Most worthwhile mod for Yaris?

[eht13]

Just a poll to see what people think is the single best / most worthwhile mod for the Yaris... thanks.

EDIT: I meant to include wheels, too. If your answer is wheels, please select Other and then say so in a post... in that case, please say whether you started out with steelies or OEM alloys.

[sbergman27]

My vote was for "Other": None of the above. Yaris is pretty good just the way it is.

Rear sway bar: Unnecessary. Silly.

Lowering springs / other suspension: Probably tacky.

Engine / exhaust: Likely tacky. Very possibly rude to other drivers and to people whose houses you pass on the road. We give you the finger as you go buy, even if you don't see us doing it.

Bodykit / spoiler: Likely tacky.

[silver_vios]

^^ suspension is tacky? 4 inches of wheel gap with plastic hubcaps is tacky.

Oh, and the next time a ladder falls on the freeway and I am able to evade it no problem and your yaris goes flying off the freeway in a feeble attempt at avoidance, I'll be sure to make note of how "tacky and silly" my suspension is.

[DandiDani]

lol...okay. i voted for suspension. as good as my yaris looks with my wheels on that gap just screams at me everytime i see it. i got my tanabes in the box ready to go as soon as it warms up. hope its soon!

[sbergman27]

Oh, and the next time a ladder falls on the freeway and I am able to evade it no problem and your yaris goes flying off the freeway in a feeble attempt at avoidance, I'll be sure to make note of how "tacky and silly" my suspension is.
If you are saying that a modest increase in suspension height would allow one to better and more safely straddle highway obstacles, then I would agree.

If you are saying that lowering the suspension height allows one to dodge highway obstacles more effectively, then I would guess that you are in your teens.

-Steve

[tk-421]

@eht13: I voted swaybar, but you should check out the last link on my sig for more good suggestions from other members.


Rear sway bar: Unnecessary. Silly.

Lowering springs / other suspension: Probably tacky.

Engine / exhaust: Likely tacky. Very possibly rude to other drivers and to people whose houses you pass on the road. We give you the finger as you go buy, even if you don't see us doing it.

Bodykit / spoiler: Likely tacky.
If you are saying that lowering the suspension height allows one to dodge highway obstacles more effectively, then I would guess that you are in your teens.

[DandiDani]

lol

[JumpmanYaris]

He is to old for suspensions and all that so he dont count lol

[JumpmanYaris]

And i vote for suspensions

[sbergman27]

I'll leave you children to your fun. But... if what you really want is a Scion... why not just buy a Scion? It would sit on the ground, whacking every passing piece of road debris, and have styling that looked far more retarded than you'll ever be able to modify your Yaris to match. All right from the factory. You're taking the long way 'round.

[JumpmanYaris]

Wow i feel younger than what i am! Hahaha

[DandiDani]

:laugh:

[Kal-El]

Wheels. If you only do one mod, wheels has to be it.

[Kal-El]

If you are saying that a modest increase in suspension height would allow one to better and more safely straddle highway obstacles, then I would agree.

If you are saying that lowering the suspension height allows one to dodge highway obstacles more effectively, then I would guess that you are in your teens.

-Steve

:confused:

You basically just said that an SUV handles better than a sports car.

[tk-421]

Wow i feel younger than what i am! Hahaha

+1

I haven't been on my teens for a while... :laugh:

[DandiDani]

+1

+2 :biggrin:

[sbergman27]

You basically just said that an SUV handles better than a sports car.
Don't be silly. I said that being able to straddle road debris, and having a little extra ground clearance, outweighs any imagined advantages of being able to swerve a little harder. Even slightly taller than average parking curbs are a hazard to the bottom of the air dam as it is. It's foolish to lower the car any further.

Back in the 60s people argued that tail fins improved vehicle stability when the fact of the matter was that they were merely fashion statements. I'm seing the same kind of logic here.

If you care about avoiding road debris... don't sit your car on the ground. Maintain some ground clearance.

[YAR1S]

I'll leave you children to your fun. But... if what you really want is a Scion... why not just buy a Scion? It would sit on the ground, whacking every passing piece of road debris, and have styling that looked far more retarded than you'll ever be able to modify your Yaris to match. All right from the factory. You're taking the long way 'round.

