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Toyota Matrix

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Comments

  • happythemanhappytheman Member Posts: 10
    Say,
    What did you order, and when did you order it? When are you anticipating delivery? Where did you get your pricing information from anyways? I can see I kinda ripped myself on the bumper cover, but as far as the mirror according to NADA and Kelley Blue Book it runs $285?

    happytheman
  • southpaw1southpaw1 Member Posts: 34
    What a strange turn this discussion has taken. I guess I'm the target buyer. I'm a 37 year old female and I'm getting and XRS and so we'll both wear skirts ;). I happen to like the skirt package since it is understated. I think it jazzes up the car without being tacky. Without the skirts and other trimmings, the Matrix is just another wagon from the outside. I hardly thing a few skirts give that boy racer look. Now add a 3 foot high spoiler and you've got that silly look!
  • sbell4sbell4 Member Posts: 446
    Happy is happy so congratulations on your purchase. Sometimes people in different regions mean well but provide wrong information. RS1 is the code for the Bazooka subwoofer and it has a dealer cost of 199 and retail of 299. CM4 is the electrochromic mirror and it has a dealer cost of 197 and retail of 297. BP3 is the code for the rear bumper protector and it has a dealer cost of 69 and retail of 99. Because Happy lives in a region with additional options most internet sites do not list our regional codes and prices because the other 45 states would be going to their dealers wanting the Bazooka Subwoofer that they can't get. Happy bought a great vehicle at a great price, congratulations and enjoy!
  • happythemanhappytheman Member Posts: 10
    Yes indeed I am happy and feel that I didn't do to bad, especially considering the first number my dealer threw out was $21,600 for a 6-spd XRS with a sunroof! I worked the deal down close to like 1800 without even trying so I felt good. I certainly wouldn't want anyone to think anything but. Hence the name! I am curious as to what kind of deals others are able to get from their regions, though. I also find that it's interesting how each dealer handles their customers and what kind of information they provide their prospective buyers!

    Brantly
  • happythemanhappytheman Member Posts: 10
    In reading this article posted by Delphi Communications I gather that the DVD-based navigation system will come in three forms:


    "In order to meet the individual tastes of buyers of the Toyota Matrix, Delphi also provides the choice of an AM/FM stereo radio with CD, AM/FM stereo dual playback with CD/cassette system or an AM/FM stereo radio with in-dash six-disk CD changer."


    http://www.delphi.com/electronics/news/pressReleases/pr6710-01032002


    Am I reading this right or what? Does the DVD-based navigation system come in three forms?


    Brantly

  • zombozombo Member Posts: 89
    Just discovered the rear windows in my Matrix don't go all the way down.When fully retracted there is a triangular shaped wedge of window sticking up with the wide side[of the triangle]facing the front of the door.Not a big deal for me,but could be a concern for others.Got the twenty something demographic from the Motorweek review,actually they said Toyota was aiming the car at 'young buyers'. Oddly enough,they did not do any acceleration,braking,or handling tests on the XRS featured.Maybe that will be covered in a future show.
  • scott31scott31 Member Posts: 292
    sbell4, Toyota uses two letter codes for it's options and accessories. The Nav system is NV, the floormats are CF, etc. Have no idea where you are getting your codes from. The dealer showed me the accessory book, and the mirror is N1 with a MSRP of $250 and dealer cost of $170.

    Happy, the Nav system is the radio. There are several options for the radio in the Matrix, but the Nav system is a system by itself. If you get the Nav system, it comes with a 6-disc CD changer that goes under the the passenger front seat. If you don't get the Nav system and order the radio with the CD changer, it's a 6-disc in dash CD changer. You do not have the option of getting a cassette with the Nav system.

