How much abuse can the Yaris take?

[Marfulion]

Well technically the yaris isnt mine but the car has about 31000 miles on it and 95% of those miles were all me. It is kinda like a company car. I have this car at full throttle almost all the time and I force the downshifts on the auto trans like before every corner. Also every now and then I launch while the auto stick is in "L" and push it up to 2nd right before it hits revlimit, cus normaly it shifts like 250rpms before the redline on "D" and i do same from 2nd to 3rd. So my question is how long before the transmission or the engine goes out if i continue to drive it abusively like that?

[ddongbap]

You should be ok. I don't recommend shifting the tranny very often. Es no bueno.

[yarr_is]

drive it like you stole it =]

[supmet]

You should be ok. I don't recommend shifting the tranny very often. Es no bueno.

I would suggest shifting at least twice each time you go from 0-60

[IllusionX]

why would you do this to a car?

Even the chevy uplander i had as a company car did not take such abuse.

[tomato]

why would you do this to a car?
.

I was wondering the same thing actually. :iono:

[AlexNet0]

I guess you'll find out when you hear something crunch.

[birdman]

Drove her over a cliff a few times and she always bounced back. Nare a scratch!

[Sabretooth]

Ok....Ill give you an honest answer, instead of this flame war...

If you are kidding about this thread, congratz. You started your own little fun thread, focused on something stupid.

If you are serious, you really need to consider what I am about to post.

Ok,
To start, the Yaris is an economy car, not a sports car. Just because it has 2 doors and goes vroom, doesnt mean that it is of sports characteristics. What makes this car fun to drive is more that it corners well for what it is, an entry level "slushbox" if you will, that people mock us for driving, doenst matter if they own a 350Z or a Civic Si, they still thing the concept of driving our car fast is funny. Because they know that we only have a small amount of HP to offer and pretty much nothing to really pull out of the engine N/A.

Now as for reliability...Toyota has been making the NCP platform/chassis for about 10 years, Started it all off with the Echo, then created the Scion Xa/Xb platforms, all using the same engines, trannys, and so on. Now, as for the most recent engines. The newer drive by wire setups, they are still as reliable as the previous. Yet keep in mind, This is an ECONOMY Car, This car was no developed to out perform, well anything. It was simply designed and built to commute, save gas, and have just enough get-up-n-go to just get on the highway and a little more.

As for all cars, the harsher you treat it, majority of the parts will break prematurely. Instead of them making a long life of 375k miles (YES, it has been documented, video'd on this forum of a Yaris lasting this long) or more. You will start seeing issues earlier than such.

In all said, If you are willing to beat this car daily, thrashing it as if it were an Indy car. Dont expect for it to make it to a longer lifespan as if you treated "nicer". Oh, if you continue, you might want to try and take extra precautions to your maintenance schedule...Synthetic Oil, Transmission fluid, etc. Just so your not causing more strain on parts that are already being pushed to a limit that the manufacturer never intended directly on a regular basis.


Oh, and if you need an example...My last car, even though it wasnt a Toyota, I drove similar to what you are now. My transmission didnt last past 80,000 miles. Needed to be rebuilt, but I rather traded it in on its last leg of life for my Yaris. My driving isnt the kindest towards my car, but I no where drive the Yaris as hard as I did my last vehicles.

[Sir A.Y. Atoyot]

Driving that way is extremely immature. If you want to use up excess energy, do it in a more constructive way, is my advice.

[WeeYari]

why would you do this to a car?


BECAUSE

Well technically the yaris isnt mine

[firebob]

It’s great on dirt (a little gravel on the sides) roads. Just have to watch out for bumps and crowns in the road. I have gotten it stuck twice on the crown of the road :iono:.

[ddongbap]

I would suggest shifting at least twice each time you go from 0-60

Its an automatic bro.

[supmet]

Its an automatic bro.

I assure you, automatic transmissions still need to shift.

[AlexNet0]

^ ok tamago and rockland, haha

[jambo101]

Driving with such reckless abandon will sooner or later bite you in the butt as some other driver is going to do something unexpected and the accident will occur because you have left no room for other peoples driving errors.If you really want to let it all out take it to the track where you'll probably find out you arent the driver you think you are..

[ddongbap]

Just because half of you guys don't understand why somebody would do this to a car, doesn't mean you guys have to hate. Sheesh, so narrow minded.

[ddongbap]

I assure you, automatic transmissions still need to shift.

So, you're suggesting to the tranny that it should shift?

