firstly welcome to TOCAU :D the main differences between models are the amount of toys you get, tho i will say the base YR has enough for most a/c, p/s,mp3,p/windows (3door). a couple of little details which I think are needed in a car of this day and age. I have driven a 1.3ltr heaps (company car) and I have driven it to a few meets / cruises and i haven't had a problem. i took it on a recent cruise (nov 06) all sorts of driving conditions (open freeway, twisties, start / stop) I must say, it is remarkably comfortable. for a 6ft tall, ample gentleman, i didn't have a problem! It really doesn't matter which toyota, i dont have a problem with getting in or out, and plenty of head room! If you'd like my personal advise, got the YR 5pd Man 3Door. cheapest of the lot, still get some nice toys, cheap to run. If you can live with audio controls on the steering wheel and some knobs covered in cow, get the YR! FYI: I drive the YR 3door 4spd auto for work, which has all sorts of drivers driving it (mainly full plet) and after 80,000kms, still good as new :)