Reliability results after 6 years of ownership.

[yaris prime]

Hey all... Haven't been here in quite a while. i just wanted to share my experience with the reliability of the Yaris after 6 years of ownership. I am totally thrilled by the reliability of the Yaris (knocking on wood now). I bought my 2007 Yaris in Feb. of 2009 with 19k miles and now have 165k on it. Other than oil and manual trans oil changes, I have done only the following:
-front brakes (twice).
-one rear tail light bulb.
-donut gasket in exhaust replaced.
-bearing in alternator making noise (replaced alternator).

That's it !
I also replaced the belt when I changed the alternator, as I figured I might as well while I'm doing it. I can't remember which brand I bought, but it is junk. I have had to tighten it 3 or 4 times because it stretches.
Other than that, I have done a few mods over the years, some of which were good and some not so much...
-short throw shifter- took it out, didn't really work well.
-Installed power door locks and windows from A1- Would not recommend. Lock system didn't work very long. Power window system is still working well, but, on the whole, I don't think it was worth it.
-removed module for daytime running lights- This was to keep me from driving around at night thinking my lights were on when they were not.
-Added spacers to tilt seat back to offer more support to back of legs and for added leg room. This worked well (I'm 6' 4")
-Removed block of foam from under carpet next to clutch pedal (it was interfering with my big left foot).

Again, super excited about how few problems I have had. It is what keeps me still driving this car- six years is a record for me, some cars I only kept for months.

[bronsin]

Awesome!

The Best Is Yet To Come!

[fourbangingfun]

How often have you changed your manual tranny fluid and motor oil? And what kind did you use? Also front pads twice but no rear shoe replacement at all?? Interesting.

'07 @ 145k, myself.


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[fnkngrv]

I have 100k on my rear brakes now and still no replacement. I change tranny fluid about once a year personally.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by bronsin

Awesome!

The Best Is Yet To Come!

Yep. After replacing the alternator at just over 159k, I went from 160k to 300k just replacing tires, 1 serp belt (replaced original), 2 batteries, a few bulbs, 1 set of spark plugs (replaced originals), a parking break adjustrment/dust blowout, oil/filter changes, washer fluid, added half a container of coolant purchased from the dealer, and (as a precaution) had the control arm bolts replaced. I also added a cabin air filter to that 'empty from the factory' () location. Don't think I left anything out.

[El Kapitan]

interesting that you should mention adding spacers to give higher leg room. i've been thinking of doing that same thing myself. it worked good in my old honda fit.

[bronsin]

Originally Posted by nookandcrannycar

Yep. After replacing the alternator at just over 159k, I went from 160k to 300k just replacing tires, 1 serp belt (replaced original), 2 batteries, a few bulbs, 1 set of spark plugs (replaced originals), a parking break adjustrment/dust blowout, oil/filter changes, washer fluid, added half a container of coolant purchased from the dealer, and (as a precaution) had the control arm bolts replaced. I also added a cabin air filter to that 'empty from the factory' () location. Don't think I left anything out.

Didnt a wheel bearing go at some point?

Might have been somebody else though...

[lenzomaru]

Originally Posted by fnkngrv

I have 100k on my rear brakes now and still no replacement. I change tranny fluid about once a year personally.

wow u change that really often, is there a reason?

[fnkngrv]

Originally Posted by lenzomaru

wow u change that really often, is there a reason?

because I am always and forever futz8ng with the damned car...lol. seriously, I have been doing stuff requiring the engine or trans to be pulled every year since 2010 so it is typical for me to do something that requires a drain or losing some fluid. Also with the high rpm that I run the car I am just paranoid so like to change it when I change my oil once a year.

[fnkngrv]

Originally Posted by bronsin

Didnt a wheel bearing go at some point?

Might have been somebody else though...

I have replaced 3 wheel bearings now since I bought mine new in 06 and the chassis like I said has only 100k on it. Mayhaps it was me you were thinking about?

[lenzomaru]

I see water pump issues popping up often when i read on other forums, what are u guys' experience with this?

[IllusionX]

Mine failed at 56000km, at 2 years 10months.

[mario98c]

My Yaris is almost 6 years also. The only thing that I've changed is the brake pads because I beat the hell out of this car racing it in track events. Other than that, the car has not broke anything.

[fnkngrv]

the water pump I have been very lucky with. no issues and that includes aggressive use while boosted on the engines.

[bronsin]

Originally Posted by lenzomaru

I see water pump issues popping up often when i read on other forums, what are u guys' experience with this?

09 wp went ~25k miles.

40k now...

[bronsin]

Originally Posted by fnkngrv

I have replaced 3 wheel bearings now since I bought mine new in 06 and the chassis like I said has only 100k on it. Mayhaps it was me you were thinking about?

I only recall one set of bearings going, whoever it was.

But man how did three go on yours?

[fnkngrv]

Originally Posted by bronsin

I only recall one set of bearings going, whoever it was.

But man how did three go on yours?

I was told that it has to do with the sustained high speeds and quick deceleration from my racing. I actually replace both when I have one go just as a precaution.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by bronsin

Didnt a wheel bearing go at some point?

Might have been somebody else though...

Yeah (front wheel bearings), but that wasn't during the 160,000 mile 'marker' to the 300,000 mile 'marker'...not during that range...it was at just under 111,000 miles. I think the only other replacements at the under 160,000 mile mark = tires, oil and filter changes, a few other bulbs (total bulbs over the life of the car = each headlight twice and the rear LP light twice], replacing the stolen (in New Orleans) passenger side mirror cover, and replacing the original battery.