Car choices

[cjsmith]

Test-drove a 2007 Corolla. If I buy one of those, I know exactly what I want on it. (Well, almost. Undecided about sunroof: just another thing to go wrong?) Spent lots of time fiddling with it in the parking lot and on the road, and it passed almost all of my tests.* That's pretty good.

Not at all firm on the decision for a Corolla though. Should drive a Yaris too. Better turning radius, a tinch better mileage, fewer frills available. Want to compare the two on trunk space. Would have done that today if I didn't have to get to the airport.

Should also drive that 2001 Prius before somebody buys the dang thing. Financially stupid to consider it, I know. Its batteries have half their useful life gone already, and I know darn well I don't drive enough to warrant a Prius even at used prices. Ah well. I may drive it anyway. :-)

____________
* Failures:
- No way to get cassette-playing capability. Would have to replace the radio right off the bat to get it.
- Cup holders suck. They're there but they can't be retracted and they fit only one size of object.
- Recirc exists only when the windshield air vents are turned off. Stoopid interlock.
- Timer turns rear window defrost off. Every car will fail this, though, and I know I can change it.
- Right-side mirror does not fold.
- Turning radius is distinctly mediocre compared to what I'm used to.

Comments

[wcg.livejournal.com]

If you're considering the Yaris, be sure to also take a look at a Honda Fit.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Mm, yes, I've had the Honda Fit mentioned to me. Thanks for the reminder. I think the Corolla, Civic, Yaris, and Fit are all possibly in the running. (And that one used Prius, but truly that's silly and I know it.)

[wcg.livejournal.com]

I suggest it because I did some comparisons of the two (Yaris/Fit) back a few months ago. If I were going to buy one or the other I'd definitely buy the Fit.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Oh interesting. Why, if I may ask? What made the Fit better for you?

[wcg.livejournal.com]

Lots of little things, but mostly because it's more nimble. It's quick and I don't get the feeling that I'd have to downshift going up every little hill.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Hmm, pointing out the importance of how it feels to drive the thing. I am prone to deciding by the book instead of by feel, so I need to include feel! Thanks.

[datagoddess.livejournal.com]

We thought about both the Fit and the Yaris when we replaced Dan's truck, but after being burned a few times we figured out that buying a car that's in its first production year is a bad idea because they don't always have all the bugs worked out.

Of course, YMMV :-)

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Yeah, there is that. :-/