My 07's performance was better than my 09

[srm73]

Hi all. I recently bought a 2009 Yaris Hatchback LE with 119000 km's (74,000 Miles) on it. I had a 07 Yaris coupe before which I just sold yesterday. That one had 178,000 (110604 Miles) on it. For about 2 weeks or so, I got a chance to drive both cars and frankly the drive for my 07 seemed better than my 09. First difference is that the 09 feels a bit heavier. The feel of the steering wheel seems heavier and it seems like the entire car is heavier than the coupe. Secondly, it seems like coupe had more power. I want to ask these questions hoping that there is an answer out there. Could it be that my 09's engine is weaker than the other car even though it has 60,000 less kilometers on it? Is there anything I can do that might improve the performance like change the spark plugs, fuel system cleaning and stuff?
I know its a very vague question and the performance of an engine depends a lot on its condition, but I just want to know if there is anything that the car needs at this mileage in hopes that I can get the same kind of performance out of my 09.
Thanks in advance everyone.

[CTScott]

I have had 07, 08 and 09 and have felt that they were all completely comparable. The 09 I bought brand new, the 08 with 26K miles and the 07 I bought with a bad engine and stuffed a 30K mile engine in it.

The difference between your two could definitely be engine / exhaust related with mileage up there. If the 09's cat is getting plugged up and/or the injectors are gummed up a bit, that could make a huge difference as could lower compression due to poor oil change habits.

For the heavier feel, if the 09 is a 5 door and the other was a 3 door, that will make a small difference due to the weight difference between the two. Wheel/tire weight really adds to the heavier feel and steering feel difference as well.

[srm73]

Thank you CTScott with all the information. Do you think I should try changing the spark plugs? Are they normally due to be changed at 119000 km's (74,000 Miles) ?

[CTScott]

Thank you CTScott with all the information. Do you think I should try changing the spark plugs? Are they normally due to be changed at 119000 km's (74,000 Miles) ?

At 74K it would not be a bad idea to change them (or at the very least inspect them).

[srm73]

At 74K it would not be a bad idea to change them (or at the very least inspect them).
Thank you for the information CTScott. I will get them inspected.

[bronsin]

Wife's 05 Camry has 133k on it and has the original plugs. I don't drive it she's a lead foot and has no complaints!

And she's not hesitant about making her discontents known!:biggrin:

[srm73]

Hi everyone. I got my car's plugs inspected and they turned out to be fine. I asked my local Toyota dealer and they said that I should start by fuel system cleanup. I think I am going to try getting that done and see if it makes any difference or no.

[dogsridewith]

resistance and gap may not change w/ modern plugs, but if a piece of insulator breaks off, it scores a cylinder/piston. 07 Yaris manual wants new iridiums at 120k miles. At 135k, my engine cover nuts and spark plugs felt like never touched since factory by the way they broke. (Rust free car, and break was sort of dry and consistent one to the next...I don't put a lot of stock in this observation.) Gap was perfect, but I can see a light brown line partially around the white insulators. Faint center electrode rust leaching through a hairline crack?

[SirDigby]

first thing I do when I buy a used car is change all the fluids, so I know what it has, and when it was serviced. then I change the spark plugs and belts, so I know.
I don't know what engine cleaning product they are using, but I only use BG products as the rep has done a few demonstrations for me and proven they work well.

[thebarber]

honestly, i would imagine its the difference between 175-65-14's on 14" steelies versus 185-60-15 on 15" steelies.

for acceleration: you're likely an extra 5lbs/corner and the rolling diameter is 3/4" taller

for heavier steering, its the extra tire width or difference in tire type.