FIT or Yaris - Element or xB

I need some wheels. Cost is the primary determinant, but I want to
spend my money wisely, and a couple thousand more for a vehicle that
gives me more utility may be money well spent. Second determinant is
fuel economy. I don't haul anything, it is just me going many miles.
I have looked at the Fit and Yaris and they fit for cost and economy.
But I have read some real horror stories about the FIT.

This does not HAVE TO be a determinant, but it would be nice if the
vehicle could pull say a 1000# trailer, little fishing boat. But that
is just a nice to have.

I like the looks of both the Element and the Scion xB.

Of those 4 vehicles, and understanding my determinants, and hopefully
YOU knowing a whole lot more about these vehicles than I do, which
would you buy and why?

"Chris Lamb" <clamb1@new.rr.com> wrote in message
news:452128c4.20976522@news-server.new.rr.com...[color=blue]
>I need some wheels. Cost is the primary determinant, but I want to
> spend my money wisely, and a couple thousand more for a vehicle that
> gives me more utility may be money well spent. Second determinant is
> fuel economy. I don't haul anything, it is just me going many miles.
> I have looked at the Fit and Yaris and they fit for cost and economy.
> But I have read some real horror stories about the FIT.[/color]

If you have read some horror stories about the Fit, then it seems like the
Yaris would be the choice between these two vehicles. I am not aware of any
major complaints with the Yaris. Another prospect is the Scion xA.
[color=blue]
>
> This does not HAVE TO be a determinant, but it would be nice if the
> vehicle could pull say a 1000# trailer, little fishing boat. But that
> is just a nice to have.
>
> I like the looks of both the Element and the Scion xB.[/color]

The Element is 1 size larger than the subcompact Fit, Yaris, xA, xB, and
Versa. The Element will have more interior room and has a 1,500# towing
capacity, while I am pretty sure that the others are not suitable for
towing.

On the other hand, the Element's fuel economy probably will be worse than
the other vehicles and will cost more.
[color=blue]
>
> Of those 4 vehicles, and understanding my determinants, and hopefully
> YOU knowing a whole lot more about these vehicles than I do, which
> would you buy and why?[/color]

The Element is probably not as economical to operate as the Fit, Yaris, xA,
xB, and Versa, and if you do not need the space or towing capacity, then why
pay for it?

You have heard horror stories about the Fit, so that one would be out.

Lately, Nissan's reliability has not been as good as Toyota and Honda so the
Versa would be out.

That leaves the Yaris, xA, and xB. I think they will all perform similarly
so choose the body style and options that you like. The xA and xB are more
customizable, so if that is your thing, the xA and xB may be your choice.
They will be discontinued soon, so you may be able to get a good deal. The
Yaris is a newer body style in the U.S.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Don't forget about the Matrix. It's been out a few years, is extremely
versatile and reliable and will tow a light trailer. I am a happy
owner since 02.


Chris Lamb wrote:[color=blue]
> I need some wheels. Cost is the primary determinant, but I want to
> spend my money wisely, and a couple thousand more for a vehicle that
> gives me more utility may be money well spent. Second determinant is
> fuel economy. I don't haul anything, it is just me going many miles.
> I have looked at the Fit and Yaris and they fit for cost and economy.
> But I have read some real horror stories about the FIT.
>
> This does not HAVE TO be a determinant, but it would be nice if the
> vehicle could pull say a 1000# trailer, little fishing boat. But that
> is just a nice to have.
>
> I like the looks of both the Element and the Scion xB.
>
> Of those 4 vehicles, and understanding my determinants, and hopefully
> YOU knowing a whole lot more about these vehicles than I do, which
> would you buy and why?[/color]

Chris Lamb wrote:
[color=blue]
> But I have read some real horror stories about the FIT.[/color]

What horror stories? The Fit has been around for quite a few years in other
countries around the world (known as the Jazz in some places) and has been
quite reliable. The only horror stories about the Fit that I am aware of
are those that involve trying to get one.

