Matrix Questions

[littleman]

I am new here and I have a few questions about the Matrix.

I am in the market for a used vehicle and thought really hard on getting one of these. I test drove one yesterday and I really like the way it handled, the power was decent, A/C works OK but not like in my Camry (ice cold).

It's a 2007 with 86,000 mile, auto trans, power windows and door locks. Was first purchase as a rental car and used as a rental till June of this year in FL.
Bought at an auction by a dealer.
They are asking $11,000 for it and I don't know if it's worth that or if I should buy because it was a rental. I didn't use it yesterday but I'm sure it has cruise control even though it's not listed as a feature, CC is a must for me.

Thanks,

At another dealer they have a 2006 Matrix XR with 96,000 miles, 5 speed manual CC,PL,PW,PM and are asking $10,000 for it but the guy said that is the price if I finance it there and they can come off the price if I pay cash or finance elsewhere.

Also at this place, they have a 2004 Pontiac Vibe Preferred Package (?) with 107,000 miles, auto, PL,PW,PM,PS.

That sums that part up, I want something with very good gas millage (around 30 city/upper 30's hwy), will these cars get that? The guy at the Toyota place (1st paragraph) said that one would get 32-34 city and 36+ or close to 40 on the highway, but when I google it I see something different.

Even though I like this style of car, the Corolla comes next behind this car or maybe a Prius for the right price. Seen a 2005 Prius with 99,000 miles for $13,000.

Any suggestions or info would greatly be appreciated and help me make a decision.

My wife a has a 1999 Camry 2.2 with 226,000 and it still drives great, that's why I am looking at getting me a Toyota.

[fishexpo101]

Some people have had good luck buying used rental cars - generally newer cars, usually well taken care of in terms of scratches, dents, interior(no smoking policy in many rental places), staying on top of maintenance. Though you have no idea how the car was driven from renter to renter.

Those middle model year Matrix cars usually are at the $10K+ range. Their prices went up a bit, due to their decent reliability, lots of room (basically a Corolla with a hatch), and good fuel economy. Insurance in most places on a Matrix is pretty cheap too. Mileage for any car depends on how it is driven and how the car was maintained. Our own 2003 Matrix XRS varied in mileage from low 20s to upper 30s, depending on who drove it and how often you hit "lift" on the 2ZZ-GE variants. Lowest point, it got only 19 MPG - wintertime, all city driving. At the highest - almost 44MPG on a 360 mile road trip.

Pontiac Vibe is the mechanical clone of the Matrix. Some prefer the styling of the Vibe to the Matrix - because it wasn't as popular/common as the Matrix, it also doesn't command a premium. Not unusual to find a loaded Vibe GT (equivalent to a Matrix XRS) selling for less than a similar mileage and model year Matrix base model.

Prius would be hard to beat for that price and fuel economy, especially in the city, will be significantly higher than most conventional cars. Handling is a scary aspect of the Prius - compared to the Matrix, the Prius has downright scary handling at the limit, even with traction control. Matrix is just heavy enough to telegraph what the car will do if you push it too hard. Both the Prius and Matrix seem to get blown around a bit on the highway, given their larger sail area - so test drive them on the highway if possible.

[zythr]

If you can find a Pontiac Vibe in very good condition that would be a good deal.

[Zembonez]

I would not buy a used rental car for any price unless it was new enough to have a lot of factory warranty remaining. Even then I'd have to really think it over...

You should be able to find a mid 2000s model with 50-60K on it if you remain patient - especially at the prices you mention.

[zythr]

Originally Posted by Zembonez

I would not buy a used rental car for any price unless it was new enough to have a lot of factory warranty remaining. Even then I'd have to really think it over...

You should be able to find a mid 2000s model with 50-60K on it if you remain patient - especially at the prices you mention.

Maybe in the Vibe, not necessarily for the Matrix