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07-17-2018, 07:12 AM | #1 |
Hatchbacks for the win
Drives: Hatchbacks Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 189
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Twelve Years Later, Dream Realized
Flashback to Fall 2006, a younger me put in a pre-order for a Blazing Blue Yaris hatchback at the dealership. A few weeks later, a Bayou Blue Yaris came in and I bought that one instead since I just couldn't wait. However, I have always had an affinity for the Blazing Blue color and yesterday I finally realized that desire.
I scooped up this 2008 Yaris from the original owner who maintained it well. In case you're wondering, my Bayou Blue Yaris was sold when I moved to Hawaii, and my second one (white) was sold to a colleague who wanted a reliable car for his son last year. I learned a lot about car detailing and how to do minor maintenance items on Yaris #2 which I found empowering. I look forward to getting my Blazing Blue Beauty all cleaned up and sharing the journey with everyone! Last edited by bradbowl; 11-20-2018 at 09:34 PM. |
07-17-2018, 10:40 AM | #2 |
My Yaris is a "racecar"
Drives: 2007 Yaris hatchback Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Machesney Park, IL
Posts: 545
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Looks like a much nicer version of my 2007. I really like that blue color, too. Sweet find.
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-Karl the Uber/Lyft Driver |
07-17-2018, 11:38 AM | #3 |
Awesome find, congrats! Low mileage, but not too low, which is good. Looking forward to seeing your progress with it.
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07-17-2018, 12:16 PM | #4 |
Drives: 2014 Yaris SE Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,076
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Looks great. Congratulations!
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07-17-2018, 07:43 PM | #5 |
Drives: '14 GT86, '08 Vitz Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Central Valley, CA
Posts: 9,873
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Sweet! I remember you telling me you always wanted a blazing blue. Mine is around that mileage now and climbing fast. Keeping it stock, or any plans for some mods?
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07-17-2018, 08:18 PM | #6 | |
Hatchbacks for the win
Drives: Hatchbacks Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 189
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Quote:
My wife is probably relieved that I found one since I always point out Blazing Blue Yarii whenever I see them. I do want to upgrade the stereo, find some nice wheels, give her a thorough detailing, etc. I'm going to tackle replacing the brake pads/rotors after I do the rear shocks. Exciting times! |
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07-18-2018, 02:26 AM | #7 |
Hatchbacks for the win
Drives: Hatchbacks Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 189
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After work, I spent a couple hours cleaning her up today. Wash and clay bar. I'm still amazed at how well the clay works.
It took me awhile to remove these stickers. That PT sticker was more like a thick raised decal which was a pain to get off and clean all the residue away. There was another even larger one in the glove box. I finally figured out that it stands for Precision Toyota of Tucson. I ordered a nice combo pack of cabin and engine air filters from eBay for $11/shipped. Last edited by bradbowl; 11-20-2018 at 09:34 PM. |
07-17-2018, 08:07 PM | #8 |
Hatchbacks for the win
Drives: Hatchbacks Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 189
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Thanks everyone, I value your knowledge and expertise.
My first task is replacing the rear shocks since the dealership recommended that repair. Searching the forum and YouTube gives me confidence that I can do it myself. I see mixed comments from folks about if you should change the front and rear at the same time. It appears that the front shock/strut replacement is more challenging than the rear ones. |
07-18-2018, 10:25 AM | #9 |
The decals were the first thing I noticed. I would have removed them, too. Not a big fan of decals. I'm currently only rocking a small teq sticker and gold Wheelwell decal. I'm still iffy on them lol.
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07-18-2018, 06:07 PM | #10 |
daily driver
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Looks slow
Also, rear shocks are an easy and cheap DIY
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07-18-2018, 07:29 PM | #11 |
Hatchbacks for the win
Drives: Hatchbacks Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 189
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07-20-2018, 03:15 AM | #12 |
Hatchbacks for the win
Drives: Hatchbacks Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 189
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Changed the spark plugs, cleaned the throttle body, MAF sensor, and did some general engine cleanup since it was pretty dirty.
I noticed a rattle/vibration when stopped at a red light (goes away when in neutral or moving) that many people here have experienced. I tracked it down to the large airflow tube coming off the air filter box (not the tube that connects to the throttle body). A piece of the tube that fits into a little clip doesn't fit anymore and the engine vibration causes it to rattle against the filter box. I'll have to MacGyver a fix for that. This weekend it'll be compound, polish and wax time. Last edited by bradbowl; 11-20-2018 at 09:34 PM. |
07-20-2018, 07:57 PM | #13 |
Drives: '14 GT86, '08 Vitz Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Central Valley, CA
Posts: 9,873
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Are you talking about the silencer tube? Just remove it. Lol
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07-22-2018, 05:09 AM | #14 | |
Hatchbacks for the win
Drives: Hatchbacks Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 189
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Quote:
It was educational to read about the experiences and thoughts of forum members about different air intakes. |
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07-22-2018, 05:28 AM | #15 |
Hatchbacks for the win
Drives: Hatchbacks Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 189
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I installed the new KYB rear shocks today. The process went smoothly and just like the YouTube tutorials I watched.
Honestly, the old ones didn't look abnormal to me so the service report saying they were leaking and needed to be replaced may have just been trying to gouge $500 from the previous owner. Nonetheless, I'm pleased to have learned how to do something new. I went ahead and rotated the tires and bought Mobil1 synthetic oil and filter since it's due for a change soon. Compound and polish is on the todo list for Sunday Funday. |
07-22-2018, 01:07 PM | #16 |
Drives: '14 GT86, '08 Vitz Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Central Valley, CA
Posts: 9,873
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There could have been some slight leaking on them, so maybe that's why they said it needed to be replaced. Or if they're a shady dealership (I think you guys only have one in Hawaii, and they don't follow the rest of the US actually), then could just be a sales pitch.
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07-23-2018, 06:17 AM | #17 |
Hatchbacks for the win
Drives: Hatchbacks Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 189
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The employee at the quick lube place that put the oil drain bolt in last must have been in a BAD mood since that thing was really stuck. On the bright side, I got a good workout getting it unstuck.
I received a box of goodies from Amazon a few days early. I bought some Chemical Guys Upholestry cleaner and a rotary brush that both had great reviews. We'll see how it goes. Once I finish up the exterior detailing, I'll get down to business on the interior. |
07-23-2018, 11:22 AM | #18 |
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