03 Toyota Corolla or 03 Toyota Matrix

[Nytra420]

Hello, I need your opinion on an important used car buying decision.
What car would you get for a dependable 10+ years car? My VW was awsome while it lasted but unfortunatly it was totaled. These are the only 2 cars im interested in. From what Ive researched ive found good and bad for both, let you be the judge. Both cars share same 130hp engine. 03 Corolla: Pros/Cons: LE Wood trim, comfortable seats excellent gas milage 32/38 MPG 130hp faster than Matrix but boring looking. Durability, higher resale value.

03 Matrix Pros/Cons: Sporty look, Mostly all seats can go down and have a SUV like space, back seats more comfortable. Crappy chrome dash that reflects on the windsheild. Better eye candy but Reliability???? 28/32 mpg, little bit slower than corolla Good all around car but ive read that resale value sucks because lack of demand on consumers.

I commute to college 10 miles away, put in about 15,000 miles a year, enjoy comfort but mainly reliability, I want a car that will last me with the least worry.

[adsaba1969]

Go with the corolla S; will go 200,000+, many cheap aftermarket upgrades to make it not look so boring, check the corolla photogallery...

[polo708]

Its the same car... do you want a Sedan or a wagon is the question?

[adsaba1969]

Originally Posted by polo708

Its the same car... do you want a Sedan or a wagon is the question?

..

[REN69]

The Matrix is heavier isn't it???? and yeah.. LOL to polo708's answer.. the truth is, they're both SUV's

[NRM]

Haha, I commute 90 miles to school everyday, one way. My 05 Corolla loves the mountain pass. For the most part, it's just what you think looks better. I'm not found of the hothatch look, but it's the main thing in the UK and most other places in the world nowadays.

The Matrix is actually the Corolla Matrix and over in the UK, they just call it a Corolla. They are the same cars, with the same engine, unless you're looking 03, and are gonna get the Matrix XRS which has that extra 40 horses (might want to look into that, I may be talking crazy since I haven't looked into it recently). If you were going 05, I'd definitely say go for the Corolla XRS. Sporty and fast and convient. The Matrix sure is roomy for backseat passengers.

Overall, both cars will perform well. I like the Corolla over the Matrix anyday, but it's all up to the way you like things. A lot of people don't really like the hatchback look as much as the sedan nowadays, but they are both good reliable cars.

[Shane_Calla001]

Take the Corolla, i have a 2004 with 30,000 lm's on it, and i've had no recalls or problems with it. It is true that the Corolla and Matrix are the same thing, but the style of the Matrix will age itself before the corolla does.