View Full Version : Considering a Yaris
SuburbanArmada
11-25-2009, 01:02 AM
Good choice or not? I know the performance sucks but it's cute, great MPG and very very safe for its class. So putting crap like it being a "girl car" aside, is this car a worthwhile buy on its merits? Anyone have experience with them, through ownership, friends, etc.?
I do have a '00 Celica GT now, you may have seen me from the blown engine thread so I may just go the route of abandoning the Celica for a new Yaris.
Thanks everyone!
I'd rock a hatchback Vitz.
Go for it.
SilverRide
11-25-2009, 01:23 AM
I got a "Carmine red", '09 Yaris 2 door hatch (manual tranny of course) back in june as a comunting car and a new DD.
My Silver, '02 Celica GT has been retired from DD and is now for pleasure use only in good weather.
I really like my Yaris for what it is, an inexpensive car that can also be fun to drive with lots of room for passengers and/or cargo
I have absolutly no regrets about getting mine.
The 2d hatch back in particular has a bit of a cult following and people do various mods to it.
A stock Yaris suffers from excessive understeer and body roll but, a relatively inexpensive and simple to install rear sway bar cures this and transfoms the handling. Most say (me included) if you do no other mod, at least get a rear sway bar.
There is a Yaris web site much like NewCelica. Check it out for more info.
I'm "Red Ride" over there. :)
http://www.yarisworld.com/
BTW.....
Here is my Yaris in a thread about a minor mod I did.
http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21684&highlight=hood+seal
CalPencil
11-25-2009, 02:52 AM
I've driven it, my girlfriend owns one and it has good acceleration, but handling is really low. If I turn hard, the body feels like it wants to roll... but you don't buy a car like this for performance anyways. Grate MPGs thought!
SuburbanArmada
11-25-2009, 04:11 AM
Yay is for Yaris! I will just have to test drive it; some people say it handles great but has bad performance while others say the opposite. Handling is paramount to me since it's very good for fun and safety.
GSBoek
11-25-2009, 05:53 AM
It's a good car for what it is. I can't comment on the new 2dr hatch though, the last time I drove one was 4 years ago and it was the earlier generation and it was dropped and modded and I didn't drive it a lot (it came in for service). I drove the earlier generation sedan (Echo for the US) daily for 4 years and the handling was pretty bad but you could hustle it into controlled understeer once you got past the fear of it rolling over. Compared to it, the new sedan that I'm driving is lightyears ahead in the handling department. It still understeers noticeably when pushed but the ride and handling are much more controlled now, body roll control is decent and the ride is a bit more taut and likeable. It's not gonna win any speed contests, neither the 1NZ nor the 2SZ engines are making any decent power but in the 2dr they will move ok. The plus is decent fuel economy and the fact that modded well it can look pretty good. As for reliability I have had zero complaints the past 4 years. With the new one I only have 800 miles so far but since the powertrain was largely carry over you can expect it to be good to you.
hulkster
11-25-2009, 06:27 AM
i saw a bodykit on one in some magazine and it looked pretty cool.i wouldnt have a problem owning one. customize it a little to your liking and im sure youd enjoy it.
SoxFanGTS
11-25-2009, 06:33 AM
I think they slapped paint, a couple doors and a Toyota badge on a potato and called it the Yaris. Besides American turd coffins such as the Caliber, I've never ridden in a new car that felt so ready to fall apart. It's one of my good friends and he kicks himself in the butt every day for buying it and we all make fun of him.
GSBoek
11-25-2009, 06:47 AM
It does suffer from many rattles from the factory, but trust me, it's nowhere near falling apart. I beat the crap out of the previous one and people were still standing in line to buy it after the lease was over. It actually sold for $7000 with 35K miles. :chuckles:
There are a LOT better compact/mini cars out there for the money. The Yaris is a real turd and it bobblewobbles like no other.
Look into a Fit or SX4
SilverRide
11-25-2009, 08:33 AM
Hey guys...... like I said, installing a rear sway bar cures all the handling issues and it no longer "bobblewobbles", etc :)
It makes it safer and more fun to drive. Handling is very important to me also.
