im in the market for a toyota echo, corolla, or yaris. i havent decided yet if i want something brand new, or if i'd be better off to get something used.
when it comes to low speed crashes, which of the toyota models would be less damaged? i dont want something that's going to cost $3000 everytime i hit a tree.
well believe it or not, not many cars are good for low speed impacts...at least not over 5mph as that is the speed rated for most bumpers.
If you dont mind scratches, cracks, scuffs etc, almost any car is fine for an accident 5-10mph...although the lower end you go the more the car is gunna get messed up... I just hope trees dont come jumping out at you in ontario
Most people tend to be more protective of new cars so maybe u'd be more careful with a new one?
But honestly if your going to go with these smaller cars, damage will be more severe but probably the costs a bit lower.
the yaris has been in europe for awhile, do they have any slow speed crash test data on it? i couldnt find anything.
~Amy
also, another vent: the canadian gallon is different then the u.s. gallon. i guess we're using the imperial system. just makes it more of a headache to compare gas mileage vs. cars in the u.s.
The new 2006 yaris has some new crash innovations to reduce costs involved for low speed collisions, like the headlight mountings designed to break off rather than the entire headlight unit getting scrapped...
the yaris has been in europe for awhile, do they have any slow speed crash test data on it? i couldnt find anything.
~Amy
also, another vent: the canadian gallon is different then the u.s. gallon. i guess we're using the imperial system. just makes it more of a headache to compare gas mileage vs. cars in the u.s.
Canada uses metric, but I know what u mean (that they don't use American gallon). You shouldn't be using gallons anyway. And there's no need to compare to US cars, the Yaris gets better mileage, that's all you really need to know.
And regarding slow speed crashes and the costs of them, if you're thinking about that right now, the implication is that you're preparing or setting yourself up for actual crashes, which isn't a good attitude (in terms of purchasing a car or just driving in general). Instead, you should learn to AVOID crashing and accidents before they happen (either your fault or the fault of others). And in terms of gaining driving confidence, maybe you should invest a couple hundred bucks on advance driving courses that teach you the techniques on crash avoidance manuevers and skid-recovery and other essential skills that're gonna keep YOU and other people alive. Yes it costs money but in many cases it's money well spent, absolutely worth it. That's my 2 cents on that and it's not meant to be personal in any way.
Good luck on finding your next car, and the new Yaris is a damn good choice.
i think a regular used echo would be more in my price range. i saw an auto transmission 2005 echo on autotrader for under $15k. it has low mileage as well. a new yaris or new echo would be at least $18k.
here's my formula for figuring out good deals when it comes to cars. say a 2005 echo costs $18k brand new, but some model used one cost $15k, but has 50000km on it.
so the used on already has 25% of its life gone (imo, most cars turn into money pit lemons after 200 000km). so it costs 20% less than the new one, and has 25% of it's life gone, you'd be a lot better off to get the new one cause you'd get the warranty and what not.
i have somewhat been considering driving classes. but i already have my G license and bf doesnt want me to spend money on something i dont 'need'. but i'll look into. maybe that'd save me insurance money as well?
also, the yaris gets worse gas mileage than the echo. ?? sounds backwards to me.
~Amy
Last edited by amykathleen; 10-24-2005 at 04:42 PM.
^^^yes your bf is right, that you really "don't need" extra driving education. It's only that YOU WANT to be better at driving then you'll need those courses. Problem with today's society is that driving a vehicle is made too easy, and crashes (not accidents, since there really is no such thing as "I accidently rear-end the guy in front of me") often occur when people just don't pay attention to the road anymore, what with distractions from cellphones and food and drinks and makeup applying and arguments with passengers. You get the point. Yes those courses are extra expenses (that some would consider frivolous) but one should realize that lives are at stake on the open-road. It's better to spend some extra cash and learn to do it right and not having to worry from stress of driving, then being crippled or dead because of getting in a bad situation and not knowing how to get out of it, or avoid it all before it happens. Conclusively, it's your money and really your decision (not your bf) to better yourself or not.
Regarding gas mileage, the Yaris shouldn't be worse than the Echo (sedan or hatchback?). And there's a difference it's usually negligible. Keep in mind the new Yaris IS a bit heavier than the EchoHatch or sedan so it may reflect in fuel economy differences. BUT (and I couldn't stress this enough to most people such as TRD-TMX <<sorry to use you as an example but I can't help but to notice your obsession with so-called "official" numbers>> for instance that) those EPA fuel economy figures that you see in Consumer Reports or Toyota's brochures are only there to paint you an IDEAL picture of what mileage you're gonna get under IDEAL situations. What I mean is that NOBODY will ever get close to those fantastic numbers. Fuel economy, other than the inherent efficiency of the car's proper functioning, depends on many things, such as: extra weight in the car like luggages or groceries or passengers; turning on things like the radio or A/C; driving habits (jack-rabbit starts and sudden stops); maintenance like engine and transmission oil to keep things moving smoothly and efficiently; and temperature affected by weather (winter driving will see higher fuel consumption for obvious reasons); proper tire pressure (under-inflated tires will decrease fuel economy, where over-inflated tires will see decrease in tire-life); etc.
So keep in mind that when you're comparing those numbers on paper (or on screen), that they're there only as references, not REAL-WORLD figures. They give you an idea of what the car can achieve in ideal or near-ideal conditions, but only an idea. But then there's always the public transportation
in regards to the epa information...read the fine print on those stickers...they typically show more specific ranges. And most people's driving fall into those ranges. THe big bold numbers you see is the median of those figures in fine print. You'll see your vehicle under less ideal and more practical situations will get lower fuel ratings and if you just roll ur car down a hill u'll get great fuel ratings.
dont get me started on fuel economy. i've done some research and the '92-95 manual transmission vx civics get BETTER gass mileage than the brand-new manual transmission HYBRID civics. imo, it's a conspiracy.
LOL! well i assume those older civics have few horses under their hood...90 some odd i believe....so its all up for debate but we dont talk much about honda round these parts....lol
If you want the car to survive a minor hit, anything ANYTHING with plastic on either end won't hold up so well. On the other hand, if YOU want to survive without getting hurt, any of those models will do you great. If you can get a Corolla for cheaper than the Echo, get it. You'll only lose 1-3 mpg for a larger car.
__________________
"You did NOT just shoot that green sh-t at me!" Will Smith, Independence Day
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Discussion area for all the Toyota Yaris and Echo owners worldwide.
Linear Mode
