Considering a Yaris

[CF-Shane]

I was informed about Yarisworld on Toyota Nation, so here's what I asked there:


I currently own a 93 Tercel that I have grown quite fond of, but it's starting to show it's years. I'm humoring sticking it out in the Tercel for a few more years or getting something newer, if I found something appealing. I got the chance to drive a Yaris the other night, sober cabbing it for some friends (2 door auto). I was actually fairly impressed, so I'm starting to hit the books a bit and see if this might be one worth buying. However, I'm finding suprisingly few aftermarket parts or cohesive guides online, and I figure the best thing to do at this point is to ask those who own them.

Is it worth buying one right now, or should I hold out for a year or two?

If I do start looking at getting one in the near future, here's what the build sheet on Toyota.com shows:

Originally Posted by Toyota.com

Model
1.5 Liter 4-Cylinder, 3-Door Liftback, 5-Speed Manual

$0 MSRP
Options


Color
Exterior: Absolutely Red
Interior: Dark Charcoal Fabric


Accessories
Arm Rest (EL)
$129 MSRP




http://www.toyota.com/byt/pub/media?id=11484680 Base MSRP:*
$11,150

Destination & Handling:**
$660

So basically I'd be getting the stripped down model with the arm rest being the only option. However, when you fill out the sheet and follow the "ebrochure" link, it shows that there are a few more options available for the car, including TRD lowering springs and performance shocks ($380 and $199 options, respectively). Are they worth it? It's a parts-only transaction, meaning that I'd have to install it, so I'm wondering if there's a better kit out from an aftermarket company for a similar (or lower) price.

I've also noticed that while I can find front strut and sway bars, I can't find anything for the rears. Do they exist, and if they don't are they simply not effective on these vehicles?

Are there any overall suspension kits that work well together as a cohesive whole (springs, shocks, sways, braces, bushings)?

I can find only one turbo kit out for this car, which is this:

http://www.turbo-kits.com/yaris_turbo_kits.html

Any good? Any clutch recommendations to match this? Will it eat my axles for dinner (or any other driveline components)?

Also, any good source of conservative, good looking front bumpers/body kits? I've seen one that I kind of like installed on a vehicle, but I can't find it in any online shops. The ones that I've seen online all look like tacky sci-fi tributes.

The one sort of like

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/att...1&d=1184441177

I'm digging what happens with the grille but not so much the extra random openings or the lower "wing" looking apparatus.

The one I really like, but it's for the wrong car

http://www.ibherdesign.com/eb/toyota...18-bodykit.jpg

Also, when looking at the ebrochure, the list of standard features shows an "Audio prep package (four speakers)" Are the speakers any good? Does it come with the radio wiring harness as well or just the 4 speakers?

Thank you for your time if you've read this, doubly so if you're going to reply.

I was doing some rough figuring in photoshop, just playing with ideas. I think (at least visually) I've found my goal.



What do you think?