Fact is, Toyota sells one (TRD) for the Yaris but, you can get a third party sway bar (evey bit as good as the TRD or better) for much cheaper. This is what I got.
One can be had for as little as $135 (shipping included). It is exceptionally easy to install it and some even install it without using a lift.
BTW starting in '09, the Yaris comes standard with ABS and side curtain airbags.
RomanTaylor
11-25-2009, 12:08 PM
I though Celica is a chick car until I saw Yaris :) JK
Get whatever you feel like driving, who cares what others think.
If you're seriously considering a Yaris... take a look at a Scion xD. More powerful engine (based on the 1ZZ), chassis is based on the Yaris, and I think it looks better.
SuburbanArmada
11-25-2009, 02:10 PM
Oh yeah gotta do what you want, in fact I have a dolphin air freshener just to make fun of the chick car thing. So far good reviews of the Yaris, if I do it I will definitely ask about the sway bar. I researched the Fit and it has a nicer looking interior, uglier exterior and a tiny bit more performance for about 3k more, so Yaris for the win there.
On a side note, anyone ever see/know where to find a sky blue one like featured in the movie "I Love you Beth Cooper?"
VVTI1.8
11-25-2009, 02:19 PM
mini cooper ftw! :headbang:
SilverRide
11-26-2009, 08:49 AM
To me, there is something very apealing about the Yaris 2door HB's styling. Some even call it "cute". I really don't care what some others might say about it. I like it and that is all that matters, just like my Celica.
Personally, if I don't like the way a car looks, I will not buy it.
For more info on the sway bar including how to install it..........
http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14084&highlight=sway+bay
Gas-n-Grease
11-26-2009, 10:15 AM
just make sure you get it equipped with side-airbags.
mini cooper ftw!
I like mini's too, but they're a bit pricey.
celicayounggun
11-26-2009, 11:03 AM
http://www.grandprixgroup.com/new/magazine/tunedby/63/Dress_Up_YARIS(RAM77)_P38_41/16.jpg
lawls
SilverRide
11-26-2009, 12:20 PM
Yeah, there are some pretty esoteric Yari out there just like some Celicas.;)
On reason the Yais 2d HB is popular for moding is it's sort of a blank canvas with clean lines.
TRD01GT
11-26-2009, 08:12 PM
The 2 door is a very roomy car, I was amazed at how tiny the car looks and how huge it is inside, I'm a big guy 6'3 and I can kick back and relax and not rub my head on the headliner, has a nice back seat, and roomy cargo area, cheap in maintenance, easy to work on, great mpg's, nice body style. But,
If you're seriously considering a Yaris... take a look at a Scion xD. x2
roaf85
11-27-2009, 09:39 AM
If you are looking for a cheap daily driver why not look at the mid 90s Civics? Way cheaper and you should be able to get around the same MPG figures as the Yaris.
SilverRide
11-27-2009, 10:41 AM
Cars are like women in some respects. You most often can't really explain why you like one, you just do and when all is said and done, that is what is really implotant.
As far as the Yaris is comcerned most simply like it or dislike it for what ever reasons.
If you like it, buy one. You are the one who has to like it after all. :)
Joeggernaut
11-27-2009, 11:07 AM
get a honda fit. seems to be the best out of the mini cars.
Sty09
11-27-2009, 12:51 PM
Get a prius.
mrluilou
11-27-2009, 02:53 PM
i really like that 4dr hatchback yaris :drool:
R I C H I E
11-27-2009, 08:37 PM
If you get it, don't modify it or anything.
SuburbanArmada
11-28-2009, 03:25 AM
The Yaris would be way safer and more attractive than an old Civic. Like I said there's just something about them that is appealing to me. Richie, why shouldn't I modify a Yaris?
SilverRide
11-28-2009, 10:13 AM
If you get it, don't modify it or anything.
Yeah, why not modify it?
IMO, that is a reckless comment that does not help the OP one bit or add to an intelligent dicussion.
R I C H I E
11-28-2009, 12:25 PM
Yeah, why not modify it?
IMO, that is a reckless comment that does not help the OP one bit or add to an intelligent dicussion.
