I currently own a 93 Tercel that I have grown quite fond of, but it's starting to show it's years. I'm humoring sticking it out in the Tercel for a few more years or getting something newer, if I found something appealing. I got the chance to drive a Yaris the other night, sober cabbing it for some friends (2 door auto). I was actually fairly impressed, so I'm starting to hit the books a bit and see if this might be one worth buying. However, I'm finding suprisingly few aftermarket parts or cohesive guides online, and I figure the best thing to do at this point is to ask those who own them.
Is it worth buying one right now, or should I hold out for a year or two?
If I do start looking at getting one in the near future, here's what the build sheet on Toyota.com shows:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Toyota.com
Model
1.5 Liter 4-Cylinder, 3-Door Liftback, 5-Speed Manual
$0 MSRP
Options
Color
Exterior: Absolutely Red
Interior: Dark Charcoal Fabric
So basically I'd be getting the stripped down model with the arm rest being the only option. However, when you fill out the sheet and follow the "ebrochure" link, it shows that there are a few more options available for the car, including TRD lowering springs and performance shocks ($380 and $199 options, respectively). Are they worth it? It's a parts-only transaction, meaning that I'd have to install it, so I'm wondering if there's a better kit out from an aftermarket company for a similar (or lower) price.
I've also noticed that while I can find front strut and sway bars, I can't find anything for the rears. Do they exist, and if they don't are they simply not effective on these vehicles?
Are there any overall suspension kits that work well together as a cohesive whole (springs, shocks, sways, braces, bushings)?
I can find only one turbo kit out for this car, which is this:
Any good? Any clutch recommendations to match this? Will it eat my axles for dinner (or any other driveline components)?
Also, any good source of conservative, good looking front bumpers/body kits? I've seen one that I kind of like installed on a vehicle, but I can't find it in any online shops. The ones that I've seen online all look like tacky sci-fi tributes.
Also, when looking at the ebrochure, the list of standard features shows an "Audio prep package (four speakers)" Are the speakers any good? Does it come with the radio wiring harness as well or just the 4 speakers?
In short, the new Yaris is a worthy purchase ONLY IF you think you can make do with such a small car, otherwise there'll be plenty of people telling you might get a better deal with a Corolla. But seeing how you get by with a Tercel, I think the Yaris hatch should be good (roomier for rear passengers too, but lacking a trunk of the sedan). If you're not keen on the hatchback, there's also the sedan to consider.
Another option is to buy used Echo sedan, or the hatchback (only from Canada). I currently drive a manual hatchback and suffice to say, it's a great car for what it is and what it's supposed to do. Fun to drive too, as opposed to what haters would want you to believe.
The crappy thing about getting the new Yaris hatchback (called the Liftback in the states) down in U.S. is that they don't include a tachometer on the central instrument panel, which kinda sucks for manual drivers, but I'm sure if you learn the car for a while you can get by without, but it's nice to have especially for some spirited driving. Other than that I can't think of any other shortcomings, and apparently there're some people who swapped their gauges to the ones we have in Canada (which include the tach).
If you're going for the most basic Yaris, make sure to at least pay a little extra for power-steering and air-conditioning (if they don't already come standard), even though the car is light it's still a workout to steer the damn thing at low speed without power assist, and you'd absolutely beat yourself to death during summer without A/C. Otherwise, any extra option is up to you. And yeah the manual is more fun than automatic, plus it's better on fuel economy.
I'd have thought the TRD performance springs and shocks would be dealer-installed which would be cheaper, as long as the option is chosen and paid for before the delivery of the new car. Even though the OEM TRD stuff are relatively pricey, it's still worth it ONLY IF you want that kinda ride. The stock Yaris already handles well and the shocks are already somewhat stiff for a stock car, so on bumpy roads you WILL feel the bumps, unlike a Camry which is like riding on clouds. So expect the TRD uprated stuff to magnify those on road feel and decrease in comfort, but if you're cool with that then all the powers to you. They should also have a rear sway bar, I'm not sure if TRD has them, but I'd think there're aftermarket options as well.
