Please help. Camry owner (1992 Camry V6 LE) considering Echo/Yaris

[potential buyer]

Hello:

I’d like to hear from anyone who has experience with both the Camry and the Echo/Yaris. I would like to cross-reference this message in the Yaris section too, but I think that would be bad form?


I own a 1992 Camry V6 LE with very low mileage of about 125,000 km. My car was totalled on Thanksgiving weekend (airbag deployed) in a not-at-fault accident; the other driver however will be charged. Fortunately, I only sustained airbag injuries on my arm. I will likely receive a small cash settlement from the insurance company (?$2,000-$3,000?), because the book price of the car is so very low all these 16.75 years later. I will never be able to replace the car with the money I receive. So there's the background.

I'm looking at the possibility of a used Yaris or Echo, and will have to act quickly I fear. I am in different financial circumstances now, and a Camry is not affordable.

I am tall, and I have chronic back & neck pain from some old injuries, so I need a comfortable car with good seating. What’s your opinion of the Yaris seats? Did the Yaris maintain the headroom of the Echo? What about the comments I read about noisy at high speeds or wind buffeting? Does anyone have advice for me? In the used market, should I be looking for an Echo or a Yaris? Is there a particular year that's better? I read about a recall due to rusty floorboards. Should I be asking whether the car has already had the repair? Any and all advice, pointers etc., would be most appreciated and welcomed. Having an accident when you're already off work with a serious illness is a little over the top in terms of stress.

Thank you very much if you can help