Toyota Yaris and blokes?

faceman

Howdy, im looking to buy a 1l toyota yaris as my first car. But im 30! Ive been driving motorbikes all my life.

some of me mates are slaggin me over this decision (mind u im looking at the new model and not the older one). Is there a stigma with blokes and yaris?

Seth Brundle

Should you care?
Do you need to prove anything?

Dr. Seuss

Yes - old ladies drive these - and the car actually looks like a big tall geek!

Lex Luthor

Have a look at the Honda Jazz....build quality just as good, and appears to be more flexible inside with space.

Dirty Frank

The Yaris is a great car. I've had it since i was 17 (20 now). Drive 30 miles every day. Sister owned it before me and drove to Galway from Leitrim twice a week for collage. It never gave any trouble. Its VERY economical. (Mine is a 1 litre engine too). The only place the 1 l engine might let ya down is overtaking.

I get a good bit of slaggin about drivin one especially since mine is yellow!
But why would ya care what other people think? Its a great car if thats what your lookin for.

Idleater

faceman wrote:

Howdy, im looking to buy a 1l toyota yaris as my first car. But im 30! Ive been driving motorbikes all my life.

some of me mates are slaggin me over this decision (mind u im looking at the new model and not the older one). Is there a stigma with blokes and yaris?

As a biker, I too feel your pain.

Nothing to fear though, I drive one too on occasion - tis the other half's.

They are a great car.

L.

ta2kev

I moved to a Toyota garage last year and the first car they gave me was an '06 Yaris. I was devastated, I was hoping for an Avensis. I have to say, the car is grand, I was getting 53mpg out of it, it also handled well on the motorway, didn't get blown around like a plastic bag. Another plus to the car is that the depreciation is really low, I can still get €6000 for a '00 one, new ones are €15,750 all in.

Dr. Seuss

The vibe from this thread so far seems to be (despite the fact that it looks like a Granny's car), "it's safe, economical, dependable, low depreciation, etc" - since when did everyone here turn gay?
I want a car that's fast, handles well, is responsive, overtakes fast, high spec, leather, loud stereo, lots of grip, lots of BHP, and looks like it's not a girl's car.
Maybe I'm missing something, but do people here just hate cars or something, or should we move this topic to the "sensible" forum? Because nobody who appreciates a good car would recommend a Yaris to anyone under 60!

ta2kev

The op was asking for opinions on the yaris, he wasn't saying "I've got €20k, what should I buy". Try reading it again.

Seth Brundle

Dr. Seuss - are you uncomfortable with yourself? I drive a big 2.5L 'mans' car. I still have no problem getting in and driving my wife's 1.1L 206 - a 'girls' car.
I usually end up passing most traffic when Im driving it anyhow so maybe everyone else is 'gay' because they can't keep up with me.
Don't get me wrong, the 2.5L is better specced, much much nicer to drive and faster but the 206 which is in the same class as the Yaris is still a good car.

Blitzkrieger

faceman wrote:

But im 30!

It's a perfect car for a 300 year old....

Seriously, if you care there are manlier cars out there.

Dr. Seuss

kbannon wrote:

Dr. Seuss - are you uncomfortable with yourself?

No - why do you ask? A Yaris is an old lady's car - nobody denies this - even the OP's friends are slagging him. I wouldn't drive one because I have self respect - nothing to do with being uncomfortable.

I drive a big 2.5L 'mans' car.

Good for you.

I still have no problem getting in and driving my wife's 1.1L 206 - a 'girls' car.

Well, I'd be embarrassed.

I usually end up passing most traffic when Im driving it anyhow so maybe everyone else is 'gay' because they can't keep up with me.

It's a bit presumptuous to assume everyone is gay - they could also be old, nerds, or just prudes.

Don't get me wrong, the 2.5L is better specced, much much nicer to drive and faster but the 206 which is in the same class as the Yaris is still a good car.

