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Toyota Matrix

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Comments

  • alexiskaialexiskai Member Posts: 21
    Picked up my base model Matrix today, and I just have a bit of advice after my (generally positive) experience. First, there's a bunch of stuff like the cargo nets and tiedowns that comes in plastic bags stowed under the floor of the trunk near the jack. Be sure the salesman explains the function of all these things; some of them are pretty cryptic. Also find out how to get to the spare tire, which isn't intuitive.

    Second, empty the glovebox. My glovebox contained the grommets to hold down the floormat and two little plugs that go under the car and fulfill some unknown function. These were easy for me to install, but you should check before you drive off in case you need assistance.

    Third, check all the usual things, particularly the lights and tire pressures (my tires were a little low). If you're concerned about the DRL sensor issues some people have reported, be sure the salesman shows you where the sensor is.

    Fourth, remember the break-in procedures. If you're coming from an old beat-up car like I was, a new car like the Matrix can drift up over 55 without you really noticing.

    Fifth, and this is just my opinion, take time to decipher the stereo _before_ you drive off. There's nothing like trying to divine how to skip tracks or set the equalizer while negotiating intersections at speed.

    As for my impressions of the car, I like it. No visibility issues with the instrument panel, though giving pride of place to the external temperature gauge seems to me a questionable decision. No problems accelerating, within 55 mph anyway. Many many storage compartments - you will end up losing something in these sooner or later. Also many attachment points for things like luggage tiedowns and child safety seats. Very thoughtful additions. The steering column is unusually short, which can be a problem in the long-legged because we want to put the seat all the way back, but then stretching our arms to reach the wheel makes the shoulders move forward and puts stress on the back. I'll probably just move the seat up. I'm not terribly impressed by the stereo or the cheap black wheels with plastic covers, but I suppose at $15,600 I got what I paid for.
  • deltawhip1deltawhip1 Member Posts: 8
    hey! y'all heard of the TRD supercharger you can buy for the matrix/vibe? (you guys must have, i just started coming here and haven't read many previous posts) yup, it puts out an extra 67 hp! that means 247 hp on tap! this is definitely the first thing going into my matrix when i get one!

    peace
  • shadow03shadow03 Member Posts: 18
    Thanks Zombo, 1matrix and raven18. After the break-in (the Vibe manual says you have to vary your speed during break-in, so I didn't use cruise control except to test that it was working until I hit 500 miles), I was cruising along a U.S. Highway at 62 mph and stopped at one of those random stop lights you hit on U.S. Highways. I accelerated back to about 55 and hit resume to take me back to 62, and lo and behold, nothing happened.

    It's funny - I used to work for a car magazine and drove lots of Toyotas and Lexi, and I never noticed that the cruise control did that. But if you guys say that this is the way Toyota cruise control systems work, I'll take your word for it. Thanks again for you help.
  • alexiskaialexiskai Member Posts: 21
    TRDSportParts.com shows no Matrix supercharger for sale, nor have I seen it at any retail sites or mentioned on websites as anything more than something TRD is working on for future release. I'd be thrilled to be wrong, though - what evidence do you have, deltawhip1?
  • joelisjoelis Member Posts: 315
    Even if this Supercharger you are talking about (which powered the special pace cars in Long Beach earlier this month) does somehow become available to the general public - you better check with your warranty coverage first. As it is, it would probably be voided.

    Remember that this is a COROLLA. You'd be smokin the stock clutch and differential with 250hp faster than you could say BURNOUT.
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    will not in and of itself void a warranty. This is actually against the law. What can happen is if the dealer can prove that the aftermarket part caused or contributed to the problem one is trying to get repaired under warranty then the dealer is not bound by the warranty and won't repair unless paid by the owner.

    Stephen
  • 1matrix1matrix Member Posts: 47
    Anyone who's ordered a Matrix--did your dealer inform you of it's "build" date right when you ordered, or did you have to wait to find out?

    It's been about a month since I placed my order (Gulf States Toyota region), and my dealer still can't tell me what the build date will be. Any help would be appreciated.
  • zukhovzukhov Member Posts: 34
    When I bought the XR in mid Feb, they said it would be 'about 6 weeks'. Only around 3 weeks ago, did they give me a build date in July. The delivery date is late July or early August. I can't stand waiting so long.
  • semanticssemantics Member Posts: 51
    If you have a special order on Matrix and it is a confirmed order, then your dealer should have a build-week immediately. That is how order-builds work on domestically built cars for Toyota.

