Looking at a 2003 Matrix

My Observations

Daox said:

Hello, I'm going to look at an 03 Matrix base model in the next few days. Is there anything particular I should for as far as common problems?

Click to expand...

There are only a couple things and they are more of a common nuissance/early design flaw than anything. One is specific to the 2003 model year and the other one will also apply to the 2004 model. The red on black guages are 2003 specific. They look cool, but can be very hard to see in bright sunlight--moreso than any previous car that I have owned, with a different color scheme. For the most part, this doesn't really bother me, but there are exceptions here. The second "problem" has to do with cruise control. If your car is not equipped with it, you are virtually forced to go aftermarket (+/- $400 U.S.). Mine is not equipped with it, so I will be paying for this soon. The 2005+ will only require the addition of the control lever, since the rest of the system is already present. Much less expensive (so I hear) and you can do this completely OEM.

Otherwise, you will love this car. I certainly do!

i'd search for an xr instead of a base... chances are, you can find one for about the same price as a base and you get so much more car...
i agree with ^^^ as for the guages... the red is hard to see in certain lighting conditions...

Also, be sure to take a long test drive... some people dont care for the seating position. they say it is too high &/or far from the steering wheel. (but i like how it felt to me)...

Nathan
ycart1201

i bought an 03 xrs about a year ago and haven't had any problems with it....all i can say is your gonna love the car...the gauges do suck but its something you can deal with...if you know your car you shouldn't really need them a whole lot anyways...luckily mine came with cruise control and the only problem i have is it is alittle sensitive...the seating is alittle odd but idk about every model mine has like 3 different adjustments on it so you will be able to be comfortable..good luck