Why would you even bother modifying it one bit?
1.5-liter DOHC 16-valve VVT-i 4-cylinder 106 hp @ 6000 rpm; 103 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm
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:rolleyes:
SilverRide
11-28-2009, 03:50 PM
Richie...You evidently miss the point.
Why bother moding a Celca? Why put a body kit on it etc? After all, it is not a fast car by any standard.
No everyone looks up to speed/HP mods as the sole god to worship. ;)
R I C H I E
11-28-2009, 04:26 PM
Richie...You evidently miss the point.
Why bother moding a Celca? Why put a body kit on it etc? After all, it is not a fast car by any standard.
No everyone looks up to speed/HP mods as the sole god to worship. ;)
I'm aware of that SilverRide. People where suggestion "faster" cars, but the originater of the thread was looking for a reliable car with good mpg, which I agree the Yaris would fit in that category.Which lead to modifying the Yaris as suggested by others and my response to that was just to keep it stock, thats all. No disrespect cause you own one yourself, no need to get offensive.
GSBoek
11-28-2009, 05:08 PM
No, he needs to drop a 2ZZ in. :chuckles:
SilverRide
11-28-2009, 06:30 PM
I'm aware of that SilverRide. People where suggestion "faster" cars, but the originater of the thread was looking for a reliable car with good mpg, which I agree the Yaris would fit in that category.Which lead to modifying the Yaris as suggested by others and my response to that was just to keep it stock, thats all. No disrespect cause you own one yourself, no need to get offensive.
No one was suggesting any serious performance mods. ;)
Although some do perform some basic performance mods to the Yaris such as a CAI etc, most mods are cosmetic and suspension oriented which are worth while.
roaf85
11-29-2009, 11:52 AM
The Yaris would be way safer and more attractive than an old Civic. Like I said there's just something about them that is appealing to me. Richie, why shouldn't I modify a Yaris?
Consider that you could get a 2001-2002 Civic for about 5,000 cheaper (6,000 - 8,000 for a Civic) and cheaper insurance I can not see why anyone would want an older Civic. I mean a 2001 Civic gets the same EPA as a Yaris and without any of the problems that he had with his Celica.
I'm telling ya... Scion xD... 1.8L .... same frame..... better looking body.
Have a friend w/one... easy AutoZone custom SRI, TRD exhaust... sounds nice. Get the eBay armrest (fits Yaris, too).
SuburbanArmada
11-30-2009, 02:14 AM
The Scion looks weird. Only thing of theirs I sort of like it the tC. The Yaris is cute, it's just unique to me and meshes. But if the performance is *really* bad that is not good.
roaf85
11-30-2009, 06:54 AM
The Scion looks weird. Only thing of theirs I sort of like it the tC. The Yaris is cute, it's just unique to me and meshes. But if the performance is *really* bad that is not good.
That is why you get a 2001-2004 Civic EX 5 speed. 20-30 more horses and identical fuel economy.
SilverRide
11-30-2009, 09:47 AM
The Scion looks weird. Only thing of theirs I sort of like it the tC. The Yaris is cute, it's just unique to me and meshes. But if the performance is *really* bad that is not good.
Keep in mind that the Yaris is not a perfomance car and is economy oriented.
However if you get a manual (recomended) it can be fun to drive and isn't at all sluggish.
The Yaris' enginge differs a bit from the Celica's in that is is not as high reving (red line is at about 6k) but it has more low end torque.
As with the Celica engine, the ECU will monitor your driving style and tune the engine acordingly for more performance or economy.
come on man, it doesn't even have anything approaching a modern rear suspension.
If you're honestly going to drive it to the grocery store and work and back, ok - get a Toyota if it makes you happy because Toyotas are reliable.
But don't ever assume this car is going to be more than a bare bones commuter.
So I've lost track of this thread.
The OP wants a Yaris, but wants it to perform similarly if not better than the Celica?
Fat chance.
Either you get a Yaris because it's "cute" and a decent daily driver or you settle for something else.
Dasher17
11-30-2009, 01:39 PM
So I've lost track of this thread.
The OP wants a Yaris, but wants it to perform similarly if not better than the Celica?
