the factory with such differences from unit to unit.

I've had dealers and Toyota reps admit to me that no two cars are identical, and believe me, that's no BS. So for anybody out there so hot to get a Yaris that they're laying out money in advance, think twice. Or at least make sure you can get your money back if you're less than pleased once your special order comes through. Dang I was disappointed.

Quality control?

backy

It's possible the tires on this Yaris were overinflated. They come that way for shipment, and it is common that some dealers forget to lower the tire pressure after the car comes off the truck--even when the car is sold! I drove a new Rio once that had literally just come off the truck--the white plastic wrap was still on it, and there was plastic wrap all over the interior. I thought it rode harshly, and before I could ask the sales rep about it he apologized for the tires being overinflated. You might want to go back and check the tire pressure on that car, make sure it is set properly, and take it for another spin.

fearturtle44

Good point. When I got my tC, the tires were at shipping pressure of FORTY-FIVE pounds. Couldn't believe it as it should have only been 32/29.

Kevin

aznmask

I'm the first time buyer and i wonder what is the price for the Yaris Sedan or sedan S. Does the Yaris Sedan S come with the powerpack? or you have to purchase the powerpack..

reddroverr

The link should have answers for you:

http://www.toyota.com/yaris/

fearturtle44

Just go to toyota.com and "build your own" Yaris. You will see pricing (which is pretty much what you will pay at the dealer) and options/pricing.

Kevin

iluvmysephia1

sedan. BTW, fearturtle44, I'll betcha dollars to glazed Winchell's donuts that that was the problem with the Yaris you drove...it had the overinflated amount of air in it's tires. Go retry it with decontented air and you might be surprised at how much better it does for you.

Although I have not yet pulled the trigger on a new Rio or Yaris I feel that pricing for the '06 Kia Rio's and the '07 Toyota Yaris are not unreasonable as some people are thinking. Here's a few reasons why I feel that way about the 2007 Toyota Yaris.

1) Gas mileage is very, very good at 34 city, 40 mpg highway. You're not getting a hybrid here, but you are getting great gas mileage.

2) Nice looks in the sedan and the liftback. Some prefer the "funkiness" of the liftback but IMO the sedan is nicely designed and it gives that "unique" look that I like that Kia's body styling department provides in Kia models. I know, looks are subjective, but I feel that Toyota's separate design teams for the Yaris liftback and sedan focused well on their prospective goals and delivered the goods for us and for Toyota Motors.

3) Great Toyota resale. The comment from mackabee about used Scion tC's reselling for the same price as new or for more is incredible to me.

Why would the Yaris be any different with resale?

mackabee

Sephia, check this link out:
http://www.kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/kw.kc.ucp?kbb&23454&;539486&;;ucr;cpe&2;SI;TC
I'm not making this up. We have actually had buyers pay more for a used one rather than wait for a new one. I would rather tell them to wait and save money than to sell one at that price.
Mackabee
ps. I just tried the link and it won't let you in/ Just input used car value, retail, 2005 Scion tC with 20000 miles and don't select any options. It comes out to $19,220.00 retail price. I don't think the same will happen with the Yaris as it is more of an economy car than a specialty car.

hwyhobo

Does anyone know if Toyota is planning to bring diesel engine in a Yaris liftback to the US next year when the low-sulfur diesel fuel becomes available?

kneisl1

Almost certainly not. No one would buy a Prius once they had a diesel.

hwyhobo

I see we think alike.

aznmask

how much you guys paid for your "Yaris Sedan S" with this option

Option Combination #B $2,085 (Price from Toyota.com)

I got tons question i need to ask..

Does this car able to go uphill? when snowing 1feet? How is this car's performance on snowing?

jaxs1

I saw a new Yaris hatch that looked really nice the other day.
They really need to make a few more options available on the Yaris 3-door.
Needs ABS, curtain airbags, cruise control and at least power door-locks (to enable keyless entry) if not a complete power package with power windows, locks and mirrors.

They can always also sell a stripped price-leader model with no options for people who want that.
You can't load anything bulky in the trunk of the 4-door even if the seat folds down, so it isn't an option for everyone.
I wonder if they will increase options next year or if there will be a new Scion xA with these options that loses the goofy styling after that car gets redesigned.
Another annoyance is why they don't put at least 5-speed automatics in cars with little engines to give them better performance a few more mpg and a quiet highway ride.
The small engines need every gear they can get, yet people are tooling around in 3.5 liter Camry V6s with 6-speed automatics.
5-speed manual trannys are not a good alternative for people who drive in heavy city traffic and on top of that, the auto manufacturers often make the overdrive gear shorter on the sticks vs automatic which turns them into even noisier high-RPM buzz bombs at freeway speeds.
Civic seems to be the smallest car with an available 5-speed automatic and it gets 30/40 MPG because of it. That is around the same or better than an automatic Yaris and other cars also a size class below the Civic with their outdated 4-speed automatics.
Unfortunately, there is no Civic wagon or hatch available.

iluvmysephia1

what I meant is that I think that the Toyota Yaris sedan and liftback will hold their value and that you could sell one a year old with, oh, 9,750 miles on it for real close to the original selling price. Not more than the selling price after a year of ownership. That would really freak me out with Toyota resale values...if someone's one year old Yaris sedan could sell for more than the original purchase price by $1,500 or so. Absolutely it would be incredible.

