2011 vs 2012

[switchlanez]

I might be in the market for the Yaris too. The one thing I don't like about the 2012 model is how the looks became vanilla; meaning it no longer looks unique like the 2007-2011 but has a more mainstream generic look like a Fit or Versa.

If I ever get a Yaris, I'd wait for the 2012 SE trim because, dollar-for-dollar, you spend LESS than if you were to get a similarly equipped 2011. The 2012 come STANDARD with power everything so the starting prices are a tad higher whereas the 2011 model starting prices don't include the power package which adds almost $2000!

Also, the 2012 SE has a sport front bumper and rear diffuser seamlessly integrated (not a tacked on lip kit), is longer, wider, has more cargo space, between 30-50 pounds lighter, nicer upgraded interior, alloy wheels, and sport-tuned suspension... STOCK.

A 2011 model with body kit (special order only) and alloy wheels will cost almost the same but will lack all the other stuff in the previous paragraph!

The reason Toyota could upgrade everything and keep costs low is because they are reusing the same engine, transmission, and chassis platform. The cost savings of not reinventing those went towards improving everything else.

[beebosaur]

Originally Posted by switchlanez

I might be in the market for the Yaris too. The one thing I don't like about the 2012 model is how the looks became vanilla; meaning it no longer looks unique like the 2007-2011 but has a more mainstream generic look like a Fit or Versa.

If I ever get a Yaris, I'd wait for the 2012 SE trim because, dollar-for-dollar, you spend LESS than if you were to get a similarly equipped 2011. The 2012 come STANDARD with power everything so the starting prices are a tad higher whereas the 2011 model starting prices don't include the power package which adds almost $2000!

Also, the 2012 SE has a sport front bumper and rear diffuser seamlessly integrated (not a tacked on lip kit), is longer, wider, has more cargo space, between 30-50 pounds lighter, nicer upgraded interior, alloy wheels, and sport-tuned suspension... STOCK.

A 2011 model with body kit (special order only) and alloy wheels will cost almost the same but will lack all the other stuff in the previous paragraph!

The reason Toyota could upgrade everything and keep costs low is because they are reusing the same engine, transmission, and chassis platform. The cost savings of not reinventing those went towards improving everything else.

You pretty much nailed all my thoughts. I love the unique look of the 07-11 models. The 12 looks a lot like the Fit/Versa and even the Matrix, all cars that I'm not a big fan of. But the interior and the fact that it comes stock with power might push me over the edge. For the 11 model I'm paying extra for power and for automatic. For 12, even the LE model comes with power everything stock and an automatic version will be roughly the same price as the 11. The only thing is, no dealer knows when the 12s will be in stock. I've heard everything from October to February. And if I buy I need to take advantage of the college grad program before it expires in January... I guess the release date will make my decision for me.

[Kal-El]

Originally Posted by switchlanez

I might be in the market for the Yaris too. The one thing I don't like about the 2012 model is how the looks became vanilla; meaning it no longer looks unique like the 2007-2011 but has a more mainstream generic look like a Fit or Versa.

If I ever get a Yaris, I'd wait for the 2012 SE trim because, dollar-for-dollar, you spend LESS than if you were to get a similarly equipped 2011. The 2012 come STANDARD with power everything so the starting prices are a tad higher whereas the 2011 model starting prices don't include the power package which adds almost $2000!

Also, the 2012 SE has a sport front bumper and rear diffuser seamlessly integrated (not a tacked on lip kit), is longer, wider, has more cargo space, between 30-50 pounds lighter, nicer upgraded interior, alloy wheels, and sport-tuned suspension... STOCK.

A 2011 model with body kit (special order only) and alloy wheels will cost almost the same but will lack all the other stuff in the previous paragraph!

The reason Toyota could upgrade everything and keep costs low is because they are reusing the same engine, transmission, and chassis platform. The cost savings of not reinventing those went towards improving everything else.

Well said.


Even though I'm not a big fan of the rear of the '12 or the forward kink of the C-pillar, I think the rest of the car is a very good improvement over the 2nd gen. I love the new "non-cute" front end and the interior is a very big step up, especially in materials.

beebosaur, I'd hold out a couple of months until the '12 arrives. October is the general consensus. Test drive the two back to back. You're likely to find a better experience with the new one for a similar price.

If I was going to go with a 2nd gen at this point, I would just buy used. Remember, a 2011 is a 6 year old design and frankly, it shows.

[A-Dingo-Ate-My-Baby]

Originally Posted by Kal-El

Well said.


Even though I'm not a big fan of <snip> the forward kink of the C-pillar

that's it. I couldn't nail it down until you said that.

poor design choice IMHO.