Manuals are dead and the enthusiast CVT will come. Oh yeah, the Matrix is going.

"CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)" (ccpbb) 01/03/2016 at 10:57 • Filed to: the matrix chronicles

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The Matrix Chronicles are coming to a end. My parents and I have been talking about our beloved Matrix. The transmission may have a dying syncro between 3rd and 4th (found a rare sound today). The clutch is absurdly hard for anyone who isn’t fairly experienced (fucking exedy). Now I am exploring options for the replacement and more of the reasoning behind it. I also explore the CVT in a longform editiorial.

Even though the Matrix is absurdly fun to drive (corners and spirited mountain driving), it had a calculated 9.9 miles to a gallon with one Oakland Hills driving session, some daily driving, and a trip to work. That was BAD. When I was driving home from dinner with my dad, I drove home. On a turn on the freeway, I shifted lanes from the one occupied by the lethargic Prius to an empty lane. I raced up to 5 k ish RPM and shifted into 4th. Grind/crunching sound. Fuck. Syncro. Oh yeah, clutches. I have a Exedy clutch, which is absurdly difficult to drive with a weird idle. Weird idle+clutch=very difficult to drive. This car also has a habit of eating OEM clutches because the OEM clutch was designed for a Celica, which has a much lower curb weight. There is also the high idle, which assists in the shitty fuel economy (22 typical driving, day to day/27 highway to Pismo).

Because of these problems, my parents and I have conceded that the Matrix needs to be sold and replaced with a car that meets the manual/fits-2-mountain-bikes/fuel-economical standard. I also had to admit the manual is dying out, and losing out to autotragics.

My parents are both skilled manual drivers (dad more skilled) and there has been 5 manual cars in the household since my birth (90s Corolla, 98 Montero Sport, 00 Taco, 09 Matrix, 03 Matrix XRS). The manual saga is coming to an end. Fuel economies are going up with unresponsive and tepid CVTs. This might be to boost up Cafe standards, but the result is like 1975 with american cars.

American Cars in the 70s and 80s were quickly being choked down by catalytic converters to V8s making a trickles of horsepower. 7 liters of Caddy V8 making 189 hp. Iron Duke i4 was making at most 110 in street tune. As time went on, carburetors were eschewed for fuel injection. Fuel injection was gradually perfected to the point one could go to a local dealership and buy a vehicle for around 20,000 dollars that reached the mark of one hundred horsepower for one liter of engine.

As time went on, cars became faster, but heavier. A Ford Fiesta ST has a curb weight of 2720 lb while the Matrix has curb weight of 2750 pounds (scales tested). The Matrix also has a longer wheelbase and wider body. Safety regulations have heaved the car up to the point that we can put a twin turbo V6 into an Explorer AWD drivetrain and have its main market/buyers be members of the residential suburbia. Mind you, the Explorer Sport has 12 less HP and 69 less torques than a Lotus Carlton. And a Lotus Carlton was very fast for its time, and still very fast.

Manuals also started disappearing. Automatics were proven to be faster and more quick shifting than a manual. Lap times, 0-60 times, blah blah blah, the automatic came first. Automatics started off as a luxury item, and then grew to happily accommodate the lazy nature of America. But enthusiasts tried to fight back. We tried to capture the feeling of manual in our every car purchase. We grew up with a stick shift and found our options were falling. Suddenly our beloved Subaru Outback didn’t come in a manual! We discovered our options started to grow nil. Car manufacturers started neutering mid-level cars of manuals and leaving the base/sport models with a manual. But Cafe standards and fuel economy standards caught up. The previously electrifying Subaru Forester XT (turbo, yo!) had its manual replaced with an auto only option. Only the 2.0 liter NA Forester now offers a manual option. The XT has a CVT.

