Just bought a new Yaris

[Connoisseur_of_fine_cars]

Hi,

I've been driving stick-shift for 20 years in half a dozen cars or trucks. My last car Altima is 15 years old; so I'm not used to driving high-tech cars like the Yaris. I bought the Yaris because I just want a fuel efficient car that gets me from point A to B as reliably as a toaster. I just bought a brand new Yaris LB a few weeks ago, and I have a few issues.

(1) Steering is too sensitive and heavy on the highway. This will probably cause early fatique on long journeys. I can't comfortably steer with one hand on the highway like I can easily with my old Altima. It's wierd how at low speed, the Yaris steering is very light. But on highway, it gets much heavy. My Altima is very light all the time. I wonder if more toe-out will help. Also, I've read Toyota dealers have been reprogramming the computer steering on some Corollas. Can they reprogram my Yaris to make it feel lighter on the highway?

(2) Engine is too quiet, and the gas pedal is too light weight. My car has stick shift. I can't hear or feel the engine speed, nor feel the position of the gas pedal. So sometimes I don't give enough gas and stall the engine, sometimes too much gas and my passengers think I'm showing off. Is there a way to increase the weight of the gas pedal?

(3) Ride is a bit too bouncy. My car came with the 15" rim and wider tires. Would 14" rim and skinnier wide improve comfort?

(4) Seat-belt/key-in-ignition buzzer is very annoying. Is there a way to disable it permanently?

(5) Idle RPM is lower than all my previous cars. The Yaris idle speed is about 600 RPM. It feels too low. When I press on the gas, there's a slight hessitation before the engine revs up. Can I increase the idle RPM to, say, 750?


P.s. Yes, I did do a short test drive. But I didn't really notice these annoying things until I put on a hundred or so miles. I thought at first it feels wierd because I'm not used to driving a fresh new cars with tight every thing. I also drove a new Corolla and a new Sentra. I didn't buy the Corolla because it wanders left and right on the highway. The Sentra was noisy, but in hindsight some engine noise is probably a good thing when shifting is involved. But the Sentra gives crappy MPG. Hopefully, after some more miles, the steering and suspension will loosen up. I got a cushy Walmart seat cushion, and I was amazed how much more comfy the car feels now. Yeah, seat cushions are ugly, but it's worth it. I think I might try lowering the tire pressure. It's probably set very high for efficiency.

[Betrivent]

(1) Ironically people here used to mention that the steering was TOO light on the highway.. I think that's something you'll need to get used to

(2) Does your car's instrument cluster come with a tach? If not you can always wire one up yourself so that you can see the engine's rpm.

(3) If anything smaller tires/wheels would cause more bouncing

(4) This one I don't know, I think the buzzer itself is in the instrument cluster so I doubt you can disable it

(5) There is a screw on the throttle body that you can adjust to change the idle. It's hard to describe where it is but I think you can find a picture or two by searching these forums.

[bronsin]

My advice is to seek professional psychiatric help immediately.

You CAN get better!

You are right about the buzzer. Really annoying.

[BEEF]

the gas pedal is drive by wire. I would be worried if you felt the engine through the gas pedal. you could always add a spring to give it more resistance if you desired.

I added a tach to mine and it does the job. you could also add an intake and exhaust and your engine sound will come back somewhat.

as far as the low rpm at idle, that is gas savings. my cavalier ldies that low and really makes a fuss. I leave it alone since I am saving gas. several people have told me to adjust it but I don't really care. on newer cars (like the yaris) that's just another place to make it more efficient.

the little car grows on you after a while.

[Kal-El]

Hi,

I've been driving stick-shift for 20 years in half a dozen cars or trucks. My last car Altima is 15 years old; so I'm not used to driving high-tech cars like the Yaris. I bought the Yaris because I just want a fuel efficient car that gets me from point A to B as reliably as a toaster. I just bought a brand new Yaris LB a few weeks ago, and I have a few issues.

(1) Steering is too sensitive and heavy on the highway. This will probably cause early fatique on long journeys. I can't comfortably steer with one hand on the highway like I can easily with my old Altima. It's wierd how at low speed, the Yaris steering is very light. But on highway, it gets much heavy. My Altima is very light all the time. I wonder if more toe-out will help. Also, I've read Toyota dealers have been reprogramming the computer steering on some Corollas. Can they reprogram my Yaris to make it feel lighter on the highway?