If you want to install a turbo-kit, it's only wise to upgrade other things like your clutch and also your brakes, so you can stop as well as go with the extra power. Personally I'm quite happy with the stock horsepower, not too slow and very good on gas, and I'd rather save that money for something else, since the Echo/Yaris is NOT a performance sports car no matter how hard one tries to make it so.
I think there're quite a few selections of bodykits available, mostly from overseas though. Do a search for "modified Yaris" or "Yaris body kit" or the likes within this Yaris forum, there should still have those threads of modified Yaris. And with a set of aftermarket wheels and low-profile tires, the kitted Yarises do looked very hot.
In terms of speakers, the OEM speakers suck balls. If you don't want the hassle of buying and installing aftermarket speakers&woofer yourself, then go with the OEM. Otherwise, the aftermarket stuff are far better in quality and selection. I believe it only comes with 4 speakers (2 on each corner of the dashboard, and 1 on each front door), and a box-subwoofer will be added to the little trunk area, thus sacrificing some trunk space. I'm also unsure if the OEM headunit includes an AUX plug for iPod, but I remember reading there's an iPod plug as an option. Check online or dealership accessory lists for details.
I think that's all for now. Hope I help you a little, but don't quote me on anything Try to post your questions at Yarisworld and you'll probably get more dedicated responses. Good luck ASTRO!!
In short, the new Yaris is a worthy purchase ONLY IF you think you can make do with such a small car, otherwise there'll be plenty of people telling you might get a better deal with a Corolla. But seeing how you get by with a Tercel, I think the Yaris hatch should be good (roomier for rear passengers too, but lacking a trunk of the sedan). If you're not keen on the hatchback, there's also the sedan to consider.
I think I'm set there, the idea of the small hatchback is actually a bonus.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EchoHoLiK
Another option is to buy used Echo sedan, or the hatchback (only from Canada). I currently drive a manual hatchback and suffice to say, it's a great car for what it is and what it's supposed to do. Fun to drive too, as opposed to what haters would want you to believe.
I've made up my mind to go new on this one, but I was actually considering just that until a few days ago. As for fun to drive, I hope so
Quote:
Originally Posted by EchoHoLiK
The crappy thing about getting the new Yaris hatchback (called the Liftback in the states) down in U.S. is that they don't include a tachometer on the central instrument panel, which kinda sucks for manual drivers, but I'm sure if you learn the car for a while you can get by without, but it's nice to have especially for some spirited driving. Other than that I can't think of any other shortcomings, and apparently there're some people who swapped their gauges to the ones we have in Canada (which include the tach).
I drive the Tercel by ear and feel, so that's covered. I plan on getting a spare driver's side glovebox cover and either carefully mounting the tach inside the glovebox with the face poking out or doing some fiberglass molding then colormatching to the radio area's silver color.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EchoHoLiK
If you're going for the most basic Yaris, make sure to at least pay a little extra for power-steering and air-conditioning (if they don't already come standard), even though the car is light it's still a workout to steer the damn thing at low speed without power assist, and you'd absolutely beat yourself to death during summer without A/C. Otherwise, any extra option is up to you. And yeah the manual is more fun than automatic, plus it's better on fuel economy.
I beleive they do come standard. The Tercel doesn't have power steering but it has a/c (go figure). It's alright, but if I had wider wheels (as I'd plan on installing on the Yaris) it would be a bear.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EchoHoLiK
I'd have thought the TRD performance springs and shocks would be dealer-installed which would be cheaper, as long as the option is chosen and paid for before the delivery of the new car. Even though the OEM TRD stuff are relatively pricey, it's still worth it ONLY IF you want that kinda ride. The stock Yaris already handles well and the shocks are already somewhat stiff for a stock car, so on bumpy roads you WILL feel the bumps, unlike a Camry which is like riding on clouds. So expect the TRD uprated stuff to magnify those on road feel and decrease in comfort, but if you're cool with that then all the powers to you. They should also have a rear sway bar, I'm not sure if TRD has them, but I'd think there're aftermarket options as well.
