New Used Yaris

[bobby0600]

Hi all!
Last week I purchased a 2009 Yaris 5 door hatchback (Blazing Blue Metalic) the 163K on it. From what I can tell, it has the All-Weather Guard and Power packages installed.

The dealer resurfaced the rotors, changed the break pads and installed a new battery. I was able to get a good deal on it (once I'd walked away for a week - apparently no one else was interested in it) due to the body condition (it was sideswiped in 2012 and they did not fix the door dent or rear bumper paint).

Last week I had my mechanic change the drive belt when he checked it out. He gave the all clear before I signed the final check. Unfortunately, I discovered last week it has that wonderful faulty fuel gauge sender unit that other Yaris owners mentioned. Yep, I ran out of gas at 2 bars. :eek:

Are there any other maintenance issues (other than oil/tires) I should expect in the future? I'd like to not have anymore surprises and budget the costs.

[ern-diz]

There are just a few issues that folks have widely reported with the 2nd gen's.

I'd say the biggest is the water pump. Not sure if it got sorted by the time '09 rolled around, but many folks with 2nd gen's (myself included) had to replace it.

For our friends in snow, there is a rusting/breaking control arm bolt issue that was TSB'd. More info here:

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27658

Aside from those things and the usual maintenance stuff, the little car is quite bullet proof.

[Deathegg]

If you use GOOD gas (I use Chevron), the gas gauge issue may clear itself up; it did with mine. But you cannot use 'no name' gas in these cars, in my experience and the experience of a friend. Also, along with the good gas, use a bottle or two of Techron in a few full tanks, and that will help too. No gauge issues with mine since I started using Chevron.

[bobby0600]

Thanks for the tips! I'll have to keep an eye on the water pump and check out the bolt. What are the symptoms of a bad pump? I've learned a lot about car repair in the last few years, but I'm still a novice. I basically learn something new each time the car breaks.

I live in central OK where there are no Chevron stations. Phillips 66, Sinclair and Love's are the most common out here, unless you go to one of the casinos and buy ethanol free fuel, but I do avoid the 'no names.' Can I put the Techron into an already filled tank? In the past I've always put it in before filling up. I have a 12 trip in a few weeks, so I'm not sure I want to risk the gauge being inaccurate. My Toyota certified cousin mechanic back in Indiana said not to run it below a half tank and I would prefer to have him fix it, but I don't relish the idea of needing to fill up so frequently on an already long trip and there are several long stretches where a gas station simply isn't available. Peace of mind vs peace of wallet.

[tmontague]

The only thing i'd add to ern-diz's post is the exhaust donut gasket that tends to go around 100k km. If you take it to a shop then it's their headache. If you diy then change it early before the bolts are rusted and seized

[Deathegg]

Can I put the Techron into an already filled tank? In the past I've always put it in before filling up.

Yes. It'll mix in as you drive.