used matrix

[FightClubMunkey]

Hey im seriously considering buying this used Matrix Xrs. I am buying an XRS for sure but i want to supe up this car. I contacted a speed shop near me and they can build me a custom turbo for 5 G, but i also want a upgraded sterio system. I only got enough cash for one. This used matrix already has a speakr and woofer system thats decent so it wud save me some cash. How would i go about making sure there is nothin wrong with the used matrix. I dont wanna buy it and 10 mo later have it break down. Its a 2002 matrix so its fairly new. But i jsut want some reliablitity and if this car is faulty i wanna know so i just get a new one. Any one have any suggestions? Thanx

[mistamatrix]

2002 Matrix? No such thing.
The first year were released as 2003's.

Going turbo w/ the 2ZZ-GE engine is going to require plenty of tuning = plenty of $$$.

[FightClubMunkey]

O my bad, it is a 2003. Well i got the cash for the turbo so thats outta the way. What im concerned with is how do i make sure the car is in good condition and it wont fail on me. A mechanic or something that can check it maybe?
thanx

[mistamatrix]

Don't know how things are run in Michigan but over here you can take the car's VIN# and get a history report (to see if it's been in any accidents or what not) from the DMV.

Test drive the car and/or bring someone you know who's somewhat mechanically inclined and/or take it to a mechanic who can inspect it for you.

It's a Toyota. I'm sure she's fine.

[FightClubMunkey]

Thats a good idea.
Thanx

[1337trix]

its gonna cost you a WHOLE lot more than 5K for a turbo for an XRS.... you might spend that much at first.. but somethings gonna break

[FightClubMunkey]

like what, im kinda new to this

[FightClubMunkey]

Like wats gonna break?

[jhbhatia]

A few things you can do:
1. get the vin and check the carfax report
2. requested the seller if you can go to his insurnace agent to pull up the history thru his agent (the private seller would need to give his/her authorization to release the report to you)...shows accidents/speeding, etc since they have owned the car. - only possible when its a private auction...as no dealer would have that info.
3. take the car to an inspection shop to get it checked by them..(in houston, it costs you close to 60 bucks..i've heard other places it costs close to 125..so i don't know what the pricing is in Michigan
4. take it for a test drive - see if its something you love/like.

if all checks out...(its a toyota..it should..but you never know)...then buy the car!

As far as turbo'ing a 2zz engine??? You better do a lot of research on that PRIOR to your purchase. Cus' among my personal friends...on 2zz's, all i see are intake, exhausts..and lowering....nothign more...on 1zz engines...i see a whole lot more....so do your research PRIOR to your acquisition. and GOOD LUCK!

[slipknot490]

Why not take the 5000 for the turbo (which I can't see doing to the 2zz anyway) and put that towards a new 2004 xrs and add the exhaust, intake, wheels...whatever. It will at least be reliable. I have done extensive research on turbos and they are great...BUT, they are not applicable to every motor made. There is sooo much more to it than finding a turbo kit and slapping it on. If you are stuck on the turbo, go with the xr, but if you are going to get an xr and turbocharge it, you might as well go with the xrs and get the same power out of it...plus a warranty!

[Kublakhan]

Just get a supercharger from TRD. Why deal with turbo lag time. Or put the money towards a 2004 with warranty. And put supercharger on that one. I'm putting one on my 2004 XRS. Once income tax returns come in March.

[slipknot490]

I seriously doubt toyota will install the supercharger on an XRS. The compression is too high on that motor. It can be done, but be prepared to pay alot...new fuel system, new computer, new cams. Basically, every bit of engineering toyota did to the 2zz is thrown out and you are going to be going back to engineering that is 5-10 years old. I just read an article on tubocharging the xrs, but they had to re-engineer everything. Lots and lots of work and money. Good luck with the supercharger or the turbo.....

[Zrain]

DONOT TURBO THAT CAR!!!!

geting a 2zz is an NA Mottor for all you 2 mods and some glow stick type people out there. 11.5:1 comp with 5.5 mm cill walls... a turbo will blow that mottor to itty itty little bits. i dont trust that speed shop if they gave u a 5g turbo qoute.. BC if they knew there shit they would know Xrs's came with 2zz's and not 1zz's..... 1zz's tubro better due to lower comp and larger cill walls along with longer stroke.