Common Mechanical Problems

[cycleben]

I have done over a years worth of research on the auto market and have decided that the best car for my wife and I is the Matrix XRS. I was just wondering if there are any common mechanical problems that these cars are prone to (I just sold my 2001 Jetta 1.8t when I realized I loved my warrenty more than my car.)

... also, how many of you have bought an extended warrenty for your matrix and of those of you you have how much do you value it?

Thank you everyone, your conversations on this site have helped my decision a lot and I would like to let you all know how greatful I am for your participation in this public forum.

:c lap:

[2slow2go]

Hey, I bought my Matrix XR, and I added the extended warranty (5 year, 180,000 k). that may have been a mistake. My car never has had a single problem, and she's now got 130,000 k on her. only been for routine service... Ha,ha, I really do love my Toyota

[TRXR4KDS]

Well the Xrs is a totally different animal. Verdict is still out on the longevity of this high compression engine. However, it is a Toyota (although the engine is a joint effort with Yamaha). I generally a conservative car purchaser and I had total confidence in buying the Xrs. I haven't regretted it one bit. In fact I didn't realize how much I was going to enjoy this car. You can't beat it for fun factor with 'Lift'. The aftermarket stuff is decent for a Toyota. More there than I'll ever want.
As for known problems:
1. Clutch is very notchy and there's been a high rate of premature failure on the early models.
2. Belt squeel is another problem. Various culprits from belt tensioner to A/C pulley tp alternator pulley. Most have been within the normal warranty period.
3. Fitment of body panels (rear bumper!) is definately the GM portion of the build.

Overall, you won't be dissappointed. As for the extended warranty, I didn't go for it but others have, it's a gamble. Good luck with your decision and let us know what colour you get!

[digitalnut]

I bought an 06 4WD XR a month ago and love the car so far. I bought the extended warranty for 7 yrs/ 100,000 miles only because crs are so electonically controlled today. Parts can be so expensive that I figured if anything did go bad, which I don't expect, that the warranty would pay for itself. It doesn't take much to go bad to cover the cost of the warranty anymore. I am 54 yo and have been around modified cars all my life and still get baffled at how these new cars run for so long and so well without having major electronic problems. Hope this helps you out.