The 2007 Yaris - a Great Choice

The 2007 Yaris is a practical person's dream: reliability, great gas mileage and a low price, all in a pretty little package. The new model from Toyota is a great choice as a starter car for new drivers, or for buyers looking for a new car at used car prices.

The Yaris isn't packed with power. Its 4 cylinder engine takes a little pushing to climb hills and break the speed limit, but its conservative nature makes an impact where it really counts - your wallet. It squeezes around 30 miles out of each gallon of gas; often much more in the best conditions. This Toyota's tank holds a little over 11 gallons, meaning that unless you're driving to the next state over for your daily commute, you'll usually only fill up once or twice a week. It's like having a hybrid without the high price tag!

As for the Yaris's bottom line, it's low; lower than similar cars in its category. You can buy a Yaris that is nicely equipped for around $15,000, and more basic models for under $12,000. Similar used cars can't even rival that price tag. A used Corolla with 60,000 miles was found at a nearby dealership for $12,500.

No one can preach about the Yaris's reliability. After all, the model has been on the market for less than a year. However, Toyota has always been a name associated with reliability, and the warranty offered by certified Toyota dealers is fairly impressive (3 year comprehensive, 5 year powertrain). There are additional options offered to extend or expand the warranty, and you can negotiate with your dealer pricing options to add these coverages while keeping your monthly payment the same.

The Yaris comes as a sedan or hatchback (they call it a "liftback"), but both have a similar feel when driving. They have a small turning radius, making corners easy to maneuver. They both also have a solid construction, making them smooth on the road, so you don't feel every little bump. The space is also fairly similar; the hatchback features more rear-seat space, while the sedan has an impressive amount of trunk space. Picking a hatchback can also lower your price, so it may be an option to consider.