I went to carprices.com, followed the compare link, put 4 different
vehicles in, then read the many things people had to say about them.
A common thread seemed to be how the quality with Honda has really
gone downhill. That's surprising. I owned quite a few Civic
Hatchbacks and Accords that I always bought new and they were
flawless. But buyers of FITs and Elements reported some bad problems
with transmission failure within 1000 miles, engine failure, reports
that the problem wasn't covered under warranty, and various other
problems.

On Mon, 2 Oct 2006 16:03:56 -0400, High Tech Misfit <me@privacy.net>
wrote:
[color=blue]
>Chris Lamb wrote:
>[color=green]
>> But I have read some real horror stories about the FIT.[/color]
>
>What horror stories? The Fit has been around for quite a few years in other
>countries around the world (known as the Jazz in some places) and has been
>quite reliable. The only horror stories about the Fit that I am aware of
>are those that involve trying to get one.[/color]

I think it was [email]clamb1@new.rr.com[/email] (Chris Lamb) who stated:
[color=blue]
>Of those 4 vehicles, and understanding my determinants, and hopefully
>YOU knowing a whole lot more about these vehicles than I do, which
>would you buy and why?[/color]

I bought the xB. Why? Practicality.

It's SMALL on the outside, LARGE on the inside, gets pretty good gas
mileage, and costs around 15K bux. It's also a Toyota, so it should be
pretty reliable.

To be fair, I should add that when I bought my xB in late '05, neither
the Yaris nor the Fit (both fine cars, as far as I can tell) were
options, 'cause they weren't on the market then so I didn't (couldn't)
consider either one.

The Element was both larger and more expensive than I wanted, and the
xB is . . . CUTE . . . so it won out.

-Don
--
Pooder approved this post . . . .

My wife has an 05 Element and not one problem for the 1.5 years she has had
it. Mileage is about 23-25 with mostly highway driving. It can tow 1500 lbs.
but we don't do any towing with it. I like the xB myself, but it you have to
tow 1k it's out anyway.

"Don Fearn" <pooder@charter.net> wrote in message
news:qk43i2hff75hgsbf4jjj3onc2ckhvut736@4ax.com...[color=blue]
>I think it was [email]clamb1@new.rr.com[/email] (Chris Lamb) who stated:
>[color=green]
>>Of those 4 vehicles, and understanding my determinants, and hopefully
>>YOU knowing a whole lot more about these vehicles than I do, which
>>would you buy and why?[/color]
>
> I bought the xB. Why? Practicality.
>
> It's SMALL on the outside, LARGE on the inside, gets pretty good gas
> mileage, and costs around 15K bux. It's also a Toyota, so it should be
> pretty reliable.
>
> To be fair, I should add that when I bought my xB in late '05, neither
> the Yaris nor the Fit (both fine cars, as far as I can tell) were
> options, 'cause they weren't on the market then so I didn't (couldn't)
> consider either one.
>
> The Element was both larger and more expensive than I wanted, and the
> xB is . . . CUTE . . . so it won out.
>
> -Don
> --
> Pooder approved this post . . . .[/color]

"Don Fearn" <pooder@charter.net> wrote in message
news:qk43i2hff75hgsbf4jjj3onc2ckhvut736@4ax.com...[color=blue]
>I think it was [email]clamb1@new.rr.com[/email] (Chris Lamb) who stated:
>[color=green]
>>Of those 4 vehicles, and understanding my determinants, and hopefully
>>YOU knowing a whole lot more about these vehicles than I do, which
>>would you buy and why?[/color]
>
> I bought the xB. Why? Practicality.
>
> It's SMALL on the outside, LARGE on the inside, gets pretty good gas
> mileage, and costs around 15K bux. It's also a Toyota, so it should be
> pretty reliable.
>
> To be fair, I should add that when I bought my xB in late '05, neither
> the Yaris nor the Fit (both fine cars, as far as I can tell) were
> options, 'cause they weren't on the market then so I didn't (couldn't)
> consider either one.
>
> The Element was both larger and more expensive than I wanted, and the
> xB is . . . CUTE . . . so it won out.
>
> -Don
> --
> Pooder approved this post . . . .[/color]

I KNEW you'd chime in about your xBox!