WOW, negative much??? seriously??
I dont see how suspension mods can look tacky unless you mean heavily dropped and scraping? Besides who wouldnt agree that the yaris looks like a mini suv on steroids.... and those hubcaps? Seriously? Those hubcaps cheapen the car. Engine modifications are tacky???? most of them you cant even see..... This forum is big on modifications and such so maybe if you dont like that maybe you should just go to a regular generic toyota forum.

and yes, I am young, and yes you are old(assuming from the mature response LOL), people are differnt, some people take pride in their car hobbies, some couldnt give a toss.

no negativity is needed in this forum and it always breeds flaming, which is what I am doing.... but hey whats a forum without a few lemons.


I already know you will flame on me for this, I am looking forward to your response. :evil:

[DandiDani]

lol. where are you driving that there is that much debris in the road anyways? im glad im not living there.

[silver_vios]

Don't be silly. I said that being able to straddle road debris, and having a little extra ground clearance, outweighs any imagined advantages of being able to swerve a little harder. Even slightly taller than average parking curbs are a hazard to the bottom of the air dam as it is. It's foolish to lower the car any further.

Back in the 60s people argued that tail fins improved vehicle stability when the fact of the matter was that they were merely fashion statements. I'm seing the same kind of logic here.

If you care about avoiding road debris... don't sit your car on the ground. Maintain some ground clearance.


My car looks better and handles better than any stock scion. And it was cheaper too. And even before I lowered it, it's not like you could "straddle road debris" except for a plastic bag.

Oh, and if you don't understand how upgraded springs/shocks/struts and adding a sway bar improve handling, I don't care how old you anyone is, this conversation isn't going anywhere.... Its not just road debris, its the truck that pulls out in front of you with 20 feet to spare. Its the drunk that swerves across the median right into you. My suspension will stick, yours will rock like a tuna boat. God forbid there's more than a slight crosswind for any of this.

[sbergman27]

I dont see how suspension mods can look tacky unless you mean heavily dropped and scraping?
How much can you drop the Yaris from stock without moving into that territory?

I've no particular attachment to the hub caps. I wouldn't be averse to fancier wheels as long as rotating mass and aerodynamics were not adversely affected. The Yaris' real world fuel economy is one of its outstanding features. And one which I care about a great deal. The world needs more cars like the Yaris.

Engine modifications are tacky????

Exhaust mods are usually tacky. The poll choices tend to combine more than one thing into one response.

I already know you will flame on me for this, I am looking forward to your response.

No. Flames on Internet forums are a complete waste of time. Discussion either works or it does not. Things are not looking particularly hopeful for this discussion. But hey, the night is young.

-Steve

[YAR1S]

How much can you drop the Yaris from stock without moving into that territory?

I've no particular attachment to the hub caps. I wouldn't be averse to fancier wheels as long as rotating mass and aerodynamics were not adversely affected. The Yaris' real world fuel economy is one of its outstanding features. And one which I care about a great deal. The world needs more cars like the Yaris.



Exhaust mods are usually tacky. The poll choices tend to combine more than one thing into one response.

No. Flames on Internet forums are a complete waste of time. Discussion either works or it does not. Things are not looking particularly hopeful for this discussion. But hey, the night is young.

-Steve


Well I respect you for not flaming.

Discussions can go south on this forum real quick.

The yaris is by far one of the best cars for the money you save.
*I think* You can drop the yaris at least 2 inches before you start to have problems and issues with rubbing, depending on what wheel setup you have, this is where suspension comes in, stiffening the ride.
In the end, it depends on why you bought your yaris..... for it's amazing MPG's, just a DD, sporty car, or a mixture of the previous. I know people on here who will give anything to strip out all the unnecessary parts to get that lightweight gas sipping machine they've always dreamed of.... and then I know some on here who modify the heck out of their yaris to make it a fun and limber AutoX car.

[sbergman27]

Its not just road debris, its the truck that pulls out in front of you with 20 feet to spare. Its the drunk that swerves across the median right into you. My suspension will stick, yours will rock like a tuna boat. God forbid there's more than a slight crosswind for any of this.
I drive 40k miles per year and haven't had this happen. No accidents in 30 years. While road debris is an almost daily hazard.

And are you sure you are not rather drastically over-stating any difference that your mods might have made? I suspect you are.

Look, if you want to make a fashion statement, that's fine. Even if I might have aesthetic qualms with the defacements you choose to inflict upon your car. But It's pretty silly to try to make the "life or death" safety argument you seem to want to make.

-Steve

[silver_vios]

I drive 40k miles per year and haven't had this happen. No accidents in 30 years. While road debris is an almost daily hazard.