Yes, it's a "good" car if you're looking at it solely from an old lady's POV: economical, dependable, etc, etc. That's my point - most blokes don't look at it from that POV - I like to ENJOY driving - it's suppossed to be FUN; not just something you have to do to get around. When I drive, I like to be able to feel something when I put the foot down - I want good grip if I decide a pick up speed on windy rural roads - I want to feel like my vehicle will respond to what I want it to do, and that it owns the tarmac it's driving on - I DON'T want to feel like I'm in a shopping cart and that I better not overtake in case I don't make it, and that my tyres are so thin I might skid when braking at speed, or that my car might topple over if I corner too fast, and that my steering wheel shakes in cross winds!
And if a Yaris so great, why don't you drive one? Because you're not an old lady? Exactly...

Dr. Seuss

ta2kev wrote:

The op was asking for opinions on the yaris, he wasn't saying "I've got €20k, what should I buy". Try reading it again.

He asked if there was a stigma attached to blokes and Yaris' - I told him they're old lady's cars, and I gave him good reasons - did you miss that? Try reading it again....

padi89

faceman wrote:

Is there a stigma with blokes and yaris?

I would say there is more of a stigma attached to blokes that are concerned about how they will look in a certain car.

Dr. Seuss

padi89 wrote:

I would say there is more of a stigma attached to blokes that are concerned about how they will look in a certain car.

That's a pretty dumb statement. To use an analogy - (presuming you're a bloke) would you wear a dress & makeup when walking down the street in public? If not; why? Is it because you're not comfortable with your sexuality and you feel the need to look like a tough male all the time? My guess would be "No - I'm just not a girl, so I don't wear girl's clothes". Exactly - I'm not a girl - so I don't drive a girl's car.

Tony H

I own a 07 Yaris and i really dont give a **** what people thing of me driving it
the tax on it is 150 for the year , the insurance is 300 fully comp and i get over 50 mpg , then again i am 46 and my priorities for a car are different from some one in their 20's
then again i have a 19 year old son and he will not drive it because he says its a n old man's car

Stark

fitzdragon wrote:

then again i have a 19 year old son and he will not drive it because he says its a n old man's car

He must really love the bus

Dr. Seuss

fitzdragon wrote:

I own a 07 Yaris and i really dont give a **** what people thing of me driving it
the tax on it is 150 for the year , the insurance is 300 fully comp and i get over 50 mpg , then again i am 46 and my priorities for a car are different from some one in their 20's
then again i have a 19 year old son and he will not drive it because he says its a n old man's car

That's just backing up my point. Old people look for the "sensible" things in a car like good MPG, cheap insurance/tax, etc, whereas young people want to have fun when they drive, so they want a high spec and lots of poke, and good handling - like you said - it's about priorities.

Rowley Birkin QC

I drive my grannies old shape one every so often for the laugh.im 6"0 and my mate is 6"4. find it grand to drive for what it is, a 1.0l runabout.

AntiVirus

What would you recommend he should buy Dr. Seuss?

Tony H

Stark wrote:

He must really love the bus

na he has his own car , a 07 AYGO , lovely LITTLE car with alloys and all the other go faster bits , funny enough the aygo has the same engine in it but it goes like a rocket compared to the yaris , ah to be young and foolish again :cool:

naa f*** that i coulde"nt go through all that crap again

Dr. Loon

To the OP. Don't mind Dr. Seuss, he's talking shíte. I find the Yaris great fun to drive, and altough the 1 litre is somewhat underpowered it's very nippy and great for city driving. We had an 06 Yaris and sold it to get 2 older cars, but I was sad to see it go. I really enjoyed driving it.

Dr. Seuss, do you have issues with the size of your manhood? Are you going bald? Can't get any luck with the ladies? You're so immature it's phenomenal! That or you're a troll. Even if I had to drive a pink Yaris I would. Why? Because I don't give two f*cks what some fool like you thinks. I'm a mature bloke. I enjoy driving and obviously I'd rather drive a higher spec car than a 1l Yaris. The OP is getting his first car and is thinking of a Yaris. Does't mean he's gay or a lady or an aul fella or granny. Jaysus you're good at winding people up!

burnedfaceman

slightly off topic i currently drive an 05 honda civic thinking off trading it for a nearly new golf or new civic? whats peoples opinions on the civic is it a hairdressers porsche and is it acceptable for a man to drive? i quite like the look of it and have only positive things to say about my other honda, i reckon id pick one up cheaper than a golf too

G Luxel

I drove a yaris, never had a problem with it. goes from A to B and my friend drives a yaris too so cant see what the problem is......

steveland?

faceman, have you driven a Yaris? If so, did you enjoy driving it?