    Cars built in Japan, dealers do not know til about 2-3 weeks before the car arrives at port. But, Matrix, if the order is true, it's kown immediately what build date is.
  • matrix123matrix123 Member Posts: 14
    Could someone tell me what the best speed/RPM is for the break-in period? Also, how long does the break-in last? I know, it's all in the manual, but I would like to get some advice from people who had actual life experience. I took delivery of my black Matrix two weeks ago and so far have 1000 km on it, mostly city, driving at ~ 50-85 km/h, 2000-4000RPM.

    Also, a friend of mine just bought a 2003 Corolla. he was told that he has to come in for an oil change at 2000 km. I asked my dealer's service rep twice, and he said that my first oil change should be at 8000 km. Who is right? Thanks for your help.
  • subzero206subzero206 Member Posts: 111
    the warranty will not be voided because its gonna be made by TRD which is part of toyota.
  • xr_matrixxr_matrix Member Posts: 96
    The key to a break-in period is to simply drive sensibly for the 1600km (1000mi) period. You should not redline, cruise at 90mph, hard brake stops, cruise constantly at one speed etc. It has more to do with this behaviour than a certain RPM or speed range. In fact the dealership said not to worry too much about break-in...just keep in mind the rules above and you will be fine.

    Looks like your driving style above will be perfect for a break-in.

    8000km is the first scheduled oil change in both the Corolla and the Matrix. Your friend is having the dealership make a little more money of him. It does not hurt to change the oil early, but it is not a requirement on the maintenance schedule. Hope your are enjoying the Matrix. I am less than a week into my XRS and loving it. That 6spd is one sweet transmission...the closer ratio it provides really makes the car feel like it has a lot more torgue than only 130 ft/lbs.

    1100km and counting...
  • southpaw1southpaw1 Member Posts: 34
    When I ordered my Matrix they didn't know when it would arrive. They kept giving me different dates of when to expect it. They would move the date up and then push it back and then move it up again and then the car would not arrive. They finally admitted they didn't know. I got frustrated and found the car myself in another state via the internet and bought the car there. My original dealer finally called and told me my ordered car had come in. I can't understand how they didn't know it would come in until the day it arrived. If they did know they were stupid cause they lost a sale they had in their pocket. Consider yourself lucky it you can get a delivery date.
  • jlpredjlpred Member Posts: 3
    Seems rumors are running rampid about this. From what I've heard, (from the administrator of the toyota guys forum) the supercharger (if it ever comes out)will only be available for the 130 hp engine. The 11:1 compression of the 2zz engine will not handle any extra boost. If it is made, it will not void the toyota warranty because it is made by TRD. I'm holding off my purchase of either Matrix/Protoge5 until either one (TRD/Mazdaspeed) commit to a supercharger/turbocharger.
  • alexiskaialexiskai Member Posts: 21
    I agree, the Toyota dealers seem to be out of the loop on simple delivery questions. Sometimes it works the other way, though. Last Friday I checked in with my sales rep, and he said they were looking at May 4 for delivery. The next morning he called, sounding awfully surprised, and said it had just rolled off the truck and would I like to come and get it? That seems to be the exception rather than the rule, though.
  • barresa62barresa62 Member Posts: 1,379
    Once again folks....you need to be clear that even if the TRD supercharger wasn't covered under warranty by Toyota, it wouldn't void the rest of the powertrain std warranty unless Toyota could demonstrate the supercharger had a role whatever failure is being reported for warranty work. :-)

    Stephen
  • 1matrix1matrix Member Posts: 47
    Thanks to all who responded to my original question on build dates. I will try to at least get my dealer to confirm that my order has been accepted by Toyota. Hopefully, my vehicle will be ready by the end of May or early June. I know how frustrating it can be waiting for a MATRIX!
  • raven18raven18 Member Posts: 33
    Went to TRD site last night, they just added a subwoofer with amp, for anyone interested in upgrading their sound system. As for rumours of a supercharger for 130hp matrix, I e-mailed them and got a confirmation that one would be available late '02 or early '03. If you need any more info on that contact Daniel P +AEA-1-800-327-2087 (Jay Marks Toyota in Houston Tx.)
  • ed_scott0013ed_scott0013 Member Posts: 64
    Nice work! I guess the people complaining about an anemic Matrix will finally get their wish.
  • alexiskaialexiskai Member Posts: 21
    Can you put in a link to that TRD subwoofer? I can't find it.
  • alshariffalshariff Member Posts: 11
    Folks,


    Like everyone else, I too am enthusiastically waiting to hear about a TRD supercharger. I picked up a XRS a month ago and am quite happy with it. However, I'd love to increase the torque generated by this engine. Hence TRD's supercharger is the answer.


