Just bought a 2007 Yaris hatchback and have some questions

[Chip Whitley]

Sorry for taking so long to get back to you guys, but I appreciate the feedback. I installed one of those MPH apps that uses my phone's GPS and it showed that I was going maybe 2-3 MPH less than what my speedometer was showing, but otherwise it was pretty close. Does that sound about right? Also, some of you mentioned looking at the speedometer at just the right angle so that might have something to do with it being 2-3 MPH "off" in my eyes.

Also, I just can't shake the feeling that the car is slower than it's supposed to be. It just can't seem to get out of its own way as of late. The good news is as of my last tank I got 37.5 mpg. I see first gen Yaris' on the road all the time and they're flying to say the least. Maybe I'm just being paranoid or maybe it's time for a tune-up?

[David C]

Originally Posted by Chip Whitley

Sorry for taking so long to get back to you guys, but I appreciate the feedback. I installed one of those MPH apps that uses my phone's GPS and it showed that I was going maybe 2-3 MPH less than what my speedometer was showing, but otherwise it was pretty close. Does that sound about right? Also, some of you mentioned looking at the speedometer at just the right angle so that might have something to do with it being 2-3 MPH "off" in my eyes.

Also, I just can't shake the feeling that the car is slower than it's supposed to be. It just can't seem to get out of its own way as of late. The good news is as of my last tank I got 37.5 mpg. I see first gen Yaris' on the road all the time and they're flying to say the least. Maybe I'm just being paranoid or maybe it's time for a tune-up?

Like previously mentioned, the Yaris uses a computer controlled throttle instead of a cable pull throttle. In short, it's the car who decides how much gas the engine gets regardless of how you yank on the gas pedal. It will strive for the best air/fuel ratio and least waste in unburned fuel during acceleration. For example, in cold days (aka below freezing point), the car might feel jumpy but slow due to cold engine temp, cold dense air, cold dense fuel, etc. Then after a drive to the store which allowed the engine to warm up properly, you'll notice the car will still be jumpy, but won't feel as slow on accelerations due to the engine environment being more optimal regarding temperature. Even more noticeable if the ambiant air got warmer throughout the day.

I get the most stable throttle response in winter by letting the engine warm up to below 1200rpm before touching the throttle. When started cold, it's idling at 1500rpm, and when completely warm, it's about 500rpm (readings from my cluster tach, not actual engine scanner, yours may vary). If that's your case (aka you live somewhere where temperature drops in the winter months), try letting the engine revs down on cold starts before touching the gas pedal. Also make sure your shifter is on D and not 3, as the way the console is numbered may lead you to believe 3-D is a unique gear since your hand can't feel any difference when moving the lever between both. However the car will rev a lot more in 3 on highway than in D (overdrive) and it won't do any good to your transmission either.