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2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Autoweek just ran a big section on SEMA tuner stuff, and TRD had a display which included the supercharger for the base corolla and Matrix engines.
I know the Matrix has two (the 130 and 180 horsepower engines), but is there any engine in the Corolla other than the base engine?
Word on the gauges is, they have illuminated the odo/outside temperature section in the '04 with white light instead of red, but the gauges themselves are still a deep red...I can live with it. If they came out with a white gauge pack like corolla I would pay to retrofit it, but the little odo section is not worth the trouble!
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Anyway, I think the supercharger would be a neat idea, but we'll have to wait and see what TRD has to say regarding availability and pricing.
It is tempting for those of us (like me) that thought the power band of the XRS engine is just too narrow...this will bring almost the same hp gain, but with a corresponding torque gain at lower rpms.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
You mentioned you'll probably buy the Matrix instead of the Vibe.
Can you tell me why?
I'm having a very hard time with this for basically only a few reasons (I'll be buying a 2004 Matrix or Vibe):
1) In Canada, if you want ABS brakes on the 2004 Matrix, you have to buy an entire option package at $2000 CAD that includes the moonroof (I don't want one), fog lamps and 17" wheels (I had already settled on buying a 2004 Corolla because I couldn't afford a 2004 Sienna, but then decided the Matrix would fill the bill for my "utility" needs, so I don't want any rougher a ride than the move from the 195/15's of the Corolla LE to the 205/16's of the Matrix XR).
I WANT ABS BRAKES and fog lamps, but I DON'T WANT A ROUGHER RIDE and a moonroof! But, I do want the Toyota nameplate and the cleaner looks.
2) The Vibe has the foglamps already built in and ABS w/side curtain airbags is an $1135 option. We don't get side curtain airbags as an option on the Matrix.
3) The Vibe has a built-in roof rack - I'm leary that it will cause wind noise at all times, whether I need it or not (although I can see me using it for trips).
4) You can only get the 6 speaker stereo on the XRS (I want to drive an automatic and don't need the 180 HP).
5) Resale value of Pontiac vs. Toyota.
6) I like the cladding on lower area and wheel wheels of the Pontiac, but don't want to pay an extra $1100 to have them match the rest of the car. They come in gray if you don't pay the premium. I also wonder if all that cladding helps with lessening rust or actually increases the chance of rust because you can't get behind the cladding to clean the steel areas, and those areas may not dry out as quickly. I live in the center of Canada where we have lots of snow and road salt, etc.
That's about it. I think the Toyota service will be better than the Pontiac dealerships.
So, I guess my question is this again, for those of you who bought the base or XR, why did you buy the Toyota and not the Vibe?
Thanks for any and all of your comments!
... Greg
If so, what were you decisions for choosing the Matrix XR over the Corolla LE (for comparison purposes)?
Are you happy with your decision?
Thanks!
... Greg
Plus, TRD had a S/C kit for the previous corolla for several years, which used the same block.
Plus I much prefer S/C to turbo in general, and I would not want to deal with all the bugaboos that crop up with Jettas. I've got a Toyota dealer I like for service.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Some notes in reference to what you wrote:
(1) In california ABS comes as a stand-alone option if you like, and I have seen cars on the lots equipped this way (I didn't get it - don't like it)
(2) side airbags are also a stand-alone option on all grades of Matrix here
(4) you can get the 6-speaker stereo upgrade any time you want on any Matrix, if not as a factory option, then as a dealer accessory.
(5) resale of Toyota beats that of Pontiac
(6) cladding is good to have if you live in an area with lots of gravel and snow/mud in winter...
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Couple of other reasons to pick the Matrix over the Vibe:
1) The Matrix comes with a cassette and a CD, which is important to me because I can use the cassette deck to listen to my MP3 player.
2) Some say that the visibility from inside the Matrix is a little better because of the slightly different styling.
3) The Vibe is a bit more expensive, and since some Toyota dealers are willing to sell the 2004 at only a little over invoice, it seems that the Matrix is a better deal considering that its value will hold up better.
To halowse - Congratulations! We look forward to hearing about your delivery experience.... Happy motoring!
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
Considering Matrix: Yamaha engine is good and high-revving, but a car of this weight need more low-end torque. Will wait till 2.0 high-rev engine or will go for WRX wagon. Still undecided... But I have enough time to think this over, my Camry is simply bulletproof.