And are you sure you are not rather drastically over-stating any difference that your mods might have made? I suspect you are.

Look, if you want to make a fashion statement, that's fine. Even if I might have aesthetic qualms with the defacements you choose to inflict upon your car. But It's pretty silly to try to make the "life or death" safety argument you seem to want to make.

-Steve

40k miles a year in BFE, OK < 1 day in LA

and no, you are understating something that you have absolutely no clue about. Go wiki some big words to dazzle everyone with. My car is safer than yours, get over it.

/out, don't feed the troll

[sbergman27]

lol. where are you driving that there is that much debris in the road anyways? im glad im not living there.
Interstates between Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, and Kansas. I40, I25, I70, I35.

[Kal-El]

...

/out, don't feed the troll

He's got over 130 posts and is defending the Yaris in base form.

Hardly a troll.

And coming from someone with 3 posts? :rolleyes:

[sbergman27]

Go wiki some big words to dazzle everyone with. My car is safer than yours, get over it.
Whatever you say. :rolleyes:

[sbergman27]

Wow. I had not noticed that Silver Vios is even newer here than I am. So I'll take a time out from our snit to welcome Silver Vios to the forum and note that my level of diplomacy has a certain variability to it depending upon mood and circumstance.

-Steve

[silver_vios]

He's got over 130 posts and is defending the Yaris in base form.

Hardly a troll.

And coming from someone with 3 posts? :rolleyes:


but why would anyone want to rice up a Yaris in this way?
You bought a skull gear shift knob but are worried about visible wires looking lame?

+ this thread... Coming on to a modding forum and insulting everyone that mods = troll. Pretty much by definition. But me having 3 posts negates all that I suppose.

[Kal-El]

sbergman27,

I totally get what you are saying in support of a stock Yaris. There are reasons Toyota makes it the way it is. It is the most practical, the most efficient, and the most economical.

That said, putting down mods as being tacky or something only teenagers are interested in is way off. Check out the picture threads of cars with 1.5-2" drops with 16-17" wheels. Many are very cleanly done. The drop isn't slammed, it basically brings the fender gap where it should be (the way expensive cars come stock - hardly tacky or immature).

I basically defend both decisions. For me, I have 16" alloys on stock suspension. I'd like the better look of a drop, but I think I prefer the comfortable ride and practicality in snow (and the financial factor of not spending the money I don't really have for a drop).

It's totally fine if you completely disagree with mods. But when they're done right, they aren't tacky. People are pretty much just trying to get a more premium look that performs better with these mods.

Sporty luxury cars and premium sports cars come with drops, big wheels, fancy exhausts, beefy engines, and often have body kits or low ground affects. They are anything but tacky.

:smile:

[Kal-El]

+ this thread... Coming on to a modding forum and insulting everyone that mods = troll. Pretty much by definition. But me having 3 posts negates all that I suppose.

Thing is though, is that this isn't a modding forum. YarisWorld is a Yaris forum that talks about everything Yaris with other off topic discussions as well.

They're are specific sub-forums dedicated to mods, this particular sub-forum is a general Yaris discussion though.

[silver_vios]

cool, you're not a mod, and I know how to use ignore, troll solved, and my ignore list grows by 2

suddenly this thread is much shorter

[eht13]

Wow... I start an innocent poll, log off for a while, and come back to see I started a storm. :laugh:

There are plenty of good points made here on both sides. I actually intended to add an option that said "No mods", but forgot to just the way I temporarily forgot to add "wheels" as an option. My car is stock, currently anyway, but one or two tastefully done mods are kind of in the back of my mind. However, my car came with all the options, including the OEM 15" alloys. If it hadn't, I'm pretty sure I would have already done a mod or two. :wink: I personally can't stand the steelies with plastic wheel covers.

Thanks for the input so far. Just a note... this poll wasn't just created for my own research purposes, but also thinking it could be useful for others too. Also, to TK-421 (love that name)... I saw that thread that is linked in your sig... actually read through it again earlier today. Thanks.