[YarisSedan]

Ill have to admit i do drive my car a little agressively too. But i take a lot better care of my car than some people too as well to help offset the abuse. I use a magnetic drain plug as well as a filter magnet. I use only a high quality filter with anti drainback valve such as K&N. I always use a high performance oil such as amsoil or royal purple. And change it at 5k miles still. My automatic transmission fluid i plan to change it at 60k irregardless of what toyota reccomends. I could consider my maintance in the severe service catagory. Plan to change my spark plugs at 60k too.

So i would advise if you decide to drive your car that way. Change your oil frequently and plan to service your transmission fluid earlier than 100k.

Also i have a engine torque dampner. If you dont have one and continue to drive the car that way for sure you are going to bust a engine mount or atleast wear them out a lot lot faster that way.

[Vitz RangaaaH]

Aloot. Trust me. How long it will last I do not know. This car has been reliable from the get. Go no matter what I threw at it. Just keep up on maintaince if your going to drive it the way you describe.

[JBIZZ]

It can handle more than you think & will last longer than an American performance car driven under the same circumstances.

[birdman]

I think Toyota really did their homework on this amazing car. With the addition of the TRD sway bar and a bit of driving experience this car is amazingly agile and peppy. This is only considered a cheapo entry level car in the USA. In other countries it comes with a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, CVT, AWD, Blackberry/gps screens and automatic parking. Only in America is this car seen as being a bottom of the pile ride.

With a few more mods this car is a sports car if that's what a Mini is. This car is built frugally for environmentally concious buyers to buy, but with a bit of modding the beast within will emerge. It was carefully created to allow all sorts of modifications to enhance it's marvelous design.

In the EU it is attractive to well educated environmentally conscious people who could afford more expensive cars but choose this car as an expression of their commitment to be part of the solution instead of adding to the problem.. In many countries it has a huge cult following. This little wonder was selling very well over seas long before the Fit or Venza were even thought up. It's the first of a kind in a long long time.

A great car that is no more expensive than it requires. I remember when the VW bug was once bare bones yet very well executed. Like the Yaris it transcended class distinctions attracting buyers from all walks of life.

People with expensive exotics buy them because they possess that certain something that only comes around once in a great while. Clark Gable loved his cheap little single cylinder Isetta. Like the Isetta the Yaris is a masterpiece of minimalist Art with a comical twist. Like the old Citroen 2CV, VW Bug and the Isetta it will be a cherished addition for many future collectors.

As far as driving it hard, Go for it and drive the piss out of it! It was designed to take it.

[Kal-El]

....the Yaris is a masterpiece of minimalist Art with a comical twist.


I like that description. :thumbsup::tongue:

[Kal-El]

The member here with about 375,000 miles on his '07 does a bit of "abusing" himself. He redlines it, takes it to top speed, and all this with already high mileage. And no problems.

Yeah, the Yaris is built unbelievably for it's cost. That's why other areas (interior) seem a bit cheap. Toyota spent money where it counts.

[birdman]

This car is 85% WOW and the remaining 15% messes with you forcing you to think outside the box. Once you give up trying to rationalize this wonderfully individual creation you really begin to love this car as being perfect just the way it is. For those who don't understand what I mean, this is not for them, but for the ones that do.

[roxy1]

i think driving that car in this fashion is very immature for 3 simple reasons:

1) the car is not yours
2) the car is not yours
3) the car is not yours

id say if you owned the car and wanted to drive a 106 hp no good handling made for good mileage econobox like an assclown, then that would be fine and dandy if you wanted to abuse your own property.

[Altitude]

I assure you, automatic transmissions still need to shift.

A more accurate statement would be that you *can* shift an automatic to address certain driving conditions (heavy loads, poor road conditions), but if you make it a routine and drive it like a manual, then why bother with an auto at all?

They were designed and meant to be put in drive and go hence the term "automatic".

To the OP - regardless of whether or not the car can take the abuse, unless you own it and pay for it you shouldn't be doing that.

[ddongbap]

I think Toyota really did their homework on this amazing car. With the addition of the TRD sway bar and a bit of driving experience this car is amazingly agile and peppy. This is only considered a cheapo entry level car in the USA. In other countries it comes with a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, CVT, AWD, Blackberry/gps screens and automatic parking. Only in America is this car seen as being a bottom of the pile ride.

With a few more mods this car is a sports car if that's what a Mini is. This car is built frugally for environmentally concious buyers to buy, but with a bit of modding the beast within will emerge. It was carefully created to allow all sorts of modifications to enhance it's marvelous design.

