Toyota Yaris New Owner Reports

Sylvia · May 2006

Owners - how do you like your Yaris?

gwsch · March 2006

Yesterday I was checking with my dealer on Yaris status and he said "We just unloaded one that may be close to what you wanted." So, I drove out, looked it over, test drove it. Yep, that is what I was looking for. So now it is mine.

It came with automatic transmission, convenience package ($630), all weather package ($110), rear spoiler ($200), mats ($150), and rear bumber protector ($65) for $13,585, including the delivery etc. fee.

So far I can say that the heavy duty heater in the all-weather pack works very well. After 40 odd miles, the gas gauge has yet to move. My first stab at burning music to an MP3 CD from my computer was successful. The Yaris scanned for a few seconds then started playing. Reads ID tags, does not require a playlist.

Other differences noted so far - the automatic has a gated shifter (detents left and right as well as the usual forward and back motion) with any of the lower 3 gears selectable for engine braking. With a little practice there should be little need to even look at the indicators. The Xa has the usual straight shifting.

Lots of storage compartments, cup and bottle holders. Electronic power steering is standard - no hydraulic pump, just an electric motor assist.

The engine fills most of the space under the hood. Various small components are scattered around the outer walls of the compartment and that is about all the is easily visible.

Forward view is much like the Prius - big windshield with no visible hood. It is 100% Japanese made.

With the back seats up, the hatch has little storage, but almost identical to my old Tercel.

Still studying the manual. Further testing is slowed by a late winter storm. So far, a nice runabout vehicle.

tommyg12 · March 2006

Congrats. Can't wait to hear updates, especially the first MPG report.

gwsch · March 2006

No movement yet on the fuel gauge. The official Yaris brochures arrived at my dealer today. My Bayou Blue is really a medium grayish blue - not dark grey as the brochure shows. Best comparison is it is very close to the Prius "Seaside Pearl."

So far on all items that were puzzlers, the manual has a perfect batting average - much better than the guesses by me, the salesmen or the service people.

The computer sees all in this model. To start the engine, just briefly click to start and release the key. The computer continues cranking until it fires, or it hits a 20 second timeout. It was cold enough this morning to prove that easily. The computer added another second to my half second. I have been warned that mileage should improve during the first few thousand miles as the computer adjusts to my driving patterns. Apparently, the electronic steering even varies the power assist depending on whether you are correctly steering out of a skid or making it worse. Reward good humans. Punish bad ones.

micweb · March 2006

Congrats on on your purchase - the Echo was one of the rare cars that was free of first year defects on its introduction in America.

Sounds like you are familiar with the Scion xA too. Can you tell me how the ride, sound proofing, and stability feel on the freeway compared to the Scion? Or just in general?

nukepooch1 · March 2006

That's interesting about the starting procedure...and I like the variable steering feel...
How is the throttle response? Any lag time with the electronic throttle, when pulling out in traffic, for instance? (Had a 2005 Ford F150 that had HUGE lag time, made it waay scary to pull out...)

I've been waiting for the Yaris to finally arrive, and now that it has, I'm getting excited. Keep up the reports, both likes and dislikes...

bodble2 · May 2006

"Apparently, the electronic steering even varies the power assist depending on whether you are correctly steering out of a skid or making it worse."

Interesting. This sounds like the same feature which is much-ballyhooed (by MB of course) on their B-Class. Even has a name for it --- Steering Assist.

rodnreel · June 2006

OK, Ive been reading, now it is time to post. I was waiting until I had driven my 2007 hatchback Yaris a sufficient amount of time, so I write about it with authority.

Buying Experience: I bought on May 19, from my local Toyota dealer. I just happened in one day (I was looking for a few weeks) and they had two onsite. A black hatch (sold, the night before) and a Blazin Blue that had arrived the night before. I drove the Blue and bought it in an hour. It didnt have all the features I wanted, but it was available and ready to go. After asking for some deals all I ended up with was one extra free oil change (one was included with the purchase). Bottom line is I paid MSRP $13,320.00. Im a haggler and there was no getting around the price. If I had not bought it, it would have sold the next day.

Gas Mileage: I have been averaging about 37 MPG, mostly HWY.

The Drive: I love it. It is quick (auto) enough to pass at 80 mph on the HWY. Corners nice and I love the view from the windshield. Nothing but the roadway. You cant even see the hood!

Best feature: Storage

Worst f non-feature: No cruise control.

Tip: Buy off E-Bay for the extras it didnt come with. I bought mudguards and armrest below invoice. I plan on getting a spoiler and cargo net.

Hope this helps anyone considering a purchase. I really do love it! I have yet to see another Hatchback on the road.