[sbergman27]

Wow... I start an innocent poll, log off for a while, and come back to see I started a storm. :laugh:
I hope that my off-tone contribution was of some value. :wink:

[JumpmanYaris]

WOW, negative much??? seriously??
I dont see how suspension mods can look tacky unless you mean heavily dropped and scraping? Besides who wouldnt agree that the yaris looks like a mini suv on steroids.... and those hubcaps? Seriously? Those hubcaps cheapen the car. Engine modifications are tacky???? most of them you cant even see..... This forum is big on modifications and such so maybe if you dont like that maybe you should just go to a regular generic toyota forum.

and yes, I am young, and yes you are old(assuming from the mature response LOL), people are differnt, some people take pride in their car hobbies, some couldnt give a toss.

no negativity is needed in this forum and it always breeds flaming, which is what I am doing.... but hey whats a forum without a few lemons.


I already know you will flame on me for this, I am looking forward to your response. :evil:

Ladies and gents this young girl (lol) has been in YW for some time and i must say I have never seen her go OFF on anyone in YW, Steve, sir you really pissed her off. The quite ones are bad when they explode lol.

Its Ok if you dont like mods on the yaris, but i wouldnt had said all that in ur very first post when maybe more then half of YW members have mods specialy suspensions, some times is good to just keeps somethings to ur self and not to piss ppl off.
Modding isnt for everyone i guess enjoy ur stay at YW good luck trying to get back in good with all .

[JumpmanYaris]

My vote was for "Other": None of the above. Yaris is pretty good just the way it is.

Rear sway bar: Unnecessary. Silly.

Lowering springs / other suspension: Probably tacky.

Engine / exhaust: Likely tacky. Very possibly rude to other drivers and to people whose houses you pass on the road. We give you the finger as you go buy, even if you don't see us doing it.

Bodykit / spoiler: Likely tacky.

I knew things was going to go down south because of this post

[MUSKOKA800]

Rear Anti-Sway Bar: for safety's sake.
This is one component I strongly feel that the factory should be installing on all Yaris'. It makes the car so so much more stable on the highway that for such a small price it almost seems negligent to not include it.
Once you've experienced your Yaris with an anti-sway bar installed you will never remove it.
I installed mine prior to the other suspension components and found it made an absolutely huge difference.

[IsLNdbOi]

Things are not looking particularly hopeful for this discussion. But hey, the night is young.

-Steve

Hey, you're the one that came in to threadcrap. Get out.

[yaris2010RS]

Ladies and gents this young girl (lol) has been in YW for some time and i must say I have never seen her go OFF on anyone in YW, Steve, sir you really pissed her off. The quite ones are bad when they explode lol.

+1
:bow:
:thumbup:

only thing i would change in your post.... i'm a boy, lol.

Hey, you're the one that came in to threadcrap. Get out.

+1

agreed....sorry steve.... lol.

this fourm is about mods..... iunno what u were expecting


funny thing i find about yarisworld..... it brings out the kid in everyone, some people were happy children....others.....well....not so much, lol.

[yaris2010RS]

my bad, i forgot to vote.... lol.

i vote for other, i have not done too much to my yaris yet.

so far best mod was my intake..... that is sick!

plans to do sway bar and lower about 2-3inch staying on toyota alloys.

other random mod (which is a pleaser) under dash lights. very nice, took a while to get jsut right but finally happy with it.

[eht13]

Thing is though, is that this isn't a modding forum. YarisWorld is a Yaris forum that talks about everything Yaris with other off topic discussions as well.

They're are specific sub-forums dedicated to mods, this particular sub-forum is a general Yaris discussion though.

Well said, I guess this needs to be reiterated. YarisWorld is for all Yaris owners, not just those that are heavily into modding. There are sub-forums for specific mods here, but I put the poll in this sub-forum because it is the most popular sub-forum and it covers all Yaris discussion... not focusing on just one area (which would have rendered a poll about all mods moot).

Thanks for the responses.

[DandiDani]

i think he was talking about YAR1S:redface:

[sbergman27]

Well said, I guess this needs to be reiterated. YarisWorld is for all Yaris owners, not just those that are heavily into modding.
Actually, it occurred to me late last night that there *is* a mod I wouldn't mind having: Fog Lights.

It seems like every time I try to drive on I70 in western Kansas at night (or early morning) a huge, virtually impenetrable fog bank rolls in. So I'd vote for fog lights. Factory, if possible.

-Steve

[eht13]

Actually, it occurred to me late last night that there *is* a mod I wouldn't mind having: Fog Lights.

It seems like every time I try to drive on I70 in western Kansas at night (or early morning) a huge, virtually impenetrable fog bank rolls in. So I'd vote for fog lights. Factory, if possible.