It's still in breaking-in (1200 km) so I don't step on gas to hard. No rattle noises, no rotten egg smell, no problems at all. Plenty of power when needed (manual transmission). Happy to have it, it's my first new car, and first Toyota.
Couple of questions:
1) I noticed that a leather steering wheel cover and shifter weren't listed as options. Was anyone able to get these as an option on their Matrix?
2) I got a cargo mat with mine, but am wondering if there is a mat for the rest of the cargo floor when you put the seats down (ie. a mat for the back of the rear seat).
Thanks for any info!
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Oh, talking about my Matrix, I can only dream about it now. Why ? While on a trip to Europe last week, the wife crashed it into a pole inside our garage. My daughter left a rear door wide open to quickly run inside the house to pick up something she forgot, my wife didn't check her mirrors, put the car in reverse, and with a wide open door slammed into the pillar in the garage. The door was almost yanked off its hinges upon impact.
Cost = $2100 (out the door)
Deductible = $500 (sucks)
Cost of a new door = $495, the rest is labor + whatever else the body shop could throw in since it is covered by insurance.
It will take about a month before it will be done. New model car, parts hard to get from factory/supplier, yada yada yada... according to body shop.... I can say it has been quite tough dealing with the loss of my little hatchback. I've grown so fond of the car, that I am actually having withdrawal symptoms. The Matrix is such a fun car, and I know I speak for all owners on this. I cannot wait for the day it comes back healed of its sickness
Oh, the new red-white gauge on the '04 doesn't do it for me. I prefer the all red '03 version. It glows beautifully at night, just like the Bimmer gauges. I live in So Cal, and haven't had any problem with glare or reflections people are complaining about. Oh well.... everyone to their own taste....
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Please keep in mind that Matrix was designed for young, lean people.
"... you and your family ... swing on branches ...."
"... Matrix was designed for young, lean people"
I am going to assume you were under the influence when you wrote this post. With this assumption, I am simply going to say: Sorry to disappoint you, but mine is rock solid on any highway speed up to 100mph. I know this for certain FOR MY MATRIX. I have "aired" mine out on So Cal freeways to test this. Maybe not for yours... Someone suggested maybe your tires or alignment may be the issue. Let me add balancing of your tires to the list of possible culprits ... Have you checked these things out on your Trix ?
Now, let's see your next post....Hmmmm....
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I have always felt 5K is a fine oil change interval, with no ill effects so far, and that is what I practice on the Matrix too...
petl: so I am curious, what is your average mpg with the AWD?
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
If this car was designed for the young and lean, Toyota missed it's mark completely. I am well over fifty and well over 200 pounds and well over 6 foot tall. I marvel at how comfortable I am in the XR. Keep in mind that the XR has a height adjustment for the driver's seat. The base model does not.
And it is fun to drive; as someone a few notes ago said, "It has character."
And I also wrong to assume that Trix is for young people.
With the accummulation of baggage of life over the years. It really helps the stability due to lowering of center of gravity.
I will put few sandbags on my Trix I guess..hehe
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Let me suggest the following. Change your oil with a good synthetic oil like Mobil 1 or Amsoil.
Then use that oil for at least 7.5k miles and then do an oil analysis.
I know, this is a little bit much and expensive for most people, but if you do it at least once the oil analysis results will tell you what the correct oil change interval with your usage pattern is. From then on you don't need expensive analyses any more.
Is the beltline about the same height in the Vibe?
Anyone who has owned a current gen celica (as I have) will never think anything else EVER has limited visibility!! Matrix has good visibility as far as I am concerned. The rear seat is very spacious with big windows and doors, and when I have sat there, I have never felt anything remotely like "boxed in". It is the best rear seat of any of the four-door hatches currently available.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
phankane: you are sure resilient. Always willing to sling shots at people. Please yourself, but be ready to take shots too. It goes both ways. Hopefully, you'll just go away and get rid of that Trix of yours cos it's no good for you. You being young, lean and all.... and many of us owners being old, fat, and tall and laden with excess "... baggage of life ..."
Life is fun, some just can't seem to find a way to enjoy it !
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Trix is a decent box.
As far as rattles, I still get the occasional vibration or buzz coming and going, nothing persistent any more, and the dealer fixed the two I had that WERE persistent. If this is a big problem for you, and you decide to buy the Matrix, you should take out the ACTUAL CAR you will be purchasing for a long test drive with the radio off, and listen carefully for anything that might bother you.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)