    As for what I ordered I think it's in a previous post, but just in case not, here it is:

    Matrix XRS 6 speed
    Indigo Ink Blue
    Charcoal Interior

    Nav System
    17" Wheels
    Side Airbags
    All Weather Package

    Floormats
    Rear bumper protector
    Rear Cargo Mat
    Auto Dimming Mirror
    VIP Security System
    Alloy Wheel Locks

    Price $20,639.00 before taxes. I have placed the order, but have to wait until the dealer is allocated an XRS 6-speed. He was allocated one with an automatic, but that is the one feature they cannot change, and I don't want an automatic. I may be waiting a bit, but I'm very picky with my cars, and once I have made up my mind, I usually don't change it. Another dealer has the exact one I want except that it has the stone interior, and I'd rather wait for the exact specs that I've chosen. You'll probably get yours before mine, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
  • xr_matrixxr_matrix Member Posts: 96
    I am ready to order an XR Matrix today...however one thing is stopping me. I am an avid sea kayaker and mountain biker and there does not appear to be a rack available for the Matrix, well at least in Canada. Does anyone know of a rack I can get? I asked Thule about a roof adapter and there only response was not available yet. The dealer claims no rack yet...but should be something in 2 - 3 weeks...right, heard that before. Can anyone help?
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Maybe the one GM sells for the Vibe will fit.
  • petlpetl Member Posts: 610
    Car manufacturers are aware that women like SUVs and minivans for the high seating position and perceived safety offered by these types of vehicles. An informal survey on my way home last night revealed that women drive most of the CRVs I've seen. Not too sure what age they are.

    I don't agree that the CRV is a little more masculine or wealthier than the Matrix, but since styling is subjective I'll respect your point of VUE (sorry for the pun). The Matrix is not an SUV, that is an undisputed fact.

    We both agree that the buying public will determine what vehicle will best suit their individual needs. That is exactly what I was trying to illustrate with the reference to the 1964 Mustang. Targets, although well intended, may not mean anything (too many intangibles).

    Although a little off topic, I was pleased that Canada won the gold medal in Hockey (I would not have lost any sleep had USA won). It was nothing like the 1972 Canada-Russia series or even the USA triumph over the Russians in 1980. I admired the way the women handled themselves during their gold medal game(the refereeing was terrible). It was classier than Gretzky's whining display.

    Peter.
  • logic1logic1 Member Posts: 2,433
    The Canadian women and men who actually played the game were all classy. I do not watch the pro game, but here in Chicago it is also nice to hear on the news the quiet, classy expressions of pride from the Canadian Black Hawks players. I know my Dad is pretty happy (he is from Quebec). All cool.
  • happythemanhappytheman Member Posts: 10
    What company is the manufacturer of the audio systems in the Matrix?

    Brantly
  • sbell4sbell4 Member Posts: 446
    Happy is in the southeast. There are factory options and port installed options. The information I provided him is correct. Congrats on your purchase also.
  • xr_matrixxr_matrix Member Posts: 96
    dindak: Thanks for the suggestion re: Vibe roof rack. I checked with Thule and they do not offer a solution unless the Vibe was ordered with a factory rack and since Matrix does not have one...well you see my dilemma. I am wondering if the Pontiac dealer will install a factory rack on the Matrix...but I believe the Vibe racks are installed at the factory in Fremont, CA. Does anyone know this for sure?
  • smochestersmochester Member Posts: 7
    Delphi makes all three radios for the Matrix (and vibe)

    1)AM/FM w/tape & CD
    2)AM/FM w/6 disc in dash
    3)AM/FM w/DVD and 6 disc changer located under the seat.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Vibe has a standard rack, but I'm sure a replacement rack could be ordered. Any part has to be available. I would call and ask.
  • stragerstrager Member Posts: 308
    http://pc99.detnews.com/autosconsumer/autoreviews/index.hbs?myrec=141


    The review says that the Matrix engine is extremely noisy on the highway, and could get very tiring. That would mean the new Corolla is likely to be very noisy as well.