Today's cars are purposely engineered to give different feedback at different speeds. This is a good thing. The Yaris's city steering feel is brilliant as it is effortlessly light (it's electrically boosted). On the highway, you want it to stiffen up when traveling at high speeds and only making slight turns. If it was as loose as at low speeds, you'd have much less control.

Have you ever driven a BMW? Personally, I don't like them because the steering is waaay too tight. It's like turning a mixer in a barrel of molasses. Even at lows speeds which is quite annoying. Yet, the auto press, and so many others feel BMW's steering is the best in the industry.

(2) Engine is too quiet, and the gas pedal is too light weight. My car has stick shift. I can't hear or feel the engine speed, nor feel the position of the gas pedal. So sometimes I don't give enough gas and stall the engine, sometimes too much gas and my passengers think I'm showing off. Is there a way to increase the weight of the gas pedal?

Toyota goes through a lot of work to make the engine that quiet.

Yes, the gas/clutch feel takes some getting used to but you will. Just have to balance it just right.


(3) Ride is a bit too bouncy. My car came with the 15" rim and wider tires. Would 14" rim and skinnier wide improve comfort?

Never heard the Yaris described as "bouncy". Suspension seems perfectly tuned to me. Tight, yet it soaks up bumps well. I would imagine a 15 year old Altima would be far more bouncy.

(4) Seat-belt/key-in-ignition buzzer is very annoying. Is there a way to disable it permanently?

Are you not buckling up? That's the easy fix. It may conflict with your death wish, but at least the buzzer is off.

(5) Idle RPM is lower than all my previous cars. The Yaris idle speed is about 600 RPM. It feels too low. When I press on the gas, there's a slight hessitation before the engine revs up. Can I increase the idle RPM to, say, 750?

No reason to have it raised. 600 RPM is normal.

P.s. Yes, I did do a short test drive. But I didn't really notice these annoying things until I put on a hundred or so miles. I thought at first it feels wierd because I'm not used to driving a fresh new cars with tight every thing. I also drove a new Corolla and a new Sentra. I didn't buy the Corolla because it wanders left and right on the highway. The Sentra was noisy, but in hindsight some engine noise is probably a good thing when shifting is involved. But the Sentra gives crappy MPG. Hopefully, after some more miles, the steering and suspension will loosen up. I got a cushy Walmart seat cushion, and I was amazed how much more comfy the car feels now. Yeah, seat cushions are ugly, but it's worth it. I think I might try lowering the tire pressure. It's probably set very high for efficiency.

............

[cali yaris]

(1) I can't comfortably steer with one hand on the highway like I can easily with my old Altima.

*** Center console

(2) Engine is too quiet

*** Medalion Touring or TRD exhaust / AFE intake / Exhaust header / any combination of those three

(3) Ride is a bit too bouncy. My car came with the 15" rim and wider tires. Would 14" rim and skinnier wide improve comfort?

*** springs/shocks/struts

(4) Seat-belt/key-in-ignition buzzer is very annoying. Is there a way to disable it permanently?

*** seat belt disabler key but you might be describing another function?
http://shop.microimageonline.com/Seat-Belt-Alarm-Canceller-BPW-02-BK.htm

(5) Idle RPM is lower than all my previous cars.

*** Nothing wrong with that. Lag is from electronic throttle. Get a throttle controller to minimize this.

[RedRide]

I have been driving manual cars all my life ( I just turned 64) and yes, a Yaris drives differnt than many cars, just as many cars drive dfferent than each other... even of the same year/model.

Personally, I still had my '02 Celica when I originally got my '09 yaris HB.

It did take me a short while to get use to the clutch because of the slight delay of the DBW gas pedal, etc.
However, it become second natue quickly.

[Connoisseur_of_fine_cars]

I commute Mon-Fri to the office on the Yaris. I drive the Altima on the weekend for dirty work. So, switching back and forth between two cars. I don't know if I can ever get used to the Yaris.

[xbr3akd0wnx]

I thought the yaris engine was extremely loud and annoying when i first got it compared to my friend's corolla or xb LOL

[RedRide]

I commute Mon-Fri to the office on the Yaris. I drive the Altima on the weekend for dirty work. So, switching back and forth between two cars. I don't know if I can ever get used to the Yaris.