    I know its hard to supercharge a high compression engine, but if you only add 4-7 psi boost, you can significantly alter its torque characteristics. Just remember, cooling is key!


    Here's a TRD link which hints at whats coming. If they use it on a pace car, they can market it for the street.


    http://www.toyota.com/motorsports/cart/inside_track/solara_is300.html

  • raven18raven18 Member Posts: 33
    alexiskai the site I found the subwoofer on is http://www.toyotaworld.com/accessories/matrix_sub.htm (it's not made by trd, however. There is also a bazooka tube type on the market too, but I can't remember the site I found it on, if I come across it again, i'll post it for you.
  • raven18raven18 Member Posts: 33
    for those who would like to see a tricked out matrix go to http://www.urbanracer.com/headline/matrix_040102.html
  • sbell4sbell4 Member Posts: 446
    "PIO" code RS1 is available for the southeast. Retails for 299.00
  • just_some_guyjust_some_guy Member Posts: 52
    alexiskai was asking about a TRD subwoofer, is that what the "bazooka" sub is?
  • subzero206subzero206 Member Posts: 111
    TRD does not make audio equipment.
  • just_some_guyjust_some_guy Member Posts: 52
    Any idea what the subwoofer that Alexski is talking about is?
  • raven18raven18 Member Posts: 33
    alexiskai, found the bazooka subwoofer site here it is http://www.toyotaparts4u.com as for the confusion of the subwoofers being TRD, they are not-I was linked to jay marks toyota site via the TRD site, TRD makes performance parts and not audio equipment.
  • alexiskaialexiskai Member Posts: 21
    Yeah, I knew about that one. It was the reference to the subwoofer on a "TRD site" that confused me. If TRD made a subwoofer it would have to be one that boosted your bass AND directed low-frequency waves into the engine compartment to enhance fuel combustion.
  • jvkalrajvkalra Member Posts: 98
    This is just about the perfect car: compact, but roomy hatch, distinctive styling, handles well, small turning circle, Toyota quality.....but, impossible to find a power-everything Matrix XR without those busy-looking body add-ons.

    Styling is a very subjective thing, and for me the base Matrix is the most stylish of all. But Toyota doesn't offer (even as options), many essential features like power mirrors and a seat height adjuster on the base trim. What was Toyota thinking%@&!*#???:(
  • footiefootie Member Posts: 636
    Here in New England, slippery roads and wintery weather are the norm. Do you think any of the Toyota dealers are ordering XR's or Base units with ABS. Nope. I haven't found one yet. Manual trannys are in short supply too!
    My favorite dealer (Boch) has 21 Matrix in stock (their inventory is growing). 20 are base units with automatic. 1 XR with automatic. No ABS.
    This car is targetted at young people. Would you send your kids out in a non-ABS car here.
    No way.
    Time to wake UP Toyota!
  • dogtrainerdogtrainer Member Posts: 96
    I think your beef is with the dealers or distributor in your area, not with Toyota. In the Mid-Atlantic area, there are many with ABS. I do wonder why Toyota does not make it standard though.
  • footiefootie Member Posts: 636
    Hi Dogtrainer
    You are probably right, though it's my understanding that the 'allocation' is done regionally by Toyota tops down and different dealerships get to take from the allocation.

    Where in the Mid-Atlantic should I look at a dealership to see what they have that meets our needs: XR: 2WD, ABS, Manual transmission?
    Thanks for the feedback
  • stragerstrager Member Posts: 308
    My understanding is that configuring cars is very much a tops down process at Toyota. The configurations are driven by the need to meet target profit margins on the particular model. Dealers can request their allocation from the configurations available that month (configurations can change monthly).

    Toyota has to sell 70,000 Matrices the first year. They know they will sell every one of them, regardless of whether the hundreds of possible configurations are frustrating customers trying to find the right vehicle. It's hard to fathom how Toyota, with all the smart people working for them, doesn't understand that these option games result in customer dissatisfaction, and increase manufacturing cost.

    In Japan, virtually every Toyota is custom ordered by the customer and delivered in a few days. In the US, trying to place an order with a Toyota dealer is like pulling teeth, with no guarantee that the order will be delivered correctly. Toyota needs to either clearly offer a customer friendly build-to-order system in the US, or have 2-3 trim levels all easily available at the dealer (without factory options), just like Honda.
  • sfrohsfroh Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone heard that Toyota may decide to stop production of the XRS Automatic? Or was a particular dealership trying to get me to buy the in-stock 6-speed?

