Yaris Popularity

[tmontague]

I would say the second gen(?) 2007, 2008 ish Yaris' are very popular around here. Not many of the newer gen are as I think people got smoozed over by what Hyundai and Kia are offering for not much more money (albeit at a loss to reliability). Even the Fit seems like a better deal to most with a newer trans and engine and Honda's are at least closer to Toyota in reliability than something like Hyundai is.

Most Yaris' around here are completely stock, the most I usually see if a set of aftermarket rims on them.

The problem is from what I've seen, people don't care about longevity when you flash things like "heated seats, lane departure warning etc". They get all excited over things that are really moot and then look at a basic Yaris and don't even think twice. Many people around here get bored with a car in 3 years and then go by the newest whatever because they "just have to have it". It's been fascinating but sad to watch my generation not appreciate things but feel that they need to spend money to have something that's new even though their current product works fine (new Iphone anyone?).

How superficial it is but the reality is that if Toyota wants to compete with other car makers in that age category they need to start flashing some of that stuff as well. To me it's a waste as I'm paying for something that I don't want or need and it just adds cost and weight. But that's why I don't buy brand new.

The interesting thing is these people will then complain that their car costs so much to run and after 150k km it's ready for the scrap yard... These people have barely even finished paying off their car only to go then take out a huge extended car payment for the next "newest and best" car that they'll feel good about for a week. Then complain they have no money and are swallowed up in debt. It's crazy how many extended friends I know who are in this boat. My first question in my head is always "why are they driving and making a huge car payment on that new car that is way more than they need" many times it's a new Volkswagen that moves them from home to work in traffic.

But I digress...