Test drove a Yaris today

[angry hampster]

I'm sick of dumping money (for gas and repairs) into my 11 year old grand cherokee. I decided that I'm going to have my parents sell it while I study abroad over the fall and then get a new car when I get back. I want something small, economical, and fun to drive.

...so I test drove a Yaris. I found an '08 blazing pearl blue Yaris hatchback. Unfortunately, all my local dealer had were auto trans models. However, driving the car even with the auto exceeded every expectation that I had.

First impressions:
+ Holy shit this thing is big on the inside --more head and footroom than my ZJ.
+ The seat is surprisingly firm, but really comfortable and supportive where it counts
+ All the controls are within easy reach without even having to move your torso
+ A/C gets to work fast..it was blowing cold air within 45 seconds, and max wasn't even on.

After driving around town and on the highway:
+ 1.5L is a lot of motor for a 2200lb car, even with two people in it. It was quicker getting to 80 than my jeep.
+ It handles worlds better than I expected. I figured it'd be floaty and unresponsive. It was actually really sensitive and nimble, even compared to my sister's '07 Altima.
+ How the hell does 1.5L have this much low end -- with an auto transmission!?

I really want to drive this thing with a 5-speed, and I told that to the salesperson. That car was exactly what I need...but I'll still be shopping around.

 

[DanTMWTMP]

People here will have you reconsider and go for the new Honda Fit. You should test the Fit as well.

 

[andylawcc]

actually, you should conisder the Scion xD too

 

[DivideBYZero]

"Hamster"

 

[SearchMaster]

"DivideByZero"

 

[DivideBYZero]

"Deliberate spelling"

 

[amdhunter]

lol, a friend drove me around in his sisters 2008 Yaris. After riding for around 20 minutes, the car decided that it wouldn't stop anymore. The brake fading in the Yaris is horrendous, although it probably didn't help that we both weigh 250lbs. Next time you test one, warm up the brakes a little bit...it turns to jello really quick.

It also seems to have good pickup to ~65MPH or so, but try to get any further, and the car seems to take forever to get up there.

It's a nice car and all, but the brakes alone, and the piss poor acceleration on the top end would kill it for me. Maybe a manual would be better?

 

[PlasmaBomb]

Originally posted by: amdhunter
lol, a friend drove me around in his sisters 2008 Yaris. After riding for around 20 minutes, the car decided that it wouldn't stop anymore. The brake fading in the Yaris is horrendous, although it probably didn't help that we both weigh 250lbs. Next time you test one, warm up the brakes a little bit...it turns to jello really quick.

It also seems to have good pickup to ~65MPH or so, but try to get any further, and the car seems to take forever to get up there.

It's a nice car and all, but the brakes alone, and the piss poor acceleration on the top end would kill it for me. Maybe a manual would be better?

He has had it up to 80 MPH...

 

[dud]

... but it's so ugly.

 

[SAWYER]

I don't believe that little turd would be faster to 80 than a GC

 

[ViviTheMage]

Originally posted by: amdhunter
lol, a friend drove me around in his sisters 2008 Yaris. After riding for around 20 minutes, the car decided that it wouldn't stop anymore. The brake fading in the Yaris is horrendous, although it probably didn't help that we both weigh 250lbs. Next time you test one, warm up the brakes a little bit...it turns to jello really quick.

It also seems to have good pickup to ~65MPH or so, but try to get any further, and the car seems to take forever to get up there.

It's a nice car and all, but the brakes alone, and the piss poor acceleration on the top end would kill it for me. Maybe a manual would be better?

shens, took my new 08 yaris out for a 300 mile drive at about 75-80 for most of the trip, no issues.

 

[DanTMWTMP]

I'm glad people are shooting for these small utilitarian cars. I hope companies pump more of these out.
I've always heard that it felt too floaty. But really, whatever floats your boat OP.


Anyways..

What's a pirate's favorite car??



...



YAaaarrris.

 

[owlface]

^^ HAHAHA out of all I have read about the car, I have never heard that joke

 

[avash]

I drove a manual Versa all weekend and that thing is reallly zippy! Sat on stock 15" steelies. I was pleasantly surprised.

Merging on to highways is a breeze with the manual, tires will chirp if you need to push it and it's definitely a heck of a lot of fun! Something to consider perhaps?

Either way, it sounds like a manual transmission is not a problem so at least test drive a manual Yaris.

I've driven the Fit, Yaris and Versa.

The Yaris is last on my list. Not a fan of the interior, terrible cupholder placement, can't stand the instrument meter being in the center of the dash. The engine was ok, but not great. It was an auto.

The Fit has a very useful interior (especially the back seat ... the seat cushion can fold up to expose the floor behind the front seats OR you can fold the seat back down to get an almost flat cargo floor). The radio was a bit "bling" but it's a youthful car so it might be ok. The auto annoyed me as it would downshift twice at the slightest attempt at passing or accelerating on the highway. Very noticeable. I thought the Fit handled the best. Never had a chance to drive the manual but have read good things.

The Versa hatchback is the one that wins my vote for both interior and exterior appearance, I am in love with the padded "fake-leather" armrest. I thought the radio volume knob was a bit small but didn't have a problem using it. The seats do not fold flat and that is probably my only gripe with it. I got to drive both the CVT and more recently the manual and absolutely loved the manual.

All these small cars become really fun cars when paired with a manual, however I noticed that I drove a bit more "spirited" with the manual which in turn probably degraded my fuel economy numbers. I'm sure that should I actually own one, I would tone down my driving for the most part but occasionally take advantage of the power delivery when needed.

 

[krunchykrome]

In that segment, I would rather buy a Fit.

 

[exdeath]

Originally posted by: angry hampster

+ How the hell does 1.5L have this much low end -- with an auto transmission!?

Gearing, high stall converter, and aggressive programming?

 

[arcas]

Out of curiousity, what kind of real-life MPG are you guys getting with these?

 

[Baked]

Originally posted by: dud
... but it's so ugly.

It's like the new corolla, but uglier. I've seen it on the road, ugh. The Honda Fit's not bad. Small, 5 doors, good mileage. Besides, Yaris sounds like Your Ass.

 

[MovingTarget]

Have you test-driven the accent yet? It is a bit cheaper than the Yaris and still gets great reviews.

 

[raildogg]

Test drive the Honda Fit also.

 

[alfa147x]

I'm planning on getting a used Fit in 2 - 3 months, the car is Kick ass

 

[f1r3s1d3]

Test drive a Focus Coupe