Hi all,

Im looking to buy my first new car and Im debating between a Yaris, Corolla or one of the Scions. . I thought the Yaris would be the ultimate budget econo car, but I want some pep, and thats why Im also considering the Scion Tc. Anyone have an opinion on these cars?

I really want a sports car(GTI, Mazdasport 3, etc), but my credit is shot and I doubt I can get into a car over $20k. I turn 30 next month, my credit is probably in the low 500's, if not worst. But I will trade in a 99 Corolla and put down about $2k. I make about $50k a year, so I hope I wont have a problm getting financed.

Eddie:

I owned a 2005 Corolla for 2 years and I now own a 2007 Yaris, so let me offer you some points to consider:

1. The Yaris has a lower price and operating cost, although not enough to base your decision on this factor alone. My Corolla got 35 MPG on the highway; my Yaris gets 40.

2. The Corolla LE is the model to buy should you choose not to buy the Yaris. It comes with everything you will need as standard equipment.

3. Both cars have the VVTI engine (Corolla is 1.8; Yaris is 1.5), which is very responsive (although a little noisy at times) and has a rock-solid proven reliability record. The Yaris is not under-powered, but the Corolla has a better power-to-weight ratio.

4. If you regularly carry passengers then I recommend the Corolla. The Yaris is a single-person's car, plain and simple.

5. Your low credit score might lower your loan qualifying amount to the point that you may have to buy the Yaris, so if you really want the Corolla it might be worth it to wait until you have a couple thousand more for the down payment.

No matter which one you choose you will have a good, reliable car that you can keep for a long time.

So Cal

I've no experience in the area, but how long does it take a credit score to improve if you work at it?

Between the Yaris and tC, you've got to decide what sort of car you want, and what your needs are. You might not be able to afford a MazdaSpeed3, but a regular Mazda3 is at least as quick as the Scion and a good choice.

Most of all, buy something you can afford the payments on, so you can get that score fixed.

Eddie,

Yaris vs Corolla vs tC

Yaris - as stated before me, it is a single person's car. Great fuel economy.

Corolla - Basically a Yaris with passenger carrying capabilities, good fuel economy

tC - above average fuel economy, very good design, and is actually quite roomy in the inside!

the Yaris carries a 1.5 liter, Corolla, 1.8, and the tC has the same engine as the Camry, the 2.4 liter.

Your best bet would be to test drive all 3 vehicles.

Also, the tC cannot be marked up or marked down. Remember that at the dealership. They cannot raise the price on the tC nor can they lower it. They can charge you extra for accessories though so be careful. Also the Corolla has a huge incentive at my dealership right now aimed at people with bad credit so it's an easy buy, and the Yaris hasn't had anything changed to it.

Hope this helps

But this doesn't mean they have to sell the tC at MSRP. It just means that whatever discount they give, they have to give the same to everyone.