  • zombozombo Member Posts: 89
    Do you mean when you're cruising down the freeway at 70mph there is actually some kind of noise?And I thought I was buying a top of the line luxury car for less than 20k. DOOOH! Good thing the Matrix comes with a decent stereo.
  • artdechoartdecho Member Posts: 337
    What they actually say is "the one drawback to a high-revving overhead cam engine LIKE the one in the Matrix is that it TENDS to be noisy at highway speeds. Seems like they didn't even take it out on the highway.....I've seen no other reviewers complain of excessive noise....and the new Corolla is supposed to be Camry-like as far as noise levels are concerned.
    Funny they said that the engine felt really "zippy and responsive" (they reviewed the XR 4WD) where every other reviewer has said its barely adequate in terms of performance.
  • stragerstrager Member Posts: 308
    Under the likes/dislikes summary, it says "Engine is extremely noisy at highway speeds". In the main body of the review, "The one drawback to a high-revving, overhead-cam engine like the one in the Matrix is that it tends to be noisy at highway speeds. It gets really tiresome after even a short drive".

    Not having driven one, I'll wait and see if these comments are accurate.
  • slammingsxslammingsx Member Posts: 9
    I too ordered a Matrix and I am about to be put on a second dealer's waiting list. I am buying the car for my wife she has her heart set on the Navigation system. I was offered the vehicle at MSRP thats the best they can do. Most dealers in NY are asking $2000 over sticker for an XRS. (bastards) so I dont mind paying MSRP..
    Matrix XRS 6 speed (Dealer Code 1921)
    Cosmic Blue (2% in this color and features Lunar Mist 2nd Choice)
    Stone Interior

    Popular Combination B
    NV - Nav System
    AL - 17" Wheels
    BE - Side Airbags
    CK - All Weather Package
    FE - Fifty State Emissions

    Accessories
    Carpet Floormats
    Rear Bumper Protector
    Rear Cargo Mat
    VIP RS3200 Plus Security System
    All weather Mats
    Seat Back Storage & First Aid Kit

    Hey I want alloy locks too but I'll get mines on ebay or Pepboys for way less than $55 i paid about fiftenn from discount tire direct no way I'll spend $55 on those bad boys. Might even take the ones of her rodeo if they will fit.

    Brings to mind Isuzu Rodeo has to be crappiest suv ever made I hate SUV's.
  • scott31scott31 Member Posts: 292
    Dealer down here in Northern VA has the Matrix you want in Lunar Mist sitting on the lot (been there for about 2 weeks, guess no one wants to pony up the $$$ for the Nav system)

    They can add the accessories for you.

    I don't really care for the dealer, but if you want it now, they have it. Let me know. Might be able to talk them down a bit since it's been sitting there.
  • vkwheelsvkwheels Member Posts: 218
    Toyotas never appealed much to me, so I was surprised I liked the Matrix XR. I've always had small manual 2-dr coupes, except for 1 brief, sorry experience with a Vigor, so this would be a big switch. Still, it had a smooth ride, is super-practical and pretty economical. I have yet to test the XRS, and wonder how hard it would be to get it in Automatic. To those of you who ordered one/have one, please share your experiences. BTW, this is my first post here, nice to meet cha, thanks for the info so far.
  • potroastpotroast Member Posts: 13
    Since U have connections ,can U tell us what kind of steel toyota is now using on their cars,and how rust resistant is it ? Can anyone compare it to what other manufacturers use ?
  • slammingsxslammingsx Member Posts: 9
    tell me the name of the dealer might be willing to drive down there to put together a deal this weekend.
  • scott31scott31 Member Posts: 292
    It's Kay Jennings Toyota in Springfield, VA.

    As I said, I really dislike them, but if they have what you want, their isn't much choice.

    Oh, I reread your original post. The interior on the one they have is charcoal, not stone. Hope that's ok.

