Should I Buy Upgraded Matrix/Corolla or Basic Camry?

[ottawadriver]

My husband and I are ready to buy a new Toyota in Ottawa, Ontario.
From some preliminary research, it looks like Camry has more incentives and negotiation margin for buying compared to Corolla or Matrix, which would make the price differential not so bad; we could handle a $5K difference.
So, my questions are:

1. Would you buy a Matrix XR w/ B package (auto) or Camry LE (auto) base model?
2. Anyone know what invoice price would be or any other incentives like financing or gas cards? It looks like it is only for certain models.
3. Lastly, when are the 2010 models scheduled to be released?

Sorry for being so involved. I just want to be prepared once we start shopping around.
Thanks!

[LeanBurn]

I fuel economy is not your main concern, you like a bigger car and have the little bit extra $, then I would say go for it. The standard Camry comes with more standard stuff than an optioned out Corolla, looks nice, and everything is more refined.

[steelman23]

one thing i hate about my corolla is the lack of interior design appeal. its simple, and very boring. if you can afford it go with the camry. but if you're looking for simplicity and excellent gas mileage, go with the corolla. either way you cant lose. the corolla and matrix have the same engine. and the corolla is essentially a baby camry. personally not a big fan of the matrix.

i think the 2010 models are scheduled to be out early q2. last year the 2009 corollas were out mid q1.

i know my next car in 2012, ill be considering a camry for sure. along with lexus is250, honda accord, bmw 3 series and infinti g37x.

[CJCride]

Buy the Corolla/Matrix, save Cash, Fuel, Park easier, Cheaper Parts.

Or ask Susie Orman, she'll probably tell you to put it on your Mortgage.

[mcdawgg]

Originally Posted by ottawadriver

My husband and I are ready to buy a new Toyota in Ottawa, Ontario.
From some preliminary research, it looks like Camry has more incentives and negotiation margin for buying compared to Corolla or Matrix, which would make the price differential not so bad; we could handle a $5K difference.
So, my questions are:

1. Would you buy a Matrix XR w/ B package (auto) or Camry LE (auto) base model?
2. Anyone know what invoice price would be or any other incentives like financing or gas cards? It looks like it is only for certain models.
3. Lastly, when are the 2010 models scheduled to be released?

Sorry for being so involved. I just want to be prepared once we start shopping around.
Thanks!

I have an '07 Camry CE (or Standard or Base as they call it for 2009 models). It is the same as the Camry LE except it does not have a power driver's seat or Keyless entry (you could add Keyless for $200 at a good shop.) Other than those two things, it is identical to the LE, including the looks. Mine is a manual transmission and you can easily get it for $16,250 US dollars right now (or less), including the $1,500 rebate. Add another $800 for an automatic.

Parts are not more expensive than Corolla, but fuel is about 4 mpg worse.

The 2010 Camry's will have a slightly larger engine, and slightly better mpg.

I'd recommend the Camry. Don't get me wrong, I love Corollas (I have a '99 and may buy a 2011 Corolla to replace it). But the Camry is not much more $ for more room and a better, quieter ride.

[joeylgarcia]

buy the corolla. too many camrys on the road already.

[pwain]

I think you should see what kind of incentives your dealer is running before making the decision. Personally, I chose the Corolla XLE over the base Camry, just because I find the basic model to be.....a blob on hubcaps.

[ice512]

Originally Posted by ottawadriver

My husband and I are ready to buy a new Toyota in Ottawa, Ontario.
From some preliminary research, it looks like Camry has more incentives and negotiation margin for buying compared to Corolla or Matrix, which would make the price differential not so bad; we could handle a $5K difference.
So, my questions are:

1. Would you buy a Matrix XR w/ B package (auto) or Camry LE (auto) base model?
2. Anyone know what invoice price would be or any other incentives like financing or gas cards? It looks like it is only for certain models.
3. Lastly, when are the 2010 models scheduled to be released?

Sorry for being so involved. I just want to be prepared once we start shopping around.
Thanks!

Honestly if you could handle a 5k difference from a loaded Matrix, I wouldn't even consider the anything in the compact class. Fuel consumption is not even an issue here since Matrix XR and Camry LE has almost identical fuel consumption numbers.
The only reason why you would want a Matrix over a Camry is maybe you wanan save that 5k in your account just in case. Or else go with the Camry, you'll be a lot happier in the long run, especially when you do some highway trips.

[IceXRS]

Keep in mind folks that the Camry, Corolla, and Matrix trims in Canada (the original poster is Canadian ) than in the states so pricing is a wee bit different. LE is the base model Camry in Canada. There is no CE Camry for instance....