There are only few manufacturers that partially does not adhere to the “base model and sporty model” manual rule. They are BMW and Volkswagen. BMW makes a effort to put a manual in the 2/3/4/ series for the RWD models in sedan/coupe/non-”gran” models in all the engine levels they offer. Volkswagen tries to offer a manual in almost all models except in the higher trim levels. Mind you, every single manufacturer has perfected their manuals. Volvo knows damn well European spec Volvos get manuals. Toyota can put a silky smooth manual in their RAV4. Dodge knows how to make a good manual transmission but has shoved half-baked ZF 9 speed transmissions everywhere to consumers’ complaints.

CVTs are awful right now and are varying messes. Most receive less than favorable responses on the forum and from auto journos. But the CVT is right now at its infancy. It’s the nasty complex fuel injection systems we found on our cars in the late 20th century. But it will improve. It might even get absolved and put down for good. The double clutch gearbox will improve to a level in consumer vehicles an enthusiast may appreciate.

Perhaps in a few years, I will drive a 2023 Focus RS500. It has a sequential style CVT gearbox. It has gear ratios I can adjust for the driving I am doing. It will have options to disable automatic shifting. Perhaps I want to go rallycrossing one day and I tune the transmission to the optimal rally gear ratios. I go home and put it in the “highway cruising ratio” that makes extends my MPGs but uses minimal horsepower for maximum efficiency. When I want to pass someone, I double flick my downshift paddle and the engine goes to an self learning ratio which will allow me to put the power down with no abandonment. The shift times are quick as the garden variety double clutch. This car is perfect. I can go hooning (set a ratio and disable auto shifting) and then go home with worn tires at 34 mpg. And Cafe standards will still be met. A factory provided preset “economy setting” will be provided for the EPA for fuel economy testing. There are programmable options for other modes. That will soon be the future (or what I hope to see).

Now back to the replacement of the Matrix. I was actually looking into cars (my parents are also using this as a car) that was a wagon (so we can get commercial plates for my dad’s work), set good fuel consumption scores, and was a manual. It was sad. I explored the Scion iM and Subaru Outback in a manual. But all was outboasted by the Prius V. It offered great fuel economy numbers and has massive amounts of room. It didn’t have a manual. The only other practical option is to buy a 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportswagen TDI in a manual. But trying to find one is difficult. I ended up finding one in Denver, but my parents expressed difficulties in getting a low interest rate in a car loan for a used car and the inability for a test drive. I live in California. Now I have to give up the stick and that glorious Yamaha engine. I no longer drive a hot hatch anymore. I may be a Prius driver in the near future, but my hope rests for CVTs to develop further into enthusiast territory.

Oh wait. Fuck the Prius.

I have become who I hate to be. Rest assured, I am saving up for a car of my own. One that might not be fuel economical, but practical and fun: a Saab Viggen. I’ll take you to the cornering playground in the Oakland Hills, then come back to my CVT Focus, play with the gear ratios, and then drive at 40mpg to get some burritos.

Nibby > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 01/03/2016 at 11:01

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I JUST WANT A CVT V12 DAMN IT

jkm7680 > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 01/03/2016 at 11:09

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You may have just accidently grinded one...

Berang > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 01/03/2016 at 11:36

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CVTs are cool.

dogisbadob > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 01/03/2016 at 11:49

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the European Focus tail lights are awesome. Fuck Ford for cheapening them over here!

dogisbadob > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 01/03/2016 at 11:50

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ooo a wheelie

dogisbadob > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 01/03/2016 at 11:54

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There is a stop-sale on 2015 TDI’s, which is why you can’t find one. Too bad you can’t get a sunroof on the iM.

Early 03-04 XRS’s have the clutch issue, but I thought there’d be a stronger aftermarket clutch, or perhaps Exedy might have improved the design. How much life do you get out of a clutch in that car? Supposedly the 05+ XRS is much better in terms of reliability, as they seem to have fixed the synchro and clutch problems.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > dogisbadob 01/03/2016 at 13:16

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The Exedy was awful to drive with in traffic jam situations. When it was new, downshifting without rev matching locks up the front tires. As a new manual driver, I’ve finally mastered this clutch, at 70% of its life is already gone. If you drive a freeway miles a lot, get whatever stage clutch you want. If you intend on driving it on the city, get a Street clutch, because the exedy is awful in start stop traffic. Oem ones didn’t last long either.

