Bought a used yaris, now to get it back into shape, need some feedback. [LONG POST]

[06YarisRS]

Originally Posted by seatech30

06YarisRS, thanks! I was thinking to do a drain and fill on the trans, after I see some improvement after the mounts. Don't want to sink too much money all at once to realize it wasn't worth it. I also want to change the brake fluid. I hate to admit, but I've been running the same coolant in my old yaris for about 100k miles now... I've topped it up as it seems to evaporate. I definitely owe it a drain and refill soon.
How are the rockauto filters? I've been doing the k&n ones from amazon when they've dropped in price, usually grab 3-6 at once. I'll take a look and compare prices.

I get it. If you do decide to do a couple/few trans drain and fills, I'd recommend doing it once, driving for a while - maybe a several days, and then repeating. I think this is less likely to 'shock' the system. Although my understanding of automatic transmissions is in it infancy, I believe that too much fresh fluid at once can clean clutch packs etc too agressively, resulting in slipping.

Your coolant is probably still ok, but likely due for replacement. The main reason I like to do mine is to replenish the corrosion inhibitors. I think its freeze protection and cooling attributes probably last a lot longer than the corrosion inhibitors.

I could be wrong, but my personal opinion is the K&N filters, although probably excellent quality, are way over-priced for what they are. But, maybe you're getting a super deal buying in bulk. Similarily, Fram's excellent quality Ultra filter is great and I'd use it in a heartbeat, but, again overpriced. That said, I'd be hypocritical for admonishing anyone for spending disproportionally more for a high quality product that will do the absolute best possible job and that has that tangible 'feel good' factor. I've done that many times myself, and sometimes still do. I like the EcoGard filters from Rock auto. They're usually under $1.50 CAD each and when combined with other parts in the order, shipping cost is negligible. The EcoGard filter reminds me of the Kia OEM filters; for one it's the same color, is a solid and hefty, well-constructed filter and comes with a shrinked plastic cover. For my turbocharged 1.8 Yaris, I will def be using a higher end synthetic media filter. Will probably go with the EcoGard S6311 synthetic media cartridge filter, unless I convert to a spin-on filter setup as there are a lot more options in the spin-on configuration. But, for stock, these standard EcoGards are a fantastic value.