I am looking into buying a Matrix/Vibe for my wife and I to drive (I drive a mustang in the summer and we share a car in the winter). I am sure we are going to go with a matrix/vibe, but I am not sure which one. Here are the three options:
1) Brand new 06 matrix, base model 5 -speed $16K
2) 2003 Vibe GT, 6 - Speed, 57,000 miles $12k
3) 2003 Vibe, Auto 35,000 miles $12k
The most important things are reliability, utility, and making sure it will last, but we would still like a car that is fun to drive. The vibe GT has more power and the 6 speed, but it has more miles, is 57K to many miles? I know fords with that many miles are going to start to have repair bills, but what about the vibe? Thanks in advance for any opinions.
#2 gets my vote. Ok, sure. I have the 6 speed Matrix and maybe biased but I've driven (or been taken along for a ride) in all of the trim models. You can't beat the 6 speed for fun factor.
My Matrix is an 03 model and I've got just a tad over 100000km (62000miles). 57000miles is above average but hey, it's got a Toyota engine in there!
Ditto on that. Have u test driven those 3 listed above? #2 can be taken to redline but around and i'm not sure on the vibe model but 6200rpm ripps it for ya' and that's where the fun begins. If that's not what your lookin' for then i would go for the 5-speed and depending on where you live is a consideration. So #2 for all out fun and #1 for easy and laid back.
Thanks for your opinions! I test drove the Vibe GT, it would have been a nice car, but the previous owner did not take care of it at all. Therefore I bought the 06 Matrix new, I pick it up today (during a snow storm of course). I will post pictures and then let the modding begin.
Its black with metallic flakes in it. I would post pictures, but there is about a foot of snow on it as we speak. Its great to drive around, and all of our ski stuff fits in it, so far I give it 5 out of 5 for what we wanted it for. I am not sure what mods to do first, I don't want to break the warrenty.
First mod? LOL TRD Supercharger...LOL. you will get VERY close to the XRS/GT power but have a much wider powerband. You will have a lot more low end torque that the XRS/GT lacks. It runs around $2000 from dealers and will be under warranty too...Good luck!
__________________
2004 Matrix XRS
Radiant Red
Strut Tower Brace
A Couple of "Go Faster" TRD Stickers (I swear I can feel the difference)
I have an 04 Vibe and will not give it up as a work car. I can sleep streached out in the back instead of having to stop and pay 40 bucks to flop on a bed for a couple hours.
The wife had an 2005 Vibe which I traded for an 06 Solora becaue the noise level (tires/wind/engine) was just a bit too loud for a family car. I do find myself having to crank up the CD/MP3 player in my Vibe/Matrix as the speed increases and that will eventually cause hearing problems. But for 36 Hwy MPG and 30 MPG around town, its OK.
I put American Racing Estrellas on for wheels. Nice!
The 04 has not been in for any Warantee in two years.
The Lava red vibe is a direct match for the Solara "Absolutely Red".
I had to use the Pontiac paint to touch up a scratch on the Solara ALREADY.
The paint matched. I got the paint from Pontiac as a gift.
Got nothing from Toyota.
Expect to pay more for the Matrix. I couldn't get them to deal for love or money.
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