CD Article: 2009 Toyota Yaris CE hatchback

[CD_Editor]

         
Test Drive:


Two-door, five-speed manual: Toyota's least expensive car may not have all the standard features economy car buyers typically want, but it does give Canadians the option of buying a brand new Toyota for under $15,000, says Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson.
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[rrocket]

This is the exact car that's likely to replace my Echo when that time comes.  I know the powertrain is bullet-proof and delivers outstanding economy.  I regularly hit high 4's for fuel economy.  Great little cars these are.

[The Mighty Duck]

If you were to load up a Yaris LE 4-door hatchback (base price $14,770) with the same standard features as a Honda Fit DX ($14,980), you’d need to include Toyota’s optional Enhanced Convenience Package ($2,360) for a total Yaris price-tag of $17,130. That’s not quite an apples to apples comparison because the Yaris’ Enhanced Convenience Package also includes air conditioning, power locks with keyless entry, cruise control, and rear speakers.

Or, roughly the same standard equipment as a Fit LX, which has an MSRP of $17 380.  But the Fit comes with alloys instead of steel wheels, auxiliary input, more power, magic seats, and nearly as good fuel economy.  Obviously, I think when similarly equipped, the Fit is better value.  You can get a Yaris cheaper than a Fit - if you give up side curtain airbags.  Personally, in a small car, I'd rather they're there.

The $13 000 Yaris is a more compelling vehicle, but here, I really don't understand the point of it.  If I wanted a bare-bones two-door hatch, I would buy an Accent for $9999.  But the reality is, I couldn't live with a totally stripped vehicle like this as a primary vehicle.  I much prefer Honda's policy, wherein their base model is actually a usable vehicle, to Toyota's "strip everything out to advertise a low price" policy.  Whereas a Fit may seem more expensive on paper, the base Fit is a proper car.  This Yaris, well...

[[ EMT ]]

After reading this article, this little car reminds me of my "barebones" 1981 Tercel  2-door sedan.  I drove that thing for 15 problem free years. (other than scheduled maintenance and normal wear and tear) It served me well. I don't think I've ever replaced the battery.  For a young guy with very little funds it was enough to get me to work and school.  I hope with toyota's continues improvement philosophy these cars are built 'better and the same' as my old tercel.   

[articsteve]

To be a self sustaining brand the first order of business is to get ppl into the store.  Consequently you need cars like a stripper Yaris.  They do an excellent job of bringing first time buyers to Toyota.  There is an over supply and good discounts can be had so in real terms it's a good deal cheaper than a FIT.  However, if I was forced to drive either car in manual I'd go for the FIT.

[johngenx]

I really like the Yaris, but I do have a problem with how fast the price rises once you add some equipment.  We found the Yaris sedan pricing way too close to the Corolla, and we just went for the Corolla.  The Yaris 5-door hatch can get over $20K far too easily.

When Toyota priced the base Yaris, there were no $11,500 Hyundai products, and the Yaris looked like a great buy in base form.  Lots of young people live with roll up windows and no AC.

One thing about the lower end of Toyota's line is the lack of service costs.  We're so used to Mercedes, Subaru, BMW and yes, Honda, that I'm just shocked at how inexpensive "by the book" service is on the Corolla.  The dealer tries to scam you with their own versions of the routine services by trying to sell you "inspections" but it's not in the Toyota guidelines.  In the 36K we've logged in our 'Rolla, it's BY FAR the least expensive per/km car we've owned.

Try buying a Fit priced less than $19,000.  My Dad's been shopping the Fit, and he's yet to see a DX on a lot, and most are LX AT models, priced at $20K flat plus taxes.

[beepbeep]

The Yaris has always been a cheap car it is the price that doesn't reflect so.

Johngenx GM is selling the vibe base for under $13,000. Check GM offers.

[johngenx]

The Yaris has always been a cheap car it is the price that doesn't reflect so.

Johngenx GM is selling the vibe base for under $13,000. Check GM offers.

GM has $3K cash back on the Vibe, and it's not possible to pay less than $13,000 for one.  A base Vibe is $18,155 less $3,000, or $15,155.  Add in GST, and you're at $15,912.  I don't see the dealer having another $3K to throw into the deal.

[johngenx]

Includes $1,000 Loyalty Bonus available to current GM owners only. Excludes Freight.

No one in my family has a GM now.  Then there is freight.  And GST.  Geez, now you're up close to $16K.  As I said, I doubt a dealer has $3K to put into the deal, so I can't see a way to walk out paying under $13K for a Vibe.

You need to learn to read the fine print, meow.

[beepbeep]

OK...meow...

