i currently drive an 2002 IS300 manual. I want to sell it and get a wagon/hatchback. I was thinking the first gen matrix xrs. i've always been fond of them.
1. how's the gas mileage on these? can you get 350 per tank? i want the xrs model with the celica engine.
2. i know it'll be weaker than the IS..but is it still decent to merge onto freeway and what not?
3. how hard is it to find a first gen matrix xrs?
4. Which year is the best to get for the first gen matrix xrs?
5. any MAJOR problems with the matrix xrs? (tranny/clutch, engine, axles, etc)
i currently drive an 2002 IS300 manual. I want to sell it and get a wagon/hatchback. I was thinking the first gen matrix xrs. i've always been fond of them.
1. how's the gas mileage on these? can you get 350 per tank? i want the xrs model with the celica engine.
2. i know it'll be weaker than the IS..but is it still decent to merge onto freeway and what not?
3. how hard is it to find a first gen matrix xrs?
4. Which year is the best to get for the first gen matrix xrs?
5. any MAJOR problems with the matrix xrs? (tranny/clutch, engine, axles, etc)
thanks a bunch guys!
1)on the highway, yes you can get close to 400 miles per gallon, depending on how you drive and other conditions.
2) with the 2zz-ge motor, you will get the passing power you need.
3) not hard to find, but the XRS models are more rarer but if you continue looking, you can find one.
4) I am partial to the 2003 models as they do not have the smog pump as in the 2004 - 2006 XRS models.
5) since you are looking for an XRS model - the common problems are the clutch, 6-speed tranny from the Celica on a heavier vehicle.
Another common issues on all 1st gen Matrix is the belt squealing and/or belt tensioner going bad.
for the clutch...if needed to replace..an aftermarket heavier clutch would work right? as for the belt...i was searching on the forum and it seems like people are replacing it with the goodyear one and it fixes the problem.
also, lets say i go with an XR 5spd. is the power difference really that obvious? i mean, lets say i were to drive under 5000rpm on the xrs 80% of the time....then would i even see any difference between and XRS or an XR?
1. I've got an 03 XRS 6spd and average 350 miles per tank. The 2ZZ-GE is great on gas.
2. No problem. Hit the top of 2nd gear and you've already hit or surpassed the hwy's speed limit. You can hit 60mph before shifting to 3rd.
3. Depends on the area. Up here, dime a dozen.
4. Hmm. Can of worms if you get all the 1st gen XRS-ers to chime in!
5. As XR2003 said, clutch. I'm on my second aftermarket but then again I abuse the car.
As for your XR 5spd question, I think most XRS'ers would argue, yes, there still is a difference under 5K rpm but I'll be the first to admit that there wouldn't be.
for the clutch...if needed to replace..an aftermarket heavier clutch would work right? as for the belt...i was searching on the forum and it seems like people are replacing it with the goodyear one and it fixes the problem.
also, lets say i go with an XR 5spd. is the power difference really that obvious? i mean, lets say i were to drive under 5000rpm on the xrs 80% of the time....then would i even see any difference between and XRS or an XR?
Thanks!
the 1zz-fe (base and XR models) have a tiny bit more torque, but when the XRS hits LIFT - they get a much noticeable power increase.
Test drive both and see what seems right to you.
Better fuel mileage on the 1zz, but overall more fun on the 2zz.
I have an 04` XRS. I found the gauges much easier to read than the all red ones on the 03. Also keep in mind that the 2zz is louder than the 1zz and requires premium (91 octane +) fuel. When you put a short ram on the 2zz and get aggressive with the throttle there is alot of fun to be had, if your in to that sort of thing.
go xrs PERIOD! just test drive one, if you find one and you will see what im talking about! makes sure you warm up the engine 2-3 minutes, then just floor it until it passes through +6000rpms...
i currently drive an 2002 IS300 manual. I want to sell it and get a wagon/hatchback. I was thinking the first gen matrix xrs. i've always been fond of them.
1. how's the gas mileage on these? can you get 350 per tank? i want the xrs model with the celica engine.
2. i know it'll be weaker than the IS..but is it still decent to merge onto freeway and what not?
3. how hard is it to find a first gen matrix xrs?
4. Which year is the best to get for the first gen matrix xrs?
5. any MAJOR problems with the matrix xrs? (tranny/clutch, engine, axles, etc)
thanks a bunch guys!
1. I've owned my 2006 Matrix for right at a month now and fuel economy is consistently in the 28-mpg range. It's an XR model with a 5-speed. I can't tell you how far it can go on a tank, but I typically fill up at around 300 miles and the low fuel light isn't on yet. I don't race anymore, drive somewhat grandpa-ish (accelerate slow, drive 65 mph in the 65 zones), and drive about 200 highway miles per fill-up (I commute 150 miles per day), so take that into account for the fuel economy. Expect around 26 mpg for your average driver. Taking it on my first roadtrip this weekend, we'll see what I get on the trip. Wouldn't surprise me at all if it got a legit 30 mpg pure highway mpg.
2. Again, I have a 5-speed so that's the great equalizer, but I can drop it down a gear and get up fine.
3. Here in the Houston area, I didn't have a problem finding one at a good price. Typically, it's not hard to find them in the $12k-range, but better deals are out there. I got my 2006 gray XR with 37k miles, power everything, 5-spd standard tranny, and remote keyless entry for $9,800.
4. and 5.--I'll leave these questions to the "experts."
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