In the EU it is attractive to well educated environmentally conscious people who could afford more expensive cars but choose this car as an expression of their commitment to be part of the solution instead of adding to the problem.. In many countries it has a huge cult following. This little wonder was selling very well over seas long before the Fit or Venza were even thought up. It's the first of a kind in a long long time.

A great car that is no more expensive than it requires. I remember when the VW bug was once bare bones yet very well executed. Like the Yaris it transcended class distinctions attracting buyers from all walks of life.

People with expensive exotics buy them because they possess that certain something that only comes around once in a great while. Clark Gable loved his cheap little single cylinder Isetta. Like the Isetta the Yaris is a masterpiece of minimalist Art with a comical twist. Like the old Citroen 2CV, VW Bug and the Isetta it will be a cherished addition for many future collectors.

As far as driving it hard, Go for it and drive the piss out of it! It was designed to take it.

I only read like 10% of it. But rock on brah. Toyota don't mess around when they make a car.

Matrix S costs 24k. Mazdaspeed3 Costs 23k. The Mazdaspeed is EPICLY faster. What do you get from Toyota? You get Toyota build quality.

Damn, if i were a girl, I'd show you my boobies.

[Marfulion]

Thanks, after seeing the responses I can assume about 80k before shxt starts to fall apart, so I will just have to chill. OH, and the reason why i drive this car this way is NOT because its not my car, its because i know its a toyota and these cars can really take abuse and keep going plus iam just a fast paced guy, just dont know how abuse it can take. some people were saying that his car had no good handling and is pos, well I actually had to choose between this and a brand new jetta and a cobalt, which cost more and are technically better cars, and I chose the yaris. The cobalt felt like shxt in the corners and although I liked the power from the jetta its steering response felt way to numb, I was actually able to carry more speed through some corners in the yaris on some off my favorite spots. This thing brakes really good too, kudos to toyota for making such a good car. I can only imagine what is must be like with a good suspension setup, tires and some extra power.

[tomato]

Thanks, after seeing the responses I can assume about 80k before shxt starts to fall apart, so I will just have to chill. OH, and the reason why i drive this car this way is NOT because its not my car, its because i know its a toyota and these cars can really take abuse and keep going plus iam just a fast paced guy, just dont know how abuse it can take. some people were saying that his car had no good handling and is pos, well I actually had to choose between this and a brand new jetta and a cobalt, which cost more and are technically better cars, and I chose the yaris. The cobalt felt like shxt in the corners and although I liked the power from the jetta its steering response felt way to numb, I was actually able to carry more speed through some corners in the yaris on some off my favorite spots. This thing brakes really good too, kudos to toyota for making such a good car. I can only imagine what is must be like with a good suspension setup, tires and some extra power.

I think the Yaris has superior handling in the corners and it adheres to the road like crazy (or maybe I just have good tires, lol?) I've read reviews saying that the Yaris was no good in corners, but that must be at really, really high speed (???) because it sure feels pretty tight to me. Actually, the way it handles in corners is one of her best features IMO. Speed, torque, ehh not so much :smile: (I drive stock though)

[jambo101]

Just because half of you guys don't understand why somebody would do this to a car, doesn't mean you guys have to hate. Sheesh, so narrow minded. It might be my family or yours that this guy crashes into when his reckless driving reaps its reward.

[ddongbap]

It might be my or your family this guy crashes into when his recless driving reaps its reward.

He said beats on the car. No where did he say he breaks any traffic laws. Stop assuming.

I can peel out first gear, slam second redline into top of second, and shift into 5th, and still be slower than almost every other car out there.

[127.0.0.1]

Yaris. more torque than a FIT, faster than a FIT to 60mph

Yaris. don't steer as well as a FIT but you only notice if you are at bonehead speeds

Yaris. VSC and TRAC now standard in the lowest models.

Yaris. Numerous aftermarket upgrades to make it the sportiest microcar you want.

Yaris. kept stock and dealer maintained at recommended intervals, will last +300,000miles

[tomato]

I think Toyota really did their homework on this amazing car. With the addition of the TRD sway bar and a bit of driving experience this car is amazingly agile and peppy. This is only considered a cheapo entry level car in the USA. In other countries it comes with a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, CVT, AWD, Blackberry/gps screens and automatic parking. Only in America is this car seen as being a bottom of the pile ride.

With a few more mods this car is a sports car if that's what a Mini is. This car is built frugally for environmentally concious buyers to buy, but with a bit of modding the beast within will emerge. It was carefully created to allow all sorts of modifications to enhance it's marvelous design.

