How much abuse can the Yaris take?

[birdman]

I think Toyota really did their homework on this amazing car. With the addition of the TRD sway bar and a bit of driving experience this car is amazingly agile and peppy. This is only considered a cheapo entry level car in the USA. In other countries it comes with a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, CVT, AWD, Blackberry/gps screens and automatic parking. Only in America is this car seen as being a bottom of the pile ride.

With a few more mods this car is a sports car if that's what a Mini is. This car is built frugally for environmentally concious buyers to buy, but with a bit of modding the beast within will emerge. It was carefully created to allow all sorts of modifications to enhance it's marvelous design.

In the EU it is attractive to well educated environmentally conscious people who could afford more expensive cars but choose this car as an expression of their commitment to be part of the solution instead of adding to the problem.. In many countries it has a huge cult following. This little wonder was selling very well over seas long before the Fit or Venza were even thought up. It's the first of a kind in a long long time.

A great car that is no more expensive than it requires. I remember when the VW bug was once bare bones yet very well executed. Like the Yaris it transcended class distinctions attracting buyers from all walks of life.

People with expensive exotics buy them because they possess that certain something that only comes around once in a great while. Clark Gable loved his cheap little single cylinder Isetta. Like the Isetta the Yaris is a masterpiece of minimalist Art with a comical twist. Like the old Citroen 2CV, VW Bug and the Isetta it will be a cherished addition for many future collectors.

As far as driving it hard, Go for it and drive the piss out of it! It was designed to take it.