Having second thoughts about the Yaris

[otterhere]

Hobo... I feel ya, LOL... I also hate to part with even a dime of my hard-earned money... Car-buying is a nightmare! My understanding, going in, was that Toyota didn't "dicker" on price; it was what it was; also that you could "order" a base model.

I think there's a lot of confusion on here as to what a "base model" is; to some, that means convenience package, cold-weather package, MP3, and $150 floor mats, but no power package. To me, it means STRIPPED; I'll add what I want, if i want anything, and that WON'T include the MP3 player, thanks very much.

Overall, my experience with this car (both in buying and now owning) has been quite a disappointement; I watched, waited, and researched for years to buy the cheapest yet MOST RELIABLE (and it has been that; no complaints on performance; more on cost and design) tiny hatchback I could find; formerly loved my Suzuki Swift/Geo Metro hatches.

Now I think I should've just done the repairs and waited a couple more years to see what else they come up with; I may be trading in. Is just holding off an option for you? If gas prices increase again, car makers may finally get serious about offering options.

Otherwise, just scan the ads and deal ONLINE ONLY (do *not* go in person, except to test-drive, and then make it crystal clear that you're there ONLY to test drive the car).
Get it in writing and close the deal, but don't count on getting exactly what you want...

In all my wanderings, I never encountered a true "base model," although I'm fairly happy with the price I finally paid: $13,700 out the door for a new 2008 auto 3-door liftback...

[Tamago]

Originally Posted by otterhere

Hobo... I feel ya, LOL... I also hate to part with even a dime of my hard-earned money... Car-buying is a nightmare! My understanding, going in, was that Toyota didn't "dicker" on price; it was what it was; also that you could "order" a base model.

I think there's a lot of confusion on here as to what a "base model" is; to some, that means convenience package, cold-weather package, MP3, and $150 floor mats, but no power package. To me, it means STRIPPED; I'll add what I want, if i want anything, and that WON'T include the MP3 player, thanks very much.

Overall, my experience with this car (both in buying and now owning) has been quite a disappointement; I watched, waited, and researched for years to buy the cheapest yet MOST RELIABLE (and it has been that; no complaints on performance; more on cost and design) tiny hatchback I could find; formerly loved my Suzuki Swift/Geo Metro hatches.

Now I think I should've just done the repairs and waited a couple more years to see what else they come up with; I may be trading in. Is just holding off an option for you? If gas prices increase again, car makers may finally get serious about offering options.

Otherwise, just scan the ads and deal ONLINE ONLY (do *not* go in person, except to test-drive, and then make it crystal clear that you're there ONLY to test drive the car).
Get it in writing and close the deal, but don't count on getting exactly what you want...

In all my wanderings, I never encountered a true "base model," although I'm fairly happy with the price I finally paid: $13,700 out the door for a new 2008 auto 3-door liftback...

you should have picked up a used Scion xA..

[Havana]

I guess some dealers don't order base models. I don't know how much say they have over that but at least two dealers in my area had base, no options models on the lot when I was buying in Dec. One dealer even had 5 of them. I don't feel my Yaris was overpriced. I actually consider to be a steal because of the value. Value is something to remember. Don't let sticker price overshadow that. I bought a Yaris because I am cheap or frugal as I prefer to say. It's an investment that will pay off in the long run and even in the not so long run. The way I look at it, I paid a Hyundai/Kia price for a new Toyota. I can't complain about that. I'm sure I won't be complaining about it 5 to 10 years from now either.

[33OH]

Originally Posted by Havana

The way I look at it, I paid a Hyundai/Kia price for a new Toyota..

I actually paid $1,700 more for my 2007 Hyundai Accent GS Hatchback then I did for my 2008 Yaris LB, and the Yaris has more options.