I want to buy a new Matrix-need advice

I am the 2000 Echo owner that posted recently about buying a new
car,probably a 2007 Matrix. Today, I went to my local Toyota dealer and
looked at some Matrixes.
I also had them appraise my Echo for its' trade in value.
The lady I spoke with said they would give me $3800.00 for the Echo. I
then asked to test drive a Matrix, and I test drove a 2006 version,
although I want a 2007.
Anyway, I really liked to way it drove, the way it felt, and loved the
interior.
The saleslady tried to get me to get the 2007 XR version. She said it
would have a higher re-sale value than the plain Matrix. Is it worth
the price difference?
Also, what is better about the XR?
I was mainly ineterested about how much my Echo would fetch upon
trade-in, because I have the 60000 mile maintenance due to be done
soon. I am not sure I want to keep putting money into this Echo.
I felt very pressured by the salelady, and at one point she offered to
give me $4200.00 for the Echo, plus 2 free airline tickets if I bought
the Matrix today. Also, she didn't seem to want to answer any questions
about the car itself, and seemed mainly concerned about spouting
numbers at me. I of course, didn't buy the Matrix today. I just wanted
to find out more about doing the whole thing. Anyone have any opinions?
I am pretty set on a Matrix.
Oh, and they had the new limited edition Matrix Theory edition in the
showroom.
It looked really cool, and it comes in a really neat looking blue
color.
I'd love one of those, but I'n not sure the higher price is justified.
Any opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks.

<darrenli516@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1158527534.050726.27030@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...[color=blue]
>I am the 2000 Echo owner that posted recently about buying a new
> car,probably a 2007 Matrix. Today, I went to my local Toyota dealer and
> looked at some Matrixes.
> I also had them appraise my Echo for its' trade in value.
> The lady I spoke with said they would give me $3800.00 for the Echo. I
> then asked to test drive a Matrix, and I test drove a 2006 version,
> although I want a 2007.
> Anyway, I really liked to way it drove, the way it felt, and loved the
> interior.
> The saleslady tried to get me to get the 2007 XR version. She said it
> would have a higher re-sale value than the plain Matrix. Is it worth
> the price difference?
> Also, what is better about the XR?
> I was mainly ineterested about how much my Echo would fetch upon
> trade-in, because I have the 60000 mile maintenance due to be done
> soon. I am not sure I want to keep putting money into this Echo.
> I felt very pressured by the salelady, and at one point she offered to
> give me $4200.00 for the Echo, plus 2 free airline tickets if I bought
> the Matrix today. Also, she didn't seem to want to answer any questions
> about the car itself, and seemed mainly concerned about spouting
> numbers at me. I of course, didn't buy the Matrix today. I just wanted
> to find out more about doing the whole thing. Anyone have any opinions?
> I am pretty set on a Matrix.
> Oh, and they had the new limited edition Matrix Theory edition in the
> showroom.
> It looked really cool, and it comes in a really neat looking blue
> color.
> I'd love one of those, but I'n not sure the higher price is justified.
> Any opinions would be appreciated.
> Thanks.
>[/color]

there are many web sites where you can get an idea of the value of your
Echo, like nada.com, kbb.com, edmunds.com, etc. You can refer to the sales
brochure or go to toyota.com to find out the differences between the various
grades and models for the Matrix. IIRC, one of the models requires premium
fuel, which may be a consideration to you.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

