When we were looking, all the better ones were manual. Good luck in your search.
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Toyota Matrix
- Thread starter timtune
- Start date
I had an '05 Matrix XR 1.8 manual for 8 years and loved it. Has amazing storage , can easily fit a Honda 50 in the back and you can even sleep comfortably in it as everything folds flat.
I never had any issues with mine, sold it at 350k last January because a good deal on a newer Impreza came up at the dealership I worked at. Most Matrix's/Vibes out there still look mint, mine was probably the only exception and that's because I hit a deer with it and then in 2018 had the hood flip up on the 400.
I did not find it a gutless wonder, possibly because I had the manual version. I towed my race bike on an open trailer with generator and all the gear no problem multiple times. If it wasn't for the body on mine rusting and the good deal on a newer car I was planning on driving that thing forever. It went off to it's new home to teach a couple younger girls how to drive stick.
I never had any issues with mine, sold it at 350k last January because a good deal on a newer Impreza came up at the dealership I worked at. Most Matrix's/Vibes out there still look mint, mine was probably the only exception and that's because I hit a deer with it and then in 2018 had the hood flip up on the 400.
I did not find it a gutless wonder, possibly because I had the manual version. I towed my race bike on an open trailer with generator and all the gear no problem multiple times. If it wasn't for the body on mine rusting and the good deal on a newer car I was planning on driving that thing forever. It went off to it's new home to teach a couple younger girls how to drive stick.
Do not get the 2.4l it is an oil burner.... the 1.8l is the way to go unless the vehicle has already had the top end redone by Toyota. Matrix is one of the best vehicles I have sold otherwise.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.
kruzuki
Well-known member
My Matrix was one of the best, most practical small cars I ever had, bought it new, 5 speed, put almost 200k on it. Rear interior was all plastic so you could toss whatever in the back.
TK4
Well-known member
Its a McCar - if you're in a rush take the moto.
I had no problem with mine getting up to speed, even did a rally with it and ended up placing middle of the field
BigEvilDoer
Well-known member
Had a Pontiac Vibe - a Matrix built in California instead of Cambridge.
Loved the car. I had it for about 110,000km. Never had an issue. Period.
Sold it to my niece and her husband for $3500 at the time, as a family deal. Could have got $7K from a dealer trade in, but the niece REALLY needed a vehicle.
She took it to 425,000km before it died a horrible death of leprosy. Parts kept falling off, so it was time to go.
Loved the car. I had it for about 110,000km. Never had an issue. Period.
Sold it to my niece and her husband for $3500 at the time, as a family deal. Could have got $7K from a dealer trade in, but the niece REALLY needed a vehicle.
She took it to 425,000km before it died a horrible death of leprosy. Parts kept falling off, so it was time to go.
I'd say that's a sign that it's time to let the car go...
BigEvilDoer
Well-known member
There was an organ donor for the last 75,000km...
Was like Frankenstein's monster.. but without the stitches.
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