Yaris Auto Trans?

[lunkerd]

Greetings people...

My first post. last week the wife and I rented a new Yaris sedan for a 148 mile round trip from Minneapolis and we were quite impressed to say the least. We liked it enough to seriously consider buying one, just one reservation. It's how when we were traveling at 70 mph the tachometer was indicating exactly 4,000 rpm. That seems a little high to me, but I didn't think anything of it till I started researching the car online and read where the trans is a 4 speed overdrive. Why is the shift console marked with 3-D being the top gear if it's a 4 speed? Did I not have it in top gear? Thanks!

[Reddog66]

Sounds like you accidentally had it in "3". The shifter moves left for third (prevents upshift to 4th), right for "4", which uses all four gears.
It must have seemed a little buzzy!

[scaninky]

I just bought a Yaris today and had it on the highway.... The tach was not that high, somewhere above 2 grand I believe. As the other person said when it is in drive, it is possible to push the lever to the left which would put it in 3 gear.

[lunkerd]

I most definitely had it in third for over 300 miles, but It still got around 40 mpg at mostly 70 mph. I see where 3rd is 1.00 to 1.00 an 4th is a overdrive ratio of 0.70 so if the motor was turning 4,000 @ 70.... 0.70 X 4,000 = 2,800 it looks like if I had it in 4th at 70 mph the tach would have read about 2,800 rpm. I do know I love that little motor and the trans ratios, especially how it instantly starts up-shifting as you get underway. It suits my style of driving perfectly. I had no idea there was anything so refined on the market. My newest cars are a 99 Cougar with a 2.5 duratec and 98 Chevy ZR2 pickup 4.3. I also have various American and British motorcycles, but this little Toyota blows me away with it's quality and manners. Getting one for sure!

[scaninky]

I now have just over 200 miles on mine. I am babying it right now until it is broken in. It seems to have plenty of power for me. Next week I am having remote entry and remote start installed, not by the dealership. I can't wait to check the mileage......

Good luck on yours.... let us know when you get it.

Barry

[mandiees]

How was the pickup during your trip? Any danger in merging into traffic?

[lunkerd]

The "pickup" was fine and not once did I find myself wishing for more. The terrain was flat and the elevation was low though. I was also pleased to find out as I was researching the car that it's acceptable to leave the trans in 3rd on the hwy as the torque converter also locks up in 3rd. Makes sense when you think about it, because with these small motors it wouldn't be uncommon to find yourself in a situation that required a lower gear, like mountains, towing etc.