Firm rides don't bother me at all, I actually prefer a firmer, confident ride. I've had some incredible handling vehicles in my past, so the trade off is worth it for me. Secondly, if I'm reading the brochure correctly, it says "parts only". Do you know if I pay extra to have the dealer install them will they be covered by the warranty?
Quote:
Originally Posted by EchoHoLiK
If you want to install a turbo-kit, it's only wise to upgrade other things like your clutch and also your brakes, so you can stop as well as go with the extra power. Personally I'm quite happy with the stock horsepower, not too slow and very good on gas, and I'd rather save that money for something else, since the Echo/Yaris is NOT a performance sports car no matter how hard one tries to make it so.
I'm just worried about how quick things will go out, or instant breakage. If it's just going to shorten the life of the clutch I'll let it go out and then replace it, but if the stock clutches clamping force isn't enough to deal with the increased power I might as well put it in with the turbo kit. As for my expectations, I'm not planning on hunting down Porches and Corvettes, but I'd like something that's small, nimble, and a blast to drive with a little bit of a kick. Is that expectation a reasonable one?
Quote:
Originally Posted by EchoHoLiK
I think there're quite a few selections of bodykits available, mostly from overseas though. Do a search for "modified Yaris" or "Yaris body kit" or the likes within this Yaris forum, there should still have those threads of modified Yaris. And with a set of aftermarket wheels and low-profile tires, the kitted Yarises do looked very hot.
Alright, then I did cover it quite well already in my search, I was hoping there was more. Most of them have that Toyota badge "tooth" that is the only unsightly spot on the whole car, IMO. Oh well
Quote:
Originally Posted by EchoHoLiK
In terms of speakers, the OEM speakers suck balls. If you don't want the hassle of buying and installing aftermarket speakers&woofer yourself, then go with the OEM. Otherwise, the aftermarket stuff are far better in quality and selection. I believe it only comes with 4 speakers (2 on each corner of the dashboard, and 1 on each front door), and a box-subwoofer will be added to the little trunk area, thus sacrificing some trunk space. I'm also unsure if the OEM headunit includes an AUX plug for iPod, but I remember reading there's an iPod plug as an option. Check online or dealership accessory lists for details.
Step one is going to be dropping in a Pioneer navigation system and I'm no stranger to starting from scratch on the speakers, so I'll just save myself the time and replace the stock ones while I'm in there. Thank's for the advice, it will probably save tons of time. As for sacrificing trunk space, what trunk? I have plans to fill the rear hatch area. I' not going as crazy as I have done in the past due to the constant headaches from a wreck almost a year ago, but I've got a pair of Alpine 12" subs that are going to be nice and cozy back there. I used to compete, I've got a trophy or two.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EchoHoLiK
I think that's all for now. Hope I help you a little, but don't quote me on anything Try to post your questions at Yarisworld and you'll probably get more dedicated responses. Good luck ASTRO!!
I think I'm set there, the idea of the small hatchback is actually a bonus.
I've made up my mind to go new on this one, but I was actually considering just that until a few days ago. As for fun to drive, I hope so
I drive the Tercel by ear and feel, so that's covered. I plan on getting a spare driver's side glovebox cover and either carefully mounting the tach inside the glovebox with the face poking out or doing some fiberglass molding then colormatching to the radio area's silver color.
You're pretty much good to go in terms of driving it, seeing you're no noobie for cars. And DIY is probably the way to go for the tach, plus you get the satisfaction from modifying a car that isn't a bloody civic and doesn't have much aftermarket support. Thumbs up for that.