Oh yeah, the Matrix didn’t have a sunroof in the 2003 models. Mine has an aftermarket sunroof. Requires relubing every few months.

dogisbadob > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 01/03/2016 at 14:01

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Thanks for the feedback! I like these cars a lot, and was interested in getting one as my next car when I can afford it.

Yeah, I gotta have a sunroof! Even though the Matrix didn’t have a sunroof in 2003, the Vibe did. Aftermarket sunroofs suck.

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 01/03/2016 at 14:17

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Bro, what it sounds like you need is a MK6 Sportwagen TDI.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen 01/03/2016 at 14:26

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I really want one. But my parents are paying for it and using it as a backup car when I go to college. Used car loans have a much higher interest rate and my parents want it NEW or certified. But it’s a little too far away and dicking with a Non CA car in CA is very risky.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > jkm7680 01/03/2016 at 14:33

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Maybe....perhaps my very worn plastic shifter box has to do with it....

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 01/03/2016 at 14:39

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What about the new Mini with the turbocharged inline three?

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > dogisbadob 01/03/2016 at 15:08

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Our vibe has everything but a sunroof and alloy wheels (because 1zz). I found every conceivable combination of options when shopping for Vibes (AC, AWD, Cruise, etc.). I would love one, but I’ll just have to accept our ice cold AC by itself. Luckily the wife doesn’t want one anyway.

Steve in Manhattan > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 01/03/2016 at 15:11

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Is it worth it to find a low mileage junkyard engine/transmission? What about the rest of the car?

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 01/03/2016 at 15:18

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Whats wrong with Exedy? they make great clutches. OEM for some manufacturers. My miatas stock clutch was by them and i replaced it with another.

Aaron M - MasoFiST > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 01/03/2016 at 15:22

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The next enthusiast transmission will likely be direct drive.

Opposite Locksmith > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 01/03/2016 at 15:31

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I've never downshifted without rev matching ever... I thought that was terrible for the car. I'm willing to bet your clutch is the source of the grinding not a synchro. That flywheel is probably glazed too

Eworldtraveler > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 01/03/2016 at 15:59

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Mazda 5 , 6 speed manual. I think they are discontinuing this car for now, but basically a 3 with a little more space. K+n filter, 20lb lighter rims w/p7 tires,bang for the buck hard to beat. Sliding rear doors may not be cool but are super conveniant. Consumer reports moved Mazda up to #2 under Toyota as brands to buy. Fun.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 01/03/2016 at 16:06

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Stage 2 clutch for a Teenager who just learned manual is awful to drive.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > Eworldtraveler 01/03/2016 at 16:06

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Parents have strong bias against Mazda

jkm7680 > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 01/03/2016 at 16:09

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Likely, every time I’ve grinded a gear (three times) I thought it was the car when it was actually just me.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > Opposite Locksmith 01/03/2016 at 16:12

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My parents say rev matching is bad for the clutch, and my mom drives it in a incredibly jerky way.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 01/03/2016 at 16:15

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Parents want to stick to Japanese manufacturers for reliability purposes. They often say “you’ve driven it before, get over it” when I try to find something more fuel economical and sporty, like a Scion iM or a Subaru Impreza 2.0i in a stick. Then they see hybrids and they are goggled eyed. I like responsive transmission like the one in my dad’s sienna. I detest slushboxes.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 01/03/2016 at 16:18

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ah ok. think thats hard try an AWD turbo car with an act 2600 4 puck clutch rated for 500hp. thats what my old car had in it

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > Steve in Manhattan 01/03/2016 at 16:24

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The body and interior are in great condition. The rare grind scares my parents and their bias against sports cars (presumably to protect me getting into danger) has resulted in beigeboxes. http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2015/11/ask-ja…

It’s also a used car. If it was my dad’s Sienna (which is worth less than the Matrix) and he fried a transmission, he would get that gladly fixed. My parents used to only get manuals. Now they want efficiency and like cars that are numb and lethargic. My dad only complained about one car about power: a Kia Soul. I’m sure he’ll get the same response with the Prius. He wants to get rid of the matrix so badly that he wants to not eschew all maintenance for now. I told him no, and that some wear items actually need to be changed. He gave in to that.

