Topic: Quick Spin: 2014 Ford Fiesta ST ' with Ken Block

[johngenx]

Yup, and it's more than possible to buy some pretty good $4K cars that will last quite a few years.  We have lots of teens and young adults around here that have some pretty inexpensive rides that aren't fancy, but very reliable.

[dkaz]

Yep, you can still get a Fiesta for as low as $13k or something. If you want power windows, air conditioning, auto climate control, a turbocharged 1.6L engine, of course you're going to pay more. That $10k Accent came with power steering, that's about it.

[WRX_Pilot]

Yep, you can still get a Fiesta for as low as $13k or something. If you want power windows, air conditioning, auto climate control, a turbocharged 1.6L engine, of course you're going to pay more. That $10k Accent came with power steering, that's about it.

Power steering... Pfft.. Wimps!  In the winter, manual steering would give you forearms popeye would be proud of!

[dkaz]

Lol. What's the last car to come without power steering? I think the 2004-2005 Toyota Echo Hatchback 3 door CE.

[Solstice2006]

   Prices are climbing and I suspect that incomes in general are not. It's only a very few years ago that a very decent three door Accent cost under $10,000 and it had nice seats and decent 1.6. Maybe some of these vehicles are now playing to a market that can't afford them and is quit of color.

Have to disagree a bit.  In general mainstream vehicles haven't increased that much.  Sure an Accent was $10,000 a few years ago.  But Hyundai doesn't want you to compare that Accent to today's Accent, it's a completely different company and car.  The features, the refinement, powertrain, the styling of all there vehicles makes them feel a lot more expensive. 

[Solstice2006]

The numbers speak for themselves.  Canada's best selling car, the Honda Civic hasn't changed prices that much.

The 2005 Honda Civic DX manual MSRP went for $16,200,

All Civics carry a 1.7-litre engine (tuned for higher horsepower in Si and Si-G) and come with a five-speed manual that can be optioned to a four-speed automatic, and disc/drum brakes. The coupe/sedan starts with the base DX line, which includes intermittent wipers, rear defroster, tilt wheel, 60/40 folding rear seat, 14-inch wheels and AM/FM stereo. The SE adds the new-for-2005 console armrest and keyless entry, along with air conditioning, CD player, front chin spoiler and power door locks.

the 2013 Honda Civic DX manual goes for $15,400

Features on the DX include 15×6-inch steel wheels, P195/65R15 89H (M+S) all-season tires, 4-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA stereo with auxiliary jack, electric assisted power steering, front disc/rear drum power brakes, front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension, Eco-assist driving coast w/ Econ button, front airbags, SmartVent™ front seat side airbags, ABS w/ electronic brake distribution and brake assist, vehicle stability assist w/ traction control, ACE II body structure, temporary spare tire, LATCH system, body coloured bumpers, power and folding door mirrors, two-speed intermittent windshield wipers, front splash guards, 12-volt accessory outlet (x1), power windows, auto-off headlights, center console storage, dual vanity mirrors, smart maintenance minder system, tilt and telescopic steering, 6-way manual adjustable driver’s seat, and floor mats.

So if you compare features, the new Civic is much cheaper, and much better car than before.  Although you are right, it has hard to find a bare bones car for $10,000.  Best way to do that, is buy a compact that is 2-3 years old....Probably better reliability than the Accent of those days...

[dkaz]

Yea. You can't get roll down windows in the compact segment anymore. Even some subcompacts like the Mazda 2 comes standard with power windows.

[Solstice2006]

Yea. You can't get roll down windows in the compact segment anymore. Even some subcompacts like the Mazda 2 comes standard with power windows.

Yeah I don't know what Toyota was thinking with the new 2014 Corolla, power windows standard! I was shocked!

[dkaz]

Yeah I don't know what Toyota was thinking with the new 2014 Corolla, power windows standard! I was shocked!

Lol yep, the last hold out.

[Seafoam]

Yeah I don't know what Toyota was thinking with the new 2014 Corolla, power windows standard! I was shocked!

Lol yep, the last hold out.

They still sell the yaris 3dr without power windows and make it optional on the the 5 dr.http://www.toyota.ca/toyota/en/vehicles/yaris-hatchback/specifications/interior
So they are probably the last manufacturer to sell manual windows in a passenger car.

[dirtyjeffer]

Yeah I don't know what Toyota was thinking with the new 2014 Corolla, power windows standard! I was shocked!

Lol yep, the last hold out.

They still sell the yaris 3dr without power windows and make it optional on the the 5 dr.http://www.toyota.ca/toyota/en/vehicles/yaris-hatchback/specifications/interior
So they are probably the last manufacturer to sell manual windows in a passenger car.

good lord...why would anyone buy that car?

i checked out the toyota website to confirm, and there it is, manual windows.

i built the 3 door CE with automatic transmission (no options available), monthly payment for 84 months is $258.38 all in...a Kia Rio5 LX+, which is a nicely equipped vehicle is $259.17 all in...less than a dollar a month difference...anyone who buys that Yaris should be slapped in the face.

i then built a fully equipped 5 door Yaris SE and its payments are $336.88 all in...the Rio5 SX with Nav is $332.87...i won't bother comparing the content, because the Yaris doesn't even come close (in either example).

