Thinking of purchasing a Matrix/Vibe

"Scion rarely advertises on television, she noted."

Check out Adult Awim on Cartoon Network.

"The tC has sold well mainly by appealing to an older market of baby boomers looking for a sporty weekend runabout."

OOOPS!!!! Guess you missed your Target Market, folks! Oh, did you see who's driving xBoxes, BTW?

But, around here, I'm the only Old Fart driving a tC (that is, out of the THREE of us...)

(Sorry...responded to the wrong thread!)

There are very few inquiries here regarding problems with the Matrix and Vibe, which are based on the Corolla chassis. That may mean that there are very few problems with the Matrix and Vibe, that there are very few Matrix and Vibe's sold (not likely, given the numbers I see on the road), or that Matrix and Vibe owners do not frequent this ng. I suspect that the first is the most likely.

Based on inquiries I've seen here, the most expensive problem I've noted on

2003 vintage Corollas is relatively early failure of O2 sensors and/or catalytic converters, and I believe there is a TSB to correct the problem. BTW, catalytic converters are covered by emissions warranty for 80,000 miles.

The powertrain on the Matrix has been proven to be quite reliable and economical. They've been using that engine for quite a while now on the Corolla, Celica, and MR2. The automatic seems to be the more economical combination. If you get a Toyota certified used vehicle, they're warrantied through 6 years or 100,000 miles (I believe).

My daughter bought an '05 (I think) Matrix and she's been very happy with it, FWIW. Had to replace the original tires though, which seemed to wear down rather quickly, I thought.

I have a '05 Vibe, base model, front wheel drive, 5 speed manual. It sucks in the snow, my old Tercel was better. Other that that it is the best car that I've owned. If you live where there is a lot of snow you may look for a AWD (all Wheel drive) model. I know some one who has a

2003 AWD, and she says that it is great in the snow. She had her husband run a messenger service, and the Vibe is her's for "local" deliveries.

John

You do not need AWD. You need winter tires. End of discussion.

You know, it may be the tires, not the car.

Ex: I hate the tires that come on new Corollas - they are esp. horrendous in snow. I wish one could have a choice of tires that come on new cars, but nope... so after buying a car, I buy new tires before winter.

Cathy

Other that that it is the

Are there any differences between the vibe and matrix, other than cosmetic? Are all the mechanicals (transmission, engine, sunroof, power windows) still made by toyota? Should I get an 03 for a cheaper price, or should I get an 04 or 05? I have heard not to buy the first year of a redesign. Are there any flaws/defects in the 03 that they fix in later models?

The Matrix and the Vibe are mechanically the same. There are some differences in accessories, like audio systems.

If you are looking at a used vehicle, all other things being equal, I recommend that you purchase the newer vehicle rather than an older vehicle.

Catalytic converters (mine was replaced at about 58,000) and also there was an issue with early factory CD players making horrible grinding noises. I have that problem and didn't take it in to be fixed soon enough to be under warranty. Still, at 106,000 the CD player still works.