If the answer is "yes" the f**k it, what's the problem!

I drive a little '97 106, only got it a couple of months ago, didn't drive before and learning in the 106. Grand little car for a first timer.

It's done 300-odd miles since I bought it and it's only used 2 tanks of petrol, my mother used it on the motorway and it kept up grand, did 120 no bother to it.

I was learning to drive in an instructors Yaris, handled nicely, takes you from A to B to C so where's the big problem?

Tell your mates who slag you to f**k off, the only reason you should listen to them is if you don't enjoy driving it yourself

bazz26

Who cares if there is a so called "stigma" attached to it. Who gives a toss what someone else thinks, that's their problem to get over. If you like it, it suits your needs and can afford then go for it.

Personally I don't give a monkey's what someone else thinks of me because of the type of car I drive. Get over it I say.

Zaph

Dr. Seuss wrote:

I like to ENJOY driving - it's suppossed to be FUN; not just something you have to do to get around.

Exactly why is driving supposed to be fun? Ultimately it is just something you have to do to get around, the same as any form of transport. Racing a car is fun, driving down to the shops doesn't need to be. Sure, having a "man's" car means you're more likely to have better specs, performance, handling, etc., but a lot of people of all ages really are just looking for something to get from A to B, and it appears that the OP is one of these. Nothing wrong with that.

Idleater

zaph wrote:

but a lot of people of all ages really are just looking for something to get from A to B, and it appears that the OP is one of these. Nothing wrong with that.

Not only that, but the OP knows bikes, and no offence to anyone and their 2.5litre cars, most bikes will offer a better performance experience if the rider wants to use that.

I find that driving a car, a bike is no comparrisson. Therefore, since I will be at best stuck at the next set of lights, and clutch brake honk stuck in traffic, I see no benifit to my personal situation to warrant a flash car. It is something to do the shopping in, something to get you to a restaurant while wearing nice cloths etc.

If I want performance that can actually be used on the road, I drive the bike. This equates pretty much to 98% of the time.

L.

Dr. Seuss

bazz26 wrote:

Who gives a toss what someone else thinks, that's their problem to get over.

haha - that's a pretty stupid thing to say, since its not my problem to begin with, so how do I need to get over it?

bazz26

Dr. Seuss wrote:

haha - that's a pretty stupid thing to say, since its not my problem to begin with, so how do I need to get over it?

LOL. Not as dump as your comments so far.

Anyway where in my statement did I refer to you directly? You just interpreted it that I was talking about you. My original statement still stands, who cares what other people think about what car you drive.

Dr. Seuss

bazz26 wrote:

LOL. Not as dump as your comments so far.

Ironic..

Anyway where in my statement did I refer to you directly? You just interpreted it that I was talking about you. My original statement still stands, who cares what other people think about what car you drive.

Eh, the OP does - because he asked us what we thought! Isn't that the whole point of this topic? He asked us what we thought of a Yaris as a male's car, and we give him our opinions? Or did you miss that part?

bazz26

And equally I gave my opinion for which you suggested it was a stupid statement because you thought it was directed at you.

This thread is now turning silly. If the OP doesn't want to buy a Yaris because his mates slag him then so be it. I don't care.

Hotblack Desiato

I wouldn't get a Yaris. Narrow tyres and high-sided so it weaves on the motorway in a crosswind, been a passenger in one under those circumstances and it wasn't at all pleasant.

Mrs has a 1.0 Corsa, I probably spend more time driving it than she does, very solid on the road at all speeds and in all weathers.
Not at all slow either, motorway overtaking is no problem you just need to be in the right gear at the right time and it revs very freely so don't be afraid to use them. It's a triple so a bit more torque than the four-cylinder one litres.

Dr. Seuss

AntiVirus wrote:

What would you recommend he should buy Dr. Seuss?

