My 2007 Yaris S doing 350,000 miles in less than 3yrs.

[trini_per4mance]

Hey guys, it's that time again for yet another update. As of today 7/20/09, I have hit the 350,000 mile mark. And, yes, I am still running on my original brakes and clutch. I have yet to have any mechanical failure, except for the alternator going out on me, which I replaced with another low mileage OEM one. The only thing I notice with the car is, I get some pinging from the motor when the engine is under load in any gear. I have never changed O2 sensors or Knock sensor. And I have no idea how long these parts are good for or when they need to be replaced. I will be posting my video on youtube as usual. so you guys can look forward to that. FYI, the only things I change on my yaris are, tires, oil, spark plugs, wipers, drive belt and all 4 shocks. I have never flushed the coolant or brake fluid. I only top them up when needed.

I must say, this is the by far the MOST reliable car I have ever driven or for that matter, come across in my lifetime.

[SilverBack]

Once again, congrats! :drinking:

If I can make a suggestion. Put the links of all your milestone threads in your sig to show the skeptics out there *coughcoughcoughC&Rcough* how reliable the Yaris really is :cool:

[JumpmanYaris]

damn dude wtf u been doing in ur car. u live in FL and work in NY?? lol

[chriswb]

I hope all of our cars are as reliable as yours!

[trini_per4mance]

Once again, congrats! :drinking:

If I can make a suggestion. Put the links of all your milestone threads in your sig to show the skeptics out there *coughcoughcoughC&Rcough* how reliable the Yaris really is :cool:

good idea krayzee. thanx!

[highwaypass]

congrats,man! :thumbup:

[silver_echo]

hope mine makes it that far with no issues...

[The little red pill]

thanks for the update!

[supmet]

:bow:

Any word back from toyota sponsoring you or anything? They should at least put you in a commercial or something...

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Congrats! Nice work showing the reliability of the Yaris.

[yaris-me]

Congratulations!:thumbup:

[IllusionX]

I have never flushed the coolant or brake fluid. I only top them up when needed.


You should consider changing your coolant. The reason i say this is because coolant become acid with time, and should be changed so it would not eat through the rad/engine.

[R2D2]

Thanks for the update-I was just wondering how many miles you were up too a couple of days ago.
As far as the "pinging" problem you're having if your check engine light is not on I would start with a couple healthy doses of (reputable) fuel injector cleaner (such as Chevron Techron). Just be sure to "schedule" both doses for right before an oil change (I would run both doses back to back in your case).

Also if you have access to Shell brand gas I would try to use that exclusively or at least as often as possible. Shell has a well respected additive package.

I think I remember reading that you track your fuel mileage-any drop in fuel economy?

Thanks,

R2

[kimona]

350,000 miles? That's amazing!

I remember reading somewhere that Toyota would give a new car to the original owner you hit 1,000,000 miles.

[trini_per4mance]

Thanks for the update-I was just wondering how many miles you were up too a couple of days ago.
As far as the "pinging" problem you're having if your check engine light is not on I would start with a couple healthy doses of (reputable) fuel injector cleaner (such as Chevron Techron). Just be sure to "schedule" both doses for right before an oil change (I would run both doses back to back in your case).

Also if you have access to Shell brand gas I would try to use that exclusively or at least as often as possible. Shell has a well respected additive package.

I think I remember reading that you track your fuel mileage-any drop in fuel economy?

Thanks,

R2

I actually added a Gumout fuel system additive yesterday and filled up with Chevron fuel. So far, no pinging. The pinging was actually intermittent. But, I think the additive took care of it so far.

As far as my gas mileage. Yes, I have seen a decrease in it. I only get 36mpg with my a/c on. I use to get 44mpg when I now got the car, even with intake, exhaust and headers.

thanx!

[talnlnky]

I actually added a Gumout fuel system additive yesterday and filled up with Chevron fuel. So far, no pinging. The pinging was actually intermittent. But, I think the additive took care of it so far.

As far as my gas mileage. Yes, I have seen a decrease in it. I only get 36mpg with my a/c on. I use to get 44mpg when I now got the car, even with intake, exhaust and headers.

thanx!

new sparkplugs, seafoam the bitch and then do an oilchange. Clean that intake manifold right out. Do a can in the intake line... and one in the gas tank.

if there is a problem with carbon/gunk.. that'll fix it up. Seafoam is only like $8 a can.

[R2D2]

Cool, sounds like you've got a handle on it. I'd give it another dose right after this one for good measure.

