You are here: Forums Hybrid Vehicles Toyota Prius Prius vs Matrix?

Prius vs Matrix?

10 messages,  Last post on Jan 24, 2008 at 6:52 PM

You are in the Toyota Prius Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer

What is this discussion about? Toyota Prius, Toyota Matrix, Hybrid Cars, Car Buying, Hatchback, Sedan

Messages Page 1 of 1 All Messages Displayed

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

#2 of 10 Prius v. Matrix by marys236 May 15, 2006 (5:20 pm)
I'm thinking about buying a Prius, and would welcome any opinions. I want a small to midsize wagon or hatchback, that gets over 30 MPG. I have it narrowed down to a Matrix or a Prius. I considered a used 2005 Jetta wagon, but they want $25,000 for it, which seems kind of steep. With the Prius tax credit, which I understand should be available until the end of September, the Prius seems like a better deal, plus I don't have to worry about particulate emissions. The Matrix is cheaper, but it's really hard to find a 2wd with ABS and side curtain airbags, and I don't want a 4wd, because of the mpg loss. The other small wagons seem too small, and don't get great mileage. Has anyone else compared these 2? Replies to this message: backy (May 15, 2006 6:47 pm) marys236 (May 15, 2006 8:24 pm) seeko (May 15, 2006 7:53 pm) marys236 (May 15, 2006 8:26 pm) seeko (May 16, 2006 4:13 am) midnightcowboy (Sep 13, 2006 12:30 pm)
#3 of 10 Re: Prius v. Matrix [marys236] by backy May 15, 2006 (6:47 pm)
Replying to: marys236 (May 15, 2006 5:20 pm) I did a detailed comparison of the Prius vs. Matrix for myself two years ago. Neither car has changed much in that time, except the Prius has gone up in price. Back then, I figured that with the two cars equipped as closely as possible (including ABS and side bags on the Matrix), the Matrix XR would cost about the same as the Prius over its first seven years of ownership. But that was based on only 10,000 miles a year. With more miles, the Prius would come out better in the value equation. And the big tax credit wasn't available on the Prius then. But anyway, I wound up getting an Elantra GT, with much more equipment, for about $5000 less than the Matrix.   If you can wait a bit (July) you might check out the new Nissan Versa. Also, did you look at the Focus wagon? It might not average 30 mpg but has tons of cargo space. Replies to this message: marys236 (May 15, 2006 8:24 pm)
#4 of 10 Re: Prius v. Matrix [marys236] by seeko May 15, 2006 (7:53 pm)
Replying to: marys236 (May 15, 2006 5:20 pm) hi i just want to say this. i've owned my 2006 prius since feb 8th of this year.i would rate the car very high.i got it with all the options and if i had to order it again i wouldn't change anything. i love it and you will to if you get one. dont spare youself when you get one.you won't be sorry.trust me anyone who gets one will like it .you cant help not to.if you drive it hard you won't get great mileage like anything else. if a person drives one with a little common sense you'll do real well. if i baby mine i will get approx 55m.p.g. if i drive it like i don't care about gas mileage i will get probably 46. so any way you stack the cards the car is a good one. hope this helps you with your decision a little. pete Replies to this message: marys236 (May 15, 2006 8:26 pm) seeko (May 16, 2006 4:13 am) midnightcowboy (Sep 13, 2006 12:30 pm)
#5 of 10 Re: Prius v. Matrix [backy] by marys236 May 15, 2006 (8:24 pm)
Replying to: backy (May 15, 2006 6:47 pm) Thanks for the reply, I appreciate the feedback. I drive about 15k per year. I hadn't thought about the Elantra, I just looked at the price info. on Edmunds, really good value, and it comes in a hatchback. I may give it a test drive. I really just need to drive all 3 of them. I figured the Matrix & Prius would just about even out in value, taking into account the tax credit and better mileage on the Prius, even though the Prius would be about $5,000 more than the Matrix, but the Elantra would be a better value, it may be something to consider. Thanks.
#6 of 10 Re: Prius v. Matrix [seeko] by marys236 May 15, 2006 (8:26 pm)
Replying to: seeko (May 15, 2006 7:53 pm) Thanks for the info, I need to go do some test drives. 46 mpg sounds pretty darn good to me, I'm getting 18 mpg in an SUV now. I'm tired of spending all my $ on gas. Replies to this message: seeko (May 16, 2006 4:13 am) midnightcowboy (Sep 13, 2006 12:30 pm)
#7 of 10 Re: Prius v. Matrix [marys236] by seeko May 16, 2006 (4:13 am)
Replying to: marys236 (May 15, 2006 8:26 pm) hi again. forgot to tell you this also.my mom is 89 years old and she likes to go for rides in the country. so the other day when i gave her a ride i went real SLOW a was driving like i was 89 also and no traffic whatsoever. i got 72.8 m.p.g. but then on the way home i drove fairly hard again and for the day it went back down to 51.. later..pete
#8 of 10 Re: Prius v. Matrix [marys236] by midnightcowboy Sep 13, 2006 (12:30 pm)
Replying to: marys236 (May 15, 2006 8:26 pm) Marys236,   You need to do a full cost analysis including the increase in payment and any change in insurance and reduced maintenance costs. In many cases, if fact most cases, it is less economical to buy a new car even if it gets much better mileage. This would be especially true if you SUV is paid off. For example after trade-in you end up paying only $350 per month and you save $150 per month in gas. Then you are really paying $200 more per month over you gas eating 18 mpg SUV.   Good Luck,   MidCow
#10 of 10 Have both... by yikeskimbo Jan 24, 2008 (6:52 pm)
We actually own both the Matrix & Prius. I like them both. The way the Matrix sits is more like a truck. Size wise, we have camped in the back of the Matrix (we're not super tall...). I drove the Matrix til we just got the Prius and there are things I miss, but also things I really enjoy. Price wise, the Matrix is obviously more affordable...we haven't had the Prius long enough to see the difference we expect overall. Still like the mileage of the Matrix too though.

Messages Page 1 of 1 All Messages Displayed

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

You are here: Forums Hybrid Vehicles Toyota Prius Prius vs Matrix?