Topic: 2009 Toyota Matrix

[mrgoody]

Hello
I am planning on Buying a toyota matrix xr, with sport Package. Just wondering if anybody who owns this model have any thoughts.  Also any other recommendations to something similar would be more than welcome.
thanks

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I would buy the Vibe, especially with the $2,000 off lease/finance right now. Plus you have the longer warranty, OnStar, and ability to get the 2.4L on the base model if you so choose without moving up to uplevel as on the Matrix XR (appears you want more full-load though). Plus, subjectively, prefer Vibe's appearance.

[Cortina]

  The vibe all the way.

Goes like stink with the 2.4, even in the base form too.

[Bubba]

I find the Vibe's colour choices to be very dull.

[mrgoody]

$2000 off is only for 2008 Models not for 2009 Models.  I saw the vibe, however found the rear visibility to be very poor and when I compared all the options head to head- Matrix was cheaper.

[libraman]

I believe you are looking for alternatives...try the base Mazda 3 hatchback (I assume you want a hatch). It has the 2.0  litre engine. Fuel efficient and reliable.  I believe it is available with 0% financing over 5 years. 

[vdk]

There's a few hatches you might want to take a look at:

Saturn Astra
VW Rabbit
Mazda3 Sport
Nissan Versa
Subaru Impreza
Suzuki SX4
VW Golf City

It all depends on what you're looking for, fuel economy, performance, looks...

[sirAQUAMAN64]

$2000 off is only for 2008 Models not for 2009 Models.

My bad 

[SkiBunny]

Instead of a matrix/vibe, for about US$19,000 you can get a new 2008 subaru legacy wagon in new hampshire and bring it home.  The same car costs about $34,000 in ontario.  Cash purchase only, no financing is available vehicles exported.

[2JDM]

Instead of a matrix/vibe, for about US$19,000 you can get a new 2008 subaru legacy wagon in new hampshire and bring it home.  The same car costs about $34,000 in ontario.  Cash purchase only, no financing is available vehicles exported.

The Legacy Wagon is discontinued for the US. The OP would have to opt for an Outback.

[Cortina]

The Vibe is running at 7.4% for a 3 year lease! 

Yikes.

$2000 off is only for 2008 Models not for 2009 Models.

My bad 

In that case. Look at the matrix and cross shop the too.

[SkiBunny]

The Legacy Wagon is discontinued for the US. The OP would have to opt for an Outback.

My bad, I indeed meant the Outback but my brain swapped out lol.  Built in the US so no duty, just GST/PST.  I was considering one of 'em before, but I read mixed reviews of the reliability and that parts are expensive.   But there are great deals on 08 Outbacks, particularly compared to Cdn pricing, if you're willing to direct import.  You're paying about $10,000 - $15,000 less than here, however Subaru changed its warranty policy (to our detriment) on direct imports.

[johngenx]

...but I read mixed reviews of the reliability and that parts are expensive. 

Subaru is jousting with Toyota and Honda for the top when it comes to reliability.  The Outback is rated Better than Average and "Recommended" by CR.  Subaru parts are expensive, but have you priced Honda or Toyota?  All non-Big Three parts are big bucks now.

[SkiBunny]

but when i last looked, the subaru was rated only average by edmunston in lemonaid

[mtlrabbit]

Hello
I am planning on Buying a toyota matrix xr, with sport Package. Just wondering if anybody who owns this model have any thoughts.  Also any other recommendations to something similar would be more than welcome.
thanks

If you want buy, I think toyoya is a save bet.  But if you want lease, forget it, the 2009 lease rate is 6.9%. give you an example.

You can lease 4 year toyota martrix xr  with sport package aound $380 tax in after very hard negociation. At $340, you can lease a VW rabbit with premium and winter package.
I believe these two are comparable, however my result is:
Engine: Rabbit2.5 170HP  >  Matrix 2.4 158HP
0-100KM:  Rabbitunder 8 > Matrix over 9
suspension: Rabbit real multilink independent> Matrix torsion beam
interior:  Rabbit soft plastic, classic >Matrix hard cheap plastic, fancy no taste
seat: Rabbit 5 stage heated with lumbar sport> Matrix  not avaiable
Audio: Rabbit 6cd 10 speakers >Matrix cheap toyota audio always
reliability: Rabbit 4 years fty warranty>Martrix 3 years (CR rate Rabbit above average, but in terms of lease, you better buy 1 more year for your toyota)
driving : Rabbit Germen style >Matrix toyota style
Transmition: Rabbit 6speed auto> Matrix 5 speed auto

the only thing Matrix can win is fuel economy, the 2.4L toyota may drink 1L/100km less gas than Rabbit, if you drive 20000km a year, this is 200L  and $300 at $1.5/L, which is $25/month, so even add this $25 to $340, you still pay less money and drive a better car.
Anybody comments are welcome since I can not understand why there is still pepole go to lease a Matrix FWD.

[echo7]

$2000 off is only for 2008 Models not for 2009 Models.  I saw the vibe, however found the rear visibility to be very poor and when I compared all the options head to head- Matrix was cheaper.

I test drove the 2009 matrix ad I didnt like the visibility on the front, the hood is kinda high . I am 5ft 8. and I am not comfortable. The sales agent also mentioned the blindspot at the back where the older matrix has a window. He said shorter people will have more difficulty.

I didnt test drove the vibe but I am assuming its almost the same..

IMO the older matrix has better visibility and design than the new gen.

[mrgoody]

I am about 5.10" Tall, Visibility was fine- Infact the rear visibility is much better than vibe.

$2000 off is only for 2008 Models not for 2009 Models.  I saw the vibe, however found the rear visibility to be very poor and when I compared all the options head to head- Matrix was cheaper.

I test drove the 2009 matrix ad I didnt like the visibility on the front, the hood is kinda high . I am 5ft 8. and I am not comfortable. The sales agent also mentioned the blindspot at the back where the older matrix has a window. He said shorter people will have more difficulty.

I didnt test drove the vibe but I am assuming its almost the same..

IMO the older matrix has better visibility and design than the new gen.

[Ice]

Its interesting what people are saying about the Corolla and Matrix visibility in the redesigns.  I'm taller so the slight wedge shape that both of them have with the beltline/characterline as they sweep back to the tailights doesn't bother me.

Whatever you do...make sure you're perfectly comfortable with the driving position and that you can drive decent amounts of time.  The thing that is bothering me about my new Corolla is the driver position...its better for me than the other small cars I drove but I'm realizing now that the leg room isn't enough for my longer legs.  So if not being able to see out the front or back or something about the driver position is compromising...its time to move on.

[Slow_lane]

Read two articles lately about AWD versions of Matrix / Vibe. Not glowing reviews. Much of their complaints (but not all) relates to 4 speed auto. Maybe with 5 speed auto on non-AWD versions it would be better.


http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2009-toyota-matrix-s-awd-vs-2008-subaru-impreza-25i-5-door/


http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/cars/story.html?id=55411172-8755-40f2-ae31-0e94292826eb

Sometimes when shopping for a car I think the more you read the more confused you can get. There are always faults with every car and seems to be a bad review or comment if you look long enough.

[Ice]

Sometimes when shopping for a car I think the more you read the more confused I get. There are always faults with every car and seems to be a bad review or comment if you look long enough.

True that.  The ideal car is probably mixed from all of the cars out there into one package...engine from one, powertrain from another, body style mixed in, etc.

Every single one of them has "problems" of one sort or another...