    They have an Indigo Ink Pearl one with Nav (and the stone interior) on the way, and should be there any day now.
  • scott31scott31 Member Posts: 292
    I know this is off topic, and we can take it to e-mail, but what didn't you like about your Vigor? I had a 1992 GS manual that never gave me any trouble, other than depreciating faster than I could count.
  • zombozombo Member Posts: 89
    Don't know if you're in NYC or NY state,but Dick Milham Toyota in Easton,PA ,right across the NJ border might be closer for you and worth trying.They deal with 7 other Toyota dealerships and found my Matrix,for retail,in less than 10 minutes in their computer at another dealer.[www.milham.com ] They are a low pressure dealership and have a toll free 800 number,so it won't cost you anything to check it out.Ask for assistant sales manager Anthony or salesman Jack. Good luck.
  • edpfsedpfs Member Posts: 14
    My wife put a deposit down to reserve a dark blue XR auto. Should be in mid to late March. Not much on it other than cruise, a bumper guard, and floor and cargo mats, all weather package, and wheel locks.

    She said she couldn't get the guy more than $300 under MSRP - total price $19,060
    17,730
    50 doc
    1200 tax
    80 title transf

    We're trading in our 98 Corolla - as the kids have gotten older, that back seat kept getting smaller. We are long time wagon fans - regret having sold our Camry wagon for a Sienna (which has the turning radius of a fully laden super tanker with a broken rudder!)

    Twist, none of my kids plays soccer, and both I and the missus are a couple of years over 37. Love having space to for the dog.

    All the literature I have seen have listed a roof rack as an option. We didn't ask about it, tho.
  • vkwheelsvkwheels Member Posts: 218
    I had a Vigor GS manual too, 1991 or 1992. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision after my 1985 Prelude was stolen for the 3rd and final time. A beautiful car, but it proved too big for me. It had these fat 20" wheels that were a bear to park with & maintenance was more expensive & the leather seats were so sweaty...I kept worrying my dog would scratch them. I had it for about a year & half. I guess I was forever worrying about this or that, then it was discontinued (more worry--availability of parts, re-sale value). I traded it in for a 1995 Nissan SE-R.
  • xr_matrixxr_matrix Member Posts: 96
    Has anyone seen a cosmic blue colored Matrix close up? I am leaning towards silver but my buddy just called me from the freeway and said a "light blue" Matrix just went by him in the outside lane and he said it looked better than the silver (IHO)...I know this is very subjective but any opinions out there?
  • matrix99matrix99 Member Posts: 4
    Took delivery two days ago. White Matrix XR.
    Options:
    All Weather Pkg
    Cruise Control
    Sport Pkg (16" alloy, moonroof)
    Sport Plus Pkg (Fog lights, ground spoilers)
    3-in-one AM/FM, Cassette, CD
    MSRP: 19,355. Paid: 19,000

    Good all around vehicle. NOT an SUV, does NOT perform like one, not a hot-rod. It's more of a stylish sport wagon.
  • badtoybadtoy Member Posts: 343
    My wife had a Celica GT with the 1ZZ engine and I have driven the Celica GT-S with the 2ZZ engine for weeks at a time. Neither engine is noisy or tiresome at freeway speeds. I don't see why the Matrix would be any different. Maybe the bozo at the Detroit news forgot to shift into 6th gear.
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    Hi matrix99- Welcome to Town Hall and congrats on your new Matrix! ;-)

    To everyone- With all the new owners here, let me know if any of you are interested in being part of the Toyota Owners Club here? At the very least we could link this discussion to that area. Any thoughts on the subject? Happy motoring!

    Revka
    Host
    Hatchbacks & Station Wagons Boards
  • andil1andil1 Member Posts: 97
    To xr matrix--I believe I saw the Cosmic Blue--it had just come off the truck in front of the dealer. It actually didn't look like either of the blues on the Toyota web site, to be truthful. It looked like a blueish silver--not really light in color. But I don't think it's the indigo either--I would expect that to look very dark blue--inky. (I'm not a blue person--I'm watching for silver or red.) But it is a very distinctive color--not one I've seen on other vehicles. Very metallic. It looked pretty clean despite its long journey!
  • TupTup Member Posts: 200
    I've seen the Cosmic blue and it would not be one of my picks. I think the color would get tiresome over time. I like the black (mine), the silver and the red.

