Possibly buying one

[Nikon876]

Well, I am thinking about buying a used Matrix. I would like to get a 2005 or 2006. I am 6'2" and weight about 200lbs. I currently drive a 4dr Prerunner. I really like the looks of the Matrix, but are they build just like all other Toyotas? Or did it suffer some joining with Pontiac.

Now is the time from the members to tell me what they think about this car. It seems pretty safe, reliable, and such, but I only wory about the power. I would be looking at the XR model. I think that is the mid range engine.

Any thoughts, feedback, and comments are greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[zzyzx85]

My family owns a 2006 base model that everyone drives when it's available. I had it for the summer to commute 70 miles a day back and forth to school so I put plenty of miles in it.

Base and XR have the same 130 hp engine. Only the XRS had the higher output engine. For normal day to day commuting, it has just the right enough amount of power, though I do wish we got a manual. I just prefer manuals with 4 cyl cars and there's nothing wrong with the automatic.

Build quality is up to par with other Toyota products. Actually, it was the Pontiac that got the boost in quality is what I like to think. Love the grippy seat fabric.

Hope this helps.

[Wadingboy]

My other family car is a Matrix. We have over 80,000 miles on a '04 and have no serious complaints. They did skimp some on the interior (paint is worn off some areas) but the mechanicals are excellent. I also like it because it has plenty of headroom. I'm 6'1" and always wear a hat. The Matrix has more headroom than my Tundra. As for power, I don't need or want it. I do love the 30+mpg that we average. My major annoyance is the dash lights. You can't read the guages without them being lit so they are lighted all the time and I find this annoying.

[RedToy]

Just bought a 2008 XR and I'm very happy with it. I decided to go with the manual tranny....just like it more for 4 cyl than auto tranny.

No complaints so far (granted, it's been only 1 week). I've read a lot of reviews about the Matrix and I'm convinced it will hold up as the toyota quality I've come to expect.

I actually traded in my 2005 Tacoma Prerunner TRD for the Matrix and I think the quality is better on the Matrix. With the price of gas and my 135 mile daily commute, the tacoma's gas mileage was starting to hurt.

I'd say go ahead and pull the trigger on the Matrix.

[Nikon876]

Wow, that is one long drive. I drive 60 miles a day myself. My wife has a Highlander so if we need to pick up something, we have that.

I have been busy, but with gas not getting cheaper, something has to give. I would be buying used, but I am curious how tall you are. I also would probably be buying an automatic because my wife can't drive a manual, and when buying used, I am a little limited. I wonder what I can get for my truck. I don't want to be upside down in a car loan.

I saw the other post from someone who is 6'1".

Here is one I found in my area:
cars.com: 2005 Toyota Matrix XR