:-)

Natalie

I think it was "Wickeddoll®" <wickeddoll1958diespammersdie@yahoo.com>
who stated:
[color=blue]
>I KNEW you'd chime in about your xBox!
>
>:-)
>
>Natalie[/color]

Butttt . . . of COURSE!

-Don (ask the man who OWNS one!!)
--
Pooder approved this post . . . .

FWIW - I bought a 2006 used Saturn Ion 2 with all the options,
sunroof, 11000 miles. It just came off 1 year lease. I was very
interested in either a FIT or YARIS, however every one of those
vehicles coming into this area until the end of the year is already
sold. I had the option to buy one sight unseen, and I would have
received it in January. The Saturn I got, in a new 2007 version costs
$17000. I got it for $12000. It will be garaged and cared for so
even though I would agree F/Y are better quality, this vehicle should
certainly provide satisfactory service to us. Also, it will tow 1000#
in case we want to pull a small fishing boat to the lake, which is
only 3 blocks from the house. Thanks to everyone for your input. It
was valuable information in making my decision.

On Mon, 02 Oct 2006 17:35:52 -0500, Don Fearn wrote:
[color=blue]
> I think it was [email]clamb1@new.rr.com[/email] (Chris Lamb) who stated:
>[color=green]
>>Of those 4 vehicles, and understanding my determinants, and hopefully
>>YOU knowing a whole lot more about these vehicles than I do, which
>>would you buy and why?[/color]
>
> I bought the xB. Why? Practicality.
>
> It's SMALL on the outside, LARGE on the inside, gets pretty good gas
> mileage, and costs around 15K bux. It's also a Toyota, so it should be
> pretty reliable.
>
> To be fair, I should add that when I bought my xB in late '05, neither
> the Yaris nor the Fit (both fine cars, as far as I can tell) were
> options, 'cause they weren't on the market then so I didn't (couldn't)
> consider either one.
>
> The Element was both larger and more expensive than I wanted, and the
> xB is . . . CUTE . . . so it won out.
>
> -Don[/color]



Did he REALLY put 'cute' and 'xB' in the SAME sentance?!?!

"Don Fearn" <pooder@charter.net> wrote in message
news:69jli2tb0nondb6du0rhkc2lgg88bhok7s@4ax.com...[color=blue]
>I think it was Hachiroku <Trueno@ae86.gts> who stated:
>[color=green]
>>Did he REALLY put 'cute' and 'xB' in the SAME sentance?!?![/color]
>
> OK, OK . . . that's not an accurate description. I WON'T drive
> anything cute.
>
> It's HOMELY.
>
> But it's still the most new car for the bux that I've ever owned.
>
> -D
> --
> Pooder approved this post . . . .[/color]

Keep reading, Don - someone wants an xBox...

Natalie

I think it was "Wickeddoll®" <wickeddoll1958diespammersdie@yahoo.com>
who stated:

[color=blue]
>Keep reading, Don - someone wants an xBox...[/color]

Of COURSE they do! A LOT of people want xBoxen; many of 'em are just
afraid to admit it in public!

-D
--
Pooder approved this post . . . .

"Don Fearn" <pooder@charter.net> wrote in message
news:hgoli2d922u8qdcc0vcbbbcgqe61lkpds4@4ax.com...[color=blue]
>I think it was "Wickeddoll®" <wickeddoll1958diespammersdie@yahoo.com>
> who stated:
>
>[color=green]
>>Keep reading, Don - someone wants an xBox...[/color]
>
> Of COURSE they do! A LOT of people want xBoxen; many of 'em are just
> afraid to admit it in public!
>
> -D[/color]

They should be...

:-D

Natalie

On Mon, 09 Oct 2006 18:59:34 -0500, Don Fearn wrote:
[color=blue]
> I think it was "Wickeddoll®" <wickeddoll1958diespammersdie@yahoo.com>
> who stated:
>
>[color=green]
>>Keep reading, Don - someone wants an xBox...[/color]
>
> Of COURSE they do! A LOT of people want xBoxen; many of 'em are just
> afraid to admit it in public!
>
> -D[/color]

Sprta like riding a Moped and having a fat girlfriend? ;)