You just got it a "few weeks ago". Give it a little more time.

Enjoy your Yaris for what it is and why you originally purchased it.
BTW, it's exactly why I purchased mine.

My Yaris no Celica but, I did not let that spoil my enjoyment of my Yaris. :smile:

[DebbyM46227]

First of all, I went from a 13 year old car to my Yaris when I bought it new last summer.

(1) It's electric power-assist steering......on the highway you should be steering with both hands anyway. From what I read about this car, the power only kicks in when you need it, like parallel parking in a tight spot. On the highway I don't think you'd be using much of the power steering at all.

(2) Yes I agree the engine is too quiet. I'd rather it be quiet than knocking like an old car. I've driven manual transmissions since 1974 and I still kill the engine occasionally. You'll get used to it.

(3) How about getting the rear sway bar instead? Maybe that will help with leaning.

(4) You can disable the buzzer by fastening your belt. I never wore a seat belt until I got my Yaris, it's the most comfortable seatbelt ever.

(5) No.

[PETERPOOP]

(2) Engine is too quiet, and the gas pedal is too light weight. My car has stick shift. I can't hear or feel the engine speed, nor feel the position of the gas pedal. So sometimes I don't give enough gas and stall the engine, sometimes too much gas and my passengers think I'm showing off. Is there a way to increase the weight of the gas pedal?

.

Driving stick 20 years? Well at least you didn't say you were good at it.


Bro, don't be a chick about it. The yaris is the cheapest car on the toyota line. Don't expect it to be a lexus.

[nemelek]

(4) Seat-belt/key-in-ignition buzzer is very annoying. Is there a way to disable it permanently?

Yes check some old threads. I was able to get the dealer to fix mine.

[bronsin]

Hi,

I bought the Yaris because I just want a fuel efficient car that gets me from point A to B as reliably as a toaster. .


In addition to all the other issues you are having with your new car, there is something else you should know. The water pumps fail on these cars. :cry: Mine is 2 years old and has 26,000 miles on it. The dealer just replaced the wp. This is not unusual. :iono:

Open your hood from time to time and check for coolant on the underside of it. If theres coolant (red stuff) your wp is leaking and needs to be replaced.

Just FYI.

[Kal-El]

In addition to all the other issues you are having with your new car, there is something else you should know. The water pumps fail on these cars. :cry: Mine is 2 years old and has 26,000 miles on it. The dealer just replaced the wp. This is not unusual. :iono:

Open your hood from time to time and check for coolant on the underside of it. If theres coolant (red stuff) your wp is leaking and needs to be replaced.

Just FYI.


It may be something to watch for, but it isn't a givin' that it will fail early. Failing at 2 years old is uncommon. Some are still on the original water pump at over 400,000 miles. Nothing wrong with mine (113K).

I do wonder why the same design goes early in some cars but lasts forever in others. :iono: I wonder how driving conditions factor in.

[bronsin]

Not sure why its happening but Toyota better do something about it if they want to maintain their reputation.

I ride motorcycles and BMW has quality issues they are completely in denial about. Their transmissions and final drives fail long before they should. Not many. Maybe one in a hundred. But they have done nothing.

Unbelieveable.

[RedRide]

Keep in mind that things like WP and alternator failures are directly related to a failed bearing for the most part

Toyota (like all auto companys) get parts from various vendors and their vendors in turn get parts from their vendors.
So, there are plenty of vendors who can inject inferior parts into the system.

Toyota has said recently that they are aware of the problems and are taking steps to rectify it..... both with their vendors and the Toyota corporate structure as it relates to quality.
They admit to growing a bit complacent about quality.

[jekqmb]

He knows all about fine cars hence his name, thats why he bought a Yaris!!!

[andruboz]

(2) Engine is too quiet, and the gas pedal is too light weight. My car has stick shift. I can't hear or feel the engine speed, nor feel the position of the gas pedal. So sometimes I don't give enough gas and stall the engine, sometimes too much gas and my passengers think I'm showing off. Is there a way to increase the weight of the gas pedal?