Most people elect to buy a tach gauge and place it right behind the steering wheel (but in front of that extra storage opening), and some did it in a way that the tach doesn't impede the opening of that compartment. You can get pretty innovative there depending on how good you are, but yeah that's a good spot for a tach. Another spot would be at the left-side within that central instrument panel (pointing towards you), so it doesn't block the OEM gauges and it'd be the same place you'll be looking at for info. Possibility is quite endless here. I'd suggest a tach gauge with one of those flashing LED that tells you when redline is reached, just so you don't really have to "stare" at it for spirited shifting, but it's really up to you
And before you do buy one, make sure to go for an extended test drive of a manual one, just to reinforce that's what you really like. But I have a feeling you already liked it
Quote:
Originally Posted by ASTROdog
I beleive they do come standard. The Tercel doesn't have power steering but it has a/c (go figure). It's alright, but if I had wider wheels (as I'd plan on installing on the Yaris) it would be a bear.
Firm rides don't bother me at all, I actually prefer a firmer, confident ride. I've had some incredible handling vehicles in my past, so the trade off is worth it for me. Secondly, if I'm reading the brochure correctly, it says "parts only". Do you know if I pay extra to have the dealer install them will they be covered by the warranty?
I guess if the brochure says "parts only" then you might have to DIY or have someone install them for you. I'd think that you'd have to pay extra for sure, but you'll likely pay less if you have it dealer-installed when purchasing the Yaris with those TRD goodies, as opposed to having bought the car, then buy the parts and hire someone to install them afterwards. If you're confident of DIY and have a few friends that can lend you some help, it shouldn't be that bad either.
I believe the TRD parts will not void the car's warranty, but make sure to research on that, because I've read on TRD website that the warranty time-period between dealer-install and DIY-install are different, where the dealer-install warranty would be for the original length of the car's warranty, whereas DIY would only be 1 year warranty. So check that out to make sure, call up the dealer or TRD to find out what're their policies
I'm much like you in the sense that I love a stiffer ride too, fortunately though the stock suspension on my Echo hatchback is very good so I couldn't justify upgrading them. Maybe in the future because I do want to turn it into a track car, but maybe there'll be better cars in the coming years (the rumour cheap RWD Toyota coupe a la AE86 is one of them, if they do produce it).
One thing I forgot to mention, is that I dunno about the arm-rest, but do try to look into getting a pair of sports seats, either the Yaris RS sports seats or aftermarket ones will do, because the stock OEM seats have no lateral support whatsoever, especially during high-G turns which I like to do
Quote:
Originally Posted by ASTROdog
I'm just worried about how quick things will go out, or instant breakage. If it's just going to shorten the life of the clutch I'll let it go out and then replace it, but if the stock clutches clamping force isn't enough to deal with the increased power I might as well put it in with the turbo kit. As for my expectations, I'm not planning on hunting down Porches and Corvettes, but I'd like something that's small, nimble, and a blast to drive with a little bit of a kick. Is that expectation a reasonable one?
Alright, then I did cover it quite well already in my search, I was hoping there was more. Most of them have that Toyota badge "tooth" that is the only unsightly spot on the whole car, IMO. Oh well
Well, this 2nd gen Yaris is still relatively new, so in time it'll surely have more aftermarket support in performance and aesthetics upgrades. But I think bodykit-wise you should research some Japanese companies, since the Yaris (called Vitz over there) is very popular among the tuner crowd. Another country to look for is UK, or Europe in general. Toyota Japan has its own in-house tuner brand called Modellista, and they have some attractive bodykits there too that should bolt right on to the car.
In terms of the clutch, the final decision is up to you. Although I really felt the clutch alone to be inadequate even for the stock car, because it's not meant for aggressive clutch take-ups or strong torque input. If you're turbocharging the car, there's no point to spare money on the clutch unit. It's kinda like the people who buy large expensive HD Plasma TV but with shitty cables & wires, which wouldn't achieve the best A/V experience. I dunno, the ball is in your court for that one
Quote:
Originally Posted by ASTROdog
Step one is going to be dropping in a Pioneer navigation system and I'm no stranger to starting from scratch on the speakers, so I'll just save myself the time and replace the stock ones while I'm in there. Thank's for the advice, it will probably save tons of time. As for sacrificing trunk space, what trunk? I have plans to fill the rear hatch area. I' not going as crazy as I have done in the past due to the constant headaches from a wreck almost a year ago, but I've got a pair of Alpine 12" subs that are going to be nice and cozy back there. I used to compete, I've got a trophy or two.