Polo, Civic, Colt, Corsa, Fiesta are all good small cars.

206, Clio, Yaris, Mini, are all exclusively girls cars.

colm_mcm

ninja900 wrote:

Not at all slow either, motorway overtaking is no problem you just need to be in the right gear at the right time and it revs very freely so don't be afraid to use them. It's a triple so a bit more torque than the four-cylinder one litres.

The Yaris is a 1.0 3 cylinder as well, Neither the 1.0 Corsa or the 1.0 Yaris (which has 15% more bhp than the Corsa) are good at overtaking. The Corsa 1.0 is one of the slowest cars available on the market, so on this basis - any car is : Not at all slow either, motorway overtaking is no problem you just need to be in the right gear at the right time"

astraboy

Dr. Seuss wrote:

The vibe from this thread so far seems to be (despite the fact that it looks like a Granny's car), "it's safe, economical, dependable, low depreciation, etc" - since when did everyone here turn gay?
I want a car that's fast, handles well, is responsive, overtakes fast, high spec, leather, loud stereo, lots of grip, lots of BHP, and looks like it's not a girl's car.
Maybe I'm missing something, but do people here just hate cars or something, or should we move this topic to the "sensible" forum? Because nobody who appreciates a good car would recommend a Yaris to anyone under 60!

Well said my son!:) Though I'm sure the PC nazi's will be banging away on their keyboards any minute now saying how great the Yaris is, how low its everyday "carbon footprint is" and how everyone should drive nice safe cars that don't upset your neighbours. As for the OP, if you are a biker surely you would be looking for something more exciting on the road? Or is the yaris just going to be a day to day car and you have the bike for weekends? Either way, a 1L car has feck all power and I appreciate a few more cc or BHP under the bonnet for passing out etc.

Hotblack Desiato

Colm, belive me the Corsa may be slow on the drag strip but in the real world any car is all about how you drive it. 90% of motorway drivers are asleep anyway and not looking out for opportunities to overtake, just happy to follow the convoy (or sit in the right hand lane!) There is no problem whatsoever passing anything within the legal limits in a Corsa on a motorway or d/c if it's intelligently driven.

On a single carriageway road I'd admit it's not the best for passing but still you'd be surprised at what a bit of alertness, observation and planning allows you to do.

Hotblack Desiato

astraboy wrote:

As for the OP, if you are a biker surely you would be looking for something more exciting on the road?

How could a biker find ANY car exciting?!?!?!?

colm_mcm

so, what you're saying is it's dog slow, but as long as you have an empty motorway lane to overtake traffic that's going marginally slower than you are, then you'll be fine.

Or are you still saying it's:

ninja900 wrote:

Not at all slow either, .

Also I'd have to take you up on this too: Yaris uses 185/60R15, are the Corsa's bigger than that?

ninja900 wrote:

I wouldn't get a Yaris. Narrow tyres and high-sided so it weaves on the motorway in a crosswind,

rccaulfield

Dr. Seuss wrote:

That's just backing up my point. Old people look for the "sensible" things in a car like good MPG, cheap insurance/tax, etc, whereas young people want to have fun when they drive, so they want a high spec and lots of poke, and good handling - like you said - it's about priorities.

Its about brain power! people who drive cars with large engines brains havent fully grown yet- its a scientific fact- google it:D ,i mean come on the speed limits 120kph whats the point like?
Yaris is a good car i just find them too small inside i went for 03 corsa 1 litre very happy with it!
By the way im not sure if ive to put up an intro cos im a newbie so apologies in advance!

BostonB

Dr. Seuss wrote:

Polo, Civic, Colt, Corsa, Fiesta are all good small cars.

206, Clio, Yaris, Mini, are all exclusively girls cars.

That make no sense. Sounds like the Clarkson tabloid school of lads motoring.

They are all superminis, you haven't even divided them up by which drives best.

