I think I'm gonna go with the Yaris.

[Tiddlygoose]

Sorry, I can't answer for all of your questions, as I've only had my Yaris for a few months so far. I have a 2 door liftback with 5 mt as you are looking at.

While it is no MINI Cooper S, it is quite a bit of fun still. I consider it quite a bit of fun not having to worry if the car is going to make it somewhere, or home after wards.

I have only changed the Shift knob out, and have run a few tanks of gas through it, so here ya go:

My real word driving has netted me a worst ever MPG of 31.6 and a best of 38.9 with my average of about 36.8 MPG. I really beat on the poor thing to get that 31.6 too. I know that some on here have been getting 40+ by over inflating their tires and the such so more is possible.

I say this. You will not ever get a VW anywhere near as inexpensive as the Yaris, with the reliability that Toyota's have. I also own a 2003 Tacoma with 100,00 miles on it.

[PreciousPups4U]

Bought mine in May 08. It's the auto, could not find a 5 speed anywhere. It is still a blast to drive. I average close to 34 mpg, but mine is pretty much all city. I am sure 40+ on the highway would be relatively easy to achieve.

Put the Tanabe NF210 springs on mine a couple of months ago. It is so much better in both looks and handling. Coilovers are nice, too, but I couldn't justify the extra expense. Mine came with the Toyota alloys so no wheels yet for me.

Loved the yaris so much we also got one for my husband in August 08. His is the the 5 speed and it is really fun to drive, but the mpg is very close to the same.

Don't think anyone has been able to switch the gauge cluster. If the tach is that important to you then go with the S model. They come with a tach.

Have never owned a VW so no input there. Didn't even know a lease was available on the Yaris though. It is a very inexpensive car, why not just buy it?

[jambo101]

Originally Posted by Tiddlygoose

While it is no MINI Cooper S, it is quite a bit of fun still. I consider it quite a bit of fun not having to worry if the car is going to make it somewhere, or home after wards.

.

Are you suggesting Mini Coopers are unreliable?If you know something let me know as i'm in the market for a non S version.

As for the Yaris (sedan),very reliable,excellent trade-in value,40+mpg easily obtained with a light foot,great urban commuter car,only downside i can think of is they're gutless when it comes to power.
VW's have become very undependable when it comes to their electrical components,i'd steer clear.

[Tiddlygoose]

Originally Posted by jambo101

Are you suggesting Mini Coopers are unreliable?If you know something let me know as i'm in the market for a non S version.

PM me and I will tell you all the dirty little secrets. MINI's are made by BMW. BMW does not have the great a reliability thing going on right now. Parts are mucho expensive.

The upshod here is that I traded my 2003 MINI Cooper S with 60K miles and $700 in on a 2008 Yaris with a warranty. Sick of fixing the damned thing.