As a side note, I went to my dealer yesterday to pickup my plates and they had a white Hatch for sale! Are people still having trouble getting a Hatch?

<img src="http://pictures.sprintpcs.com/i/127186563845_290.jpg?ext=.jpg&rand=-2081074844769233820&border=2,255,255,255,1,0,0,0,0&outquality=90"

lhanson · June 2006

Do you have a manual transmission, if so, does the arm rest get in the way, when shifting? My hatchback came with the cargo net; after about two weeks of it getting in the way, I finally stashed it with the spare tire, where I doubt if it will ever be used again. Judging by the price you paid, I am guessing that you have an automatic transmission. I have yet to see a hatchback on the road myself, although I did see one last night in a Mad Magazine skit (clown car, get it, ha, ha) on Fox Network.

rodnreel · June 2006

Mine is an automatic transmission, but I dont think the armrest would interfere with shifting a manual. It sure makes the ride more comfortable. I think I 'll skip on the cargo net for now....thanks.

smallisgood · June 2006

Congrats, Rodnreel, on delivery of your Yaris Liftback! The information you shared was most informative for me, as I'm seeking to purchase the hatchback myself.

I just returned from looking at one at local dealership that advertised they had two in stock. One was missing; the other was marked 'SOLD'. Interestingly, it was the same price you indicated you purchased yours for and the color was Meteorite Gray. I took many pics on my cell phone camera because it's hard to locate them in my area (plenty of sedans however) and if you're not quick, the Liftbacks are here today, gone tomorrow.

Could you answer a few questions? First, did you find the driver's seat to be comfortable for long periods of driving? I keep reading reviews that indicate the seat cushion is short and not comfortable. The Liftback also doesn't have a lever for height adjustment of the driver's seat. I'm 5'-9" and like a clear view of the roadway, with no dashboard obstruction of any kind to block my view. So, do you sit high in the seat? Is a car seat cushion necessary for a better view?

I want the power package and the alloys/fog lamps, but dealers are telling me that's a special order and would take a while to receive. Just wondering if you're totally pleased with the base package overall, and if not having power everything is a big deal? Any help you could offer would really be appreciated. Thanks, and congrats again. I really envy you!

rodnreel · June 2006

smallisgood: I'll try to answer your questions the best I can.

1) I drive at least two hours a day in the Hatch. I find the seat comfort to be adequate. It is a little stiff, but that actually makes my back feel better than a really soft seat.

2) I'm about the same size as you and have a clear and unobstructed view of the roadway, with no height adjustment needed. With the speedometer in the middle there is nothing to get in the way of your view.

3) I personally don't mind not have the power package. So I have to roll the windows down or get the key out to get in the car? Once I'm rollin I really don't miss it.

Good luck finding one. I think once you drive one you can see for yourself if the Yaris hatch is a good fit for you. It suites me just fine.

smallisgood · June 2006

Say, thanks a lot for the info; you addressed all of my concerns. We have an '05 Corolla LE with all the bells and whistles (power sunroof/window/mirrors/doorlocks)and I guess I got spoiled quickly. I will remember to get the armrest for support, however. Looking forward to the day when I can announce here on the forum that I'm the happy owner of a new Yaris Liftback, too! Thx again.

ajl9 · June 2006

My Engine light on the dashboard keeps on coming on, I have had the car back to the Toypta dealers who said it needed the Engine Oil changed and flushed and new oil and filter, this was carried out but still this problem appears, The light is not on all the time only on some Journeys. Can anyone Help.

lucynethel · June 2006

If you mean the "CHECK ENGINE" light, check for the gas cap not being on tight enough. 99% of the time, this is the problem. If NOT> A scan should bring up a code. If you are talking obout the 'SERVICE INTERVAL" light, I have NO idea how to reset it as I just bought mine yesterday?
Mike

fearturtle44 · June 2006

Does the Yaris even have a service interval light? My tC did but don't think the Yaris.

Good suggestion about the gas cap.

Kevin

lucynethel · June 2006

SADLY, my Yaris DOES have an interval light. Now I need to find the reset proceedure so I dont get stuck living at my dealer for service...... :P

asa805 · June 2006

How the heck do you shut it off? Its driving me crazy. If I dont put the car in park and someone takes the seatbelt off to get out it goes off. In fact i find it goes off all the time when it shouldnt. I think its a totally uneccesary function. I always wear my belt .. i dont need toyota forcing it on me.

cohencoy · July 2006

I'm with you on that one! I put a large bag of groceries in the passenger seat and it screamed and flashed for 5 minutes! Is there an over-ride switch or something?
Considering it does not have cruise control, the seat belts are not heighth adjustable, the gearshift is not lit up, and mine is only getting 23 miles to the gallon in the city, you'd think the seatbelts wouldn't be so annoying! Have you tried locking it with the remote while you're inside it (accidentally)? Don't, b/c it screeches. Also don't leave the key in for more than two seconds with the door open, it hates when you do that!

