I'm thinking of buying a new car and could use advice!

[Inspired]

I want something affordable. I want something fuel efficient. I also want something kind of cool.

If money was no object this would be easy and I would buy a hybrid. But I want to keep my costs well under $20,000.

I'm considering a Toyota Yaris. The one I like best is the 3 door hatchback with a black exterior. The only drawback is there are some internal things that bug me about the car. The arm rest looks kind of alien and the cup holders are awkward.

I found a Hyundai Accent that is similar to the Yaris. It doesn't look as cool from the outside but the interior is much more driver friendly.

I'm not that into brands but something about a Hyundai doesn't sound as appealing to me. Plus I think the resale value of the Toyota Yaris might be better.

Does anyone have any experience with either car or an opinion on them?

[NMDemDist2]

1. I've never owned either brand, but I know several Hyundai owners

and the LOVELOVELOVE their cars.

:shrug:

[Smarmie Doofus]

2. Go with the Yaris.

>>>Does anyone have any experience with either car or an opinion on them?>>>

I've owned 3 Toyotas ( not a Yaris, but two Tercels ... the sort of Yaris prototype... and one Corolla. I've owned one (used) Hyundai Accent.

There's no comparison between them re. dependability and reliability. Check Consumer Reports. The Toyotas are always at the top and the Hyundai Accent is toward the bottom in terms of mechanical reliability.

My experience was consistent with this. My engine light in the Hyundai kept going on even when there was nothing wrong with it. Damn near drove me crazy. There were other problems with it as well. Also Hyundai Inc wouldn't honor their warranty on some part... I think it was the catalytic converter.

Maintain your Toyota... oil changes, etc..... and it will last a reeaally loooong time.

[Sherman A1]

3. Yaris

Bought one Jan 31 and just love it. Mileage is 37-39 mixed City/Highway commute. I use it for commuting a 46 mile round trip everyday to work and it is comfortable enough for the 30 - 45 minute drive and short hops around for errands. I picked the automatic (so the wife could drive it) and the convenience package along with the winter package if I remember correctly. It's a good little car thus far and I am very happy with it. If you have any specific questions just send a PM.

Good Luck!

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

4. Hyundai is catching up with Toyota

in terms of customer satisfaction. We were shopping for a XUV last summer and were down to Hyndai and Toyota. It came down to a better deal financially on the RAV4, but the Santa Fe was a good vehicle. Resale is edging closer, as well, but I think that Toyota still has an edge.

Hyundai still has a killer warranty 10 years of 100,000 miles? I think it's the best in the industry.

[OnionPatch]

5. I bought a Yaris last winter.

I would have preferred a hybrid, but couldn't afford it. Maybe next time. Meanwhile, I really like my Yaris. The mileage is great and it's plenty big enough for everything I need to haul around; my daughter, groceries, animal feed, gardening supplies and I can even bring my two big dogs if I put the back seats down. The cup holder didn't seem awkward to me but that could be because my last car didn't have one. Almost seems like a luxury to have several. :)

I don't know much about the other car you mentioned. I bought the Toyota because I thought Toyota meant good quality but I really don't have much evidence to back that up except my own experience.

[MrsBrady]

6. Honda FIT

LOVE IT!

get the sport model.

My first new car at 35! love it!

Did I say I LOVE IT?

32-40 MPG...I have a manual trans!

FUN CAR. My husband loves it too!

[mahina]

7. Not your question, but how about a Prius that's a couple years old?

I bought an 05 from a neighbor and I love that car like I never thought I could love anything.

What's great about 'new'?