Hi, first post here. I've been intently reading this thread with regards to the Matrix, 2009 specifically. I'm considering purchasing a '09 at the end of the year, half in cash. I own a specialty retail shop online, and work from home, but also do trade shows, the Matrix seems quite roomy for cargo, and could handle a 4 x 8 trailer on the back I see.
My questions are directed mostly to Jake, since I see you have a fleet of them. Other than the coolant leak/crack, and timing belt thing... have there really been no other issues on these Matrix's with over 200k miles on them?
You've just done basic maintenance, changed belts, tune ups, tires, etc... no water pumps, alternators, electrical or other problems like that, or getting stranded?
I almost find it hard to believe.... I've always had used cars.. currently an 89 honda crx with 180k, which takes tons of work, and still leaks all over.. - a reliable car, with good MPG, and cargo space is a dream!
Hi, first post here. I've been intently reading this thread with regards to the Matrix, 2009 specifically. I'm considering purchasing a '09 at the end of the year, half in cash. I own a specialty retail shop online, and work from home, but also do trade shows, the Matrix seems quite roomy for cargo, and could handle a 4 x 8 trailer on the back I see.
My questions are directed mostly to Jake, since I see you have a fleet of them. Other than the coolant leak/crack, and timing belt thing... have there really been no other issues on these Matrix's with over 200k miles on them?
You've just done basic maintenance, changed belts, tune ups, tires, etc... no water pumps, alternators, electrical or other problems like that, or getting stranded?
I almost find it hard to believe.... I've always had used cars.. currently an 89 honda crx with 180k, which takes tons of work, and still leaks all over.. - a reliable car, with good MPG, and cargo space is a dream!
Look forward to your reply.
I will begin this by saying "Your results may vary". Please remember that I run at mostly highway speeds, w/older drivers and we're meticulous about our maintenence schedule for fluids & belts.
In all our millions of miles we've NEVER replaced an alternator, water pump, battery, muffler. No engine work at all! We've never snapped a belt, but we do replace them at the sign of wear or around 100K - to make sure. The Iridium plugs will go to 200K...I swear it. (the Fits won't do that) Same with the brakes, I've gone to 190K before doing front pads...again remember hiway driving and again the Fit must use a softer pad, they go before 100K.
These cars are incredible, they just run. I've had user-related errors resulting in repairs...like driving into the ditch, being rear-ended, etc...but that doesn't count!
The '09 Matrix has a smoother "bigger" feel than the '05. The drivers love them. We are approaching 50K on the 3 we have and starting to drain and fill the trans fluid...strictly preventative.
Obviously, we've already replaced the tires and have done numerous oil changes. No mechanical problems with these cars. We again ordered them w/ the cold-weather package and had the dealer install a block heater. We plug these cars in during the winter. We had 42 below actual temp. one morning this winter and no trouble starting these cars - they sat out but were plugged in. Many other mornings were below zero - just not that far below!
I go thru windshields up here on the gravel covered roads of the northern prairie. One of the '09's got a cracked windshield on it's maiden voyage and has been replaced a second time! We wait until the crack appears in the driver's eyeline...
You mention a trailer? I wouldn't want to drive this car with a trailer - period. It's too small. I think it'd strain the engine and regardless, it would kill the handling. We experience lots of wind here and that would be a nighmare w/a trailer. I'd go bigger if you want to do that regularly, at least a Highlander, or even Sienna. JMHO...
MPG's this winter has stayed pretty steady at 30 with 87 octane fuel, we refuse to use ETOH fuel. That will lead to O2 sensors and catalytic converter replacements and lower MPG's.
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'04 Tundra SR-5 REGULAR cab, w/Red Barchetta Pkg & a real (8') box!
-MODS = painted flames, high speed lugnuts, dual crome dipsticks, Sirius sat. radio and wheelie bars!
Thank you for the detailed response Jake. This car sounds fantastic, and ultra reliable... (compared to my used car history also.). Per the trailer, I guess I'll research that part more... it would be a very small 4 x 8 enclosed, the type from Uhaul, used maybe 6 times a year.
It's astounding that you haven't needed alternator, water pump replacements either.... Thanks again!
Thank you for the detailed response Jake. This car sounds fantastic, and ultra reliable... (compared to my used car history also.). Per the trailer, I guess I'll research that part more... it would be a very small 4 x 8 enclosed, the type from Uhaul, used maybe 6 times a year.
It's astounding that you haven't needed alternator, water pump replacements either.... Thanks again!
