XR Matrix, AWD or no AWD - and special ordering without moonroof

May I suggest you also price a Pontiac Vibe, similarly equipped? It is the same vehicle but with a drive home price of two to three thousand dollars less than the Matrix.

mike hunt

Bud H wrote:

I don't know about the Matrix, but I had a 4WD Tercel wagon, and I don't think the traction control is needed when you have AWD. That thing tracked straight and true through whatever w/ no problems at all! That's probably why they don't offer it on the AWD versions. If it has ABS and any kind of traction control associated with the ABS, it'll run just fine.

I don't understand the less horsepower thing, though...

The only thing the VSC can do to the rear is to play with the brakes. The

I'm really happy with the 4WD and ABS in the snow. Now snow is more of a playful event for me than the dreaded event it used to be.

I think you'll have some difficulty getting the features you want without a moonroof. Have you test driven a Matrix with one? There is a bunch of front seat headroom even with one.

Pat

The body is a bit different and the Matrix is less expensive.

Pat

and the vibe only has 36,000 mile warranty on the drivetrain. matrix has 60,000 mile.

The difference in HP is due to the exhaust system routing needed to clear the rear wheel drive hardware.

I guess that means if will last 60K then, it has the same drive train.. One can buy a 100K power train warranty for less than $200, if they think they need it, and still save $1800 to $ 2800 in any event

The average new dar buyer in the US replace their vehicle with another new vehicle in three to four years, with 45 to 60 on the clock. ;)

mike hunt

Len Zel>

My 2004 Vibe has 100,000km warranty...60,000 miles on drivetrain.

In my experience AWD and 4WD are awesome in the snow with a manual tranny, stability control is not wanted or needed. Stability control becomes more important with automatic transmissions and less experienced drivers.

The manual transmission, clutch pedal, and driver's brain add the extra measure of driver control that gets the car moving and keeps it where it belongs on slippery surfaces.

I've owned and used vehicles equipped with just about every combination of transmission, ABS, VSC, etc... and driven them on every surface condition. I'll take full control of my vehicle any day over handing it to the computer.

Barry

taken from the pontiac vibe webpage: WARRANTY Coverage This warranty is for GM vehicles registered in the U.S.A. See your Pontiac dealer for terms and conditions.

Covered for three years/36,000 miles, whichever comes first:

a.. The complete vehicle b.. Tires c.. Towing to your nearest Pontiac dealership d.. Cosmetic corrosion resulting from defects e.. Repairs made to correct any vehicle defect f.. No charge for most warranty repairs Covered for six years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first:

a.. Rust-through corrosion Corrosion Protection Pontiac vehicles are designed and built to resist corrosion. All body and sheet metal components are warranted against rust-through corrosion for six years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Application of additional rust-inhibiting materials is not required under the corrosion coverage and none is recommended. See your Pontiac dealer for terms of this limited warranty.

Have a look at this link, specifically the heading that says " Extended Powertrain Limited Warranty

In addition to your GM Total Warranty coverage, your Vibe is covered by a 5 year/100,000 km* Powertrain Limited Warranty, from the original in-service date of the vehicle. See your dealer for details."