Would you buy a Matrix XR w/ B package (auto) or Camry LE (auto) base model?

Depends on what you want. Matrix XR is going to be a bit more sporty with more flexible cargo space. The Camry is going to be a softer ride and have more usable rear seating room for passengers but less flexible cargo space (trunk versus hatch).

Anyone know what invoice price would be or any other incentives like financing or gas cards? It looks like it is only for certain models.

Red Tag sale just started. Camry is 0.9% financing for some terms and the Corolla, Matrix, and RAV4 and 0% apparently.

Lastly, when are the 2010 models scheduled to be released?
Corolla and Matrix are not likely to change much from what I hear. The Camry for 2010 is getting a mild refresh...they haven't said what trims are going to be like yet (as far as I know) but it will have a new engine and transmission with improved efficiency (engine is currently used in the 2009 RAV4).

I'm very happy with my Corolla XRS...but if I were to buy again...I would wait for the 2010 Camry SE. With the price drop its very affordable.

[PhatRoyale]

Originally Posted by joeylgarcia

buy the corolla. too many camrys on the road already.

The Corolla isn't exactly an uncommon car either....

[800over]

Originally Posted by IceXRS

Keep in mind folks that the Camry, Corolla, and Matrix trims in Canada (the original poster is Canadian ) than in the states so pricing is a wee bit different. LE is the base model Camry in Canada. There is no CE Camry for instance....

Would you buy a Matrix XR w/ B package (auto) or Camry LE (auto) base model?

Depends on what you want. Matrix XR is going to be a bit more sporty with more flexible cargo space. The Camry is going to be a softer ride and have more usable rear seating room for passengers but less flexible cargo space (trunk versus hatch).

Anyone know what invoice price would be or any other incentives like financing or gas cards? It looks like it is only for certain models.

Red Tag sale just started. Camry is 0.9% financing for some terms and the Corolla, Matrix, and RAV4 and 0% apparently.

Lastly, when are the 2010 models scheduled to be released?
Corolla and Matrix are not likely to change much from what I hear. The Camry for 2010 is getting a mild refresh...they haven't said what trims are going to be like yet (as far as I know) but it will have a new engine and transmission with improved efficiency (engine is currently used in the 2009 RAV4).

I'm very happy with my Corolla XRS...but if I were to buy again...I would wait for the 2010 Camry SE. With the price drop its very affordable.

First of all if you want a Matrix XR "B" you'll be buying a 2010 model. 2009's are pretty much gone. There are like 5 in Ontario. 2010 models will be on the lots any time now ie next 10 days (both corolla and Matrix). 2010 Camry is up in price for the base model to 24700ish. The trim levels are the same for the LE except that the VSC is on the base. There are currently no incentives on 2010 models. If you want a deal your best bet is a 2009 Base Camry or a 2009 Corolla. But feature wise I'd go for the 2010 Camry. The new engine is sweet with the 6 speed automatic transmission.

[Tideland Prius]

Do you need the hatchback flexibility? The Matrix also has optional AWD which you could put some of that $5k difference towards.

However, if you do a good number of highway trips, the Camry is a lot more comfortable in that scenario. I'd personally go with neither and save cash on both by getting a loaded Corolla LE lol. It'll have smart key, auto climate control, power driver's seat etc for less coin and better fuel mileage than both. In addition, 2010 Corolla models get TRAC/VSC as standard (except base Corolla CE).

[r0lla5XRS]

I would recommend a Matrix fully loaded AWD. Sporty looking, versatile, and our canadian winters, AWD helps a lot. The way I look at it, I would be more satisfied with a fully loaded economy car than a base mid sized car. Think about it, it's the same engine as the camry, same tranmission as the camry (someone correct me if i'm wrong), power everything including sunroof, and a subwoofer in the back. i myself opted for a corolla xrs rather than a base camry. But ultimately, the choice is yours. goodluck with the car.

[mcdawgg]

Originally Posted by Tideland Prius

Do you need the hatchback flexibility? The Matrix also has optional AWD which you could put some of that $5k difference towards.

However, if you do a good number of highway trips, the Camry is a lot more comfortable in that scenario. I'd personally go with neither and save cash on both by getting a loaded Corolla LE lol. It'll have smart key, auto climate control, power driver's seat etc for less coin and better fuel mileage than both. In addition, 2010 Corolla models get TRAC/VSC as standard (except base Corolla CE).

All 2010 Camrys get TRAC/VSC standard.

[rCustom]

ya;.....if let me choose again..i will buy a 2010 camry SE..><