Haven't needed to make those kind of car repairs since I quit driving Fords, Mopars and GM cars. My last two so-called American cars were made in Mexico. My personal Toyota's (Avalon, Tundra, Sienna) now are all US made (KY and IN).
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'04 Tundra SR-5 REGULAR cab, w/Red Barchetta Pkg & a real (8') box!
-MODS = painted flames, high speed lugnuts, dual crome dipsticks, Sirius sat. radio and wheelie bars!
Jake how is the noise level in the 09 Matrix compared to the Fit and the older model Matrix?
It sounds like you and your drivers like driving the new Matrix over all of your other cars. I find this interesting as most/all reviews comment on how much fun the Fit is to drive, and how the Matrix is not that great. I going to make the choice on a new car soon and my driving is almost the same as your cars go through, highway, wind, snow, and older drivers.
It's great to get some real world feed back on these cars. Thank you.
Jake how is the noise level in the 09 Matrix compared to the Fit and the older model Matrix?
It sounds like you and your drivers like driving the new Matrix over all of your other cars. I find this interesting as most/all reviews comment on how much fun the Fit is to drive, and how the Matrix is not that great. I going to make the choice on a new car soon and my driving is almost the same as your cars go through, highway, wind, snow, and older drivers.
It's great to get some real world feed back on these cars. Thank you.
The '09 Trixie is much quieter and closer to the ride of the Corolla, or even Camry! The Fit is like that old saying about mopeds and fat girls...they're lots of fun until your friends see you...
No really, the Fit is fun - at first. Like driving a go cart at the fun park. If all your trips were short and around town, maybe it'd be OK. If you have to be in the thing all day, the Fit gets old fast, especially on county, 2-lane roads, or bad Interstate. The plastic body parts are annoying as well. A few pheasants and we've got big dents and cracks in the fenders and bumpers. Our lovely cold weather makes this stuff brittle and vulnerable.
I'm not exagerating when I say that 17 out of my 17 drivers prefer the '09 Matrix to the Fit - or Hyundai Accent.
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'04 Tundra SR-5 REGULAR cab, w/Red Barchetta Pkg & a real (8') box!
-MODS = painted flames, high speed lugnuts, dual crome dipsticks, Sirius sat. radio and wheelie bars!
Another newbie to this forum. I , too, was debating the Fit or Matrix. I will be replacing my 05 Santa Fe within the next 5-6 months. Over the last few weeks, my wife and I had narrowed our choices between the Matrix/Vibe, Hyundai Elantra Touring, Suzuki SX4, Kia Rondo, and Honda Fit. After checking out each vehicle over the past couple of days we narrowed our choices to the Matrix/Vibe, Touring, and Fit. I have been perusing several forums and finding out the pros and cons of each vehicle. I must say that this forum has been super informative. Although the Fit seems like a fine vehicle, after reading the info here and discussing the pros and cons, we have decided to omit that one from our list as well. So, it comes down to the Matrix/Vibe and Elantra Touring. In Canada, the Touring does not have the option of stability/traction control. Since these two options are available on the Matrix and standard on the Vibe, this may lean the scales in favor of the Matrix/Vibe. I know the Elantra Touring has only been out a short time, but can anyone share any info on why the Matrix would be a better choice than the Touring. I know that it often comes down to personal preferences, but I kinda like both vehicles!
Looks like I have some O2 sensor trouble in one of the '07 Fits. As I write this, the dealer is double-checking the issue for a second day, repeating w/ another cold morning startup tomorrow to be sure. That'll set me back 200-300.00, I'm certain. This car has about 170K on it.
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'04 Tundra SR-5 REGULAR cab, w/Red Barchetta Pkg & a real (8') box!
-MODS = painted flames, high speed lugnuts, dual crome dipsticks, Sirius sat. radio and wheelie bars!
OK...it's NOT the O2 sensor at all. the dealer has now adjusted the valves instead...cheaper too, at $65.00. So far no more trouble w/ it stalling when cold when you shift into drive. Dealer says the valves are to be adjusted at least every 100K. Never heard of this, never done it on the Matrix vehicles we've owned either. ??
One of the other Fits has this same trouble, although not as severe as this one was. I guess we'll get those valves adjusted too. We won't be buying Fits again tho'. 3 more Matrix's are in the budget for this summer...
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'04 Tundra SR-5 REGULAR cab, w/Red Barchetta Pkg & a real (8') box!
-MODS = painted flames, high speed lugnuts, dual crome dipsticks, Sirius sat. radio and wheelie bars!
Re: Toyota Matrix vs. Honda Fit
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