Alun

I drive my wife's Yaris now and then, and it's fine, even on a motorway at 120km/h or above. Even in that it's a rare event that I, or she for that matter, get overtaken, since as another poster said, most Irish motorists on motorways seem to drive as if they're half asleep and usually under the limit anyway, and that includes a good number of larger, more powerful and much more expensive cars than the Yaris!

liamdubh

faceman wrote:

Howdy, im looking to buy a 1l toyota yaris as my first car. But im 30! Ive been driving motorbikes all my life.

some of me mates are slaggin me over this decision (mind u im looking at the new model and not the older one). Is there a stigma with blokes and yaris?

I actually like the Yaris. Take your slaggings and get the car you want!

Owen

ninja900 wrote:

How could a biker find ANY car exciting?!?!?!?

I'd normally agree. Then I drove the new M5 for a weekend.

DublinWriter

Dr. Seuss wrote:

The vibe from this thread so far seems to be (despite the fact that it looks like a Granny's car), "it's safe, economical, dependable, low depreciation, etc" - since when did everyone here turn gay?

Hmmmmmm....get madam!

Dr. Seuss wrote:

I want a car that's fast, handles well, is responsive, overtakes fast, high spec, leather, loud stereo, lots of grip, lots of BHP, and looks like it's not a girl's car.

Well considering this thread is about what the OP whats, and not you, I'd say the Yaris would be a good first choice. Reliable and will hold its value, just as long as it's not in shocking pink and has "Man love rules OK" written on the side (à la Top Gear) then it's a perfectly sensible car.

Stark

rccaulfield wrote:

Its about brain power! people who drive cars with large engines brains havent fully grown yet- its a scientific fact- google it:D ,i mean come on the speed limits 120kph whats the point like?

Well from experience of driving my parents' 1.4L Renault megane saloon from time to time, I can tell you that driving an underpowered car is a nightmare and it's nothing to do with max speed. That said, the Yaris is a nippy enough car and if you're planning to do mostly city driving, then you won't go far wrong.

astraboy

BostonB wrote:

That make no sense. Sounds like the Clarkson tabloid school of lads motoring.

They are all superminis, you haven't even divided them up by which drives best.

Plus the fact that the clio came in 172 and 182 versions. The new one comes in 197 mode with, yes 197BHP! Thats super for such a small car. Consider 10/12 years ago the Ford escort cosworth had 220BHP and that was considered super fast back then! I was in a friends 172 recently and the car down a twisty road is great fun. Plenty of poke, subtle styling, good handling and practical too.

rccaulfield

Stark wrote:

Well from experience of driving my parents' 1.4L Renault megane saloon from time to time, I can tell you that driving an underpowered car is a nightmare and it's nothing to do with max speed. That said, the Yaris is a nippy enough car and if you're planning to do mostly city driving, then you won't go far wrong.

Fair enough its a nightmare for you but i dont get it- what do you need the power for we all end up sitting at the lights anyway! seems like a waste of everything to me!?

Alun

rccaulfield wrote:

Fair enough its a nightmare for you but i dont get it- what do you need the power for we all end up sitting at the lights anyway! seems like a waste of everything to me!?

.. and the way most people here seem to drive their expensive, high-powered cars they might as well be driving a Yaris anyway, for all the use they're making of them (present company excluded, of course )

BostonB

Stark wrote:

Well from experience of driving my parents' 1.4L Renault megane saloon from time to time, I can tell you that driving an underpowered car is a nightmare and it's nothing to do with max speed. That said, the Yaris is a nippy enough car and if you're planning to do mostly city driving, then you won't go far wrong.

Underpowered is relative to the task you are doing, and how you are doing it.

I saw 12mpg on my 2L in traffic on Friday. Whats the point of that? TBH I prefer a lighter clutch of our 1L in heavy traffic. I have no problem in the 1L getting out in traffic in either, or overtaking slower traffic. But if I was doing a long journey on major roads I'd choose the bigger car.

astraboy

rccaulfield wrote:

Fair enough its a nightmare for you but i dont get it- what do you need the power for we all end up sitting at the lights anyway! seems like a waste of everything to me!?

What if you don't have to drive in the city the whole time? Some of us live in the country too! Having a decent bit of power not only makes the car more enjoyable to drive it can benefit passing out. And you really cant beat the feeling of being pushed back in your seat by mammoth acceleration!