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They claim shipping is $900 but my dealer thought $995.
Anyhow, the XR with AWD is listed at $25,100 inc freight but it would be $1000 more for automatic. Carcost lists a weird GT package which I don't think exists. If it does...it would add the 180hp engine to the AWD vehicle!
All you really need to add is air conditioning, which is standard in the US of course. Doesn't Toyota know about global warming?
Considering the weather today, the AWD doesn't sound so bad.
I guess they figure that sunlight from the moonroof will wash out the screen? I believe the moonroof comes standard on the XRS, that may be why you can't get it.
I don't know who these configurations are "popular" with, other than Toyota Marketing people playing the Toyota options game and trying to maximize their profit margins on the Matrix. Whatever happened to the "affordable" Matrix for young people?
This is the same thing that Toyota did when they introduced the RAV4 in '96, loading it up with lots of expensive frills. That resulted in driving up the median age of the RAV4 buyer into the mid 40s, not the mid 20s as Toyota wanted.
Now, as for quality concerns, I noticed someone posted on the alt.autos.toyota newsgroup who worked at the Cambridge plant who said it was a great car. I emailed him and here is part of his reply when I asked about quality:
"The only problem that the plant has had is we lauched 2 new vehicles at the same time. The new body style Corolla and the brand new matrix. So the line workers are finding it tough to build. But the quality is top of the line. The only reason for production slow downs are if we do
have a quality issue they stop production until it is resolved. Which creates slow downs but insures the quality aspect. I worked with the Matrix for around 5 months before production and it has been the best pilot vehicle with the fewest quality issues in the history of the Toyota plant in Cambridge."
So that sounds good to me! He even offered to give me some history on my vehicle if I gave him the serial.
Do you know what the production numbers are going to be for the Matrix this year? I thought I heard somewhere 70,000. The one dealer I've talked to over the phone is trying to say the numbers are going to be low and bump up the price he's quoting. I did get him 1000 under MSRP but that still leave about 1000 on top of invoice for the configuration I was looking at.
p.s. I had a cherokee sport for 6 months so her visions of 4wd are offroading trucks, see my problem?
Thank you all for your help.
Thanks for your help.
The only thing I didn't like about the Matrix (actually about Toyota) is that the Matrix seems to have an infinite combination of options and configurations for a model that is supposed to sell only 70,000 per year. There are 3 trim levels + 2wd/4wd + 7 colors + 6-10 options on each trim level + additional option "packages". The dealer said I would be better off ordering what I want, because no 2 vehicles will be alike and there's no telling what configurations Toyota will ship from month to month.
I can't believe Toyota is trying to make it difficult for customers to find the Matrix that they want. Oh well.
For example, if you go to the website for Toyota, and try to build a Matrix, you are asked for your zip code. You will then find a grand total of about two possible configurations for any particular model.
So, are you sure you can order what you want? Last time I was told this, eventually I was told that the vehicle would not be arriving, and wouldn't I really rather take one off the lot? (with ABS AND a moonroof, no thanks--I bought a Pontiac Grand Prix GTP instead--I wanted ABS but NO moonroof!)
The above should link to the townhall wagon's forum "AWD, RWD, FWD, which is best?" thread.
Revka
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I may hold off and see if Toyota revises the 2 combinations on the XR available here. Both have a bunch of "options" that I don't really want. Toyota "options' are nothing but fantasy. On one hand they talk about customer satisfaction, then they start off with this incredibly complicated scheme which will get most buyers frustrated.
I've waited quite a while for the Matrix/Vibe to make market but must confess I think I'll test drive the 2002 CR-v again before making up my mind.
For the life of me however, I can't understand at ALL why you can't get the 17" wheels with the sunroof on the XRS. "Who are the ad wizards that came up with this one?" Anyways, a nice ride though.
Oh well, I might pop in on my way home if I have the time.
If I want ABS and power windows (ignoring the XRS) I must go for the AWD XR for $24000. I was thinking ABS with winter tires would be fine for 2WD.
The AWD comes with power locks but not power windows, I've never seen that combo before. I love opening the rear passenger side window in summer so I just got to have power windows.
This car has been heavily advertised, and as such demand will likely be strong. Dealers won't discount this car very much if at all.
Initially, you may see them going for OVER sticker price.
You may be better off waiting for the Vibe (if the styling is OK with you), as GM dealers are better known to wheel and deal.
On the 4WD, the B package also gives you power coloured mirrors and cruise control.
Funny things: you can't get the leather auto shift knob on the XRS, you can only get the security system on the XRS even though the manual tranny model is cheaper than the 4WD XR, and you can only get ABS on the XRS and 4WD models for some reason. It seems the much touted 115v plug is only available on the XRS.
Edberg? Where did you see the dark blue one? That's the exact color I've been looking for?
Well, the screen in the Matrix Nav system does not flip down like in the Camry to reveal the CD and Cassette slots. Also, the CD player in the Matrix is located under the seat, according to Toyota's web pages on the Matrix.
I really like the Camry navigation system much better. Too bad you can't get the same exact system in the Matrix.
Got the car ,got the T-shirt. , Most dealers said It wood take a while 2 get color we wanted,maybe till April. We went 2 Funks in Mb. on Feb.12 th, on Feb. 19th. we were driving it home with dealer undercoating.!They found one in transit and deverted it , Only complaint,clutch 2 close 2 footrest ,hard 2 do with boots on,reversing mats makes starting easier.Most bodyshop guys say Undercoating worth cost ,it was recomended from dealer because they should no what shouldn't be coated ,re: venting ,etc.and less chance 4 contamination,lifetime gurantee from dealer,I was concerned about driving on gravel roads,rustproofing- depending on how long U want 2 keep it ,But most any body panel cost at least $300.00 is what they said.
The wheel thing catches most people by surprise. But the car handles like a Mercedes,I can tell U that.
I like the idea of sitting higher in the CR-V, but found that even with the maximum seat height adjustment, I would have liked it higher(I'm 5'9) to give me a really commanding view. Since you've driven both, how do you compare the driver's seat height of the CR-V to Matrix? Also, is the Matrix ride bumpy as some reviews say? Look forward to your comments.
Driving this vehicle is terrific! The shifter is extremely nice. The vehicle has a very solid feel and the driving height is quite nice. The alloy wheels look very nice as well. I might have picked different tires other than the Goodyear Eagle RSA.
They also got 2 Corollas in and they are very large looking. Parked next to a Camry it's hard to see the difference. The interior is not as nice on the CE corollas though...no comparison to the Matrix.
All in all we're very happy with the deal, the dealership and the vehicle. If I were to do it again though...I would get an XR since it is the best value if you want options.