Fat chance.
Either you get a Yaris because it's "cute" and a decent daily driver or you settle for something else.
This thread is like a game of telephone.
Why is it when people hear the word mod they assume "o snap you gonna turbo that bitch?" Whats wrong with getting a new set of wheels for it or something?
roaf85
11-30-2009, 02:00 PM
come on man, it doesn't even have anything approaching a modern rear suspension.
If you're honestly going to drive it to the grocery store and work and back, ok - get a Toyota if it makes you happy because Toyotas are reliable.
But don't ever assume this car is going to be more than a bare bones commuter.
How did you miss my Civic comment Marc?
SuburbanArmada
12-01-2009, 01:14 AM
No I never said I expect it to beat Celicas, I was just asking around on how good of as car it is. Handling, performance, just overall how good of a car is it is what I wanted to know. I like the car a lot but if it completely sucks to drive then that's a problem.
GSBoek
12-01-2009, 06:47 AM
The Yaris' enginge differs a bit from the Celica's in that is is not as high reving (red line is at about 6k) but it has more low end torque.Actually, it doesn't have more torque than the Celica at any point in the powerband. Now if it had the JDM RS version 2ZR-FE then you would be right.
Handling, performanceNot words normally associated w/a Yaris :chuckles:The Scion looks weird.Unique is probably a better term. As does the Celica. It isn't as fugly as an xB. The xD has a more aggressive "stance" than the Yaris. Has a 1.8L, very similar to your GT (same engine as a 'rolla & 22hp more than the Yaris, stock) and weighs only approximately 200lbs more than your Celica. Downsides include it shares the Yaris rear suspension, has a larger side profile (subject to more side wind push), and a few blind spots.
Whether you go Yaris, xD, or something else in that bracket..... definitely go Manual tranny.
No I never said I expect it to beat Celicas, I was just asking around on how good of as car it is. Handling, performance, just overall how good of a car is it is what I wanted to know. I like the car a lot but if it completely sucks to drive then that's a problem.
Talk to GSBoek - he owns one.
roaf85
12-01-2009, 07:37 AM
No I never said I expect it to beat Celicas, I was just asking around on how good of as car it is. Handling, performance, just overall how good of a car is it is what I wanted to know. I like the car a lot but if it completely sucks to drive then that's a problem.
Are you missing the used Civic comments? That is by far the best suggestion in this thread.
SilverRide
12-01-2009, 10:00 AM
Actually, it doesn't have more torque than the Celica at any point in the powerband. Now if it had the JDM RS version 2ZR-FE then you would be right.
I guess you misnderstood my somewhat confusing comment.;)
I ment that the yaris engine has more low end torque rather than being a high reving engine like the Celica. Not that it has more torque than the celica.
No I never said I expect it to beat Celicas, I was just asking around on how good of as car it is. Handling, performance, just overall how good of a car is it is what I wanted to know. I like the car a lot but if it completely sucks to drive then that's a problem.
Like I said, I commute with my Yaris (at highway speeds in excess of 65-70 MPH) and I feel completely safe and secure. Quick lane changes are a just as secure provided you install a rear sway bar.
The Yaris already has a good front sway bar. The holes are aready there to mount a rear sway bar but, Toyta choose no to include one. This is most likely a cost cutting move as it does dramaticly improve its handeing.
It's not a Celica but, the 2d HB still can be fun to drive none the less as long as take it for what it is: an inexpensive car, a practical car that has lots of room etc
It should be understood that I am refering to a yaris with a manual tranny.
BTW, one of my all time favorite cars that I owned was a new '76 MGB. It didn't have much power but, is was a blast to drive in spite of it.
What I'm saying is, just because a car does not have a whole lot of power, it still can be fun. :)
What I'm saying is, just because a car does not have a whole lot of power, it still can be fun. As Celica owners, I think we're already keenly aware of that. :laugh:
GSBoek
12-01-2009, 01:31 PM
I guess you misnderstood my somewhat confusing comment.