[Rupert]

I don't mind manual windows so much and on a small 3 door car they might even be prefferable. They can be manipulated by ocupants if the driver is away from the car. Something less to go wrong. If it were a choice between power windows and upgrade wheels and tires...I would take the wheels every time. Usually the wheel upgrade comes in a package; most of which you don't want I suspect. At least I don't. With a larger car and 4 doors it's different and a central window and door lock feature is more convenient. Tell you the truth...I can't remember manual steering being so bad on small cars or even the venerable old Slant Six duster. I suppose that stearing wheels had to be a bit larger in diameter but, with 'manual' rack and pinion, the road feel that is raved about...was a free feature..incorporated for nothing. One wonders if power stearing on small cars and sports cars is not overkill. It would be interesting to try an older car...Sprite, 'B', Volvo again. Just to compare. I don't know, it might be a surprise..how inferior they were to todays offerings. I know the TR6 stearing was rather heavy but Morris 1100 and Duster even, was ok. as I recall.

Does'nt anyone pay cash anymore. List the cash prices and discount for paying thusly.

[Solstice2006]

Most people who buy subcompacts are students, or people with limited funds.  So I can't see many of them paying cash....I know I couldn't at the time, and...even now...

And for the argument of manual windows vs power windows, with one less thing to go wrong.  The master power window switch on my car is $65 brand new.  The regulator can still break on a manual or power window.  Manual windows still being offered just shows the consumer how cheap that company is being with the lack of standard equipment...

[johngenx]

I could probably live with manual windows (well, I do in the Miata) as with A/C, I can't remember the last time I opened a window in one of our cars.

No way today I'd buy a car without A/C.  First, modern aero management makes most new cars very uncomfortable to drive with a window down.  And as much as I love driving the roadster, when I'm in a closed car on a hot day, I want to be comfortable temperature wise.

[dirtyjeffer]

Does'nt anyone pay cash anymore. List the cash prices and discount for paying thusly.

i would imagine most people who buy a low priced car, do so because they can't afford (or don't want to) spend a lot of money on a vehicle...here are the cash purchase prices:

Yaris 3 door CE (penalty box on wheels): $18,966.43 all in.
Rio5 LX+ (nicely equipped): $18,739.92

Yaris 5 door SE: $24,729.43
Rio5 SX with NAV: $24,615.92

in both examples, the Rio5 is better equipped, better priced, has a better warranty and likely to keep you happier longer...as i said, i really can't understand why ANYONE would buy the Yaris over the Rio5 unless they are biased against Kia or a blind follower of the Toyota brand...don't get me wrong, I'm sure the Yaris is a good quality car, but as an owner of a Rio5 SX, there is nothing "wrong" with the Kia either.

[Seafoam]

Does'nt anyone pay cash anymore. List the cash prices and discount for paying thusly.

i would imagine most people who buy a low priced car, do so because they can't afford (or don't want to) spend a lot of money on a vehicle...here are the cash purchase prices:

Yaris 3 door CE (penalty box on wheels): $18,966.43 all in.
Rio5 LX+ (nicely equipped): $18,739.92

Yaris 5 door SE: $24,729.43
Rio5 SX with NAV: $24,615.92

in both examples, the Rio5 is better equipped, better priced, has a better warranty and likely to keep you happier longer...as i said, i really can't understand why ANYONE would buy the Yaris over the Rio5 unless they are biased against Kia or a blind follower of the Toyota brand...don't get me wrong, I'm sure the Yaris is a good quality car, but as an owner of a Rio5 SX, there is nothing "wrong" with the Kia either.

Time will tell.

[PJ]

Does'nt anyone pay cash anymore. List the cash prices and discount for paying thusly.

i would imagine most people who buy a low priced car, do so because they can't afford (or don't want to) spend a lot of money on a vehicle...here are the cash purchase prices:

Yaris 3 door CE (penalty box on wheels): $18,966.43 all in.
Rio5 LX+ (nicely equipped): $18,739.92

Yaris 5 door SE: $24,729.43
Rio5 SX with NAV: $24,615.92

in both examples, the Rio5 is better equipped, better priced, has a better warranty and likely to keep you happier longer...as i said, i really can't understand why ANYONE would buy the Yaris over the Rio5 unless they are biased against Kia or a blind follower of the Toyota brand...don't get me wrong, I'm sure the Yaris is a good quality car, but as an owner of a Rio5 SX, there is nothing "wrong" with the Kia either.

Time will tell.

That's likely exactly why people buy the Yaris over what seem to be better cars.  They know the Yaris will be reliable and hold its value over the long term. 

The Kia might be a good car, time will tell but why take the chance?

Most Toyota owners aren't exactly risk takers, they prefer to stay with the tried and true even if it costs a bit more or they have to give up some toys. 

[Snowman]

How did this go from an awesome Ken Block video thread to lets bash Toyota 

[PJ]

How did this go from an awesome Ken Block video thread to lets bash Toyota 

Once a couple people have said its a great video there's really not much more to add....


..... And I wasn't bashing Toyota.   Just giving my opinion why people would buy the Yaris when there clearly better cars like the Kia ( and Fiesta). 

[johngenx]

How did this go from an awesome Ken Block video thread to lets bash Toyota 

Rule #2

http://www.autos.ca/forum/index.php/topic,85232.0.html