It'll be fun to watch how this whole thing evolves with the Yaris liftback and sedan. I've yet to hear of any issues with either of them yet. Too soon I spose.

reddroverr

I don't own one so I can't help you. It just came out in april so the whole driving in snow thing is probably not answerable, expect by guess. You can look at the Echo forums since it is basically the same platform.

there is also a thread for prices paid or buying experience and several other threads that might interest you to address you other questions.

mokave

Sounds like you have the car I'm interested in! Could you please tell me what the measurements are for the rear door (hatch) opening? I can't find the specs anywhere and no Liftbacks are available yet at my local dealers.

I need an opening tall, wide, and deep enough to fit a small holding pen for the bobcat hybrids that I breed.

Thanks!

Nora
Mokave Cats

fearturtle44

Bobcat hybrids. That is wild.

go to toyota.com and build your own. Once here you can talk "live" to a Yaris rep. They should be able to answer your question if somebody on this forum doesn't.

Kevin

reddroverr

Cool looking cats. I was only aware of the pixy bobs.

mokave

I did talk to a "Yaris specialist" who said they didn't have that info...!!! That's why I was hoping someone here who has one might be willing to tell me how big the hatchopening is.

I ship my beautiful cats all over the country and need a new car to transport them to the airport.

Nora
Mokave Cats

iluvmysephia1

topic, but, mokave, will one of these hybrid cats be tame and calm with a 15 y/o Norwegian Forest Cat? I have often wondered about having a cougar/bobcat larger than normal cat around, but our 15 y/o is spoiled big-time! Dad's not even kicking her off the pool table he loves her so much!

I would think a Toyota Sales Rep.would be available online somewhere to answer that question. But it depends on how big your bobcat hybrid cage is, I spose. Post what you find out here when you do, OK?

One thing is for sure, these new Toyota Yaris liftbacks and sedans are good deals and will be good cars. Rest assured about that.

kdhspyder

Recently German engineers were told that they WILL develope a hybrid car for VW, BMW, Diamler Chtrsler etc. because they are selling so well in the US. They protested mightyly because they know the hybrid system is a fraud engineeringwise. It is no more efficient than a diesel engine. They expressed astonishment how anyone could come to believe in anything so stupid and initially refused to be part of such duplicity.

Hardly correct or balanced. The HSD does what it's supposed to do in the market to which it's directed, the US. It's 30-40% more efficient than a traditional gasser, which is the same as diesel technology - except that diesel technology is not avaialble in the entire US market where as hybrid technology is. It does what it's supposed to do.

Now in 3-5 yrs when ULSD is available throughout the US and diesels can be sold everywhere here, the predominant engine might/should be the diesel which is also 30-40% more efficient than a traditional gasser. What will be interesting is if hybrid technology can be 'migrated' over to diesel technology to add another 30-40% efficiency to the diesels.

With a 10-15 yr headstart on the market in hybrids and being already a major diesel manufacturer I'd say that this is a pretty good bet on Toyota.

mokave

If I can get the Yaris measurements, I will post them for everyone.

My cats are bred for temperament first so they get along with anything.

Nora
Mokave Cats

kneisl1

Youre saying a diesel engine and a hybrid engine are 40% more efficient than a conventional gas engine. From where are you getting these figures?

kdhspyder

While not owning a diesel for all the reasons noted above from the posts of owners here the diesel use about 30-40% less fuel than a traditional gasser.

This is the same efficiency that the HSD system has over a traditional gasser. On this part I am certain.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/

Jetta AT 1.8T uses about $1890 annually
Jetta TDI AT 1.9T uses about $1218 annually

Corolla 1.8L AT uses about $1341 annually
Camry 2.4L AT uses about $1580 annually
Prius 1.5L HSD uses about $805 annually

fearturtle44

The "Yaris specialist" should have taken your e-mail address and find the info and then written you back. I bet Toyota would like to hear how you were NOT helped.

Personally, I did find the "specialists" very mediocre at answering my questions. And I did complete the survey after the discussion to give them POOR ratings.

Kevin