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01-05-2009, 12:38 PM | #1 |
Kickin' Yaris
Drives: 07 Yaris liftback Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: west harrison, ny
Posts: 523
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Yahoo Autos! article
Yahoo Autos! named the Yaris the "least expensive vehicle to own" this morning. They still couldn't resist taking a swipe:
Toyota Yaris Average Five-Year CTO: $27,626 MSRP: $12,205 - $15,880 EPA Fuel Economy: 29/36 mpg city/highway (base trim) Backed by Toyota's solid reputation for building reliable vehicles, the Yaris nets the lowest average five-year cost to own. Its outstanding fuel economy contributes to its affordability. What's more, its sleek exterior and roomy cabin enhance its appeal. However, its sluggish performance is a turnoff, and drivers concerned about safety should spring for optional side curtain airbags and an anti-lock braking system -- which will surely inflate the Yaris' price. |
01-05-2009, 12:41 PM | #2 |
Kickin' Yaris
Drives: 07 Yaris liftback Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: west harrison, ny
Posts: 523
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The rest of the article:
Honda Fit Average Five-Year CTO: $28,473 MSRP: $14,550 - $18,760 EPA Fuel Economy: 27/33 mpg Like the Yaris, the Fit is backed by its automaker's outstanding reputation for build quality. Add to that its peppy performance, long list of cabin features, and versatile seating and cargo options, and it's easy to understand why the Fit is a reviewer favorite. The Fit's value is further enhanced by its great fuel economy. And although reviewers complain that the base trim doesn't come equipped with stability control, most agree that it's still a great buy. Hyundai Accent Average Five-Year CTO: $28,749 MSRP: $11,070 - $15,870 EPA Fuel Economy: 27/33 mpg If you value predictability over excitement, consider the Hyundai Accent. In addition to leading its class in standard safety equipment, it features an assuring five-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and ten-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. And the fact that it's great on gas doesn't hurt either. Critics, however, complain that its engine is underpowered and its exterior looks bland. Also, its back seat is cramped. Still, at this price-point, you get a lot for the money. To keep it under $10K, consider the Nissan Versa. Nissan Versa Average Five-Year CTO: $28,890 MSRP: $9,990 - $15,990 EPA Fuel Economy: 26/31 mpg In terms of practicality, the Nissan Versa is a real winner. Not only does it seat five adults in relative comfort, but it also has enough cargo room to haul their luggage. Six standard airbags add even more value to the mix. Still, test drivers note that it's a less-than-stellar performer. Also, the Versa doesn't feature standard anti-lock brakes or many standard interior convenience features that competitors offer -- and upgrading will cost you more. But, for around $10K, it's hard to find another new car that compares. Scion xD Average Five-Year CTO: $29,653 MSRP: $14,650 - $15,450 EPA Fuel Economy: 27/33 mpg The Scion xD boasts a slick, head-turning exterior design and a 128-horsepower four-cylinder engine that gives it plenty of hustle. Plus, reviewers are impressed with its impressive array of interior features -- including an optional navigation system. However, critics warn that the xD looks more cargo-friendly than it really is and that optional features can quickly inflate its price. Still, it might just be worth it. Because Scion is a brand of Toyota, it carries equally good weight in the reliability category. Affordable cars that just might be too rich for your blood... Mazda MAZDA3 Average Five-Year CTO: $34,839 MSRP: $14,690 - $21,845 EPA Fuel Economy: 24/32 mpg Seeing as the MAZDA3 is so common, some might find it strange that it has a high CTO. But this small sedan is favored for its eye-catching exterior design and peppy "zoom zoom" -- not for its all-around value. Buyers should be aware that it's not the most practical car on the road. Reviewers complain that its dashboard is marred by complicated controls, the interior lacks adequate rear-seat leg room, and the car doesn't perform so hot in insurance industry crash tests. If, however, you're dead-set on buying a MAZDA3, consider waiting until 2010 -- when it's scheduled for a redesign. Suzuki Reno Average Five-Year CTO: $35,380 MSRP: $13,839 - $15,439 EPA Fuel Economy: 20/28 mpg While the Reno makes a sufficient bare-essentials car, it certainly shouldn't be on your top ten list -- especially when vehicles like the Fit and Yaris are similarly priced. The Reno is sluggish, rides harshly, and doesn't come equipped with many safety features. Plus, it can't match competitors in terms of fuel economy. And though it's a good looking car with plenty of space and comfort inside, its high CTO makes it hard to swallow. However, if that's fine by you, now's a great time to buy one cheap -- as the Reno is set to be discontinued after the 2008 model year. Scion tC Average Five-Year CTO: $35,430 MSRP: $17,000 - $17,800 EPA Fuel Economy: 20/27 mpg Like the MAZDA3, the tC is favored by those looking for a vehicle that doesn't sacrifice edge for economics. Unfortunately, its high CTO and subpar fuel economy don't make economic sense. Plus, its performance isn't as edgy as its sporty exterior suggests. It is, however, highly customizable -- which seems to resonate with young drivers. And, because Scion is a brand of Toyota, it's expected be just as reliable. Subaru Impreza Average Five-Year CTO: $36,259 MSRP: $17,495 - $26,995 EPA Fuel Economy: 20/27 mpg While the Impreza is one of the more expensive vehicles in the class of affordable small cars, it's also a responsible buy. Thanks to its standard all-wheel-drive system, it handles exceptionally well and is even an IIHS "Top Safety Pick" for its performance in front, side, and rear impact crash tests. Even so, its bland, lost-in-the-crowd exterior design and subpar fuel economy do little to attract buyers. It is, however, an impressive car for this class -- so long as you can afford its high CTO. Suzuki Forenza Average Five-Year CTO: $36,344 MSRP: $14,489 - $16,089 EPA Fuel Economy: 20/28 mpg Like its sibling, the Reno, it's difficult to recommend the Suzuki Forenza to anyone other than your greatest enemies. Sure, it looks good, features plenty of interior space, and even comes with a seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. But, it's also painfully underpowered and the federal government has classified its rear seat as a "safety concern" for its poor performance in side crash tests. Combined with subpar fuel economy, it's not surprising that Suzuki plans on cancelling the Forenza after 2008. |
01-05-2009, 04:11 PM | #3 |
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That alsways makes me laugh, since the Yaris has less weight, more power and better suspension than the MGB. None of these testers actually drive the car, they just look at the HP and say "sluggish". Their loss.
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01-05-2009, 04:22 PM | #4 |
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Yes, that must be what it is. There's no way they could be driving the car and still say that, unless they are unfairly comparing it to a car in a completely different class. The trend, though, still seems to be that they call the Fit "peppy" and the Yaris "sluggish", even though their numbers and their actual performance are very similar.
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01-05-2009, 10:46 PM | #5 |
DWEED
Drives: 3DR 2008 Metorite Metalic Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Arizona
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Does anyone have the 0-60 or the 1/4mile times for these cars.
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01-05-2009, 10:50 PM | #6 |
Drives: '14 GT86, '08 Vitz Join Date: Dec 2006
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01-06-2009, 02:07 AM | #7 | |
Drives: 2005 Scion xB Join Date: Nov 2006
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Quote:
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01-06-2009, 05:38 AM | #8 |
Drives: 2008 Sedan A/T Silver Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 202
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What exactly does it mean when reviewers talk about car personality? Are they talking about exterior looks, or engine performance? Does my Yaris have more personality than other cars? ?? ?? ??
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01-06-2009, 08:27 AM | #9 |
Banned
Drives: 2008 Yaris Join Date: Oct 2008
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