On Sun, 17 Sep 2006 16:59:25 -0500, "Ray O"
<rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:
[color=blue]
>
><darrenli516@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>news:1158527534.050726.27030@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...[color=green]
>>I am the 2000 Echo owner that posted recently about buying a new
>> car,probably a 2007 Matrix. Today, I went to my local Toyota dealer and
>> looked at some Matrixes.
>> I also had them appraise my Echo for its' trade in value.
>> The lady I spoke with said they would give me $3800.00 for the Echo. I
>> then asked to test drive a Matrix, and I test drove a 2006 version,
>> although I want a 2007.
>> Anyway, I really liked to way it drove, the way it felt, and loved the
>> interior.
>> The saleslady tried to get me to get the 2007 XR version. She said it
>> would have a higher re-sale value than the plain Matrix. Is it worth
>> the price difference?
>> Also, what is better about the XR?
>> I was mainly ineterested about how much my Echo would fetch upon
>> trade-in, because I have the 60000 mile maintenance due to be done
>> soon. I am not sure I want to keep putting money into this Echo.
>> I felt very pressured by the salelady, and at one point she offered to
>> give me $4200.00 for the Echo, plus 2 free airline tickets if I bought
>> the Matrix today. Also, she didn't seem to want to answer any questions
>> about the car itself, and seemed mainly concerned about spouting
>> numbers at me. I of course, didn't buy the Matrix today. I just wanted
>> to find out more about doing the whole thing. Anyone have any opinions?
>> I am pretty set on a Matrix.
>> Oh, and they had the new limited edition Matrix Theory edition in the
>> showroom.
>> It looked really cool, and it comes in a really neat looking blue
>> color.
>> I'd love one of those, but I'n not sure the higher price is justified.
>> Any opinions would be appreciated.
>> Thanks.
>>[/color]
>
>there are many web sites where you can get an idea of the value of your
>Echo, like nada.com, kbb.com, edmunds.com, etc. You can refer to the sales
>brochure or go to toyota.com to find out the differences between the various
>grades and models for the Matrix. IIRC, one of the models requires premium
>fuel, which may be a consideration to you.[/color]

If you live in the southern US, I'd suggest getting outside of
Southeast Toyota's area to buy your new Toyota.

Southeast adds a totally useless 680 buck package to every Toyota they
sell...


--

Scott in Florida

On Sun, 17 Sep 2006 14:12:14 -0700, darrenli516 wrote:
[color=blue]
> I am the 2000 Echo owner that posted recently about buying a new
> car,probably a 2007 Matrix. Today, I went to my local Toyota dealer and
> looked at some Matrixes.[/color]

Isn't that Matrices? ;)

[color=blue]
> I also had them appraise my Echo for its' trade in value.
> The lady I spoke with said they would give me $3800.00 for the Echo. I
> then asked to test drive a Matrix, and I test drove a 2006 version,
> although I want a 2007.
> Anyway, I really liked to way it drove, the way it felt, and loved the
> interior.
> The saleslady tried to get me to get the 2007 XR version. She said it
> would have a higher re-sale value than the plain Matrix. Is it worth
> the price difference?[/color]

Not really...it has alloy wheels, a better trim pkg, and, I think 4 wheel
disc brakes.

I think all of these can be added to a plain Matrix.

Now, if she tried to steer you towards an XR-S... (these can't be had
anymore..they had the Celica's 1.8L 190 HP engine! WHOOOO HOOOOO! I got to
drive one ONCE, just before they were discontinued...)

[color=blue]
> Also, what is better about the XR?
> I was mainly ineterested about how much my Echo would fetch upon
> trade-in, because I have the 60000 mile maintenance due to be done
> soon. I am not sure I want to keep putting money into this Echo.
> I felt very pressured by the salelady, and at one point she offered to
> give me $4200.00 for the Echo, plus 2 free airline tickets if I bought
> the Matrix today. Also, she didn't seem to want to answer any questions
> about the car itself, and seemed mainly concerned about spouting
> numbers at me.[/color]


That's because she doesn't KNOW! Toyotas sell so well, anyone can sell
them...and does.

The days when the salesperson used to know what he or she was selling you
are gone. She knows it's a car, and a Toyota, and that she'll make $500 on
the sale.


[color=blue]
> I of course, didn't buy the Matrix today. I just wanted
> to find out more about doing the whole thing. Anyone have any opinions?
> I am pretty set on a Matrix.
> Oh, and they had the new limited edition Matrix Theory edition in the
> showroom.[/color]

Push for the $4200 no matter what. If she's willing today, she's willing
tomorrow.