Do you have access to an OBD 2 scanner with live data? If your mileage dosn't improve after the injecter cleaning it would be worth having someone look at the O2 sensors in real time and make sure they are still "up to snuff". They have certainly served you well up to this point and are far beyond their designed life expectancy :)

I thought I heard somewhere you use the Super Tech syn oil from Walmart and OEM Toyota filters at 5k mi intervals-is this true? Whatever you're using this is a great show! I realize you put the miles on quickly but considering the number of miles this is an extremely impressive display of reliability.

TIA

R2

[Sodium Duck]

I love reading your posts, this is great. Whenever my friends give me gruff about my car I always bring you up. Keep the shiny up and the greasy down, lol.

[gammaray]

Monumental! :thumbup:

[trini_per4mance]

new sparkplugs, seafoam the bitch and then do an oilchange. Clean that intake manifold right out. Do a can in the intake line... and one in the gas tank.

if there is a problem with carbon/gunk.. that'll fix it up. Seafoam is only like $8 a can.


New plugs, intake cleaner, and mass air sensor cleaner will be done this Saturday. I'm afraid to use any of those gunk cleaners.

thanx!

[trini_per4mance]

Cool, sounds like you've got a handle on it. I'd give it another dose right after this one for good measure.

Do you have access to an OBD 2 scanner with live data? If your mileage dosn't improve after the injecter cleaning it would be worth having someone look at the O2 sensors in real time and make sure they are still "up to snuff". They have certainly served you well up to this point and are far beyond their designed life expectancy :)

I thought I heard somewhere you use the Super Tech syn oil from Walmart and OEM Toyota filters at 5k mi intervals-is this true? Whatever you're using this is a great show! I realize you put the miles on quickly but considering the number of miles this is an extremely impressive display of reliability.

TIA

R2

That obd2 idea is a good idea. I would definitely look into doin that.

Yes, I only use Wal-mart Super-Tech synthetic oil. Actually, when I now bought my car, fortunately for me, Big Lots had Marvel oil stabilizer and STP oil stabilizer in stock. So, I bought all that was in stock. I used 1qt every 5K miles with 3qts of Super-Tech oil. They lasted me until 200K miles. So, for the past 150K miles I have been using 4qts of pure Super-Tech oil.

thanx!

[R2D2]

Keep it up and keep us posted. I enjoy following along!

Best of luck!

R2

[scape]

pinging sounds more like the valves to me, just to throw that out there. btw, I never owned a car that went beyond 200k, so congrats! I only thought volvo's could do that haha.

I have never flushed the coolant
are you serious? I thought this was a rather important thing to do :D

[RABYARIS]

Why are you driving so much?

[Kal-El]

Congrats Trini!!

Great news.

Hey, how's the exterior of the car holding up? Paint?

Love to see some updated pics! :smile: Haven't seen the car since the 150,xxx video.

:thumbsup:

[talnlnky]

New plugs, intake cleaner, and mass air sensor cleaner will be done this Saturday. I'm afraid to use any of those gunk cleaners.

thanx!

seafoam i believe is pure petroleum.... not weird stuff like acetone...

But, the tuen-up you have scheduled should help out I'd think... Good luck... looking forward to your next post when you hit 400k.

[Yaris Hilton]

Here's Seafoam's MSDS: http://www.montanajacks.com/msds/seafoam-msds.pdf

It contains "pale oil," naphtha and isopropyl alcohol.

It's your decision whether isopropyl alcohol is "weird stuff like acetone" or not.

[advocate]

A record for the ages no doubt.

If I need any major repairs before 100,000 miles I'm going to be severely disappointed haha.

[BatMobile]

i just hit 10,000 wahoo! lol

[pennyracer]

little hard to beleave you never went thru a set of brakes after 350,000 miles someone explain how this is done ? it nice to hear the cars will go that many miles with very little matniance

[Kal-El]

little hard to beleave you never went thru a set of brakes after 350,000 miles someone explain how this is done ? it nice to hear the cars will go that many miles with very little matniance

When you spend your life on the highway with little traffic, it's not hard to believe. Most brake wear is obviously done in city driving.

[pennyracer]

i guess but even then you would have to go many many miles on the hwy to get that many miles without changing the front pads wow i know i wont see that on my car im sure but i do have 52000 miles and its onlys 1 1/2 years old and i have not done the front pads wich is cool most of my new cars i have owned i would have had to replace them by now i do long trips also but not as long as yours good luck what oil have you been using and how often you change the oil in it ? does it burn oil at this point ? if so how is it using before a normal oil change ?

