Persuade me to buy a Yaris!

[swidd]

Uhm if you're sure you're okay with the small-car lifestyle aspect, i.e. you can't haul firewood and large furniture, only small grocery purchases at a time; no large family or soccer practice hauls, and you will get no respect from Republicans (unless you fit up to ~40" of gun in the Yaris trunk), then check out the competition and see if spending more on Ford Focus/Fiesta, Mazda 2/3, Audi A3, or Mini Cooper would be worth it do you. There you'll have leather and wood and almost-as-good MPG. The Yaris is only the leader when considering what you get for your money; best fuel economy in economy class, lowest maintenance cost for the lowest initial purchase price.

For the plastic, search the microimage forums for great ideas with carbon fiber wrap, paint, dye, suede cover etc. Looks like <$300 in other parts will go a very long way modding the handling, brakes, gear throw etc. I've tried to buy parts for sale off this website to save cash.