(3) Ride is a bit too bouncy. My car came with the 15" rim and wider tires. Would 14" rim and skinnier wide improve comfort?

i have noticed both of these. i had dozens of manual trans cars and i stalled the yaris more than all of them. i chalked it up to a little lag in the fly by wire gas pedal. now have a louder exhaust, rarely stall it now.

the 14"skinny tire thing i tried. it took 3-4 months to get used to it being skittish and easier to be blown around by semi-trucks. finally wore out the 185/65/14's and replaced them with 195/60/14's and its a little better now.
but the new tires are .3 inch shorter so i'm turning higher rpm at speed.

its never going to be quite like an altima cause the altima has a wider and longer wheelbase. its like comparing a well worn shoe to a new one. the old shoe is comfortable and the new shoe is tight.

[bronsin]

Keep in mind that things like WP and alternator failures are directly related to a failed bearing for the most part

Toyota (like all auto companys) get parts from various vendors and their vendors in turn get parts from their vendors.
So, there are plenty of vendors who can inject inferior parts into the system.

Toyota has said recently that they are aware of the problems and are taking steps to rectify it..... both with their vendors and the Toyota corporate structure as it relates to quality.
They admit to growing a bit complacent about quality.


Its really curious because my 2001 ECHO has the exact same engine. In all the years I owned it and corresponded with people online about the car I heard not one word about waterpump failures.

I owned BMW motorcycle for decades back in the 60s 70s and 80s. When people started reporting QC issues with the new R class back in the 90s I thought "These people are stiring the shit". Then the problems happened to me!

Same feeling with the wp issues on the Yaris "This cant be happening! This is a Toyota!"

BTW this has nothing to do with the "unintended acceleration" issues. THAT is nonsence.

[Hershey]

How about some respect and no name calling such as " Quite being a chick about it " . The clutch engagement for these are more quirky than other standards I've driven for the past 27 years . Sorry , but a waterpump shouldn't fail as soon as these do . We had an '86 CHEVY Nova ( Corolla 1.6 ltr. ) and that lasted past 275,000+ miles of hard driving . This person has freedom to express his concerns . Some are a bit fanatical about their cars .

[Kal-El]

The Yaris is the most reliable car on the market. Yet we're focused on one part that has gone early on a minority of Yaris's.

Anyone realize the amount of work you have to do to say, a VW, in just the first 5 years? Never mind beyond?

I researched the average life span of a water pump (in all vehicles), and results showed between 60-90K. Most of us are well beyond that on our original pumps.

[Hershey]

Hate to disagree . But the Corolla is more dependable than the YARIS . Someone we know has 2 COROLLAs . One is an '06 with 170,000+ miles and the other is an '07 which I think is still under 100,000 . No waterpump failures as of yet . Only issue was rear wheel bearing and a sticky rear door latch . This is the same acquaitance that also own a 2010 YARIS 3 door ( bought new ) that still leaks oil at 80.000+ miles . Here's a few pics from a few weeks ago ( Clean / Oil covered ) . Inspected and cleaned it about this same time a year ago . Got sick of cleaning and monitoring it ( may try again ) . It is what it is .

[Kal-El]

Hate to disagree . But the Corolla is more dependable than the YARIS . Someone we know has 2 COROLLAs . One is an '06 with 170,000+ miles and the other is an '07 which I think is still under 100,000 . No waterpump failures as of yet . Only issue was rear wheel bearing and a sticky rear door latch .

Well, it's possibly debatable. But from most of my observations, the Yaris has been more trouble free. A major dependability study I read last year (there's a thread on it here) rated the Yaris the most reliable Toyota, period. And Toyota is the most reliable car manufacturer.

Surely, you're aware of Yaris owners on here with far higher mileage than your two examples with either no repairs or only one or two minor ones. Some over 400,000 miles and ONE repair and original pump.

[Hershey]

I don't take much from studies / polls . Just from what I see / experience in person .

[Black_griffin6]

Hate to disagree . But the Corolla is more dependable than the YARIS . Someone we know has 2 COROLLAs . One is an '06 with 170,000+ miles and the other is an '07 which I think is still under 100,000 . No waterpump failures as of yet . Only issue was rear wheel bearing and a sticky rear door latch . This is the same acquaitance that also own a 2010 YARIS 3 door ( bought new ) that still leaks oil at 80.000+ miles . Here's a few pics from a few weeks ago ( Clean / Oil covered ) . Inspected and cleaned it about this same time a year ago . Got sick of cleaning and monitoring it ( may try again ) . It is what it is .
Why hasn't it been fixed? There's got to be more to the story then just the Yaris being unreliable.

