Yaris sedan anyone? (A few questions)

[NineOne]

Well my 20th birthday is coming up and what better way to celebrate than to buy a Yaris?
Ok that's a rhetorical question, but it's something I'm considering none the less. The hatch is nice in a goofy sort of way but I think the sedan is great looking and I don't see many posts about it.

I'm a big VW guy (I've had 3 cars and I'm on my 2nd VW right now), but I work for a car rental company owned by a local Toyota dealership so I guess you could say their appeal has rubbed off on me.

Anyways, to the point. I'm curious about some aftermarket things some of which I don't think the dealership can help me with.

1. The "premium" audio with the 6disc in-dash changer. This is a long shot, but does it have a subwoofer out? I don't really care for 6discs as much as I'd prefer a good aftermarket mp3 deck, but if it has a sub-out I'd consider it.

2. The lip kit offered by Toyota looks really nice (I think) but I'm no stranger to autobody work and I'd like to know if there is anyone offering authentic or high quality replica pieces for cheaper? (Can they be ordered from Toyota unpainted?)

3. -Prices are in Canadan I'm not overly concerned with more power out of the engine, it's a 1.5L and I want fuel economy, but I like to have fun. I've seen a few lowered Echo HBs around but I don't know how they've been lowered, or if the suspension components between the Echo and Yaris are interchangeable? On toyota.ca lowering springs are offered for around $500 as a dealer installed option, but they mention nothing of new struts and bushings. When I lower a car I lower it right and I'm not about to drop the car using just new springs. I've seen good VW cup kits go for $600-650 (Weitec), which I can install on my own. Is there anyone offering something like this in North America?

4. I lied before, I'm not overly concerned with more power out of the engine right now. If I'm not mistaken, Wraith has already performed a 6spd swap (with LSD?) and is swapping a 2zz now or soon? I've heard about a 2zz swap in an Echo HB a while ago which appears to be the way to go, but it seems like a reasonably uncommon move. Like I said this definitely isn't a priority but if anyone has a site with some more information or a site someone has done of a build up with the swap that'd be awesome. (PMing Wraith is on the to do list if/when I get serious about this, for now it's just a curiosity.




That's all that comes to mind for now. I appreciate any answers you guys can give. I'm pretty excited about the prospect of a Yaris sedan but I have to admit it gets into the territory of a few other cars (namely a Civic Coupe DX-G) that also take my fancy, so I want to look a little into the future.


Thanks,
Aron

[stuts]

Originally Posted by NineOne

Well my 20th birthday is coming up and what better way to celebrate than to buy a Yaris?
Ok that's a rhetorical question, but it's something I'm considering none the less. The hatch is nice in a goofy sort of way but I think the sedan is great looking and I don't see many posts about it.

I'm a big VW guy (I've had 3 cars and I'm on my 2nd VW right now), but I work for a car rental company owned by a local Toyota dealership so I guess you could say their appeal has rubbed off on me.

Anyways, to the point. I'm curious about some aftermarket things some of which I don't think the dealership can help me with.

1. The "premium" audio with the 6disc in-dash changer. This is a long shot, but does it have a subwoofer out? I don't really care for 6discs as much as I'd prefer a good aftermarket mp3 deck, but if it has a sub-out I'd consider it.

2. The lip kit offered by Toyota looks really nice (I think) but I'm no stranger to autobody work and I'd like to know if there is anyone offering authentic or high quality replica pieces for cheaper? (Can they be ordered from Toyota unpainted?)

3. -Prices are in Canadan I'm not overly concerned with more power out of the engine, it's a 1.5L and I want fuel economy, but I like to have fun. I've seen a few lowered Echo HBs around but I don't know how they've been lowered, or if the suspension components between the Echo and Yaris are interchangeable? On toyota.ca lowering springs are offered for around $500 as a dealer installed option, but they mention nothing of new struts and bushings. When I lower a car I lower it right and I'm not about to drop the car using just new springs. I've seen good VW cup kits go for $600-650 (Weitec), which I can install on my own. Is there anyone offering something like this in North America?

4. I lied before, I'm not overly concerned with more power out of the engine right now. If I'm not mistaken, Wraith has already performed a 6spd swap (with LSD?) and is swapping a 2zz now or soon? I've heard about a 2zz swap in an Echo HB a while ago which appears to be the way to go, but it seems like a reasonably uncommon move. Like I said this definitely isn't a priority but if anyone has a site with some more information or a site someone has done of a build up with the swap that'd be awesome. (PMing Wraith is on the to do list if/when I get serious about this, for now it's just a curiosity.