In the EU it is attractive to well educated environmentally conscious people who could afford more expensive cars but choose this car as an expression of their commitment to be part of the solution instead of adding to the problem.. In many countries it has a huge cult following. This little wonder was selling very well over seas long before the Fit or Venza were even thought up. It's the first of a kind in a long long time.

A great car that is no more expensive than it requires. I remember when the VW bug was once bare bones yet very well executed. Like the Yaris it transcended class distinctions attracting buyers from all walks of life.

People with expensive exotics buy them because they possess that certain something that only comes around once in a great while. Clark Gable loved his cheap little single cylinder Isetta. Like the Isetta the Yaris is a masterpiece of minimalist Art with a comical twist. Like the old Citroen 2CV, VW Bug and the Isetta it will be a cherished addition for many future collectors.

As far as driving it hard, Go for it and drive the piss out of it! It was designed to take it.


Hahaha!!! Do you work PR for Toyota? :wink::biggrin:

Great post, though :clap:

Seriously, funny you should compare the Yaris to the the Citroen 2CV. The thought had crossed my mind, too. :smile:

http://www.geocities.com/Paris/9896/2cv-tek.jpg

[Marfulion]

It might be my family or yours that this guy crashes into when his reckless driving reaps its reward.

Dude you got it wrong, its not like iam driving like a maniac through traffic, you can have the yaris floor from a stop light for awhile and still be within the speedlimit. Where I live I have go back and forth running errands and things and many of the roads I take have little or no traffic and I never drive crazy through them, just cruisingly fast to leave plenty of room for something unexpected.

[supmet]

A more accurate statement would be that you *can* shift an automatic to address certain driving conditions (heavy loads, poor road conditions),

You guys understand that in D(drive) the car still shifts, correct?? Whether "I" do it, or "the car" automatically does it, the car shifts.

but if you make it a routine and drive it like a manual, then why bother with an auto at all?

So I can talk on my phone and eat a cheeseburger at the same time in rush hour traffic.


They were designed and meant to be put in drive and go hence the term "automatic"..

I can promise you are wrong on this one. My shifter clearly has 3, 2, and L DESIGNED into it. If it was only meant to be put in drive, why would they put those on? The truth is, gear limiting properly extends the life of your transmission, brakes, and engine, and can also save gas with DFCO


To the OP - regardless of whether or not the car can take the abuse, unless you own it and pay for it you shouldn't be doing that.

word.

[Altitude]

You guys understand that in D(drive) the car still shifts, correct?? Whether "I" do it, or "the car" automatically does it, the car shifts.



So I can talk on my phone and eat a cheeseburger at the same time in rush hour traffic.



I can promise you are wrong on this one. My shifter clearly has 3, 2, and L DESIGNED into it. If it was only meant to be put in drive, why would they put those on? The truth is, gear limiting properly extends the life of your transmission, brakes, and engine, and can also save gas with DFCO



word.

Of course an automatic still shifts while in Drive. You're supposed to put it there 90% of the time and leave it. Not start out in low, shift to 2 then 3 then D... I already explained why there are other gears on the auto - they are meant to be used in specific situations where a lower gearing is needed.

If your original comment was facetious (and it apparently was) you should have stated that.

letter.

[cali yaris]

I'd like to know if the owner has full and complete knowledge of how you drive his/her car, and whether you know you are representing that person when you are driving the car.

These are yes or no questions, by the way.

If yes to both -- I got nothin' to say.

[TheRealEnth]

ignore every1, they are just hating ;D maintenance it regularly and it will be fine

[supmet]

i sincerly hope you are being sarcastic

Of course I was. I only eat and talk on the same phone at the same time if I have a passenger to hold the wheel and shift for me.

Of course an automatic still shifts while in Drive. You're supposed to put it there 90% of the time and leave it. Not start out in low, shift to 2 then 3 then D... I already explained why there are other gears on the auto - they are meant to be used in specific situations where a lower gearing is needed.

You can start in low, shift to 2 then 3 then D, and as long as you aren't revving too high, you aren't doing any damage to anything in the car. You have better control on hills, and coming out of turns, resulting in the transmission jumping up and down unnecessarily - meaning less wear on the transmission. Gear limiting is not bad, and should be used, that's why its there. Bad driving habits are bad.

[Marfulion]

...Not start out in low, shift to 2 then 3 then D...
letter.

That is exactly what i do, lol.

[Altitude]

:rolleyes:

[Marfulion]

I realize I can just leave in "D", but being first time driving an auto, I really hate it when the car jumps in and out of gears.

