Hey,
I am new to this forum and I wanted some info on the Matrix/Vibe. I
bought a 2000 Subaru Legacy without doing much research, and basically
trusting subaru's reliability. I came to find out they have a VERY
severe headgasket issue, usually costing $2000+ to repair. I want to
sell this car and I am interested in the utility, fuel economy and
most importantly, reliability of Toyota in general. I just wanted to
check here to see if there isn't some huge problem with the newer
Matrix/Vibe that I don't know about. I am looking at getting a 2003 as
that is probably as new as I can afford. Thanks for reading!

"CanonLaw" <zebwainwright (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote

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.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

On 22 Apr 2007 00:27:46 -0700, CanonLaw <zebwainwright (AT) gmail (DOT) com>
wrote:

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).

"Viperkiller" <nothing (AT) nothing (DOT) net> wrote

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.

CanonLaw wrote:
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

John Karpich wrote:

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

"John Karpich" <rocket9005 (AT) earthlink (DOT) net> wrote

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?

"CanonLaw" <zebwainwright (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote

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.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

In article <e0227$462b8fc0$47c2b532$21982 (AT) msgid (DOT) meganewsservers.com>,
"Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:

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.