lucynethel · July 2006

Do what I do when I buy that 36 pack.....Just fasten that seat belt and keep that food/beer SAFE!

pharphr · July 2006

Hello all,
I have a liftback with the 5 speed, AC, Power package. When I shift gears, the engine doesn't slow down right away, it takes about 3 seconds to return to idle speed. It does the same thing sitting still, and it has done it since the day I drove it off the lot. I had the dealer check it out and they told me that the computer does it to "burn the unburned gas in the combustion chamber", which doesn't make any sense to me at all. Has anyone else noticed this behavior?

nippononly · July 2006

what the service department told you is exactly right. This is an intentional design to reduce unburned hydrocarbons and NOx emissions that are caused by you suddenly lifting off the accelerator. It is basically computer programming to make the car have less emissions.

And if you think it's bad in the Yaris, try driving one of the GM compacts with the Ecotec. Both the Ion and the Cobalt does this so much that it's hard to get a shifting rhythm going if you're driving manual. I was stuttering then lugging in every gear for the first five minutes of the drive, making me look like a lame-brain novice to the salesman when in fact I have 20 years-plus experience driving manual.

I have driven the Yaris manual a couple of times now, and the effect is much less pronounced in the Toyota than it is in the GM cars. Most of the new cars do this to some degree these days. Of course, for the ones that are auto-only, it is much harder to notice or detect this behavior, as you never have cause to rev the engine and listen for the revs drop after you let up.

nhoose · July 2006

can't seem to find a manual 5 speed hatch anywhere in Atlanta. I am trying to compare it to the Hyundai Accent and the Kia Rio, so I would love to test drive the darn thing before I make a decision. Why is it taking people sometimes months to get their Yaris?

laurie_t · July 2006

I just picked up my Yaris yesterday, and I just love it! After driving a (ack!) minivan for the past 5 years, I am having a blast

And I love the fact that after driving 50 miles, the gas gauge was still on "F"!

I bought the MT, and it's peppy and smooth.. no problem on the freeway - in fact, I have to be careful because I find myself going too fast in this car.

I like the stereo - for factory, it's pretty good (and good enough for me) and I think it's awesome that I could plug in my iPod nano and have all my tunes/podcasts on the road with me.

So far, I am a very happy driver!

twinzillarex · July 2006

I drove one on Sat, and I should be picking it up tomorrow morning. That car turns on a dime. I was very impressed with it. I can't wait to bring it home.

coachster1 · August 2006

I spent the past two weeks rearching cars. I drove a Fit, an Accent, a Scion Xa, and a Versa. I wanted to try a Yaris before I decided. However, there was not one dealer in a 100 mile radius that had a 5-speed hatchback in stock....until I stopped at a Toyota dealer about at the midway point of my 66-mile one-way daily commute. No, they didn't have one in stock, BUT they said they were getting one shipped. It's supposed to be here tomorrow. So I left a deposit on it!!

Here's why: I was going to go with the Hyundai, just because of the price. However, the damned thing just felt CHEAP; there's no way around it. I liked the feel of the Scion, but not the 4-doors. So after doing all this research, I jumped, like a fool, on the Toyota band-wagon.

I hope it works out OK....

lhanson · August 2006

You won't regret it, and if you do, you can probably resell it and get all your money back. As you have just found out, manual l/b's are almost impossible to find. I have had mine for 3 months and still love it. I would buy another sight, unseen.

laurie_t · August 2006

"

I love it! :shades:

lhanson · August 2006

Looks just like mine, same color and everything. I have had mine for over three months now, and have yet to see another one on the street, any color.

rocketman10 · August 2006

I just got my Liftback in Blazing Blue and automatic transmission on July 6th and LOVE IT...took almost 2 months to get but well worth it. I have only seen three other liftbacks on the road..one in black, one in red, one in silver gray....

asa805 · August 2006

Am having problems. The AIRBAG OFF sign is on. Just great!