Those cars are in demand. Look at a lot of people that have SUVs and
you'll see an Echo or a Yaris in the yard, too...

The more the price of gas goes up, the more your Echo is worth...

What area do you live in, anyway? That makes a difference, too.

[color=blue]
> It looked really cool, and it comes in a really neat looking blue
> color.
> I'd love one of those, but I'n not sure the higher price is justified.
> Any opinions would be appreciated.
> Thanks.[/color]


This could be a One Off they customized when it came in the door. Dealers
do this, and offer them at a discount price, and call them Loss Leaders.
They do it to have something snappy to get people in the door.

Scion is doing the same thing with the tC RS 2.0. The dealer customizes a
few of them and shines them up real nice, but the price is slightly
higher, so you'll buy the Lot Lizards for a higher dealer profit (I don't
need all that stuff...show me a plain one...)


Ooops, I stand corrected...it IS a Toyota sanctioned model, 2,500 units to
be sold. Yeah, this MAY be worth a little more at trade in, or for sale to
a Toyota K00k like me!!!


Bottom line:

" Quote: The M-Theory adds several sporty exterior enhancements including
unique Speedway Blue paint with matching rear deck lid spoiler, a large
chrome exhaust tip and M-Theory badges. M-theory also features 17-inch
Caldina alloy wheels with P215/50R17 tires, four wheel disc brakes, logo
floor mats, and an individually numbered limited edition plaque. The
M-Theory will also feature enhanced vehicle handling thanks to a standard
sport tuned suspension and sport strut tower brace will also enhance
vehicle handling.
Only 2,500 units of the special edition Matrix M-Theory will be built.
The Matrix M-Theory special edition package will carry a base
manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $1,500. "

Check the seat adjustments in the basic compared to the XR. The XR has a
seat height adjustment while the basic does not. Makes a difference in
comfort for me if I can adjust the height. Neither basic or XR require
premium fuel.
Check Toyota's web site [url]www.toyota.com[/url] look for the matrix and you can see
the info that describes both models.


<darrenli516@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1158527534.050726.27030@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...[color=blue]
>I am the 2000 Echo owner that posted recently about buying a new
> car,probably a 2007 Matrix. Today, I went to my local Toyota dealer and
> looked at some Matrixes.
> I also had them appraise my Echo for its' trade in value.
> The lady I spoke with said they would give me $3800.00 for the Echo. I
> then asked to test drive a Matrix, and I test drove a 2006 version,
> although I want a 2007.
> Anyway, I really liked to way it drove, the way it felt, and loved the
> interior.
> The saleslady tried to get me to get the 2007 XR version. She said it
> would have a higher re-sale value than the plain Matrix. Is it worth
> the price difference?
> Also, what is better about the XR?
> I was mainly ineterested about how much my Echo would fetch upon
> trade-in, because I have the 60000 mile maintenance due to be done
> soon. I am not sure I want to keep putting money into this Echo.
> I felt very pressured by the salelady, and at one point she offered to
> give me $4200.00 for the Echo, plus 2 free airline tickets if I bought
> the Matrix today. Also, she didn't seem to want to answer any questions
> about the car itself, and seemed mainly concerned about spouting
> numbers at me. I of course, didn't buy the Matrix today. I just wanted
> to find out more about doing the whole thing. Anyone have any opinions?
> I am pretty set on a Matrix.
> Oh, and they had the new limited edition Matrix Theory edition in the
> showroom.
> It looked really cool, and it comes in a really neat looking blue
> color.
> I'd love one of those, but I'n not sure the higher price is justified.
> Any opinions would be appreciated.
> Thanks.
>[/color]

Al wrote:[color=blue]
> Check the seat adjustments in the basic compared to the XR. The XR has a
> seat height adjustment while the basic does not. Makes a difference in[/color]

Nonsense. My base model has seat height adjustment.

/S