Should I get 2009 Matrix with 1.8L or 2.4L engine?

[snosheriff]

Hi all.


I decided to get the 2009 Matrix. I'm buying it as a family car (3 kids under 10) and as my daily driver. I do about 100KMs/day (~60miles/day) and the fuel efficiency is important to me. But the 2.4L XR uses only slightly more fuel and it only costs about $500 more than the smaller 1.8L model. I'm considering the following 2 models and I need help deciding which one to buy:

1. 2009 Matrix FWD with 1.8L engine and manual transmission.
2. 2009 Matrix FWD XR with 2.4L engine and manual transmission.

Please vote and tell me why you'd buy one over the other.

[camryvibe]

I'd opt for the 1.8l engine. We have a couple of the previous ('06) model - one auto and one manual (ours are also the Pontiac Vibe version) with the base 1.8l engine offered at that time. I've never felt the need to have more power although I'm sure that there's a little more downshifting needed in hilly terrain with the smaller engine. The EPA estimates (28 combined mpg vs. 24) seems like a pretty significant difference. Our actual results have been considerably better than the EPA numbers but I'd expect the ratio between the two engine types to be about the same.

Not sure if the transmission and clutch are the same in both models. If they are then I'd expect the smaller engine to stress those components less. In the '03 - '06 models the owners of the more powerful 'XRS'/'GT' models appeared to have far more clutch problems than owners of the base versions.

[lowincash]

hmm i thought i posted a response on here couple hours back...maybe i forgot to click post reply lol but anyways it wouldn't hurt to get the bigger engine. it's always nice to have the extra power when you need it. i'll be getting the 2009 pontiac vibe gt with automatic which is the matrix's twin and shares the same engine...not sure about the matrix but on the vibe forum, people with the 2.4 engine have reported getting up to 33-34mpg on long trips but a lot are getting 28-32 average which is very good i think.

[roshermoore]

If you'll be using it as the daily driver and fuel efficiency is a major factor, then get the 1.8.

I've got a 2007 Corolla with the 1.8 ( automatic) in addition to my new 09 Matrix S with the 2.4 (automatic). There is more than just a little bit of difference in the two engine's fuel efficiency.

On the highway in the Corolla we get between 40-42 at 65-70 mph. The Matrix is getting about 31 with careful driving at not over 70 mph.

Around town the Corolla gets 24-26 while the Matrix gets 19-21.

Granted the Matrix has a little more power, but you really pay for the power in decreased mpg.

[jdhog]

I have the 1.8 manual and am happy with it. Getting 31mpg all local driving.

[matrixgirl09]

I can't drive a manual but I do have the 1.8 L auto transmission and get almost 32 mpg. So if your concern is fuel economy I'd get the 1.8

[tucsondivots]

My 1.8L Trix has about 2600 miles and is averaging right at 30 mpg 70% city, 30% highway.