Yaris - do you find it comfortable on long trips?

[Dbeau]

I managed a Toronto to Calgary drive just fine. However I also had a 99 Taurus SHO before the Yaris and I would say the Taurus was more comfortable so don't expect to much.

[360cubes]

Originally Posted by Dbeau

I managed a Toronto to Calgary drive just fine. However I also had a 99 Taurus SHO before the Yaris and I would say the Taurus was more comfortable so don't expect to much.

I have a 99 Taurus SE. The front seats are shot. Rear end sags, even after spending nearly $2K to install all new suspension components last year. New alternator a couple months ago set me back nearly $400. Radio needs replacing as the backlight only comes on when I push as hard as I can on the radio, then it stays on long enough for me to check what station I'm listening to and the time. Front end is on its way out right now...I've had numerous components replaced from wheel bearings to CV shafts and no one can align it properly...even with new tires. It wants to pull right hard enough that you need at least one hand on the wheel at all times unless there's a steep bank on the highway.

It's served me well for the most part, but as mentioned, it's starting to nickel and dime me. Canadian winters don't help any either. The thing with me is this: My wife is half my size and feels that my Taurus is too big of a vehicle for her to drive so this is the main reason for the downsize. As I'll have to option it with the slushbox I can't imagine engine noise to be too harsh on the US interstates.

I won't leave the house without cruise control...even if Toyota wants $400 for it, I'm game. All the vehicles I've owned came standard with cruise. It just doesn't make much sense for me to take my more reliable Durango that I use for work, on a 3000 mile trip a few times a year when I could save $2200 extra in fuel costs once I sell the Taurus. With running the landscaping trailer I come close to $10K/yr in fuel costs. I've recently moved to a house with a double width driveway which helps. When I come back in the Durango I can take the Taurus out for errands, as it's just as inefficient if I moved the Durango onto the street just so I could use the Taurus. Anyway.

At least the Durango's fuel can be 'written off' so to speak, but that's not the point. I don't need a 7 passenger vehicle just for the wife and I to go down south. The car will be used primarily by the wife once she gets her full license (stupid Ontario graduating license program).

We've been in and out of a local dealer quite a few times now. I thought about getting a new Corolla, but am still liking the Yaris sedan version a lot more. Let alone I can get one with a few options that I need for the cost of a base corolla.

I do plan on cutting another 20lbs or so from by mass index this year. I would imagine this would make for a better fit in the Yaris. I prefer to have a snug driving position, but with ample leg room; which I found out there is plenty during my last test drive. Getting the Yaris, the wife will eventually be able to share the driving time when we go south, or out west.

Thanks for all the opinions so far guys. I would appreciate it if you could specify a reason on why, or why not, you'd take the car on a long trip. Thanks again!