-Steve

Makes sense. For me, though, fog lights are one of the things that mine came with when I bought it. As I was saying, getting the Power Package with all options (including fog lights, cruise control, etc.) and OEM alloy wheels is probably the main reason why I haven't already done any real mods. :wink:

[yaris2010RS]

Makes sense. For me, though, fog lights are one of the things that mine came with when I bought it. As I was saying, getting the Power Package with all options (including fog lights, cruise control, etc.) and OEM alloy wheels is probably the main reason why I haven't already done any real mods. :wink:

my car also came with the stock fogs..... not gonna lie, they dont do much. lol. i notice a bit when i flicker them on and off but hopefully when i upgrade them to 15K HID's they will work better? lol

[MadMax]

The utility of fogs is more apparent when...well, there's fog! Otherwise, I run them because having two more lights on makes me more visible to the braindead drivers in this town. Plus, I think it looks cool with them on.

Remember these are fog lights, not auxiliary lights so don't expect them to go lighting up the roadway 100 feet in front of your car. They are purposely designed to shine under the fog and not reflect on it as your normal headlights would.

But they are a great upgrade, one of the first I did when I got my Yaris!

Cheers! M2

[SilverBack]

Have to go with swaybar too. As a safety standard it should've been an OEM part, even if it was a cheap scrawny 15mm-something piece.

[eht13]

Thanks for all the votes so far.


Have to go with swaybar too. As a safety standard it should've been an OEM part, even if it was a cheap scrawny 15mm-something piece.

Just curious, did you get a sway bar already? I thought you got the lowering springs but not a sway bar... at least before anyway.

[darthbauer]

I voted other for my scangauge.

I went from an avg of 32 mpg to 42 mpg just by knowing in real time what mpg I was getting. That more or less already paid for it self I think.

[SilverBack]

Just curious, did you get a sway bar already? I thought you got the lowering springs but not a sway bar... at least before anyway.

Not yet. I got the springs first because it was an unbeatable deal and I just happened to have the spare cash for it at the time. I've been hearing from those that installed the bar that they've noticed that handling has greatly improved and the car is much more planted to the road (especially during evasive maneuvers and windy days). The bar has been on my list ever since.

[eht13]

^ Thanks. :thumbsup:

[skoolafish]

for what it's worth, i'm glad you all started arguing because i got some good info out of it...

i feel enlightened

i was going to get lowering springs, but i think i'm going to pass on those for the time being...bad snow area

[KCALB SIRAY]

Supercharged baby!!

[dean_park]

I think the mod depends on what you are trying to do/achieve. I'm going for max MPG while not looking horrible (like extreme eco-modders that put full boat tails, etc).

I'm in my 30's, so not looking to make a lot of noise or draw a lot of attention. Springs (to reduce underbody turbulance) and lightweight wheels are highly recommended as is a scangauge (I'm waiting on the CTScott Yargauge).

[Slick]

My best mod was a full body massager that sits in the trunk :D

[sbergman27]

for what it's worth, i'm glad you all started arguing because i got some good info out of it...
...
...bad snow area

Well... I'd been debating whether to make this post or not. But since you've provided such a perfect lead in...

So, at the risk of stirring up a hornet's nest, a funny thing happened on the way to Sandia. I was headed from OKC to Albuquerque on I-40 last Friday night. (Recall the late season snow storm we had in the Rockies and midwest.) Things weren't *so* bad... until just past the Flying C Ranch, traffic was suddenly backed up to a stand still. Both lanes. And it wasn't any normal traffic jam. I waited for about 30 minutes... and there was absolutely *no* movement. None, whatsoever. Both lanes were absolutely still for as far as the eye could see. It was about 10pm, I think. No sign of any sort of authority. No highway patrol cars. No highway maintenance trucks. Just us, the dark, and the snow. No place to exit the highway. Next exit was 7 miles away. It's the first time that I've ever seriously wondered if I might be stuck in a traffic jam for over a *day*! I'm not kidding. It was kind of scary.

Finally, some of the more adventuresome drivers with SUVs formed a new lane on the left shoulder. The snow there was uncomfortably deep. Not feet of it, or anything, but uncomfortably deep, nonetheless. After sitting and fretting for a while longer... I took the plunge. It was *not* an easy drive. We slowly, slowly drove past *miles* and *miles* of stopped cars. Weaving from left to right shoulder where necessary and possible. And it became apparent that many (most?) folks had completely given up. Lights off. Engine off. Everything dark. People literally asleep at the wheel. It was like some sort of "ghost highway". Really weird. I asked myself several times if maybe this was really just a nightmare, and whether I might wake up.

