Toyota Yaris CDX Automatic 2002

[Justkeepsplashing]

Hello everyone, I’m so sorry to post here - it’s not an AIBU, I’m just wanting advice please.

So, I had a car on finance and loved it so much. I passed my test in 2020, single mum aged 37 at the time, spent so much money on driving lessons and failing tests before realising I have ADHD and then passed first time in an Automatic.

my lovely car broke a couple of months ago and I’ve been getting the train to and from work, it’s always delayed, my feet hurt walking home and I get home late. Also, my youngest has autism and always missed the bus to school or school call me to collect her if she is not doing well, so I’ve been spending lots of taxis.

I’ve bought a 2002 Toyota Yaris CDX automatic today, it was all I could afford but I don’t understand how to get it to drive up a hill - I live on a hill and the seller dropped it off for me. I need to move forward but when I put the gearstick into Drive then come off the break, it rolls back instead of a bite like my old car would do, allowing me to go on the gas.

The gearstick is so different to my old car and I have the manual but it doesn’t explain well (for me to understand). So I was wondering if anyone out there could give me instructions and advice on driving this car? I’m so sorry for my rambling, I have anxiety and so worried about crashing.

You need to use the handbrake, like a manual, put it definitely in drive, give it gas, take handbrake off when you feel like the 'biting point' and away you go. There is a clutch, it's just automatic, as opposed to no clutch (I think).

Thank you! I will practice tomorrow before work

Some automatics hold and older ones tend to roll back (I had one that would creep forward), I tend to use the foot brake to hold it give it some acceleration and release the brake , you will feel it almost grip or try to pull forward but the brake is stopping it, that's when you release the brake

Thank you so much!

With an automatic on an uphill that's too steep to hold itself you just use your left foot on the brake to hold it while you pull away.

Thank you! I’m going to get the train to work tomorrow just to be safe and then I’ll practice as soon as I come, I’m grateful for everyone’s advice

This is the way. Left foot on the brake, right foot on the accelerator. Ease up gently on the left foot brake while you push down with the right to accelerate gently.

Thank you! I have visions of me reviving it just as I did when I was learning with a manual, my neighbours will hate me until I get the hang of it!

Some cars have settings to stop the roll back. Mine does and it’s around the same age

I've got a 2004 Yaris auto, mine rolls back a little too on not much of a slope. I'd just hold it with the handbrake. I really like mine, I took it on when my dad died 3 years ago, I'll keep it going as long as possible as it gives me no trouble at all and I like driving it.

That’s so lovely as it’s a part of your dad and I’m glad the car is still keeping you safe. I’m getting the train home now and then I’ll go and practice, thank you ☺️

Hi, OP - I hope you've got the knack of hill-starting your Yaris safely now.

As an alternative way of doing it, have you considered putting it from N into L (rather than D) to give it a bit more "grip" when you start up - then once you've drawn away uphill safely, moving it through 2 and into D?

Morning everyone! First off, thank you all for your advice - I drove around last night and took my daughter and our dog for a drive, it was great!

The only thing is, when I pull away from parking or from a junction, there’s a noise from the engine - like you’re struggling in first gear in a manual and need to go to second. There’s a 1 and 2 on the gearstick - should I be using these? It’s an automatic but now I’m hearing about a semi-automatic? I have to drive to work this morning - my colleague was going to come with me but they’re not well so I’m nervous! Thank you again

No that sounds fine. Automatic gearboxes do make different noises to manual ones. You don't need to use 1 and 2 unless you want to keep it in a specific gear which you only really need when you want the engine braking effect going down a long hill and not wanting to ride the brakes.

I do this, but my driving instructor told me it’s an absolute no!

I drive an automatic, and never use 1 and 2. I’ve never driven a manual so nothing to compare it to, but there is a noise when you accelerate, before the next gear kicks in.

Honestly, I was nervous posting here but you’ve all really helped me. I don’t have parents or siblings or anyone to help me and I’ve been so anxious.

I’ve driven to work yesterday and today, even better I went to Lidl today and I loved it!

Thank you x