[trini_per4mance]

little hard to beleave you never went thru a set of brakes after 350,000 miles someone explain how this is done ? it nice to hear the cars will go that many miles with very little matniance

It's not hard at all, once you're a good driver.
1. my car is 5spd manual

2. 80% of my driving is on the hwy

3. I'm not in a rush to go anywhere or to get the job done

4. I always have about 3-10 car lengths of space between me and the car in front of me to avoid sudden braking

5. I look in my mirrors every 5-10secs and pay attention to the flow of traffic in front and behind me to avoid sudden braking

6. I downshift to slow down (no brakes applied)

7. I downshift and slowly come off the clutch pedal, and as the compression of the engine is coming in, I gently step on the brake pedal at the same time. So, the car stops a lot easier and faster with less brakes being applied

And for my clutch, as to how it lasted so long too. Well, I make sure my seat is adjusted to the point when I step on my clutch pedal, it goes all the way to the floor. That's to ensure that every time I shift, the clutch is fully disengaged and engaged. And that there's no slipping of the clutch disc and pressure plate, which causes more wear and tear on both parts.

[trini_per4mance]

what oil have you been using and how often you change the oil in it ? does it burn oil at this point ? if so how is it using before a normal oil change ?

I use Wal-Mart brand Super-Tech 5w30 synthetic oil and an OEM Toyota oil filter every 5000 miles religiously. Every time I do an oil change now, I get 3.25qts out of the engine and oil filter. I have NEVER pulled my oil dipstick to check my oil level and never topped up my oil between oil changes.

[trini_per4mance]

Congrats Trini!!

Great news.

Hey, how's the exterior of the car holding up? Paint?

Love to see some updated pics! :smile: Haven't seen the car since the 150,xxx video.

:thumbsup:

The exterior of my car is in a mess. I never wash my car, b'cuz it doesn't make sense. The front of my car has a full bra. There are a couple areas on the hood and side of the car where the paint is chipped off all the way to the metal. My windshield has so many scratches and chips on it. The car has no dents or dings. Just a lot of chips. My headlights are chipped, scratched and faded a lot. My front lip was broken and ripped off after running over an 8ft alligator on I-75(Alligator Alley).

[bronsin]

The source of your pinging is carbon deposits on the cylinder head/pistons. You might consider having the head removed and decarbonized. Also ask them to check your valves and guides for replacement. (valve job) You really want to consider replacing the valves at this point because its POSSIBLE the head of one of them (probably an exhaust valve) could break off and smash up the engine. Your mileage decrease is probably due to valve sealing issues. I also have to believe your timing chain should be checked/replaced too. If it breaks it will destroy the engine. BTW have you had the ball joints/tie rods/steering rack checked? Any failure here and you crash/die. Good luck with it!

[Kal-El]

The exterior of my car is in a mess. I never wash my car, b'cuz it doesn't make sense. The front of my car has a full bra. There are a couple areas on the hood and side of the car where the paint is chipped off all the way to the metal. My windshield has so many scratches and chips on it. The car has no dents or dings. Just a lot of chips. My headlights are chipped, scratched and faded a lot. My front lip was broken and ripped off after running over an 8ft alligator on I-75(Alligator Alley).

Time for a repaint? :tongue: Might be worth it but could cost you a good $2,000 for an average quality job. It may seem necessary if you really intend on running it another 200,000, 300,000, or more miles. You don't want rusting to start. I would at least touch up the chips to prevent rust.

:thumbsup:

[trini_per4mance]

The source of your pinging is carbon deposits on the cylinder head/pistons. You might consider having the head removed and decarbonized. Also ask them to check your valves and guides for replacement. (valve job) You really want to consider replacing the valves at this point because its POSSIBLE the head of one of them (probably an exhaust valve) could break off and smash up the engine. Your mileage decrease is probably due to valve sealing issues. I also have to believe your timing chain should be checked/replaced too. If it breaks it will destroy the engine. BTW have you had the ball joints/tie rods/steering rack checked? Any failure here and you crash/die. Good luck with it!

bronsin, I appreciate your technical input and suggestions. But, it's a Toyota I drive, not an American POS. I'm sorry if I sound ignorant. But, with the amount of driving I do, your average mechanical theory does not apply to me. Some maybe, but not all.:burnrubber:

[TheRealEnth]

bronsin, I appreciate your technical input and suggestions. But, it's a Toyota I drive, not an American POS. I'm sorry if I sound ignorant. But, with the amount of driving I do, your average mechanical theory does not apply to me. Some maybe, but not all.

:clap: well said... +1

[bronsin]

your average mechanical theory does not apply to me.

Well Allrighty Then!

[Kal-El]

When is the video coming up? :smile:

[Bob Dog]

A used engine with under 20,000 miles can be had for less than the price of head removal/valve job, and a maaco paint job good for 2-3 years can be had for under $300..

