The official "my Yaris handles bad on the highway/with crosswinds" thread

[churp]

Arcath....you don't say where you're from but out here in the plains sidewinds are a bitch......after 6,000+ miles I might be more used to it but even after lowering springs I slow down on certain days.....the light weight and high profile are just part of the car.....my only complaint about the car.

[blacksan]

Originally Posted by churp

Arcath....you don't say where you're from but out here in the plains sidewinds are a bitch......after 6,000+ miles I might be more used to it but even after lowering springs I slow down on certain days.....the light weight and high profile are just part of the car.....my only complaint about the car.

I have been meaning to ask this, but always forgot. How does the Yaris handle in the snow?

[churp]

Originally Posted by blacksan

I have been meaning to ask this, but always forgot. How does the Yaris handle in the snow?

Only had it 3 months but got thru a couple storms fairly well....winds my only problem.

[brickhardmeat]

barely made it home from the dealer, this car handles like crap on stilts

I lowered mine and felt a huge difference. Much better.

[blacksan]

Originally Posted by brickhardmeat

barely made it home from the dealer, this car handles like crap on stilts

I lowered mine and felt a huge difference. Much better.

Hmmmm, I really do believe that folks are just not use to the sensitive steering input. I drive for a living and found my Yaris groove after about 50 miles. Yes, I am in the process of upgrading my suspension too, but not as radical as some of the folks here.

[Pavel Olavich]

Originally Posted by blacksan

Hmmmm, I really do believe that folks are just not use to the sensitive steering input. I drive for a living and found my Yaris groove after about 50 miles. Yes, I am in the process of upgrading my suspension too, but not as radical as some of the folks here.

The Yaris steering is no more or less sensitive then most other cars. The only difference is that it uses an electric motor for assistence. That aside, it's functionality and performance is the same as 90% of all cars Japanese or domestic. I air travel and rent too many different cars to think otherwise.

I think part of the problem is that the newness of the coil sprints, suspension and tires conspire to make a new Yaris jumpy and twitchy, all of which will go away as everything seats in.

[arcath]

Originally Posted by brickhardmeat

barely made it home from the dealer, this car handles like crap on stilts

I lowered mine and felt a huge difference. Much better.

being strapped for cash, and this being a family vehicle, im not comfortable with lowering it.

Im considering new tires, but the whole strapped for cash thing.....

Maybe if the insurance money from my "Act of God" car claim comes in. :)

[brickhardmeat]

oh, your in a sedan

[blacksan]

Originally Posted by arcath

being strapped for cash, and this being a family vehicle, im not comfortable with lowering it.

Im considering new tires, but the whole strapped for cash thing.....

Maybe if the insurance money from my "Act of God" car claim comes in. :)

Personally I am going with the TRD springs that only dump your ride about 1.5" front & rear. You don't even need new dampers with this setup. As far as new rubber is concerned unless you are doing some serious driving it would not benefit you. On that note let he flaming begin!

[Mead]

"has me scared to drive on the interstate now"

"60-80mph the car is ALL OVER the road. almost uncontrollable"

"barely made it home from the dealer"

"the interstate driving is killing me"



C'mon, if the Yaris is such a liability, the DOT would never legalize it, hwy fatalities would be all over the news, Toyota stock would plummet on the bad press...

There is nothing wrong with this car and NO you don't have to TRD it to make it track straight. Did you guys come from a Lexus LS or Bentley? making the Yaris so hard to get used to? Sure the Yaris is buzzy but it's damn smooth for a sub 2300lb car. Short wheel base? same as the Fit.

I also have a Jeep wrangler with 93" wheelbase and high CG, I've passed semis doing 85mph in Texas crosswinds Quite frankly y'all don't know how good you have it.

ON a serious note, if you're really scared to drive the Yaris on the hwy you need a new car. Dont' mess with tire pressure or feel you have to lower it 2" to feel stable. Get a 3300 lb Camry with 110 in wheel base

[ECHOKnight2000]

Originally Posted by brickhardmeat

barely made it home from the dealer, this car handles like crap on stilts

Yeah, my ECHO is the same although I know the suspension is different but similar attributes as far as what you guys are saying. I hate it personally. Its a floaty, darty design. It sucks going around corners even when its not that bad and crosswinds...don't get me started. I love my car but, man that suspension gets to me. I would love to upgrade the suspension and lower the car but I need $$$ and be smart about my $$$ at the moment. Maybe later or just get another car eventually. I hate slowing so much just when I go on the highway or get off, you know the clover leaf design?? I digress...

[DorytheYaris]

Originally Posted by blacksan

I have been meaning to ask this, but always forgot. How does the Yaris handle in the snow?

Personally, I think it handles better than my xA did. Way better in fact. It's amazing how versatile these little cars can be.

[blacksan]

Originally Posted by DorytheYaris

Personally, I think it handles better than my xA did. Way better in fact. It's amazing how versatile these little cars can be.

This is the first FWD drive car I have had in years and always had good luck with them in the snow, but was not shore about the super light Yaris. We really don't get that much snow around here, (thank god) and am glad that I have the FWD advantage during the winter.

[parce1992]

Originally Posted by blacksan

I have been meaning to ask this, but always forgot. How does the Yaris handle in the snow?

snow driving is really good. the anti locking breaks are great and if you have gears you can down shift and the car slows down like a beauty. I am 17 and i drive crazy here in NJ...never had a problem with the last few 4 to 6 inches of snow.

[Chris07LB]

I drive 99% highway at speeds between 65-75mph everyday.

I know exactly what you are talking about, and would suggest checking the tire pressure.

Since keeping mine adjusted, the car is perfect.

[blacksan]

Originally Posted by Chris07LB

I drive 99% highway at speeds between 65-75mph everyday.

I know exactly what you are talking about, and would suggest checking the tire pressure.

Since keeping mine adjusted, the car is perfect.

How many PSI are you running, and which tires did yours come with?

Mine came with the Japanese Goodyear's and they work well! it seems like the Bridgestones AKA Flintstones are not as acclimated to the task?

[nsmitchell]

Originally Posted by Chris07LB

I drive 99% highway at speeds between 65-75mph everyday.

I know exactly what you are talking about, and would suggest checking the tire pressure.

Since keeping mine adjusted, the car is perfect.

I must have missed something... Didn't you get a Fit? What ever happened with that? I'm glad you are still here though!

[brickhardmeat]

My dealer put an extra goddamn hole in my rear bumper for the license plate, you would think they could have accomplished this task correctly. Luckily they didn't touch the front.

I would agree the LB does feel "unstable" on the highway with totally stock suspension going 80 in high winds. Nothing totally crazy but it felt like a bit too much work to drive the car before I simply put lowering springs on it. I think giving the car any drop will help. I don't understand how lowering the car puts your children in danger.

Springs would cost you as little as 115. bucks and I think the car would feel great. No one should be over inflating their tires, this is dangerous, 30-32 pounds is perfect and tires aren't your problem