Conditions were bad. I barely made it. Many times, I truly thought I was stuck for good. The crunching sounds made me afraid to even think about what my front air dam looked like. It went on for literally hours. I saw at least two 4WD SUVs get stuck trying to do what I was trying to do. (Of course, they got careless and went off into the ditch.) Several overturned and jack-knifed 18 wheelers lay on the median between east and west bound lanes. I'd never seen anything like this. And in mid-march, no less.

Finally... there was Clines Corners. (A sort of travelers' trap which I despise and normally wouldn't stop in.) It was acting as a sort of emergency shelter for several hundred people who had made it that far. Shortly after I arrived, some paramedics showed up and asked if anyone was having a stroke. Apparently someone had called 911. An older guy came forward and said that his wife was having a flair up of amnesia... but he seemed uncertain that she would be the one they were there for since it was just a routine flair-up of amnesia, and not really a stroke. (Yes... it was that kind of night.)

I decided that even being stuck on the highway in the middle of nowhere would be preferable to being stuck at Clines Corners with 300 other random travelers. (I'm not a people person.) So I got back to the car, found a way out of the completely clogged parking lot, and continued on.

Now. beyond Clines Corners, there was virtually *no* traffic. And the roads were ploughed... right down to a layer of sheer ice. But I wasn't one to complain at that point.

The roads near Albuquerque were in great shape. It hadn't snowed there. So I bypassed Albuquerque and headed straight for Las Cruces... where it was beautiful, sunny, and about 70 degrees the next day. I washed and waxed the Yaris. And the air dam turned out to be fine. Minor damage at the very bottom.

What was the point of this long, rambling story, you ask? Well... to be honest, it was pretty stressful, and I wanted to tell someone about this strange and slightly scary night.

But more on topic... if I'd lowered my Yaris by any at all... I honestly think that I would have spent all night, at least into morning, stuck on I-40. As I'm sure that many people did. There's no way in the world they could have gotten a snow plough in there with all those miles of stuck cars. Only the sun had any chance of improving conditions.

So... no lowering kits for me.

-Steve

P.S. Shadow, my terrier mix traveling companion, seemed to be enjoying every minute of the adventure. As I drove on, he spent most of the time with his front feet on the dash, examining all the stuck cars that we went by. A few had dogs in them.

[tomato]

wow.
OK, so no lowering kits for Steve ;)

If it makes you feel any better, I don't feel comfortable lowering my car either right now either (as long as I have to park in my current parking spot :rolleyes:). The CRX I had before was *always* scraping hard at the bottom, now the Yaris has clearance, which is kind of a relief. I always wondered how much damage the driveway was doing to my poor car. Maybe when I move.

[sbergman27]

The CRX I had before was *always* scraping hard at the bottom, now the Yaris has clearance, which is kind of a relief.
What the Yaris could really use, for appearance's sake, is larger wheel wells with larger tires. I always liked the "1976 Seville look":

http://tinyurl.com/yckngwj

Wheels and tires are large today. So it is perhaps not as striking as it was in the 1970s: Such large tires on such a small car. But still, I think that the GR78 x 15-B tires worked well. (I think that corresponds to a P215/75R-15 or P205/75R15.) Of course, they would have to be lower profile than "78" today.

-Steve

[tomato]

Thing is though, is that this isn't a modding forum. YarisWorld is a Yaris forum that talks about everything Yaris with other off topic discussions as well.

They're are specific sub-forums dedicated to mods, this particular sub-forum is a general Yaris discussion though.

+1

Well said, I guess this needs to be reiterated. YarisWorld is for all Yaris owners, not just those that are heavily into modding. There are sub-forums for specific mods here, but I put the poll in this sub-forum because it is the most popular sub-forum and it covers all Yaris discussion... not focusing on just one area (which would have rendered a poll about all mods moot).

Thanks for the responses.

and +1

WTF? Hold the bus, everybody.

This forum is for *everybody* who is interested in the Toyota Yaris LB and Sedan, regardless of whether they enjoy driving stock or modded vehicles.