[Altitude]

supmet - I never used the word "can't" in anything I stated. I rarely speak in absolutes.

There is a proper way to use any mechanical device and improper use typically leads to early failure. If you know what you are doing you likely won't harm the transmission, but using it like a manual all the time just increases the chances you'll break something or cause it to wear out prematurely. But hey, it's your money and your ride.

Marfulion - the best thing you could do is drive the car like it was your own. If you treat your own cars like shit then knock yourself out and don't worry about it. Though I do think you have some obligation to let the owner know of your lack of consideration for their property.

[ern-diz]

Of course I was. I only eat and talk on the same phone at the same time if I have a passenger to hold the wheel and shift for me.

you don't need anyone else to hold the wheel unless you have something against the knee tactic lol...

[Marfulion]

Marfulion - the best thing you could do is drive the car like it was your own. If you treat your own cars like shit then knock yourself out and don't worry about it. Though I do think you have some obligation to let the owner know of your lack of consideration for their property.

You are right, although if it was my car I would still drive it the same way, but then again I am not entirely sure because I know that there is this one dude with over 300000 miles on his yaris on utube and tends to ride it hard every now and then, and then there is also someone I know who had an echo who babys it and it blew a piston at 120k, so I don't really know for sure. But you are right, it is not my car and I should not be driving it like that wasting the tires and risking problems. One thing I do for sure though is kept the car super clean and the owner abuses this car more than I do, freaking leaves taco bell wrapers all over the place with pieces of lettuce and cheese everywhere and cigarette ashes everywhere. lol, but that is his car not mine, but it feels like my car from driving it so much, I don't know how to explain it, but I have somehow become attached to this car

[supmet]

but using it like a manual all the time just increases the chances you'll break something or cause it to wear out prematurely

I came in to this thread just messing around, but you're not getting the point that the statement above is false.

Used properly, gear limiting REDUCES wear on the transmission and brakes, versus keeping it in drive the whole time. Automatic transmissions are smart, but if you think they make the best decision(for wear on the engine) every time, you have entirely too much faith. I'm not the only one who has noticed the "jumpiness" coming out of turns and on hills.

The ONLY thing getting more wear from me gear limiting is the gear selector, and I'll take my chances on that one.

[ddongbap]

I came in to this thread just messing around, but you're not getting the point that the statement above is false.

Used properly, gear limiting REDUCES wear on the transmission and brakes, versus keeping it in drive the whole time. Automatic transmissions are smart, but if you think they make the best decision(for wear on the engine) every time, you have entirely too much faith. I'm not the only one who has noticed the "jumpiness" coming out of turns and on hills.

The ONLY thing getting more wear from me gear limiting is the gear selector, and I'll take my chances on that one.

Btw, I was only kidding about the tranny shift thing. You said YOU shift an auto tranny, when the tranny shifts itself, cause its auto.

[roxy1]

I think the Yaris has superior handling in the corners


thanks. i needed a good laugh this morning. though i will admit the yaris handles slightly better than a slug with emphysema.

[jambo101]

Dude you got it wrong, its not like iam driving like a maniac through traffic, you can have the yaris floor from a stop light for awhile and still be within the speedlimit. Where I live I have go back and forth running errands and things and many of the roads I take have little or no traffic and I never drive crazy through them, just cruisingly fast to leave plenty of room for something unexpected.

I have this car at full throttle almost all the time and I force the downshifts on the auto trans like before every corner. Also every now and then I launch while the auto stick is in "L" and push it up to 2nd right before it hits revlimit, cus normaly it shifts like 250rpms before the redline on "D" and i do same from 2nd to 3rd.
Excuse me for being skeptical

[nerp]

The low gears on an automatic are for hills and other situations in which the automatic isn't optimal. It is not there for you to pretend its a manual transmission. Driving hard and slamming the gears in an auto is a surefire way to destroy the transmission.

[jambo101]

The low gears on an automatic are for hills and other situations in which the automatic isn't optimal. It is not there for you to pretend its a manual transmission. Driving hard and slamming the gears in an auto is a surefire way to destroy the transmission.
Dont get the impression that Marfulion really cares about whats good for the car as its the company car so some one else will get to pay for any repairs on the car, also something to remember if ever thinking about buying a used fleet or rental car,

[PETERPOOP]

-1 for auto

[cali yaris]

thanks. i needed a good laugh this morning. though i will admit the yaris handles slightly better than a slug with emphysema.

Power? no. Handling? yes.

I think you have the two confused. The Yaris has excellent handling characteristics with minimal modifications.