new matrix 03 xrs owner - HELP!!!

[kobe0512]

Hello everyone. I am new owner of 03 matrix xrs which was given to me by my brother as he has moved out of the country. This is my first car and I do not know a thing about cars, so I hoping I can get some advice.

All I know is the that all he has done is regular oil changes and changed the brakes recently. Nothing else has been done that I am aware of. I am worried to take to a mechanic and get taken for a ride since I know nothing about cars.

I have noticed a couple of things, (please forgive my descriptions)
1. when I getting out of first gear, there is a knocking sound. Clutch issue?
2. I also noticed that when I am in 2 or 3 gear at low rpm and accelerate, the engine sounds like it flutters.
3. Lastly when I am rolling to a stop in neutral, i sometimes hear a squeaking noise.

Any advice or help with the 3 issues or general maintenance suggestion would be much appreciated.

Also any recommendations on mechanics and or garages in GTA/Toronto??

Thanks!!!

[AP27]

Heya,
Congrats on the car. I dont have answers to any of your questions, but I will ask you to join www.matrixowners.com . Some of our members are on here too but you'll get a quicker response there.
Also, you can come out to the West End meet this Wednesday and meet everyone. I'm sure they can answer your questions better if you're there with the car.
Lastly, since its an XRS, you absolutely have to push the car all the way to the 8200RPM redline (first or second gear is best)!!!! You'll see what I mean when you pass 6200RPM :P