Is the Yaris a wreck monster?

[regal]

I've not had a wreck in 20 years until I bought my Yaris, then in 2 months 4 wrecks, one severe. The serevere accident was probably unavoidable (deer) but I really question the DBW and electronic steering. My sister rented a Yaris recently on a trip and had 2 near misses. There is just something about not having hydraulic steering that disconnects me from the road. What do others think have I just had a string of bad luck or should I look at yanking out that electronic steering?

[RedRide]

The electronic assist steering is still rack and pinion just like the hydralic assist.
You still have a direct mechanical conection and the electric is only an assist.

The reason manufactures are switching to electric is for better fuel economy. A power steering pump actually consumes more power than an ac compressor. So it is definately the future.

Granted the Yaris does tend to wander a bit but it is more likely due to the rear suspension.

The one thing I do have a bit of problem with is the DBW throttle. I like a driect cable connecton and when I "put the pedel to the metal" I want complete WOT right now.

[regal]

its seams to have trouble self centering, there is like none. Reach down to pick up your toll ticket and you wander 2 lanes over.

EVryone I know tells me to trade it in on something else. But I have the TRD suspension, scion wheels and it handles like a go cart, a thrill to drive that is addictive. I can't see a new car I would be happy with. Tempted to trade it in on a MR2 spyder, but it has the electronic steering too.

[RedRide]

Originally Posted by regal

its seams to have trouble self centering, there is like none. Reach down to pick up your toll ticket and you wander 2 lanes over.

EVryone I know tells me to trade it in on something else. But I have the TRD suspension, scion wheels and it handles like a go cart, a thrill to drive that is addictive. I can't see a new car I would be happy with. Tempted to trade it in on a MR2 spyder, but it has the electronic steering too.

I haven't had that problem. My Yaris steers normally and centers its self.

BTW my other car is a Celica and it does handel much better of course.
I just accept the handeling limitations of the Yaris as is is not that kind of car.

[ddongbap]

Get some stiff tires.

[Bob Dog]

Negative regal, I have avoided what might havebeen accidents in other cars. Lose the POS OEM tires.

[Yaris Hilton]

No problem with my steering, throttle, or OEM tires.

[SilverBack]

What I don't get is why you put your toll ticket in a place where you have to reach down to get it. Just keep in the slot by e-brake so you'll never have take your eyes off the road.

And I agree a stock Yaris isn't meant to perform that well at WOT, though it'll still give you that nice little boost at mid-range

[Forrest]

Originally Posted by Yaris Hilton

No problem with my steering, throttle, or OEM tires.

Ditto to above. No problems.

[jambo101]

Havent had an accident in 45yrs of driving,since buying the Yaris 1 year ago i've had 2

[Tamago]

regal just needs to learn how to drive

and lose those shitty Champion or champiro or whatever tires...


and get a real alignment....

[ROCKLAND TOYOTA]

Originally Posted by Tamago

regal just needs to learn how to drive

and lose those shitty Champion or champiro or whatever tires...


and get a real alignment....

that or just realize its not the shitty civic he's used to driving and welcome to 2009.....

[gokartride]

I'd just chalk it up to bad luck.

[SailDesign]

Originally Posted by Tamago

regal just needs to learn how to drive

and lose those shitty Champion or champiro or whatever tires...


and get a real alignment....

Yes, Yes, Yes, and... check his tire pressures....

Then play with pressure until he gets what he wants for handling. The difference can be amazing over just 3 or 4 psi.

[Bob Dog]

The Goodyear eagles oems aren't bad for an undemanding driver, but the others, bridgestone, or goodrichs are outright crap: I intended to drive them til they wore out, but after a near wreck skid on wet pavement I recognized it as the same cheap tire problem that put me in a wreck a decade age. I changed the tires to a set of Falken 912s and the problem was corrected 100%.

[Kal-El]

I love the electric power steering. It's the best thing to ever happen to steering. I'll take it over the overrated BMW steering feel which I think is way to tight and makes you work unnecessarily hard especially at low speeds.
With the Yaris, it's an absolute pleasure around the parking lots and city where the steering is so effortless. And I don't know why people complain about a "disconnected feel", it feels great to me.

And as everyone suggested, get better tires. I like 195/60/15 or 205/55/15 on the stock steelies. And almost anything is better than the stock tires.

[Bob Dog]

Me too the electric power steering (combined with the gas milage ) was what made me want the car. I took it out for a test drive and all I could think was " wow this car handles great: crisp, quick, precise and effortless.. and with the good tires, and TRD suspension it is amazing.

[regal]

Originally Posted by PK198105

get 195/55/15s and you'll be laughing, of course you could go even wider but it'll cost ya. plus i believe 195 to be optimal width for the Yar Yar

I do have 195/55/15's, what about adding neg camber front and rear would that help with self centering. And I can take the punishment, I love the car. Kinda glad another guy posted in the same boat as me.

Just help me work thru this.


If its the cheapiros I'll ditch em but its hard to find a good true summer performance tire in 195/55/15, their all glorified all weather. Something sticky like the old Kuhmo summers would be perfect.
thanks