Toyota's Energizer Bunny

July 5, 2006— -- There are many things in my daily life that absolutely require a bit of green: groceries and fuel of both the vehicular and Chai Tea varieties top my list.

I do what I can to cut costs. I hunt for deals at the grocery store, I try to limit unnecessary driving, and I cut back on my Starbucks visits. Well, I haven't really done that last thing on my list, but I have thought about it and it is the thought that counts (at least that's what I keep telling myself). One additional way that I've been able to save over the past two weeks is by driving the 2007 Toyota Yaris, Toyota's energizer bunny of a car. With estimated EPA ratings of 34 MPG city and 40 MPG highway, I've been toting around town for weeks and still have ¾ tank of gas left. It just keeps on going and going and going.

I'm sure you're wondering what a Yaris is and why you haven't heard of it before. The Yaris is Toyota's newest entry into the sub-compact division here in the states, although it's been quite popular in both Europe and Japan over the past few years. It's a very European-esque vehicle. I mean that in the most simplistic, economical terms (like French bread and cheese for lunch), not in the shi-shi-poo-poo European manner (like escargot and sweetbreads).

In today's world of upgrades, options and extras, relatively speaking the Yaris is just one evolutionary step up from the Flintstone's car. Although the inside of the vehicle is fairly nice and not bad aesthetically, I would have to pay extra for such modern conveniences as antilock brakes, power windows and locks, side airbags, folding rear seats (Sedan), and a rear windshield wiper (Liftback).

It's the Yaris' uber-affordable price tag that has me overlooking many features that would otherwise be required equipment for me. The liftback version starts at just $10,950, while the sedan begins at a whopping $11,825. Who knew it was even possible to buy a brand-spanking-new car in the 21st century for as little as $10k? In a world full of luxury vehicles costing more than my college education, the Yaris is suddenly looking very appealing. After all, I have two young daughters not yet in elementary school, yet I already feel behind in saving for their college tuitions.