To be or not to be Matrix 03 XRS - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

saturnbleach · 07-13-2005, 07:49 PM

Please help me in making the right decision. I’ve always been a big Toyota supporter and I’m looking at purchasing a Matrix ’03 XRS. However the miles are quite steep with it reaching almost a hundred thousand. The cars general condition is fair with two major scratches and small dings. Inside interior is not the best with some scratches and stains.

For my extremely limited budget the car is priced really well for $8000. My concern is that I can’t determine the service history and the dealer is not very helpful. I’m planning to draw a CarFax on the car to provide some ease but before I endure the expenditure please provide your opinion.

What are the estimated miles the engines can reach? If any one can provide some help it would be greatly appreciated.

xrs22 · 07-14-2005, 08:17 AM

well from what i've seen and heard on here most toyota's are in the 200-300k miles. There may be a couple matrices wherever that may have a 100k miles on them. I have an 03' xrs also but i got mine in feb. 04' w/ 400 miles on it. I would opt. for the xrs though as we're almost reaching the criteria of mods that can be put on any of the matrices including turbo for the 2zz engine. What color is it by the way and are they selling it "as is" w/ or w/ out warranty?

saturnbleach · 07-14-2005, 01:16 PM

I’ve requested the certificate title from the dealer and with some investigation traced the car back to one owner as a trade in and from there it was sold of on a dealers action. I’ve tried to get in contact with the original owner but it seems that the disappeared from the face the earth? The car is a nice looking silver color with standard features. I truly like the car however I do not what to buy some one else’s problems. The dealer does not include a Warranty on the vehicle. Wonder if a Toyota dealer might provide some extended warranty on such a vehicle? Thank you for the response, please provide more information so would make up my mind.

xrs22 · 07-14-2005, 02:09 PM

yeah ask about the ext. warranty for sure. If u get the XRS it'll be soo sweet you'll be able to punch lift at 6200rpm

. Did they give u a list of what ever is/was wrong w/ it? It's mostly cosmetic stuff u have to fix then no biggie. Just moderate the engine by doin' everything by the books, oil and all the fluids, belts and intake filter. Will they let you test drive it?

saturnbleach · 07-14-2005, 06:40 PM

Strange enough the dealer plays ignorant with most of the questions and of course if a matter is razed there is one hundred reasons and no answer actually. His best defense is just keeping quiet and plying ignorant. I know all the signs are they’re for a bad deal however I can’t give up on such a sweet deal. He offered for me to take it for a test drive but wanted to take in the morning to get it checked out decently. What should I be looking for on these cars except the normal novice, handling and brake test? When you bought your Matrix what did you look for first and utmost? With most things in live all the signs is right in front of you but overlooked. Thanks for the your advice!

saturnbleach · 07-14-2005, 06:45 PM

Oo I’ve check the novice list of things on the engine any quick checks I can do on it to determine if critical parts is in operation for a wile that is? I’ll ask the dealer if I can take the car for some time and would like to do a thorough check on it. Any suggestions

greywolf · 07-14-2005, 08:21 PM

Whenever looking at a used car, especially one with high mileage, pay an independent mechanic to look it over.

xrs22 · 07-15-2005, 07:48 AM

yeah, expecially if your knowledge about engine, not specifics i mean, but just overall things to look for. Look for leaks, cracked hoses or belt, rotor wear(grooves in the rotors and such)and brake pads, check the alignment when u drive it(like if the steering wheel shakes). Lights all around, inside check to see if the radio and electronic gauges work and i guess that's it but somebody can add or correct me if i missed anything. good luck.
xris-

RubyRed · 07-16-2005, 10:14 AM

Crawl underneath it with a high-powered flashlight and examine the underside. Look for leaks, drips, and mis-matched body panels and unibody parts. Look for shreaded or missing CV joint covers; check to see if the CV joints and drive shafts are in decent shape. Be extra wary if some pieces look very new while the rest of the underside shows nomal crud accumulation that you would expect for a high-milage car. Spend extra time examining the suspension connection and adjustment points -if the tie-rod ends show much more thread on one side than the other then something whacked the car HARD at some point in its life. Same goes for the swaybar bushings -if the worn spot on the bar is in a different place than the bushings are currently located the car has suffered some major trauma.

A reputable dealer will offer to PAY for a CarFax report. When one is issued, make sure the VIN numbers on the report match the car you are looking at. If the dealer balks at providing the report, walk away and start searching for another XRS.

jrridesbmx · 08-29-2005, 06:54 AM

im a newbie

but anuf 2 get by without lookin like an ass,im with xrs22 and rubyred cheak it,and if its all good i say do it,im sure youll be very happy with i sure as hell am.i have an 03 xrs and love the hell out of it

Tideland Prius · 08-29-2005, 04:26 PM

Make sure nothing is loose or flimsy. An independent mechanic that you trust can help you spot problems. See if you can hear anything abnormal such as excessive vibration or a rough idle, stuff like that. Find out the dealer that the owner serviced the car at and get them to print out the service history. You need to know whether he changed his oil on schedule (esp. with the high mileage), make sure he has changed the engine coolant and automatic transmission fluid.