That's all that comes to mind for now. I appreciate any answers you guys can give. I'm pretty excited about the prospect of a Yaris sedan but I have to admit it gets into the territory of a few other cars (namely a Civic Coupe DX-G) that also take my fancy, so I want to look a little into the future.


Thanks,
Aron

I’m sorry I have to say this it always angers me when someone like this comes on " I work for a car rental company owned by a local Toyota dealership so I guess you could say their appeal has rubbed off on me." Thank you so much NineOne for being interested in a Toyota you know what young lad anyone who is on their 2nd car at the age of twenty I think really needs to reassess their driving habits anyways with the aftermarket stuff I cant give you any advice but with the fun to drive thing I have heard the Hatchback is a little more spunky than the sedan you should really think of test driving both even if you think the hatch looks a little goofy

[Tideland Prius]

1) no sub

2) dunno.. go check the Japanese site for Modellista kits for the Belta sedan (Yaris sedan). They may have a nicer looking one but keep in mind, Modellista is a premium aftermarket supplier for Toyota so the kits will be pricey

3) Check the Accessory Configurator and see what's included in the picture. The struts might be included, I'm not sure. Worst come to worse, go check TRD. If you think 3rd party aftermarket is better, go for it. I can't help you in that area

4) Engine swap? You're one rich 20-yr-old. Even if it's a used 2ZZ.

Honestly, go buy a used Echo Hatchback. I've seen them modified and they look sharp. There's one around here that's white with a CF hood, lowered, 16" (maybe 17?) rims, HIDs, CAI and exhaust.

Or go find a JDM Import... importing JDM cars seem all the rave now so see if you can get the import dealers to find you a Vitz RS Turbo.

[NineOne]

Originally Posted by stuts

I’m sorry I have to say this it always angers me when someone like this comes on " I work for a car rental company owned by a local Toyota dealership so I guess you could say their appeal has rubbed off on me." Thank you so much NineOne for being interested in a Toyota you know what young lad anyone who is on their 2nd car at the age of twenty I think really needs to reassess their driving habits anyways with the aftermarket stuff I cant give you any advice but with the fun to drive thing I have heard the Hatchback is a little more spunky than the sedan you should really think of test driving both even if you think the hatch looks a little goofy

I don't know what your problem is, maybe you can explain it to me. What difference does it make how I got to liking the car? I'm a car enthusiast, I like all sorts but I hadn't really considered a Toyota econobox until having been around them a lot, God forbid I haven't loved them since I came out of my mother!

For the record this will be my 4th car in as many years driving. What's wrong with my driving habits? Every car I've owned has left me in better condition than I got it (this last one in considerably better condition than I got it). Every car has been a step up from the last and now I'm looking at larger step up than I've been taking in the past. Are you satisfied? Yes? No? It doesn't matter to me, but maybe you won't be a prick about it now that you understand the situation.

Edit: I should point out, the reason I mentioned the car rental bit was to make it clear that I am familiar with the car, there is no need to go to any length to describe to me the pros/cons of whatever model or the joys of ownership.

I have driven both, I'd rather have the sedan more on looks than anything else, but I also play hockey and prefer the large trunk to the tiny hatch. Incidentally the reason I don't want to buy a Corolla with similar equipment AND a power sunroof for an insignificant amount of money more and a better interest rate, is that I don't like the look of them that much. Looks do count, I've also always had a preference for cars with a trunk (why I went for a 16v swapped Jetta Coupe instead of a GTI, and didn't keep my B16 swapped CRX for long).

Tideland, thank you for the information. For the kit, I was looking at what Toyota offers, though aftermarket is a possibility I was hoping just for a replica of the Toyota kit in the interest of cost savings. In the accessory congifurator picture no struts are shown. As for the engine swap that would be far down the line. I might be buying a business soon (in negotiations right now), so I'm not rich but I'm not painfully lacking either.

2nd edit: I've also considered importing a JDM car, high on my possibilities list is an MR2-T or GT-4, but a big part of me wants a new car. If things with the yaris don't add up to something I'd want, all said and done, I won't get it, but I appreciate the help with the questions I have for now.

[Tideland Prius]

Well, go TRD then instead of the lowering springs. You know Toyota Canada doesn't offer much even though the list is definitely more substantial than before.

Best bet is www.sigmaautomotive.com or www.newtoyotapart.com

(can't remember if there's an s or not after part)

Sigma can get you any JDM part if you ask him so see if there are any Toyota/Modellista kits that you fancy.