    Of the XRS Automatic owners, have any problems arisen with the transmission?

    Thanks
  • petlpetl Member Posts: 610
    Yes I would send my kid to buy a vehicle without ABS. The jury is still out the overall effectiveness of ABS. It is not the safety feature that many thought it would be. It gives too many people a false sense of security.

    In four years of ownership, our ABS equipped vehicle was activated only twice. It was scary. It was in icy, snowy conditions and we were not travelling fast. The stopping distance was actually longer than what we had experienced in our non-ABS equipped vehicle (under similar conditions).

    I'm not saying that ABS is not beneficial in some circumstances but it is not good in all driving conditions. The one redeeming benefit is that you can steer the vehicle during its application.

    Incidentally just received a call from the dealer. Our Matrix has arrived (ordered Feb. 16, 2002). Yes it is ABS equipped.
  • joelisjoelis Member Posts: 315
    You are so right about ABS being overrated. I have never been a fan of ABS (probably because I learned to drive without it). I find it more of a hindrance than a benefit.

    The only place where I see an advantage is for panic stops on dry roads. Whereas, it is actually very dangerous (and annoying) on icy roads as you mentioned.

    I am glad that they still have it as an option on some vehicles.

    On the other hand, I still don't understand why Airbags (side) are an option. If they have it, why not put it in each vehicle. Who would not want it? They would just hide it in the price anyway (like they do with the front bags), and no one would ever know the difference.
  • raven18raven18 Member Posts: 33
    petl, your so right about ABS. The thing that puzzles me about brakes is why do they still have drum brakes on the rear wheels? I mean ABS helps you stop without locking up your brakes, but why not put disc brakes on all four corners. I know that the XRS does have four wheel discs, but it's not even offered as an option on the base and XR. However, you can get ABS as an option on the XR. I owned a 1981 turbo trans am, and it had four wheel discs-here it is 2002 and carmakers are still using drums on the rears? Don't disc brakes shorten your stopping distance? Wouldn't that be as good an option as ABS?
  • seminole_kevseminole_kev Member Posts: 1,696
    on small FWD cars, it really all happens up front. Yes you still need to have some stopping power at the rear for balance, but upfront is where it comes into play on these small cars. Drums can give you equal stopping distance as discs. Some of the fastest stopping small cars have drums at the back. The problem is that they are more subject of fade since they "bake" in the drum.

    This part is my opinion, but I'd rather have a small, FWD car with great discs up front and drums in the rear than a small, FWD car with average discs all around. Although discs look cooler than plain old drums :-)
  • footiefootie Member Posts: 636
    Dear Manual Brake fans....
    I understand that next year's Formula 1 cars will be using ABS-based trraction control because the cars can go faster, stop quicker, corner better and are safer than those without. But time will tell.
    Perhaps there's a superman class foot out there that will come out of nowhere to pilot a 1961 Austin Healy 100-6 with mechanical brakes to victory in Lemans, embarrasing the horde of technically marvelous, safer and faster Porsches, Audis, and other cars in a humbling display of physics, physique and psyche.
    Foot modulation forever!
  • footiefootie Member Posts: 636
    The search for a 2WD/manual XR with ABS led me to look at dealer inventory in Baltimore (based on Dogtrainer's advice above in msg 1232 - thank you!). Yep, sitting right there is a 2WD/auto XR with ABS. Contacting the dealer indicates that there's a manual inbound to them. 11 infact are headed into the region.

    I asked why doesn't this happen in Boston where ABS (for some of those that like it) is much appreciated.

    Go to Toyota.com and do a build your own for a Matrix. Put in a Boston zip code and it gives you pricing with a few popular option packages ( as opposed to individually optioning things out ). None of the Boston area 'Popular' option packages have ABS. To get it, you have to special order ....or buy a 4WD auto XR or XRS.

    Go back to the toyota.com build-your-own web page and put in the zip code of Jerry's Toyota in Baltimore (21236). Specify a 2WD / manual Matrix and the "Popular" options packages are totally different than in Boston. The first 3 Baltimore ones include ABS.

    So, perhaps one way to get the Matrix approximately as you want it is to poke around in the different Toyota regions nearby and see if its "Popular".