[A-tron]

Super rad man. It gives me lots of miles to go with my car only just cresting 36000. If it was three years to the date you wouldhave dove 300 miles a day. Lol I like driving but that's a lot of sitting and shifting. Gratz!

[PhilD424]

bronsin, I appreciate your technical input and suggestions. But, it's a Toyota I drive, not an American POS. I'm sorry if I sound ignorant. But, with the amount of driving I do, your average mechanical theory does not apply to me. Some maybe, but not all.:burnrubber:American cars are pieces of shit? Thats some attitude you got there.

[Red Horse]

Do you have nst crank pulleys installed?

[bronsin]

A used engine with under 20,000 miles can be had for less than the price of head removal/valve job, and a maaco paint job good for 2-3 years can be had for under $300..


Yeah its getting too expensive to have anything fixed! Thats why we need to be DIY. I painted my 67 VW Bus (in two colors) for >$100 in 1980 and when I saw it in the junk yard the other day the paint was still pretty good! (five coats of enamel paint)
Theres something to be said for going the junkyard engine route but Id prefer to rebuild my own. You know whats been done to it that way.

[Bob Dog]

The trick is to know what vehicle its coming out of, if you do , you can get almost new everything, and assembly line certainty to roll of the dice rebuilding.

[Kioshi]

trini, you are awesome, I'm glad you've posted again sooner since your last one. Always following your thread and better preparing myself for whatever i must face in the long run of the Yaris vehicle :)

I read the mods on your youtube links....just curious as to what brand of mods they are:
intake
header
lowering springs
strut bar/sway bar
etc...

Thanks as always...

[trini_per4mance]

Do you have nst crank pulleys installed?
NO, I don't have an NST crank pulley installed. I had one, but I sold it.

[Split]

do you have an exhaust system as well? I'm baffled that you'd drive so much with an intake and header, doesn't the noise get to you after a while? I suppose if you have the factory muffler on you're probably okay.

[Kioshi]

In your Youtube links its says under 'more info' you are running under drive pulley/s...so not anymore? or is it a c-one brand?

[scape]

The source of your pinging is carbon deposits on the cylinder head/pistons. You might consider having the head removed and decarbonized. Also ask them to check your valves and guides for replacement. (valve job) You really want to consider replacing the valves at this point because its POSSIBLE the head of one of them (probably an exhaust valve) could break off and smash up the engine. Your mileage decrease is probably due to valve sealing issues. I also have to believe your timing chain should be checked/replaced too. If it breaks it will destroy the engine. BTW have you had the ball joints/tie rods/steering rack checked? Any failure here and you crash/die. Good luck with it!

I've had a few cars get into the 200k mileage, so I'm glad you write about the obvious need for maintenance, b/c I don't think the OP is doing proper maintenance (brakes, balljoints, etc.), especially when safety is a factor. I also mentioned the valves earlier, but I don't think I went into detail as you did here. i'm not sure what else the tapping could be, as valves go at this point in time.
@ trini: but still, 350k is amazing, are you the google maps guy? lol
I knock on wood for you!

[wornways]

That pinging might be the beginnings of some rod-wear. My Geo started doing that about 80k miles ago. Still runs great, but I couldn't trust it anymore for long distance travel due to the noise and slight power loss. When a few mechanics confirmed my suspicion, I bought my Yaris. The Geo has 230k miles. 350+K miles sounds good--if my back holds out. Trying to reach the steering wheel is slowly destroying it.

[bronsin]

That pinging might be the beginnings of some rod-wear. My Geo started doing that about 80k miles ago. Still runs great, but I couldn't trust it anymore for long distance travel due to the noise and slight power loss. When a few mechanics confirmed my suspicion, I bought my Yaris. The Geo has 230k miles. 350+K miles sounds good--if my back holds out. Trying to reach the steering wheel is slowly destroying it.


Rod bearings with play in them do not hang around for 80,000 miles, they quickly self destruct. Probably all you needed was a valve job. Although after 230k miles a new car would be a lot more dependable...

[trini_per4mance]

do you have an exhaust system as well? I'm baffled that you'd drive so much with an intake and header, doesn't the noise get to you after a while? I suppose if you have the factory muffler on you're probably okay.

I have a dynomax exhaust, but cruising at 70mph, you don't hear any intake or exhaust noise. The car is almost as quiet as factory while cruising.

[trini_per4mance]

In your Youtube links its says under 'more info' you are running under drive pulley/s...so not anymore? or is it a c-one brand?

I had an NST pulley, but I sold it.