I ment that the yaris engine has more low end torque rather than being a high reving engine like the Celica. Not that it has more torque than the celica. I didn't misunderstand, you worded wrong. :chuckles:
I don't know, I drive these cars back to back everyday, the Yaris is painstakingly gutless below 3.5K and above 5K. :chuckles:
broderp
12-01-2009, 05:00 PM
If I weren't in debt up to my eyeballs I'd be buyin' a Yaris.
As long as you keep in mind WHAT kind of car it is and use it for it's intended purpose, you wount be disappointed.
The Yaris replaces the Echo. My wife has an Echo and she (and I) love it. Its peppy for the size motor (seems faster than what the actual numbers say) and is holding up EXCELLENTLY for it's age. (Its a 2004)
I would have to assume the Yaris is built with TOYOTA quality, and if you don't drive it like a race car at the Indy 500, you should be have a nice daily driver with good gas mileage for many years.
I'd love to have a Base model (3-door) with the auto trans (better for my stop and go driving to work every day).
Motor
12-01-2009, 05:19 PM
Check out YarisWorld (http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/index.php?) for more info.
I'm telling ya... Scion xD... 1.8L .... same frame..... better looking body.
+1 Though, I like the looks of the Yaris a little more. I heard it handles a little better, too.
SuburbanArmada
12-02-2009, 12:12 AM
Is it at all possible to make a Yaris fast? Would be a blast to destroy people with the cutest sleeper car ever.
Is it at all possibleMoney makes things possible.
Did you even check out any Yaris/Vitz forums? I think I read about some turbo kit for one when I was researching the Yaris hatchback last year.
I'd like to suggest getting the 1st gen xB. It's has a frickin' small stance with a large interior. It should be much more cheaper these days.
Get it in white or that one greyish-green color, drop it, get some rims, and call it a day. :drool:
GSBoek
12-02-2009, 04:08 AM
There's a supercharger kit for the Yaris too but I don't know how much power it adds.
Is it at all possible to make a Yaris fast? Would be a blast to destroy people with the cutest sleeper car ever.
Despite the low curb weight of the car, the low displacement motor makes it next to impossible unless you're going to go with a turbo that's way too big for the engine, deal with the lag and wait for the peak power to hit.
Also, the head is an economy head - you'd have to do serious headwork to get it to flow properly.
Like has been said before, get a used 90's Civic - if you want more power, you're a motor swap away. If you want better fuel economy, you're lightweight wheels and a mild lowering away (say hi to 50+ mpg). Either way, the cars handle great and are tons of fun.
SilverRide
12-02-2009, 07:43 AM
Yeah, you can add a turbo, etc that will add some performance to to the Yaris.
However, IMO that really defeats the "purpose" of a Yaris which is simply an inexpensive economy car with great MPG.
roaf85
12-02-2009, 07:55 AM
Despite the low curb weight of the car, the low displacement motor makes it next to impossible unless you're going to go with a turbo that's way too big for the engine, deal with the lag and wait for the peak power to hit.
Also, the head is an economy head - you'd have to do serious headwork to get it to flow properly.
Like has been said before, get a used 90's Civic - if you want more power, you're a motor swap away. If you want better fuel economy, you're lightweight wheels and a mild lowering away (say hi to 50+ mpg). Either way, the cars handle great and are tons of fun.
I agree with Marc and myself for the 4th time.
Dasher17
12-02-2009, 12:25 PM
I wonder if Yaris forums have problems with new members asking about 2JZ swaps?
scarface
12-02-2009, 07:47 PM
i know im going to get greased but vw city golf or what about the new vw rabbit?
GSBoek
12-03-2009, 03:56 AM
I wonder if Yaris forums have problems with new members asking about 2JZ swaps?:chuckles:
i know im going to get greased but vw city golf or what about the new vw rabbit?
no.
I wonder if Yaris forums have problems with new members asking about 2JZ swaps?
:rofl:
SilverRide
12-03-2009, 11:28 AM
I wonder if Yaris forums have problems with new members asking about 2JZ swaps?
No, they just ask about a Rolls Royce "Merlin" V-12 swap like this guy did to his '55 Chevy. :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIj2GVfua84&feature=PlayList&p=20427F1392A6207C&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=3
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