Toyota Matrix

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timtune

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Son needs a car. He's thinking toyota, used (seen his folks having good luck with them). Wants a hatchback but something a little bigger than our yaris. Looks like maybe a Matrix fits the bill. Maybe 10K budget.

Thoughts?
 
I know someone so is selling a civic.
Would he be interested?
 
doubt it. his sister had one. that alone would probably put him off - not that there's anything wrong with a honda
 
coworker had one and he LOVED it...I have no idea what year it was, I just know that he had it for about 5 years and ran great...he drove from Guelph to Milton every day for work, rain, snow or shine...hubby's family are die hard Toyota fans and they swear by them (corolla owners but love Toy's all around)...
 
We have one - the only issue in 5 years of ownership was the A/C going on the fritz to the tune of $1600.
Otherwise its been a great car. Pontiac Vibe is a rebadge, you might look at them too.
 
I wouldn't hesitate for a second to have one of my kids drive a Matrix. One of the best cars ever built imo...safe, efficient, reliable and sporty. Do it, you won't regret it.
 
Never go wrong with toyota. Throw the Mazda 3 hatch in the mix too

driving.ca

Car Review: 2005 Mazda3 Sport GT

In the March issue of Car and Driver, the magazine compared four of the best ragtop sports cars on the planet -- Mercedes' SLK350, the Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6, Porsche's Boxster S and the Chevrolet Corvette. Unsurprisingly, because the editors are all incredible auto snobs, the Porsche won...
driving.ca

Very sporty car that appeals to that age demographic and not as "stuffy" as a toyo

Skip the Vibe. Not cool and he'll be teased that Pontiac once built the Aztec
 
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Another great hatchback is the Elantra GT...I have a 2013 since new, 6 speed manual, panoramic sunroof, heated seats, heated mirrors...doesn't have backup camera or a huge infotainment screen that looks like someone slapped a tablet onto the dash...never had an issue...a couple of minor recalls, but nothing other than regular maintenance...I'd sell him mine, however I can't find any manual cars that I like...
 
I know someone who has had the Matrix for a solid 10+ years now.
Besides the usual maintenance - these things seem like they are built to last!
 
IIRC Matrix XR is preferable if you have a choice. I know someone that walked away from a head on crash in a matrix. I don't know anyone that had a matrix and hated it.
 
I think the 1st-gen Pontiac Vibe GT is the best version of that car. The Pontiac had a lot of stuff as standard equipment that were options on the Matrix (Toyota had like five different versions of the wiper stalk lol, Pontiac only had one). And the GT is the drivetrain of a Celica GTS (caveat - fuel economy is worse and it requires premium). Of course, you won't find one in good shape, they're all miled out and riced up.

Edit: A similar alternative would be a used turbo Chevy Sonic - they're cheap and they don't seem to be terrible
 
Have never met anyone that didn’t love their Matrix. Highly recommend.

Safe, reliable, utility, and good looks in one package.
 
Matrix is a boring car to drive and it's a "family" hauler. Second it has big A pillars. Third, they don't have torque :) - takes forever to go from 40-90. Mazda3 (latest ones) are sharp and tight. If set on matrix get XR(pre 2016?) or Matrix S go for 2.4 L if available instead of 1.8. If u have budget test drive Impreza.
Now Golf GTI is something if he wants to show off, Mini cooper is an option but it will feel like a toy car.
In terms of best hatchback segment Honda FiT is the market favorite for some reason, I get turned away from their looks. Don't get a hatchback without moon roof :)

Dex.
 
BIL just replaced his 240 with a new GTI….looks awesome and I can’t wait to drive it.

He said he’ll miss the BMW but didn’t make sense to keep paying over $800/month when he’s not returning to work for the next 2-3 years.
 
I have a 5speed Jeep Patriot. Has 160k on the speedo, nothing but brakes and oil changes so far.

It can tow 2000 lbs, a lot roomier than a compact hatchback. It’s averaged 9.2 l/100 over its life. Lots room for passengers, sturdy roof rack and with the back seats down lotsa cargo.

Parts are dirt cheap.

Downside is handles like mini pickup (low first gears, tall high gears) and its noisier than most cars.

this is the back with a 55 gal barrel inside.
0157ACF1-5042-4C4B-A82B-C62F8C051297.jpeg
 
The Matrix is a proven and reliable little car. It is twinned with the Pontiac Vibe so if this is the direction you are going, you can look out for both.

I have to agree, the Matrix is a bit of a bore to drive but that is a totally subjective comment. If he wants a hatch, the Mazda 3 and Golf are a lot more fun.

If it were my kid, and I went down this exact road, I would opt for the Matrix. My kid chose the Mazda 3 hatch. Came down to styling and driving dynamics.
 
Thanks All. Can't say I'm surprised with the response.
 
ifiddles said:
Another great hatchback is the Elantra GT...I have a 2013 since new, 6 speed manual, panoramic sunroof, heated seats, heated mirrors...doesn't have backup camera or a huge infotainment screen that looks like someone slapped a tablet onto the dash...never had an issue...a couple of minor recalls, but nothing other than regular maintenance...I'd sell him mine, however I can't find any manual cars that I like...
Click to expand...
Like me, he would like a manual but he knows might have to settle for an auto as they get harder to find.
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