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Toyota Matrix.... Pre purchase research

17 messages,  Last post on Mar 31, 2009 at 9:00 AM

You are in the Toyota Matrix Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Matrix, Car Safety, Auto Repair, Fuel System, Car Comparisons, Wagon

Messages Page 2 of 2

#9 of 17 Re: Does anyone out there know.... [johnkarn] by kiawah

Oct 25, 2007 (2:14 pm)

Replying to: johnkarn (Oct 25, 2007 1:11 pm)
You don't say where you are, but if you are close to DC you can see if www.fitzmall.com has what you are looking for. No hassle online shopping, with their inventory and prices a click a way.

#10 of 17 NEED ADVICE by bellatogo02

Mar 18, 2009 (8:21 pm)

I have begun my search for a used Toyota Matrix Xr 2WD(2006, 2007 model). I have been saving for a Matrix for a long time! What sold me on the Matrix over the Corolla was how much you can fit in the Matrix and the potential to take it camping.
 
I need advice. After reading the forums, I am a little discouraged about what I have complaints regarding the Matrix transmission. I noticed the complaints were mainly the 03' and 04' models; are the later model tranny's better? I don't know if I should buy an automatic or manual transmission? I fear the automatic 1.8L is a slug, is this true? I don't even know if I should continue to look for a Matrix? Is the Corolla a better car? I am loyal to Toyota. My current car is a 1990 Toyota Camry....can I get this long of a life out of a Matrix?
 
Thank you.

#11 of 17 Re: Toyota Matrix.... Pre purchase research [johnkarn] by irismg

Mar 24, 2009 (9:41 am)

Replying to: johnkarn (Oct 17, 2007 2:49 pm)
I just thought I'd mention that I'm a farly tall woman, and I sat in a new generation Matrix and found it uncomfortable. My right knee seemed jammed against the dash/console.
 
Interestingly, sitting in a 10th generation Corolla was just fine, plenty of room, like being home. I think the shape of the dash is just different enough to make a difference. So I share this in case you think Matrix and Corolla are identical, I find this is not true! I can't speak to the earlier versions, though, just the '09s, which are old enough now to be reasonable on the used market.
 
Happy shopping!

#12 of 17 Re: NEED ADVICE [bellatogo02] by irismg

Mar 24, 2009 (9:54 am)

Replying to: bellatogo02 (Mar 18, 2009 8:21 pm)
You have to keep in mind that Matrixes and Corollas are no longer Japanese cars, like they were when my '98 came out. I think I saw a 40% on the window sticker last Sunday. I don't know how long it's been that way, but I consider it a change for the worse. That said, I believe that if you stick with later models you'll be fine.
 
Test the 1.8 for yourself to see if it's fast enough for you. Brand loyalty is really not necessary this day and age, buy what you need instead. If you are considering a Corolla rather than a Matrix, for example, then it sounds like you haven't decided if you need a car that can carry things besides people or not. Determine what you need FIRST. Also, if you looking at a car with a CVT, like a Nissan Versa or Rogue, a Prius, a Jeep Compass, or a Dodge Caliber, bear in mind that you will have to change slightly the way your foot talks to the car to make it go, as the traditional way of stomping on the accelerator doesn't yield the same results! Also for the last 10 years or so since fuel-injected cars were the norm, you must never pump the accelerator to start them or you create expensive problems for yourself and for the car's next owner. Simply bump the key, let it idle for 5 minutes, and go.
 
Anyway, hope my two cents is helpful...

#13 of 17 Re: NEED ADVICE [irismg] by nippononly

Mar 24, 2009 (12:43 pm)

Replying to: irismg (Mar 24, 2009 9:54 am)
Simply bump the key, let it idle for 5 minutes, and go.
 
Umm, except in subzero weather, 15 seconds ought to do it....

#14 of 17 Re: NEED ADVICE [nippononly] by irismg

Mar 25, 2009 (2:01 pm)

Replying to: nippononly (Mar 24, 2009 12:43 pm)
Thanks for the clarification. Here in the southern plains, we rarely get subzero weather.

#15 of 17 Re: NEED ADVICE [irismg] by nippononly

Mar 26, 2009 (4:28 pm)

Replying to: irismg (Mar 25, 2009 2:01 pm)
Where I am in California, we don't even have sub-freezing weather, let alone subzero weather. And I don't even do 15 seconds of warmup in the morning, I just start it and go.

#16 of 17 Re: NEED ADVICE [nippononly] by irismg

Mar 29, 2009 (3:44 pm)

Replying to: nippononly (Mar 26, 2009 4:28 pm)
Well OK. I guess I like mine nice and warm before I start off. Point being, you don't have to start the car and go back into the house to let cars warm up for 15 minutes like you used to. To me, 5 minutes is a very short period of time.

#17 of 17 Re: NEED ADVICE [irismg] by nippononly

Mar 31, 2009 (9:00 am)

Replying to: irismg (Mar 29, 2009 3:44 pm)
No, you definitely don't need to do 15 minutes. And if you idle it for five minutes in the morning, just be aware that it is significantly reducing your fuel economy. Certainly, I could understand it might be a worthwhile trade-off for you, having a warm car to get into.

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