    Was at the dealer yesterday getting my mud flaps put on....for some reason they didn't arrive with the car. I sat in a base corolla with a really light interior. The interior seemed so blah compared to the Matrix. For just a little more, I don't know why people wouldn't go for the Matrix. I also sat in a S Corolla and it was nicer...but with options it was nearly as much as a Camry.

    My dealer had sold another Matrix but he said dealers are screaming for more inventory. He said the guy who ordered his Matrix wouldn't get it for 3 months now.
  • edpfsedpfs Member Posts: 14
    Our dealer (Chicago - west burbs) had 3 on lot when I first looked. All 3 XRs, 2 silver and one dark blue, one manual, one pretty basic auto, and one 4WD w/ sport package.

    When my wife went back a couple of days later, the only one left was the silver manual. Tho I wouldn't have minded it, she wanted the auto.

    She looked thru the incoming inventory throughout the region, and found our blue XR. (They treat us well, as this is the 4th car we've bought there in about 10 years.) Doesn't look like too many XRSs are coming this way.

    Discussing colors, I suggested the light blue. She felt it might get old quickly. (We almost made a mistake and bought a light purple Corolla a few years back!)

    Our main concern was to get a color other than red. Our Sienna is red, and when the family heads to the garage, the kids ask "Which car - red or blue?" Seeing as how they are markting the Matrix, we would have been in for all kinds of trouble if both were red and the kids had to ask "Which car, minivan or - um, special hauler, uh - unidentified transport, station wagon, ground rocket, hatchback, sports car thingy?" Probably would have had to sell one of the cars to pay for therapy!
  • xr_matrixxr_matrix Member Posts: 96
    In Canada, we are having the same problem with inventory levels, The only way I can get the one I want is to have the dealer change his allocation (his order) to match my request. He is only allocated 1 per month to start...If I do this, I must do it before the 10th of March for June delivery and if I wait any longer I risk someone else doing this before me. So essentially I would be ordering the car to be built. Quite often dealers in a region will trade around vehicles to meet customer needs but he made 2 calls and both of the other dealers laughed at him...said "Are you crazy...give up a matrix!, I am charging full retail and could probably get more!" So looks like it is June or nothing for me...or take the black auto XR in stock but I don't like automatics!

    I wish we had your (U.S.) choice of options...in Canada we are pigeoned holed into models only. The base model has once pkg but that is it. When you look at XR you choose color and transmission only...any other option is dealer installed. We can't even get a moonroof!
  • edpfsedpfs Member Posts: 14
    Whether it's options on the Matrix or a gold medal in figure skating, you see someone else has something nice and you think you deserve the same! ;)
  • subzero206subzero206 Member Posts: 111
    if you go to any website where you can price the car out with options a Corolla LE w/leather and moonroof is under 18k MSRP. an S model loaded is about the same price. i dont think thats close to a Camry w/same options plus the Camry is UGLY.

    am i the only one who likes Cosmic Blue? i saw a Matrix commercial on t.v. and they had a cosmic blue its kind of hard to tell at first glance it looks like silver. i think it looks nice especially since every other car out there is silver.
  • zukhovzukhov Member Posts: 34
    I ordered a cosmic blue XR a couple of weeks ago in the Toronto area. I didn't get to see an example at the time, so I was definitely taking a chance. I caught one the other day at another dealer. I wasn't disappointed. It looked like a mix of silver and blue, and looked nice. Reading the other messages about long delivery times, it looks like it's going to be quite the wait. They probably only produce a very limited # (particularly with manual) in some of these colours.
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    Hi Folks- We're thinking of creating a new folder in our Town Hall Toyota Owner's Club for both Corolla and Matrix owners combined. Being that the Matrix is built on the Corolla platform we thought this would be a good idea.... this would give you an opportunity to share information with Corolla owners, and vice versa.

    What do people think of that idea? You can post your feedback here, or feel free to send me an email. Thanks.

