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I would say no! Better replaced with newer stereo with built in
AUX-input and you can buy a harness/plug connectors adapter at your
local car radio shop depending on what make.
the recent vibe spypics look very similar to the current vehicle. the pics of the "Blade" look like a more conventional corolla wagon.
does anyone know which we'll see in the US? possibly both?
any idea of when? late 2007 or spring '08?
thanks
I think we will see the Blade, and that it will be the replacement for the Matrix. Look to the new Scion xD for a Matrix replacement with almost the exact specs of the existing Matrix.
Magazines keep saying late '07 is when we will see the Blade and the new Corolla (which will still share mechanicals), but I think it will be early '08, maybe February, maybe March.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
that same matrix body style w/ the 2.4 engine could be sweet.
but I don't trust toyota to do that.
still, hard to pull the trigger on the current one, because they might...
how far ahead do these companies post specs, etc?
thanks....
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I really did not notice any differences between the 2007 and 2008, other than of course in 2011, other than the fact a 2007 is already depreciated by one year when you drive it off the lot today.
Bill
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
that testdrive left me curious about something: I've tried out 5 different Matrix lately. two had engines that felt peppy and ready to zoom, two felt really sluggish, one was just sorta blah. wondering if others have noticed this....
thanks!
Actually, I don't think I have EVER test driven a car five times before buying it (or not buying it, for that matter). Twice, yes. 3 times, I think maybe once. Not more.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
actually it was just that the first two I drove were different enough to give me pause. one I could see driving every day, the other, no way. I walked away thinking I'd never buy a matrix and began looking at similar cars from other manufacturers. and then I found myself in another dealer a few wks later, and while my friend was testing RAVs I tried some more matrixes. these, too, were different...would have bought the one fairly "peppy" one, but it didn't have ABS/side curtains (don't get me started on that). so, another search ensued. last night brought home an 08 speedway blue XR. very nicely built car! w/ Eagle RS-As and not the dreaded Continentals!
thanks to all for the help/insights! this forum is a great resource -- I know it changed the way I shopped quite a bit.
We may go test drive the Matrix tomorrow...I know it's early (for the 08's) but I thought I would try for this (if we like the car) and see what happens.
first was told by the internet salesperson that the dealer wasn't doing much on any 08s but when I got there that changed. guess it was an end of august thing.
hope that helps and good luck. one thing that sold me on the matrix was the driver's perspective on the road. really nice, very different from corolla...
I'm all over the place on what vehicle I want right now...gonna test drive a few this weekend and hopefully get rid of my current vehicle privately (probably selling it on Saturday or Sunday) and then my wife and I will need a car...
And when I say all over the place...I'm anywhere from Kia to Pontiac to Toyota...all the way up to Audi (A3)...really love the A3, but really hate the price...
thanks again...
good luck on yr search....
tm
And I am up to 7000+ miles now in the Matrix, no problems with tires or alignment, and I have the Goodyears.
Anything specific you wanted to know about the transition from the Echo to the Matrix?
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I’ve almost made up my mind to buy the 2008 Matrix (XR). Before I pull the trigger, I wanted your thoughts on some of the following miscellaneous questions?
1. Car resale value: How would you rank the Matrix’s resale value compared to Honda Civic and Volkswagen Jetta?
2. Auxiliary audio input: Does the 2008 Matrix come with auxiliary audio input for ipod/mp3 player? If not, can it be easily installed?
3. Car's gender profile: My apologies for the sexist question but is the car more like a chic car or a guy car or both?
4. Safety: Does the car feel too light? I’m just worried about being bullied by suburban SUVs on the highway.
Thanks!
1. Worse than Civic, better than Jetta.
2. Aux input is an option for the '08 Matrix, I believe. It is not standard.
3. I don't think it's particularly a "chick car". I have seen plenty of both riding around in them.
4. The car feels light at high speeds - it does not get buffeted by passing trucks, but above 75 mph strong side winds will move it around a bit. It has enough tire that you can correct without losing your line.
Hope that helps! :-)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
As for some of the points you mentioned:
The Matrix uses about 10% more gas than the Echo for me. I have a short work commute and hardly ever have to sit in stop and go, so the Echo really excels, pulling 41 mpg consistently. By contrast the Matrix, which I use for suburban driving and the occasional trip out of town, pulls 35 or so.
