Toyota Yaris Real-World MPG

Replying to: micweb (Jun 17, 2008 11:32 am)

I've actually seen 3 lightly customized Yaris's on the road in the Bay Area - fatter tires, shaved trunk (no Yaris label), blacked out windows. It's good to see people having fun with the car - although I'm not a big believer in over-sized wheels (bigger than 15 or 16 inches on a car this size). Fatter tires, yes.
  
I put a TRD rear sway bar on my Yaris, when I had it, and it greatly improved the stability of the car at speed, without giving it any "over" steer. I also put 195 tires on it (195x60x14) which were a close swap, in terms of diameter and hence speedometer accuracy and chassis clearance, for the stock, skinny 175x65/14 tires. It wasn't so long ago that 195x60's were considered "low profile"....
 
I agree with you, they can be a lot of fun. I too "shaved' the trunk of all emblems, it's the first thing I do with my new cars. Especially if they are Japanese as they have a penchant for using different fonts and styles in each of the three or more emblems affixed to the trunk. I was lucky on the Yaris as none had locating pins, thus no holes in the hatch panel. And of course I left the tastefully done Toyota Logo in the middle. So the only "labels" on the car are the front and rear Toyota Logo's.
 
Regarding wheels and tires, I like both choices really, the way you chose to go is the very best from a handling standpoint as you have lighter unsprung weight that way.
 
The way I chose to go was for looks and to fill out the wheel wells. Even though I went up a few sizes in wheel diameter I worked with The Tire Rack Closely during the selection process to insure that I was replacing the stock alloys and 15" tires with tires of the very same diameter, just a greater width and lower sidewall profile. Also as a long time enthusiast I am very aware that in doing so my chances of having a puncture have increased as that is a well documented fact. However it's one that I'm aware of and willing to risk. In the final analysis I was able to make this conversion without affecting speedo accuracy, still use the TPM system, and achieve a nice look. Cornering has improved dramatically which was the goal as I always drive the speed limit in town, for safety and the interest in retaining my drivers license.....
So, now I can have my fun by just turning into the corner without reducing speed or braking as there is no body roll, no loss of traction, just the thrill of a super fast cornering experience and to see the wide eyes of people who have just witnessed this "little red car" turn at corner in town at 30mph !
 
Simply puts some fun back into driving and a smile on my face.......

Replying to: erod550 (Jun 18, 2008 10:50 pm)

>" only part that applied to you was your suggestion that people should drive 65mph for the lower amount of stress. I realize that works for you, but that's in a 65mph state."
 
Don't believe I suggested that anyone else drive 65 for lower stress. I said it is less stress for me.
 
I live in a 70 mph state. Some drivers think it is an 80+ mph state. However, lately, more and more drivers are slowing down. Last trip we took, ( at 65MPH ) we were passing a lot more cars and 18 wheelers than in the past. Recon some folks are getting the idea.
 
Kip

Replying to: kipk (Jun 03, 2008 4:04 am)

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• kipk (Jun 24, 2008 7:34 am)

Replying to: rudedog2130 (Jun 24, 2008 3:07 am)

Replying to: psulions (Jun 16, 2008 5:51 am)

Ok, just got to the end of a tankful today. It took me almost two weeks! My results -- 401 miles on 9.89 gallons, for 40.54 MPG average. The car has 1400 miles on it and I've been filling it with Cumbersome Farms gas. Guess I can't complain, and this thing is growing on me. It reminds me of my first new car -- a 1984 Dodge Omni GLH. Except, adjusted for inflation -- the Omni cost $8500, it's no contest, and the Omni was a dedicated performance car. It had a 2.2 liter motor and made just 6 more HP than the Yaris. I've even got a sway bar going on this weekend.

Replies to this message:
• micweb (Jun 27, 2008 3:30 pm)
  • ttai (Jul 03, 2008 3:12 pm)
    • kipk (Jul 04, 2008 4:10 am)
  • pcovers (Jul 06, 2008 12:56 pm)
    • podred (Jul 10, 2008 12:16 pm) and 3 more...

Replying to: pcovers (Jun 26, 2008 5:09 am)

Replies to this message:
• ttai (Jul 03, 2008 3:12 pm)
  • kipk (Jul 04, 2008 4:10 am)
• pcovers (Jul 06, 2008 12:56 pm)
  • podred (Jul 10, 2008 12:16 pm)
    • bamacar (Jul 10, 2008 4:33 pm) and 2 more...

Replying to: micweb (Jun 27, 2008 3:30 pm)

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• kipk (Jul 04, 2008 4:10 am)

Replying to: ttai (Jul 03, 2008 3:12 pm)

That is a wonderful idea! A "Special Lane" for those wishing to go no faster than the posted limit!
 
Problem is that there would still be those that think the speed limit is too slow, even in that special lane.
 
Posted speed limits are the Maximum allowed by law. The only way to get a lot of drivers to believe that, is to impose on both their money and their time, As per post 377.
 
Personally, On the freeways, I get in the RH lane and do 65. Lately I'm finding that I'm actually passing more and more "slower'"cars, and 18 wheelers. Those that wish to go faster have 1-5 lanes to the left of me to "do their thing". On local and back roads I typically exceed the limit by 5 mph. If traffic begins stacking up behind me I will pull over and let them go by.
 
I have no problem with those that wish to "Go Fast". I do have a problem when they want to infringe on my space.
 
Going along with your idea; maybe a "DOUBLE" fine for those exceeding the posted limits in the "Special Lane" would work.
 
There will always be emergencies where folks really need to go faster.
Kip

Replying to: micweb (Jun 27, 2008 3:30 pm)

Replies to this message:
• podred (Jul 10, 2008 12:16 pm)
  • bamacar (Jul 10, 2008 4:33 pm)
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