I am looking to purchase a used Matrix/Vibe. I haven't yet chosen a specific year but I was just wondering if there was anything that I should look out for on a specific year? Does anyone have any recommendations on which year provided the best overall Matrix?
Also, my wife and I have our first child on the way. We have chosen the Matrix over the RAV4, is this a good choice? We need something a little bigger than the sedans that we currently have. My wife still has to test drive the Matrix before we purchase it over the RAV4. Thanks for the help.
2003 Matrix XRS with 6 speed manual is my vote. the 03 XRS has the performance motor, and it is before they started loading it down with all the extra smog garbage that takes away power.
as per the difference between matrix and rav4, the rav4 is built on a camry frame while the matrix is built on the carolla frame. i believe the matrix will do better overall for you on fuel economy, and i think it also has more interior space. in the end, it comes down to what you like best.
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2003 Matrix XRS-6MT-Black Sand Pearl-Castrol Syntec 0W30 European Formula
Mods - 18" Incubus Paranormal wrapped in Toyo Proxes4 - T-Max Style front body kit - Escort Passport 9500i...what a friend to have in the car - Part Time Mod Thule Roof Rack
2003 Matrix XRS with 6 speed manual is my vote. the 03 XRS has the performance motor, and it is before they started loading it down with all the extra smog garbage that takes away power.
as per the difference between matrix and rav4, the rav4 is built on a camry frame while the matrix is built on the carolla frame. i believe the matrix will do better overall for you on fuel economy, and i think it also has more interior space. in the end, it comes down to what you like best.
Wasn't 2003 the first year for the Matrix? From what I understand it is not always best to get the first year that an automobile was manufactured or redesigned. I also believe that my wife wants an automatic since she will be driving it around with the baby. She fears that driving a manual and having children is to much of a task. What do you guys think? How is the maintenance on an Auto vs a Manual? Also, is their a noticeable difference in MPG between the 1ZZ-FE and the 2ZZ-FE engines offered in the Matrix from 2003-2008? Thanks.
Last edited by rcengland; 06-07-2008 at 02:47 AM.
Reason: Typo
the XRS does come in automatic. the manual though has been widely known to have a very poor clutch, and if you get one, expect a stock clutch to last no more the 60,000 miles at the very most.
the 03 was the first year of the matrix, although the biggest issue with the 03 and 04 matrix (and carolla as well) is the models with power windows where some bolts have come loose inside and can shatter the windows in the front driver and passenger side doors. there is also a recall that started not too long ago about this to fix those bolts at any toyota dealership for free.
In my 03 XRS, i have seen up to 32 mpg on a tank of gas, and as low as 23 mpg. the 2zz motor though requires high octane (premium) gas of 91 or higher octane. the 1zz (base model, and XR) is designed to use 87 octane, which is the cheap stuff. if you are going to get a matrix as a daily driver and not something that you will take out to rev up for power, the i suggest you get the base model or the XR, and not the XRS.
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2003 Matrix XRS-6MT-Black Sand Pearl-Castrol Syntec 0W30 European Formula
Mods - 18" Incubus Paranormal wrapped in Toyo Proxes4 - T-Max Style front body kit - Escort Passport 9500i...what a friend to have in the car - Part Time Mod Thule Roof Rack
What do you guys think about the 2.4L engine? I currently have two Civics. They both have a 1.8L engine. I know that when I have a full load in the 2003, I can really feel the difference than when their is only one or two passengers. Would the 2.4L make that much more of a difference? What is the MPG of the 2.4L vs the 1.8L with an Auto transmission? Thanks again for all your help.
the XRS does come in automatic. the manual though has been widely known to have a very poor clutch, and if you get one, expect a stock clutch to last no more the 60,000 miles at the very most.
is this because drivin your car too aggresive or in just general....i have about 56,271 miles rite now on my trix and im getting to the 60,000 plateau...should i start saving money for a new clutch ??? if i should what is the best clutch you recommend that will last for quite for a long time ???
is this because drivin your car too aggresive or in just general....i have about 56,271 miles rite now on my trix and im getting to the 60,000 plateau...should i start saving money for a new clutch ??? if i should what is the best clutch you recommend that will last for quite for a long time ???
i would suggest saving money for a new clutch for an XRS if that is what you have. if you really baby it, then you can probably get the clutch to last up to 100,000 miles, but if you drive it normally, expect not more than 75,000. if you drive it hard, expect the clutch to start slipping soon.
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2003 Matrix XRS-6MT-Black Sand Pearl-Castrol Syntec 0W30 European Formula
Mods - 18" Incubus Paranormal wrapped in Toyo Proxes4 - T-Max Style front body kit - Escort Passport 9500i...what a friend to have in the car - Part Time Mod Thule Roof Rack
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