Getting 26 mpg tops and now this... i hate this peice of [non-permissible content removed] car!

nippononly · August 2006

Ummm, kick back a little. The AIRBAG OFF sign is supposed to come on when you put light things (or people) in the front passenger seat. The sensor in the seat decides if it thinks a small child is in the seat, and if it does it deactivates the airbag on that side so it doesn't kill the child. Good thinking, eh? ;-)

asa805 · August 2006

really? I thought it was an indicator for me (the driver).. i didnt say passenger on it? Ok i guess i was confused. Damn i better take some stuff out of my pocketbook! LOL.

nippononly · August 2006

The indicator for you (which is a malfunction indicator) is part of the warning lights in the IP - it is with the oil pressure light and blue and red radiator lights and such next to the speedometer.

lucynethel · August 2006

Well to ME.....It's just a ROYAL "PAIN" to have all that beeping because I have my 30 or 36 pack of Bud in that seat! I mean REALLY..... :P

lucynethel · August 2006

I also get only 26 MPG TOPS and mine is for sale on Craiglis San Diego. But do what I do....put a supply of beer in that seat & buckle it in for safety! And then, when you get it home, DRINK that old beer and I PROMISE..... You are gonna fee a LOT better!

asa805 · August 2006

i guess we will know that the beer will be safe in an accident becasue the airbag wont deploy and break the bottles!

We have to watch out for our beer! lol...

Karen_S · August 2006

A large local newspaper is looking to interview consumers who have traded or tried trading in their SUVs and have been shocked at the prices they are getting from dealerships. Please send an e-mail to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Friday, August 18, 2006 by 2:30 PM PT/5:30 PM ET containing your daytime contact information.

stat · September 2006

Ok, I just looked at my MSRP sticker and I have a 2007 Yaris 4 Dr. Sedan. It says it's a 1442-B model. Someone else posted that they have a sedan too, but they have the 1442-A model. Anyone else please post what you have.

Also, can anyone explain the difference between the "A" and the "B" versions of these cars? Does the "B" signify a second-gen 2007 model?

rocketman10 · September 2006

I have the Liftback (automatic) and mine says its a 2007/1422 A for year and model.

roguedog · September 2006

I know the dealers always tell you stuff on how to break in your new engine, but I pick up my Yaris tomorrow and like to hear some suggestions on how best to break it in as this is my frist "new" car. Thanks!

stat · September 2006

Just drive real fast and wrap it around a pole. That should "break" it in real fast. :P

roguedog · September 2006

nippononly · September 2006

no hard revving while the little blue "engine cold" light is still on. That means part throttle, and if you have one with a tach, watch the dial: no revs above 3000 or so while it's still cold.

I believe the manual also recommends no revving over 4000 rpm at any time in the first 1000 miles - you can check the manual on that one.

no hard braking for the first couple hundred miles, to give a chance for the front pads to mate to the rotors.

Don't do the 1000-mile trip to Grandma's in the car until it has at least 1000 miles on the odometer, and if you do take long trips on the highway, vary your speed every once in a while.

If you have a manual, it can help a lot to leave it in gear when decelerating, as that helps the rings to seat, which will contribute greatly to decreasing oil consumption later in life (the car's life, not your own! :-P)

tjw1308 · September 2006

Yes, Toyota/Scion/Lexus use A/B/C to designate production runs.

It's not a "second-gen" though. Just built later in the cycle. It helps us dealers know when a 2007 MY car built in 2006 will change over to 2008.

It also can mark a change in MSRP or new available option groupings (so good news for those waiting).

T

stat · September 2006

So, does that mean the 2008 MY Yaris will be out soon, since my model says I have a 1442B ?

can you find out for us what is different between the A and B versions of the Yaris?

Thanks

tjw1308 · September 2006

Probably looking at spring 2007 for the 2008's, possibly a little later

. No worries on having a year old car too soon...

The only difference of note is the MSRP, which went up $100. That and availability of different option groupings should start appearing in different regions (all those waiting on ABS/Side Airbags rejoice lol). We have 2 on the ground with ABS/Side Airbags already. I think one is about to sell though... good thing they're cooling off

T

stat · October 2006

fastrunner · October 2006

I purchased my Yaris LB in September, and 1421C is the model

jnantz · October 2006

We should get our new liftback by the end of this week (central Illinois) We are getting a Blazing Blue Pearl Liftback, 5sp Manual with Power Pkg, Side Air Bags, ABS, Spoiler, Mats. My dealer found it on an Indiana dealers lot. It had been a special order for that dealer that was turned down on delivery. Other than color, which I like, it is exactly what we wanted.

For the record we put 140,000 miles on our 1992 Camry, 103,000 miles on our 2000 Tundra, (no problems and excellent resale) and still have 60,000 miles on our 2003 Highlander. This will be 5th car purchased from this dealer. We will be putting a tow bar on the front next spring to tow it behind our motorhome.

By the way we are paying full sticker , and we are glad there was no premium added to that price.

dovemead · October 2006

I bought my 4-door Yaris in July, and I haven't had any problems until now. The center console rattles really loudly. Toyota keeps saying that nothing is wrong with it, but I am pretty sure that there is. Is anyone else having this problem? If so, did you find that it was the lid or the hinges of the console? I would appreciate any help.

Toyota Yaris New Owner Reports

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