Matrix Disappointment, help!

[Xdog]

Let me just say, I am in love with my car, an '03 X-RS, Cosmic Blue. It's the best car I've ever owned. No mods yet, but after the new year I've got some plans

But I experienced my first disappointment with it recently when I drove it in the SNOW! Holy crap, I've had plastic sleds that were easier to control!

Now don't blast me. I know the car isn't made to perform that way, and that if I wanted it to I should've bought the AWD version. But I got what I got, and honestly, it was just scary to drive. I came within 6 inches of wrecking pretty good.

I need to do something, as it's my daily commuter, and I need it to be able to function in inclement weather as reasonably as you could expect a front wheel drive car to perform.

I'm sure that with some more appropriate tires, things will be better, and that's why I'm checking in. I want to know 2 things;

Has anyone had the same experience?

Does anyone have any tire/16" wheel reccommendations?

I'm just looking for some wheels that look decent, nothing too bling. I'll swap 'em out from Thanksgiving til' tax day, then back to my 17"s. And some all-weather tires that will give me better snow traction.

Thanks y'all.

[mistamatrix]

If you have an 03 XRS than you must have the Firestone Firehawks on the 17's, right? Those are summer performance tires and not meant for the snow.

For winter, what I did was get the 16" alloys from a fellow owner and put on a set of decent snow tires - 205/55/16 Nokian Hakkapelitta 1's.

Others have opted for 16" steel rims to go along with their winter tires.

If you wanna save even more money you could get 15" steel wheels.

[Xdog]

Correct, I'm running 17" Firestones. I would indeed be willing to go down to 15" wheels if the savings over 16" was significant.

Any good sources for wheels, and any tire suggestions?

Thanks.

[mistamatrix]

If you can get 15" OEM (factory) steel wheels, get em. Some have opted for getting any steel wheels and sometimes will not clear the brakes.
Best thing to do is to shop locally.
Bang for your buck winter tires would be Kumho or Hankook. Then you can get expensive w/ Nokian, Toyo, Pirelli. More mediocre tire would be Bridgestone Blizzak, Michelin Arctic Alpine...the list goes on.

[Xdog]

Thanks dude, the search begins...

[zappa]

I recently ordered in a set of tires/steel rims from tirerack.com for my girlfriends matrix.The 16'' steelies were mounted w/ a set of Dunlop Winter Sport M3's (205/55VR16).Total price (included lugnuts) was $571.28 including shipping.
We've been getting hammered w/ snow pretty hard(in NH) but I have to say I've been impressed w/ how they handle it.Also,the reviews I had read before I purchased were very positive.Hope this helps.

[Xdog]

Zap,

That's pretty impressive, most lopcal shops have been trying to nail me for more like $800 for a tire/wheel combo. I'll be checking them immediately.

Is that a snow tire, or an all season?

Thanks!

[zappa]

They're described as "high performance snow tires".Supposedly factory recommended by Audi,BMW,Mercedes-Benz,Porsche, and VW.Doesn't say anything about Toyota,damn...
Just typing Dunlop Wintersport M3 into a search engine will give all the info you need

[1337trix]

when i bought my trix the dealer warned me about 10000 times when i picked it up. DO NOT DRIVE IN THE RAIN COLD OR SNOW

he was being funny about it.. but of course i had to try to do it anyway// ended up running over a racoon. hehehe

i'm surprised you werent told at the dealer... prolly a salesman that told you to put regular gas in it too

[Deleted_User_201]

I wasn't told about the cruddy tires either, got the 16's with the car (Continentals, thanks GM) and spent last winter bobsledding around Mississauga trying not to kill anyone.. Dealer did not warn me, and we bought the car in December .

And yes, this same dealer also specifically told me to put REGULAR gas in my GT ( xrs). Nitwits..

Now have EuroWin snows on the old 16 stock rims, my nice Kumho summer tires (17's) are resting out the salt season in the warm basement. Much much safer now, bring on the snow

[Xdog]

Wanna LOL? The salesman who sold it to me was selling his first car ever! This guy couldn't find his ass with both hands, so I didn't really expect much from him.

It was a crazy day, and they brought in anybody with a heartbeat to sell cars. It was a huge Toyota/Mazda/Dodge dealership that got hit with a freak hailstorm and had to liquidate 1200 vehicles.

There were about 10 or 15 Matrix on the lot. Most were black or silver XR models, some with AWD. XR AWD's were going for $13,900! But when I saw my Cosmic Blue XRS for $14,800 I knew what I'd be driving home. Paid an extra 1,200 for 6/100k warr. and LoJack, and out the door!

To my OWN credit, I can read. Thus, I saw the little sign inside my gas cap that says "91 octane only". I also took a cursory look thru the manual.

But this IS my 1st experience with performance tires, and my 2 near wrecks were very disturbing to say the least.

So thanks again y'all. I haven't ordered just yet, so anymore advice is still welcome.

[arne282]

I have had no problem with my baby in the snow.....but that's after dumping money into snow tires. It handles very good with them. I do suggest the 16" snow's from the factory.

[Zrain]

Bliizzzzz Axe and and never look back. OZ Rally 15 inch rims.. Miceee Blizies. and no Swaybar links and your all set, just dont corner to fast (as with no swaybar links you run a tendiny to flip.)