If you put over 80,000 miles on a car that new...that means you do a hell of a lot of driving. And if you do that much driving, then think about how many opportunities there are to hit something on the road that can cause an oil leak. What if you hit a small wrench or something that some careless idiot left on his truck and it caused the oil leak, that doesn't really have to do with the design of the car itself or how reliable it is.

My yaris has been great to me, I would recommend one to a friend without a second thought.

[bronsin]

Hate to disagree . But the Corolla is more dependable than the YARIS . Someone we know has 2 COROLLAs . One is an '06 with 170,000+ miles and the other is an '07 which I think is still under 100,000 . No waterpump failures as of yet . Only issue was rear wheel bearing and a sticky rear door latch . This is the same acquaitance that also own a 2010 YARIS 3 door ( bought new ) that still leaks oil at 80.000+ miles . Here's a few pics from a few weeks ago ( Clean / Oil covered ) . Inspected and cleaned it about this same time a year ago . Got sick of cleaning and monitoring it ( may try again ) . It is what it is .

Well again I have to ask. How much oil is this car using? Is there oil in the radiator? Was the head gasket changed? (and it still "leaks"?)

Enquiring minds want to know!

[Kal-El]

Still the only Yaris I've ever heard of with an oil leak.

[Hershey]

This is from the back of the block nearest to the timing chain cover and exhaust manifold . So not a hit from something on the road . They have the extended warranty and are hoping it will never need the head cylinder gasket replaced . Sees it as a throwaway car , the workhorse for the business that piles on the mileage . We had the same leak for the '08 sedan and no longer leaks since the installation of a new H.C.G. around 24,000 miles this time last year . Monitor it closely and now has about 35,000 miles . This was the leak for the '08 sedan and 2010 3 door we traded in ( still leaks far as I know ) . Top pic is the '08 , '10 below , and '08 after fix on bottom . Notice all the black F.I.P.G. ( Form In Place Gasket sealant ) . Been on this topic before , believe it or not . Take a look at your engine for this leak , that's if you dare :wink: .

[Hershey]

Where's CTScott on this matter ? :iono: . We most likley will keep the sedan until it craps out . Do enjoy driving it , though it has/had some faults .

[ROCKLAND TOYOTA]

Still the only Yaris I've ever heard of with an oil leak.

X2 even with working in parts at a toyota dealership.......

[Hamster]

Just out of curiosity, how frequently or infrequently does the water pump problem tend to pop up? I drive only a few thousand miles a year, so do you think Toyota will cover the cost of the replacement, even if a car is outside the warranty period, but has exceptionally low milage on the odometer? Hopefully, I won't have a problem, though. This car has been incredibly easy to maintain and trouble-free.

[CTScott]

Where's CTScott on this matter ? :iono: . We most likley will keep the sedan until it craps out . Do enjoy driving it , though it has/had some faults .

I check my 09 and Crashy (08) for oil leaks, every time that I have either on my lift and thus far, they are both clean (and Crashy even spent some time turtle), so I don't know what to say on this one.

[Hershey]

CT, here's the worksheet . It's authentic .

[CTScott]

I believe you. I just don't understand what kind of karma has put the leaky ones all in your hands.

[Altitude]

I don't think anyone questions the authenticity of the leak - your thread about it pretty much proved that out. It's just such an anomaly and stranger still that you had first hand experience with two vehicles with the same problem.

[Hershey]

If weather permits ( major flooding ) we'll be taking the '08 sedan in for the occasion clunking from the front end possibly due to the control arm issue . If it needs replacement it'll be covered by the PLATINUM warranty given to us by TOYOTA for the H.C.G. repair .

[ROCKLAND TOYOTA]

If weather permits ( major flooding ) we'll be taking the '08 sedan in for the occasion clunking from the front end possibly due to the control arm issue . If it needs replacement it'll be covered by the PLATINUM warranty given to us by TOYOTA for the H.C.G. repair .