It’s around 1300-1000 for a used T60 transmission. The shop my dad has working on the Matrix claims that it will cost 1000 dollars to fix the idling problem. I doubt it’s that much and the shop is overcharging the hell out of it.

Steve in Manhattan > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 01/03/2016 at 17:02

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Remember a call on Car Talk long ago about how hard it was to find these transmissions because so few cars were delivered w/ a manual. But why not? Learning opportunity for you, and you reinvigorate a car you enjoy driving. Or tell them you’ll need the dining room table for a few months while you rebuild the transmission. That might convince them.

Opposite Locksmith > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 01/03/2016 at 17:15

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... Your parents are wrong

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > Opposite Locksmith 01/03/2016 at 17:20

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No shit. They finally listened to me during today’s lunch. They always eased out the clutch on the downshift and never really listened to me on this. I spent 70 dollars on aluminum pedals designed for heel toe to prevent easing out.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > Steve in Manhattan 01/03/2016 at 17:58

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The 6 speeds are actually plenty common and the automatics for said 2zz engine is pretty rare. In regards to the transmission, they won’t allow it. That’s why I do a lot of stuff and then tell them afterward. They won’t approve of it and rather pay a mechanic to do so. If I was living by myself and financially independent, I would do it myself. But I’m not. Since I’ve found out the Prius isn’t being bought for fuel economy/avoidance of high mile maintenance (tax purposes), I’m trying to skew them toward other cars. My dad also wants to buy an automatic because my sister. My dad undermines my sister and thinks of her as a failure in a way (in many ways a success in contrary to reality), therefore giving him the belief that my sister will not learn manual.

SO I’m trying to find an autotragic car that is fun to drive and has a tolerable transmission that is in the price range of a Prius V.

Steve in Manhattan > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 01/03/2016 at 18:47

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Mazda 3?

And teach the sister to drive stick on and OPC (other people’s clutch) ... I did. She can drive her husband’s 1 series BMW.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > Steve in Manhattan 01/03/2016 at 18:57

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She lives in suburban Chicago and I doubt her CTA riding friends would have a clutch’d car. No in laws (yet) for me. Mazda 3 might be a good choice...the irrelevantly high gas rating might be attractive to parents...and the Mazda 6 looks awesome in a manual......Well, thanks steve. I’ll talk with parents over dinner to reversing about 20 years of biases against Mazda in order for them to consider it.

OPPOsaurus WRX > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 01/03/2016 at 22:16

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it would be awesome to have something like this:

but I think it should be paired with electric. you still have a throttle pedal but you could control the gear ratio, not just 6 speeds but with he CVT continuous style. the other gears levers control the front/rear power split and other stuff like that.

RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire > Opposite Locksmith 01/04/2016 at 02:14

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Ex-gf tore the motor mounts on my last car downshifting w/o rev-matching. That difference in RPM has to go somewhere.

Opposite Locksmith > RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire 01/04/2016 at 08:35

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I rest my case

RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire > Opposite Locksmith 01/05/2016 at 04:29

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After thinking about this a bit - rev matching on downshifts isn’t always necessary or even possible.

Sportbikes have slipper clutches so the rear wheel doesn’t lock up from engine braking, but there’s still people who say riders should still rev match.

Also drove a (crude?) single seater on a track where the pedal spacing made it impossible to heel-toe. When approaching a corner I’d brake and downshift, but since I couldn’t rev-match the rear tires would lock briefly during each downshift so I had to make sure I was braking in a straight line or else I’d spin.