buying a Yaris, what to look for?

[nemelek]

[QUOTEHow can you make sure the clutch is "in good shape" via a test drive?[/QUOTE]

Stop the car. Set the park brake. Put it in 5th gear. Rev the engine to red line. Pop the clutch while keeping the engine reved.

If the engine dies, the clutch is good.
If the engine keeps running, the clutch is bad.

Note: Don't let the current owner see you do this test.

[Kiteless]

Originally Posted by localkineguy

Tires looked good when I took a look at them...they looked evenly worn too. The owner/driver is a manager (late 30s?) at a Harley Davidson store. Many miles were highway (so he claims) to commute to and from where he used to work.

How can you make sure the clutch is "in good shape" via a test drive?

For the clutch, I test by pushing the car hard in lower gears, with permission from the current owner of course. If you have been driving a stick you can feel the clutch slipping, but it's harder without a tach. Shift smoothly and apply power as soon as you let the clutch out. Don't do quick shifts and drive it like a race car, 1st gear, RPM's up, clutch in and wait a moment for the revs to come back down and second... it should be smooth. Don't forget to look at the dryness of hoses, and the state of the accessory belt. That belt runs your water pump among other things, so its important it does not break. Look at how cracked it is mainly on the inside that has ribbing that grabs around the pulleys.

Also test brakes, does it stop well? Good, no need to slam on them. Also brake gently, any wobble? If there is there may be a warped rotor and at that age will need replacing.

Look under the car, any oil?

After it's warmed up listen to it idle, it should be niiiiice and smooth.

Pop the air cleaner and look at it. Is it nasty? Even if it does not need it, maybe go get a test only smog done on it. If it passes, that is also a good indication that it is a solid running car.

You can even put a volt meter on the alternator and see what its putting out. I believe a good strong alternator should put out like 14 volts? May need correction there.

Thats my way anyway. I am too chicken***t to redline a car, especially someone elses. Hope this helps.

- Jason

[localkineguy]

1. Can you post a picture of the accessory belt? Is it the belt on the passenger side of the car?
2. Rotor warping shows up as vibrations in the brake pedal during deceleration right? (i.e. wobble = vibrating/pulsing?)
3. Can you also post a picture of the air filter?
4. Can I get a second opinion on the alternator voltage? I do have a multimeter and can do that pretty quickly


By the way, thanks for all of the responses guys