About to buy a new car, need advices please!!!

[Chien]

Hi all,

I am new to the forum. My best friend is about to buy the new car and he is thinking either the Matrix or the Corolla. He prefers the Matrix for now. Anyways, after reviewing the forum, the only noticeable problem seems to be the rattle from the dash? Is there anything else?

Also we are in Toronto area, we are hoping some fellows can give us some advice on the price. We are only looking at the basic package. So what's the best price we can bargain for? Please give us some advice.

And just another question, if let you guys choose again, will u choose Matrix or Corolla?

Thanks and all the best!!

[mistamatrix]

Dash rattle seems to happen randomly. Haven't had that much of a prob w/ it except in the winter but once the interior warms up, it's gone.

I've had my XRS for over a year now. I negotiated pricing in May 2002, 3 mths after it was released. The car was selling like hotcakes and dealers weren't budging on the price.

What I did to compare prices was first, took the price from "Price Your Toyota" on www.toyota.ca . The price I got from that would be the price dealerships would have to beat.
I got quotes from about 6 dealerships. All except one beat that price. Also, that one dealership also offered $600 off the MSRP. Bonus. So I signed and waited 3 freekin' months to get it.

The dealer I bought from was Toyota On Front (Spadina&Front).
Worst quote I got was from Whitby Toyota.

[planetdon]

I don't know if you're still thinking of purchasing a Matrix, but I just bought a 2004 Black Matrix XR. After some tough negotiations, I got the price down by $1200. Let me know if you're interested in the dealership that I bought at. I want to collect the referral fee

[Trix13]

my dash is fine ,
go with xr or xrs, lots more stuff inside
i like Trix better more room ,
if you fold back sits its like minivan
I can put all 4 tires and wheels inside

[1337trix]

you'll find that toyota is stingy as hell.. you'll really have to work them to get them to budge

[planetdon]

The key is to go into the dealership ready to walk out if you don't get the price you want. You have to take charge of the negotiations, not the other way around. If you let the sales rep take over, then you're screwed!!!!

[PhantomXR]

Keep in mind the insurance rates on an XRS though... its somewhat higher than on an XR. Well this was a major factor in my decision.

And yes, don't let the sales make your decisions.