    If this works then why in the world would I order a car from a local dealer to meet my specs, if I could get what I wanted an airplane hop away and drive it home. The last time I looked that was much quicker than waiting and waiting and waiting.
  • footiefootie Member Posts: 636
    Dear Manual Brake fans....
    I understand that next year's Formula 1 cars will be using ABS-based trraction control because the cars can go faster, stop quicker, corner better and are safer than those without. But time will tell.
    Perhaps there's a superman class foot out there that will come out of nowhere to pilot a 1961 Austin Healy 100-6 with mechanical brakes to victory in Lemans, embarrasing the horde of technically marvelous, safer and faster Porsches, Audis, and other cars in a humbling display of physics, physique and psyche.
    Foot modulation forever!
  • civicwcivicw Member Posts: 135
    must provide a lot of job security to people devising these packages at Toyota.
  • xr_matrixxr_matrix Member Posts: 96
    For those shopping for Roof Racks, please see my post in Accessories and Modifications...
  • edpfsedpfs Member Posts: 14
    Just took my first "road trip" in my Matrix, and tho it ws only a couple of hours each way, I noticed a couple of things that I was less than thrilled with. Don't get me wrong - I still like this car a lot, and it is great for my running errands around town, but these were a couple of things I had not noticed before , and that mayy not be immediately noticeable upon a test drive.

    1. There is apparently some overlap between the driver's sun visor bumps and the rear view mirror.
    Since I would be on the road for a couple of hours, I got the mirrors just where I wanted them. Then I was headed into the sun so I had to put my visor down all the way - but when I did, it bumped into the mirror and moved it. Then when the road curved, I moved the visor, which hit the mirror again meaning I needed to readjust my mirror again. After repeating this 3 or 4 times, it became a minor irritant. I do not recall this in other cars I've owned.

    2. The arm rests, both on the door and center console, are none too soft. I never realized this on short trips, and when the weather was cooler, I usually had on long sleeves and/or jackets. But with a t-shirt on, my bony little elbows became less than comfy rather quickly during a longish drive.

    3. I know I have mentioned the issue of the odometer/temp guage when wearing polarized shades. The clock and radio controls were also invisible. It was a little frustrating to have to keep looking at my watch, instead of just shifting over to look at the clock. And I had to take off my shades to see how much further I had to go. And in bright mid-day sun, I got a bit of a glare off of the chrome rim of the speedometer.

    4. I'm not exactly sure what causes this, but both my wife and I have noticed that on certain types of pavement the car makes a kind of rocking motion. I experience it on my street which was just resurfaced last year, and noticed it on an entrance ramp and certain portions of the expressway. Not a huge swaying, but something I did not previously notice in my 98 Corolla over the same roads. Maybe the suspension is just tighter giving more feedback over pavement seams/irregularities.

    I admit, minor irritants all, but I thought possibly worth mentioning.

    On the positive side, got just under 30 MPG on my 3d tank.
  • joelisjoelis Member Posts: 315
    How do those F1 cars do on ice and snow? Ya, thats what I thought.

    Like I said before, ABS works fine on DRY roads. It becomes a nuisance and hazzard when the roads turn ugly, when you could really use some useful assistance.
  • wazappawazappa Member Posts: 32
    I agree, ABS is OK on dry pavement but at best is a total pain in the rear, if not outright dangerous on snow and ice! I live in MN and after driving two cars and one truck with ABS and would rather not have it here. I now have three cars and one truck, all without ABS.
  • raven18raven18 Member Posts: 33
    seminole kev, your probably right about having drums on the rear of light, front wheel drive, but how would you explain the use of 4 wheel discs on the xrs? Is it because the xrs is faster, so it needs to stop faster? How about the all wheel drive matrices-the base and xr have drums on the rear? Of all the cars I have owned, i've noticed that the ones with 4 wheel discs have always seemed to stop quicker, and also pads have lasted longer-but it could be the type of brakes they used or the manufacturer? I currently own a '99 VW beetle and they have the best brakes i've ever had on any car. What are your thoughts on this? I would just like the option of 4 wheel discs.
  • bearabullbearabull Member Posts: 3
    I looked on invoicedealers.com to find out the option prices. I then went to my local dealer, told him I wanted the Standard features on the XR 2WD auto with cruise and moonroof. I was able to order it in Feb and just got a call about a week ago that it was accepted and I should have it around the beginning of June. I am getting it for 550 over invoice.
  • bexleybexley Member Posts: 10
    Just a quick questions on Matrix sound system w/ Navigation:

    1) Does anyone know the power output of the audio system/speakers with the Navigation System and 6-Disc CD-changer?
    2) Will it play burnt CD's?
    3) Besides the Navigation capabilities, what are some of the other features of the Navigation system/screen?
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