This said, Steve, keep in mind, that the vast majority of peeps on this forum enjoy modding their cars and will take it as a personal insult if you don't agree with them. :wink:

Seriously, why mod a Yaris and not buy a more expensive car with all the bells and whistles instead? Why not?!! It's a great hobby, learning experience. You know how you take a computer apart and put it back together for fun, add parts, upgrades and so forth? Well, peeps on here get an econo car, and play with, add stuff to it. Same thing :iono:

[tomato]

@ Steve: I have to disagree with you on the sway bar. It does make a huge difference, especially when you toss the car in a corner.

I couldn't figure out what people were talking about on the threads until I actually rode in a car that had one on. You can feel the difference. The car stays stuck to the road and feels more like my old CRX with bar on, and less like a 2CV (without)


http://www.slowcarclub.com/santapod-06/rachel-2cv-rear.jpg

here is a 2 CV

[tomato]

Most worthwhile mod on *my* Yaris :laugh: :laugh:

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showpost.php?p=423976&postcount=111

[sbergman27]

@ Steve: I have to disagree with you on the sway bar.

Well... I have no strong feelings about the sway bar. In my first post of the thread, I was more or less going down the line commenting on the bullet points.

Regarding modding... my opinions and practice have changed a lot over the years. Back in the 70s and 80s, when I was in my teens and twenties, my pride and joy was the 1968 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham that I grew up with. (And still have, along with its twin, which belonged to my father's business partner.) But the car that I considered to be a sort of "Gold Standard" was the 1976 Fleetwood Brougham. It rode more smoothly. It was quieter. It idled more smoothly due to it's lower compression ratio and more advanced ignition timing at idle. It had chimes instead of buzzers. Rear window defroster. Electronic voltage regulator. A tighter, more efficient torque converter. Taller differential ratio. Illuminated entry system. Electric door locks, as opposed to vacuum powered. My points of envy translated into a *very* long list.

And I spent my youth killing that car with extreme shop-wear, trying to beat it into what I wanted it to be. Replacing the original body mounts with thicker, 1976 body mounts, ad-libbing illuminated entry... badly... and generally making plenty of mistakes along the way. Keep in mind that it was an old car when I got started on it. Not like our Yarises. When I turned a bolt, I could never be sure it wasn't going to just break off.

Time passed... and then the 1976 Fleetwood was old, too. Not much point in competing with that. And no point at all in competing with the computerized, electronicized Cadillacs which came later.

Too late... I learned to just appreciate the Fleetwood for what it was. And today... I wouldn't trade a 1968 for a 1976 for anything. Unfortunately, that car is too far gone to save. (Structural rust from the terrible mistake I made in undercoating it with expanded polyurethane in an attempt at sound deadening. Blocked some critical drainage paths.)

Fortunately, its identical twin (except for exterior paint color) escaped the ravages of my youthful obsession. And I still drive that car today. (It has about 160,000 miles on it, and has an engine and transmission which were rebuilt many years, but not so many miles, ago.)

The Sprint is a car that I've always liked, in part, because I don't have any reason to obsess over it.

And the Yaris is a car that I'm really enjoying just letting be itself. I'm taking a very "Don't worry. Be happy." attitude about it. And it's rather odd. After 47 years of cars that have all come into my life through some means other than my going out and buying them, which inevitably gain sentimental value, and end up as my "friends" and responsibilities, like old and faithful, well loved dogs... now I have this 2008 Yaris, which is practically new, and has a warranty of all things! (I have a warranty?!) And I guess I'm just in a mode where I'm wondering why anyone would want to mess with their new Yaris.

For once in my life, I feel like I'm kind of normal. Which is kind of fun.

I imagine I'll get tired of it, though.

-Steve

[tomato]

Fair point. I'm not arguing with that. I was just trying to explain where the peeps are coming from :smile:

You should post a picture of your old cars :thumbsup: There is a thread on here somewhere where people post pix of old cars they used to own. It's a pretty cool thread actually, we should revive it.

[sbergman27]

Fair point. I'm not arguing with that.
Oh, I knew you weren't. I just felt like it would be a good idea to provide some detail on my perspective.

-Steve

[eht13]

Most worthwhile mod on *my* Yaris :laugh: :laugh:

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showpost.php?p=423976&postcount=111

Tomato wins. :laugh:


Oh, I knew you weren't. I just felt like it would be a good idea to provide some detail on my perspective.

And it is a reasonable point. Part of me is of the "it's great, leave it alone" mentality. The other part has thought about making it just that much "better", or at least a little more personalized.

[tomato]

I'm a firm believer in "if it ain't broke don't fix it."

But if you're gonna keep your car for a while and you wanna make it more yours (handling and/or cosmetic), and if you have the cash, why not?