[rrocket]

Not only that, but the Vibe/Matrix won't be nearly as cheap to operate long-term than the Yaris.  As I said...I regularly hit 4's for fuel economy....and the Matrix/Vibe don't come close.


And GenX is right...the cost for parts are CHEAP.  I've had to buy 2 wheel bearings from the dealer (only repair the car has ever needed) and they were very cheap.

[The Mighty Duck]

Try buying a Fit priced less than $19,000.  My Dad's been shopping the Fit, and he's yet to see a DX on a lot, and most are LX AT models, priced at $20K flat plus taxes.

I don't doubt it - DX-As and LXs are the volume sellers, and the dealers don't like the base model because there's no margin in them.  But I'm sure the Yaris is the same way - how many base Yarises (Yari? ) can you find on a lot?

I do like the Yaris in principle - it's a great, reliable, and reasonably fun to drive small hatch.  I don't like how quickly options add up, though.  But I'm not quite sure why anyone would buy a stripper Yaris for $13 000 over a stripper Accent for $9995.  Even before discount, the Accent is better value: it has rear wiper, 60/40 folding seats, rear spoiler, and four speakers.  At $9995, it's no contest: why would anyone buy the Yaris?

[airbalancer]

Try buying a Fit priced less than $19,000.  My Dad's been shopping the Fit, and he's yet to see a DX on a lot, and most are LX AT models, priced at $20K flat plus taxes.

I don't doubt it - DX-As and LXs are the volume sellers, and the dealers don't like the base model because there's no margin in them.  But I'm sure the Yaris is the same way - how many base Yarises (Yari? ) can you find on a lot?

I do like the Yaris in principle - it's a great, reliable, and reasonably fun to drive small hatch.  I don't like how quickly options add up, though.  But I'm not quite sure why anyone would buy a stripper Yaris for $13 000 over a stripper Accent for $9995.  Even before discount, the Accent is better value: it has rear wiper, 60/40 folding seats, rear spoiler, and four speakers.  At $9995, it's no contest: why would anyone buy the Yaris?

with 0% for 36 months, I believe it was 0% for 72 months a little while ago

[Greg B.]

I do like the Yaris in principle - it's a great, reliable, and reasonably fun to drive small hatch.  I don't like how quickly options add up, though.  But I'm not quite sure why anyone would buy a stripper Yaris for $13 000 over a stripper Accent for $9995.  Even before discount, the Accent is better value: it has rear wiper, 60/40 folding seats, rear spoiler, and four speakers.  At $9995, it's no contest: why would anyone buy the Yaris?

Exactly. At the price point it lives at, this vehicle makes no sense economically. It only appeals to those who are Toyota-addicted.

[PJungnitsch]

At $9995, it's no contest: why would anyone buy the Yaris?

Reliability/Mileage/Resale I imagine.

[johngenx]

People will pay a premium for the Toyota name, and though they're highly rated now, Hyundai does not have the reputation that Honda and Toyota enjoy, so they price their products lower and offer longer warranties.

[rrocket]

The only Accent I'd take over the Yaris is the oh-so-neat Accent SR.

[The Mighty Duck]

Reliability/Mileage/Resale I imagine.

Reliability is nearly a wash.  Hyundai has good ratings, and there's not much on these cars to go wrong.  Mileage...  $3000 buys a lot of gas.  Resale - true, to a point.  The Yaris will be worth more when going to resell it.  But I would venture to guess most people buying a stripper model are doing so because of price constraints in there here and now.  Makes more sense to me to save $3000 up front then to hope you get that back on resale.  Especially if you invest that money in the interim.

I think it has to do with reputation.  People are willing to pay more for a Toyota, for some reason.  :/

I'll take the Accent.  Better value, absolutely cheaper, and better looking. 

[rrocket]

Yea, the Accent is cheaper...but I'm not convinced it will be as trouble free as a Yaris/Echo over 240,000+kms lifetime.  But who knows...

[hoss]

Try buying a Fit priced less than $19,000.  My Dad's been shopping the Fit, and he's yet to see a DX on a lot, and most are LX AT models, priced at $20K flat plus taxes.

Wow I guess I bought my Fit LX MT, at the right time.  I paid 15500 plus fr. and taxes, 18900 out the door.


I agree about the low cost of Toyota service and parts.  My Tundra is my first Toyota and oil changes are $35.00, oil filters are less then $7.00, and to replace the timing belts, (at 150000 km, I was quoted) 450.00.  My son just put a single timing belt on his Mazda and it cost $900.00

Oh my Fit is the first new car that I like better everyday.  I am getting amazing MPG over 50.