Opinions on the 06 matrix XR

[lytalbayre]

All,

New to the forums, not to toyota. I love their cars for being so reliable.

Down to business:

1. What do you guys think of the 2006 Matrix XR (automatic, front wheel drive)?? I heard these models have lower horsepower. I live in bay area ca (SF) where there are lots of hills, and I'll probably be dragging around 3-4 passengers regularly. Will this car provide enough power to climb those hills without slowing and over stressing the engine???

2. Leg room and headroom... I'm 6"3'... wish I could afford a nice $50K luxury car, but that's not happenin'. What's your guys' opinion on leg room and headroom???

3. What do you think of my deal??? I was offered the following matrix for $17888 plus tax and registration:

2006 Matrix XR (automatic tran., front wheel drive)
ABS, side & front airbags
16" alloy wheels
6cd changer
traction control
extra value package #2
fear? bumper

All told, this thing would cost me about $19600.00 out the door. You guys think I could do better???

Thanks for the input

[LoLo Blue]

I have a 2005 with FWD and its an auto. and I have plenty of power for the hills. there is enough leg roomand head room for you. I have a friend who is 6'2" and he has plenty of room. I was amazed how much room there is. I got 17" wheels. Try to get 17" they look so nice and its handles better. In my opinion!! Price sounds pretty good.

[greywolf]

There are no changes between the 2005 and 2006 models. The published horsepower change is because of a new method for how the numbers are determined, not because the power is actually lessened.

[Bazirker]

Yeah, you should have plenty of headroom, I had a guy who is nearly 7 feet tall in my passanger seat the other day and he still had a little head room.

As far as getting up hills, the Matrix XR is NOT a powerful car. You should test drive it and decide for yourself if you think the engine will cut it. If you're concerned about getting up hills, stick with the 16 inch wheels. Smaller diameter wheels = better acceleration (and lower top end.)

That deal sounds pretty good. I got my 2005 XR with sunroof, 6-speaker with in-dash 6 cd changer, manual 5-speed, fog lights and body thingies, Toyoguard, front airbags, and such for $17900 after markups and whatever.

[samfsu]

Sounds like a decent deal. I got my '05 with the same specs as you for 19,000 out the door with tax, tag and title included. I am in south florida.

[xrs22]

pretty much everything they said is true. I have the manual xrs so i don't know how the base and Xr handle or perform.

[ksbrace]

On a technical note, when you change from 16 inch to 17 inch wheels, you also change to shorter sidewall tires so the overall diameter is close to unchanged. This way you don't have to adjust your speedometer, and your gearing is unchanged. Here is a link to one of many tire diameter calculators to help you figure out which tire you want when you change wheels:
http://www.mr2.com/FORMS/tire.html