The Matrix is a lot more fun through twisty roads than the Echo. The Echo's lack of a rear sway allows it to lean like a drunken sailor as soon as you try hard cornering with it, and of course the little tires will begin to protest before too long too. By contrast, the Matrix has much better body control and grip too since the tires are notably larger.
Both of these cars have a bit of "clip-clop" over rough road surfaces, and a fair amount of road noise gets in, but the noise level is definitely LOWER in the Matrix. With the longer wheelbase, it has a smoother ride too.
The seats in the Echo, of course, are flat and spacious with little to hold you in place in cornering. I like that in a commute car because it gives me a real sense of being able to spread out in the cockpit, which as you know is very open for such a small car. The Matrix "sport seats", while great for cornering because of the side bolsters, tend to confine a bit more.
Speaking of which, when you test out the Matrix, be sure you can find a really comfortable position in the driver's seat - this car has a funny relationship between wheel, pedals, and seat. Try and go for a longer drive if they will let you.
Both cars have good get-up-and-go. If you are a manual driver you should be aware that the Matrix essentially has three forward gears plus two overdrives. This allows it to get great gas mileage, but does mean that fast passing maneuvers even on the highway require a downshift to third. It's plenty fast enough for everything I have wanted to do with it.
And of course, where the back seat of the Echo is for small children or short trips only, the back seat of the Matrix will allow you to carry around two adults back there in complete comfort. And if you put the seat down, there is a LOT of cargo space. The HVAC fan in the Matrix is more powerful too, so the A/C is more effective than it is in the Echo.
Good headroom, comfortable seats, direct steering, decent rearward visibility, all these are common to both I would say. Both have strong brakes, also good low-end torque because of the VVT-i.
Don't know if that helps at all. If you think of any other questions let me know! :-)
BTW, what else besides Matrix are you considering? I'm curious....
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
There is a valve that may be plugged up, but since it is part of the emissions system which is warrantied much longer than the rest of the car (and is likely still under warranty in your case, depending on what state you are in), I would take it to the dealer for a look-see.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Thanks for taking the time to reply to my problem. I'll have it looked into immediately!!
And if you can still find an '07 at a dealer, get the '07! You should be able to whittle down the price a lot as the '08s have been on lots for months now, and there were no meaningful changes (I think tire pressure monitoring became standard, that was about it).
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
My faith in Toyota is shaken, and I'm now questioning the reliability of my car.
My question to all of you... How reliable has your Matrix been? I'm interested in year and mileage. If you've had problems, what have they been?
I'm gathering this info as part of my decision to keep or get rid of this car. Thanks for your input!
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Or will I have to go to the Toyota dealer and pay an outrageous price for them to do their secret magic stuff ??
:confuse: :confuse: :confuse:
We bought the wife an Echo in 2000. Bought a Trixie in 2006.
That Echo has been positively fab! If pressed to come up with ways to improve the little sweetheart, I'd be hard pressed. For what it is, it's quite peppy, reliable, simple, roomy and economical to keep serviced.
The Matrix has been pretty fair, but pales when compared to our experiance with the Echo. Clutch is much too close to the brake. Not nearly as responsive as the Echo. Too many little electronic annoyances. Seats are not so comfortable. Gives a more cramped "feel" even though it's actually a larger rig. The Echo's central instrument panel is far superior. Had to get front end alighnment at 17K.
does anyone know what the apr and/or rebate will be in February for the 08?
thanks.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Does anyone know if a replacement blade is available for the rear wiper? Where can I get one? (Hopefully not through my Toyota dealer's parts dept; I need my arms & legs for work. 8D )
I took the service manager at my local dealer for a ride. He heard the noise. We took another, identical car out for a ride and it made the same noise, but not as pronounced.
Has anyone else experienced this noise? Will it go away?
The car has a great interior, smooth ride on city streets and plenty of creature comforts.
Thanks in advance.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
News reports claim 2003 and 2004 Corollas and Matixes are affected, but some reports claim the recall deals only with vehicles made at the Nummi plant in California. Back in 2002 there was discussion in this forum about the Matrix being built in Ontario and the Pontiac Vibe in California.
So the question: Is the Matrix really involved?
If I still had my '03 I would gather up my VIN and give Toyota a call to make sure. As far as I know, my '07 is not included in the recall.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)