T-SB-0055-11 is your friend. Replaces BOTH control arms AND the crossmember.......

[Hershey]

We went to the service for the control arms of our '08 sedan and they drove it about 5 miles and couldn't hear the clunking . Then it was put on the lift to inspect bolts and they were said to be good . Guess , we'll have to wait until it starts to clunk most or all of the time . While waiting we test drove an '08 sedan with the 5 speed manual ( M.D.: 9/08 ) that had 40,000 something miles and checked it for oil leaks and then looked under the hood at another '08 3 door with 35,000+ miles ( M.D.: 2/08 ) on their lot to check for oil leak . Here's the pictures of the oil leak for both those '08s . Here's the pics for comparison . 1.) Our '08 sedan cleaned ( M.D.: 4/08 ) 2.) Bens Yaris ('09 Yaris ) 3.) AuxMike ( '08 ) 4.) '08 Yaris 3 door w/ 35,000+ mis. ( dealer lot ) 5.) '08 sedan w/ 40,000+ mis. ( test drove ) 6.) 2010 Yaris 3 door ( 80,000+miles ) . Some /all pics may need to ZOOM out to 75% . Have found other YARIS from '07 > 2010 ( 2011? ) with same oil leak , but didn't have camera at those times . More to follow ? :wink:

[Hershey]

2010 3 door w/ 80,000+ miles .

[bronsin]

These "leaks" mean absolutly NOTHING unless there is significant loss of oil on the dipstick. The main seal on my old VWs would let loose resulting in the need for a quart of oil every 300 miles.

The auto trans of my wifes 05 Camry looks like a disaster area compared to these pictures and has for years. But Ive never had to add a drop of oil. A veery little bit of oil can make quite a mess.

If this "leak" stuff makes you worried for your own Yaris I suggest close monitoring of your oil level. If the level isnt dropping say, a quart in 500-1000 miles, theres no problem.

Oh and if there IS a leak and your using synthetic oil you might want to switch back to conventional oil. It will leak a little less.

And another thing. You really really do NOT want to take your otherwise good running car in to Toyota and let someone take it all apart and put it back together again. I dont know how many times Ive seen cars come back from the shop with MORE problems than when they went in. Its the old saying "If it aint broke dont "fix" it."

Unless you are adding significant ammounts of oil to your engine, it isnt broke.

[ilikerice]

^+1... these leaks are nothing.

[DMZ]

Gasket seeping is much different that oil leaking.

I owned a couple Subaru's 1983 and a 1984. Now those things were true "leakers."

[ilikerice]

If they bother you because they just look bad. I would spray some brake cleaner on it. will take it right off and look brand new again.. Id check the same area's every oil change and see if it needs another quick spray down.

[Hershey]

" If they bother you because they just look bad. I would spray some brake cleaner on it. will take it right off and look brand new again.. "

Don't think I'll be cleaning oil from engines of cars I don't own . :biggrin:

[Hershey]

Gasket seeping is much different that oil leaking.

I owned a couple Subaru's 1983 and a 1984. Now those things were true "leakers."

These leakers / seepers reach all the way to the oil pan . Your choice . I wouldn't buy these 2 cars or any others with leaking / seeping oil . So much for the 160 point inspection by TOYOTA for being sold CERTIFIED .

Last , our '08 sedan that had the H.C.G. replaced under warranty no longer seeps / leaks oil .

[Hershey]

" If this "leak" stuff makes you worried for your own Yaris I suggest close monitoring of your oil level. If the level isnt dropping say, a quart in 500-1000 miles, theres no problem.

Oh and if there IS a leak and your using synthetic oil you might want to switch back to conventional oil. It will leak a little less.

And another thing. You really really do NOT want to take your otherwise good running car in to Toyota and let someone take it all apart and put it back together again. I dont know how many times Ive seen cars come back from the shop with MORE problems than when they went in. Its the old saying "If it aint broke dont "fix" it."

Unless you are adding significant ammounts of oil to your engine, it isnt broke. "

The head cylinder gasket was replaced a year ago and no longer leaks . Still check it . Using SHELL 5W-30 synthetic for 4,400 miles and no leaks . Will be doing an U.O.A. to see how the oil holds up and how things are internally since the fix . Plan to post UOA here in D.I.Y..