I was really impressed with Taylor's car. He has it slightly lowered (I'm guessing it's not that you lower the car but what you're using to do it that counts?), rear sway bar, and probably did something under the hood too because it seemed a lot more responsive than mine at acceleration. CAI? I DNK, it's tempting. :iono:

Oh, I knew you weren't. I just felt like it would be a good idea to provide some detail on my perspective.

-Steve good point.

[thewifesyaris]

Depending on the state, lots of sunny hot summers, I would go with the tint. First thing I did to my Yaris when I got it here in Reno NV.

Oh wait this is no longer a poll post about best worth it mod...

I'll get some popcorn and a beer! :drinking:

[spookybathtub]

I would love to have a full boat tail for fuel economy purposes.

[solarVitz]

I voted lowering springs/other suspension as i got the Megan Racing Coilovers. I just cant stand that big wheel gap on the car. Ever since Ive owned a first car when I was 18 up until now that Im 38, I lowered all my cars that Ive owned as my first mod.

Im looking to get a sway bar soon as most owners here recommended them. Thanks for the input yall. :)

[Steveh27]

My opinion (I'm 59) is based on needing a vehicle under 151" in length & coming from a 1995 Geo Tracker 2 dr SUV 4x4. I wish I could have bought another sub-compact 4x4 suv. My Yaris is nice & I'm happy the seat has me up high relative to the ground. I do worry a bit about the snow clearance in the rear wheel wells. I would like a little more ground clearance rather than less. I've learned most on here are into the sporty mod look & that's :w00t:!
My car did come with tinted windows, even the front side windows which is not legal in MI. OOOPS. I did debadge the rear & installed an adjustable intermittent wiper switch. Thanks to this site.:clap: I'm surprised to hear about the benefit/need for the rear sway bar. I'm very pleased at how good & tight this car turns, of course my Tracker was a bit unstable in high wind. I did notice a possibilty of oversteering at freeway speed. I just need to pay attention. I'm happy with the car as is now.

[Slitwrist Smile]

I say my trd shocks/struts/springs combo was the #1 upgrade, got rid of the 4x4 look, makes the car handle better than before, and it helps me save mpg's because I dont have to slow down around turns (with that horrible stock yaris bodyroll) at higher speeds.
also, the 2 inch drop could be saving me MPG's possibly by having the car squat lower to the road, and not having as much turbulent wind underneath. I need to put more time in with the setup and my scan gage2

[p123456789]

fog lights anyone?

[swidd]

Best mpg saver investment: 3.99 for a bottle of maf cleaner.

[dobbiedoo]

I have the hatchback S, 1st thing I did was the suspension,never looked back. Whats all the ranting and raving do what you like.:clap:

[cali yaris]

How did I miss this? Such a fun read. Sort of.

Rear sway bar: Unnecessary. Silly.

This is simply ridiculous, especially when it's posted by someone who doesn't have one.

[Klink10]

I had to vote other as I think suspension upgrades should include the swaybar. Both would have been my choice. Complete package so to speak.

[marcus]

just curious does eibach make 22-23 mm sway bar for our yaris or its the trd 19mm sway..

[Imagine]

This thread is entertaining.

I said swaybar. I've yet to add one to a Yaris, but I know the difference it made on my civics when I was modding them. It's a great bang for the buck mod and probably one of the first that I'll do to my new Yaris. (already have wheels so don't have to worry about that.)

I'm a firm believer in build the base from the ground up. Good tires (even if you don't replace wheels) brakes, chassis upgrades are the best places to start. Once you have a good solid foundation then start adding HP. Power is no good if you can't get it to the ground.

Body kits, etc. look ok but last on the list IMHO.

[tk1971]

Put put in a Forenza sunglasses holder, which replaced the driver's OMG handle.

The following pic is not mine, but pretty much sums it up.

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr51/mikecarnesale/DSCN0996Large.jpg

Although the Yaris has enough easily accessible storage, with this, I no longer need to leave my sunglasses in its case.

[SailDesign]

I voted "Other" - the most worthwhile mod in any car is the driver. Take an advanced driving course ,or actually ANY driving course (in the States, where you don't have to be able to drive to get a license) and learn what you're doing before modding the car. It is amazing what a good driver can do with a POS car....
And No, I'm not a "good driver" by most standards, but I've seen what it did to my son's ability to get around corners in a hurry or avoid trouble. I do OK.