[stuts]

Originally Posted by NineOne

I don't know what your problem is, maybe you can explain it to me. What difference does it make how I got to liking the car? I'm a car enthusiast, I like all sorts but I hadn't really considered a Toyota econobox until having been around them a lot, God forbid I haven't loved them since I came out of my mother!

For the record this will be my 4th car in as many years driving. What's wrong with my driving habits? Every car I've owned has left me in better condition than I got it (this last one in considerably better condition than I got it). Every car has been a step up from the last and now I'm looking at larger step up than I've been taking in the past. Are you satisfied? Yes? No? It doesn't matter to me, but maybe you won't be a prick about it now that you understand the situation.

Edit: I should point out, the reason I mentioned the car rental bit was to make it clear that I am familiar with the car, there is no need to go to any length to describe to me the pros/cons of whatever model or the joys of ownership.

I have driven both, I'd rather have the sedan more on looks than anything else, but I also play hockey and prefer the large trunk to the tiny hatch. Incidentally the reason I don't want to buy a Corolla with similar equipment AND a power sunroof for an insignificant amount of money more and a better interest rate, is that I don't like the look of them that much. Looks do count, I've also always had a preference for cars with a trunk (why I went for a 16v swapped Jetta Coupe instead of a GTI, and didn't keep my B16 swapped CRX for long).

Tideland, thank you for the information. For the kit, I was looking at what Toyota offers, though aftermarket is a possibility I was hoping just for a replica of the Toyota kit in the interest of cost savings. In the accessory congifurator picture no struts are shown. As for the engine swap that would be far down the line. I might be buying a business soon (in negotiations right now), so I'm not rich but I'm not painfully lacking either.

2nd edit: I've also considered importing a JDM car, high on my possibilities list is an MR2-T or GT-4, but a big part of me wants a new car. If things with the yaris don't add up to something I'd want, all said and done, I won't get it, but I appreciate the help with the questions I have for now.

You must tell me who is paying for all these cars that you have had

[NineOne]

If I must, then I will: I am. Satisfied? I doubt it, but that's too bad.

[stuts]

Originally Posted by NineOne

If I must, then I will: I am. Satisfied? I doubt it, but that's too bad.

[stuts]

how can a 20 year old afford to buy this many cars please explain the youth of today

[NineOne]

You've yet to provide me any reason I should explain anything to you, being as it's none of your business, but here's the gist of it: I work a lot and the 3 cars I've had so far have been used cars (which you may have caught onto by my explaining that they've left me in better condition than I got them, and that the CRX hasn't been produced in over a decade).

Now that you have an explanation, care to give me one and tell me what flaw you see in my driving habits?

[stuts]

Originally Posted by NineOne

You've yet to provide me any reason I should explain anything to you, being as it's none of your business, but here's the gist of it: I work a lot and the 3 cars I've had so far have been used cars (which you may have caught onto by my explaining that they've left me in better condition than I got them, and that the CRX hasn't been produced in over a decade).

Now that you have an explanation, care to give me one and tell me what flaw you see in my driving habits?

Well NineOne I am glad you asked the flaw I see is a 20 year old not being smart with his money buying 10 cars or whatever it was I don’t think is the smartest thing to do as you should be saving it for a rainy day i.e.RRSPs issue closed

[Pars]

Speak for yourself, dumping a good chunk of money on a new, environmentally friendly, fuel efficient car, that'll be problem free for many many years to come, does seem like a wise move. I'm much older then 20years of age and don't have any big business prospect to justify getting my 07 Yaris, but I'm still very happy with the purchase. If that means that I'm as immature as a 20year old, then thank god for it.

[NineOne]

Thanks for the financial advice stuts, but I've lost minimal money (through insurance and gas) if I lost any money at all on any of my cars (3 of them, for the record). Further for the record, I'm not even 20 yet and I already have an RRSP set up.

The issue isn't closed at all. Pars is right, I am being smart with my money. I absolutely require a car for business and a new reliable fuel efficient vehicle is a good choice. Admittedly there is a case to be made for buying such a car that's about a year old to avoid the bulk of the depreciation, but there's something to be said for getting a new car.

[stuts]

Originally Posted by Pars

Speak for yourself, dumping a good chunk of money on a new, environmentally friendly, fuel efficient car, that'll be problem free for many many years to come, does seem like a wise move. I'm much older then 20years of age and don't have any big business prospect to justify getting my 07 Yaris, but I'm still very happy with the purchase. If that means that I'm as immature as a 20year old, then thank god for it.

I agree Pars the Yaris is a very good environmentally friendly car I am glad you own one

[Pars]

Originally Posted by stuts

I agree Pars the Yaris is a very good environmentally friendly car I am glad you own one

Me too!