[regal]

the mechanical head/valves is the achilles heal of this engine, it is a very involved jon to adjust them, at 350K they definately need adjustment. But It would be cheaper to drive till a valve drops and replace with a low milage JY pull.

[bronsin]

Yes its probably asking a lot for a Toyota mechanic to adjust these valves. No other Toyota uses this system. And there are very few ECHOs/Yaris's sold compared to other Toyotas. You might be better off taking the car to a motorcycle mechanic because this system is common on motorcycle engines. Although....it IS relatively easy to CHECK the valve clearances for the home mechanic. Its adjusting them thats involved.

[jemmah]

I got a Yaris (2007) which is 18 months old and 81K with no problems yet! Also have a 2005 Ford Ranger with 378K. Started to ping sometime back and I was using high test so I wouldn't have to listen to the marbles in the engine. Finally had Ford look at it and they stated that the time chain had streched. I told them it wasn't worth it to replace the chain so they reset the timing to a place where the pinging stopped. Don't know whether it was advanced or retarded. Now I'm back to low test fuel and I really don't feel a major difference. So add the chain to all the possible pinging issues.
JEM

[Red Horse]

I had an NST pulley, but I sold it.

How much mileage did you put on the NST pulley before you sold it and why sold it? cause NST pulley's will be my next mod. :confused:

[trini_per4mance]

Guys, the pinging that I'm hearing is very rear and I only hear it for like a second or two when the engine is under 99% load sometimes. I don't think it's my valves or timing chain, but then again, I may be wrong. I think is has to do with the fuel and the fact that my O2 sensors and knock sensor have 350K miles on them. So, they may not be functioning 100%.

[Kal-El]

So do you have a video made of the 350,000 rollover? Post it up!

:w00t:

[toyo]

ohh my god that is freaking awesome!!!!! you should contact toyota inmediatly and get sponsored, discounts and you could be on TV lol

awesome dude, freaking awesome..

[trini_per4mance]

So do you have a video made of the 350,000 rollover? Post it up!

:w00t:

Yes, I do have a video. But I need to get someone who can edit it and add captions and music to it. I would like to do a compilation of all the vids I have, from the 100k mile vid up to the most recent 350k vid. Anyone willing to help me out with doing this? I would greatly appreciate it. Thanx!

[ROCKLAND TOYOTA]

ohh my god that is freaking awesome!!!!! you should contact toyota inmediatly and get sponsored, discounts and you could be on TV lol

awesome dude, freaking awesome..

WISHFUL THINKING.:laugh: sponsorship from toyota:laugh:

[R2D2]

trini,

Any update on the "ping" issue after the MAF cleaning, injector cleaner, etc?


TIA

R2

[trini_per4mance]

trini,

Any update on the "ping" issue after the MAF cleaning, injector cleaner, etc?


TIA

R2

Yeah, it's almost gone. I very rarely hear it for a second once in a blue moon.

[R2D2]

Cool, thanks!

R2

[Split]

I have a dynomax exhaust, but cruising at 70mph, you don't hear any intake or exhaust noise. The car is almost as quiet as factory while cruising.

i thought you had a magnaflow exhaust?

[Red Horse]

Maybe if you have time you can create a "View User's Garage" so we can see what's your yaris mod's and some pictures.

[Twistoffate0817]

Congrats! :D

[trini_per4mance]

i thought you had a magnaflow exhaust?
I have either a dynomax or magnaflow oem replacement exhaust with 2.25" inlet and outlet with a stock looking elbow tip facing down. I wanted the performance but keep it looking stock as possible.

[JumpmanYaris]

Trini How did u put 350K in this 07 sedan?

[Thirty-Nine]

Trini How did u put 350K in this 07 sedan?

He delivers medical specimens throughout Florida. From his 2007 post:

I use to deliver unprocessed checks for Bank of America from one processng center in Miami to another in Tampa from April 2006 - April 2007. Now I pickup specimen from several clinics all over south Florida for a labatory from April 2007 to present day. In case you guys are wondering, the $$$ is well worth it. And the $$$ I saved on gas on a monthly basis by using this Yaris, I actually saved $$$ by buying this Yaris. I get anywhere from 40mpg@80mph to 50mpg@70mph highway driving. I do very little city driving. I use to spend $1600/monthly on gas using a 2000 Mazda Protege that I still have with 400,000 miles on it and never touched the engine except for maintenence reasons. With the Yaris I put $1200/montly. That's $400 savings on gas which is the same as a montly car payment.

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7895&page=3

[Thirty-Nine]

FYI, now on Subcompact Culture:

http://www.subcompactculture.com/2009/08/yaris-owner-racks-up-354000-miles-on.html