    Revka
    Host
    Hatchbacks & Station Wagons Boards
  • cowdoodoocowdoodoo Member Posts: 7
    I'm trying to decide between Cosmic Blue and Super White Matrix XR. I saw the white at a dealer and it looked really nice. Most of the dealers in the NYC area don't have any Cosmic Blue coming in until April.

    Any opinion on which color looks better?
  • deagleddeagled Member Posts: 20
    How many XRS owners do we have here?
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Carmax Toyota on Route 1 in Laurel (http://www.carmax.com) has about 6 Matrices on their lot, according to their website. I thought two of them would be of particular interest.

    Both are AUTOMATIC XRS models. One is black with a $22,825 MSRP going for $22,325. The other is an Ice Blue XRS AUTOMATIC with a $21,175 MSRP going for $20678. CarMax has no-haggle prices too.

    I thought the Matrix was pretty much going at MSRP. I guess not then.

    I still have not been able to test drive one yet. I like them alot, as well as the new Altima. I just got a new car though (2002 Jetta 1.8T), so I am only "window shopping". :) But what can a test drive hurt? (Of course, I said the same thing when I wanted to test the Jetta. I drove it home 3 hours later.) :)
  • matrix99matrix99 Member Posts: 4
    I welcome the idea of an owner's club. It is always appropriate, especially for cars that have a lot of enthusiasts (there is little to no point in having a Buick LeSabre owners club)

    For the Matrix?.. you got my vote!!
  • matrix99matrix99 Member Posts: 4
    I personally prefer Super White. Cosmic Blue is a good color, but Matrix's cosmic blue is one of the worst light blue/silver/grey combo color out there. Compare it with steel blue by BMW. (I know, Matrix vs BMW? but we are just comparing visual color here, not the car itself)

    It just does not spark the kind of excitement a cosmic blue should. The super white, on the other hand, looks very sleek and neat. Kinda gives you the feeling when you are in a nice well-pressed white shirt with your favorite tie. (I wear t-shirt and jeans 95% of the time, FYI).
  • TupTup Member Posts: 200
    On carcost Canada, a S Corolla with automatic and "B" option package (sunroof, power windows etc) costs 23,440 with freight. A Camry LE without auto costs $24,900 so yes I guess there is a couple of thousand between.
  • astevensonastevenson Member Posts: 1
    Had the car for about a week. Steering is sharp, shifter and clutch are both fine to my likes. I test drove an auto and bought the manual sight unseen. IMO the manual is quite a bit more responsive and will utilize the torque much better. I expect to get much better gas mileage. This is my 4th Toyota (2 camry v6, 2 avalon's) and the reliability has been great. I hope this follows the pattern. Has anybody observed mileage with a manual. I have put almost 200 miles on and it is not down to 1/2 yet. I previously owned a Corolla wagon and it was great little car. I bought that one used and it's reliability was great. Unfortunately there are two car salesmen out there (P5 & civic si) that did'nt get a sale. No contest for space utility etc. Wil post from time to time as put more miles on. By the way I am not inthe target age group - I'm on the wrong side of 70.
  • slammingsxslammingsx Member Posts: 9
    As is the case in most new car transactions you always come away with the color you were not quite wanting. The cosmic blue is extremely rare as less than 2% will be XRS with DVD Nav. I think we have a silver that we are waiting for. If its blue good for her but right now she wants the DVD nav more than anything else.
    My wife drove the Mazda MP5 and she said it sucked I didn't get to drive it but I drove the XR and the XRS I think the XR was more responsive and took of better than the XRS but the exhaust note on the XRS was music to my ears.
    Oh the shifting on the XRS is by far one of the smoothest I've felt in a while. The shift height is also perfect and comfortable I thought I was gonna dislike it but it left me wondering why all manuals didnt have their shfter there in the first place. I bet in five years it gonna be common place the civic is gonna be there on the si i bet honda will guage the response and follow suit with outting them all there.
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