Seems to me you're the expert here, you'll have that "bass" covered
Quote:
Originally Posted by ASTROdog
You bet Is it just yarisworld.com?
There's also www.echodrivers.com which is also good, but I rarely go there. Someone here said that the echodrivers forum was down a few weeks ago, but seems like it's back up now. So you should give it a try too, never hurt to get some more 2nd opinions
Just don't forget to keep us posted when you get your Yaris, and some pics too Cheers!
Very nice job! It looks clean. I guess one thing I heard or read is for 08 they will add a Yaris hatch "Sport" which will sport the cosmetic features of whatever sport is suppose to be, so it superficial nothing segnificant but my point is it is said that they will include a tach. Now I don't know if that's for just this model trim or they will include a tach for the other models which I hope they do. I would really like this car or look into it to see. I test drove it but it wasn't extensive. But anyway good luck!
And yeah Yarisworld is a great place. I'm on there (same name).
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I just signed up and posted at Yarisworld under the name CF-Shane. Thanks for the reccomendation. Large forums like this are great, but it's always nice to have a niche forum where people know every last corner of a specific vehicle. As for special package vehicles, unless it came with a bigger and/or more potent engine, I think I'd still opt for the base vehicle, as I'm paying less for components that will just end up in the corner of my garage or ebay when I'm done replacing them.
I am drooling over the possibility of the AE86 rumor being true, though.
I was doing some rough figuring in photoshop, just playing with ideas. I think (at least visually) I've found my goal.
What do you think?
Looks good Shaved door handles and everything. If you're going for the show-car look it should be awesome, cuz frankly there ain't that many "show" Yarises representing. Most of them are fucking civics
When I have the funds to do some mods, I'll "screw stock" too Right now the stock Echo hatchback is doing everything I ask of, and when I just drive normally it's quite invisible to cops There're now too many cops these days looking at catching speeders and accusing them of "street racing" as long as going over 150km/h. So now I'm driving more responsibly, and minding good fuel economy driving. Consistently I'm getting an average of 6.5L/100km, which is good considering it's hot summer and I use A/C sometimes too, and stepping on the gas pedal once a while
The Yaris is one modern car that Toyota got it right, I'll say that much
So to get my front bumper the way I like it, it looks like I'm going to have to get a TRD front bumper (for which I've only seen 1 picture of, and not found any links to or ads for), and cut the grille section out and mold it into my stock bumper. I'm going for the clean look, no front bumper wings or any of the faux racer touches. *sigh* this might be hard but it'll be worth it.
anybody heard any rumors that the us yaris might get the 1.8 as an option like in england?also the new 1.6 dual vvti looks like a sweet motor maybe they will start putting those in yarises.my biggest gripe with the yaris when i test drove it was the coarse engine noise from the 1.5.
I own 07 2 door H/B power package/ automatic/ C/C/ alum wheel upgrade. 40 mpg with air love this little car. Now the ride not as good as my rav but handleing outstanding. My advice you can't go wrong.
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Try to post your questions at Yarisworld and you'll probably get more dedicated responses. Good luck ASTRO!!
I have plans to fill the rear hatch area. I' not going as crazy as I have done in the past due to the constant headaches from a wreck almost a year ago, but I've got a pair of Alpine 12" subs that are going to be nice and cozy back there. I used to compete, I've got a trophy or two.
Is it just yarisworld.com?
You're pretty much good to go in terms of driving it, seeing you're no noobie for cars. And DIY is probably the way to go for the tach, plus you get the satisfaction from modifying a car that isn't a bloody civic and doesn't have much aftermarket support. Thumbs up for that.
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