TwinCB has her sights on two cars

"CB" (jrcb)
07/22/2019 at 21:07 • Filed to: Possibly needed car browsing with CB

I know our resident crustacean has a Vibe, but anyone have any input on the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! or the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ? Both automagics.

Update:

At least she knows what features she wants.

DISCUSSION (23)

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > CB
07/22/2019 at 21:14

1st Gen or bust.

CB > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock
07/22/2019 at 21:16

Your opinion is valued, yet unnecessary.

(I was hoping for a bit more detail)

dogisbadob > CB
07/22/2019 at 21:20

Not a fan of the second gen and not a fan of silver, but the newer car is probably the better one to get since it is newer and will have less rust on it

Under_Score > CB
07/22/2019 at 21:23

I’ve asked this question for years: why is it only dealers in Canada that do a front plate with the vehicle’s model year? Google doesn’t answer this.

I’d go with the 2010. I don’t even think ABS was a common item on those older Matrixes.

CB > Under_Score
07/22/2019 at 21:30

I don’t have an answer, and I think the 2005 would have ABS.

thejustache > CB
07/22/2019 at 21:30

Two random anecdotes about first gen Matrixes (matrices?): My wife had a first gen matrix when we started hanging out. It managed to throw a rod while heading up a hill (while I was driving no less). I felt terrible even though I knew I didn’t do anything, especially as I was pretty sure these were cockroach cars. As it turns out I’m pretty sure the Midas she took it to for an oil change the day before never filled it back up with oil, and it managed to make it that far before detonating. They flat out denied it, and she got a $500 Jetta with a 5 speed to learn stick in.

Second anecdote: my sister has a 2005 matrix hand down from my mom. It’s closing in on 300k miles and still going, so I guess that redeems the first experience?

CB > thejustache
07/22/2019 at 21:35

Automatic or manual?

thejustache > CB
07/22/2019 at 21:39

Both were auto. I did test drive a first gen XRS with a manual at one point, which was pretty snappy for around town duties. I wouldn't kick one out of my driveway for commuting duties if I found one today

CB > thejustache
07/22/2019 at 21:40

Excellent, this is good information to know.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > CB
07/22/2019 at 21:44

The second gen had less issues, though I would try to find a GT/XRS , as it has a better Camry engine and more features . My parents, now sister, have a Vibe GT with 186k miles. It’s been maintained barely for the last 40k miles of it’s 186k miles and mechanically nothing has gone wrong in it’s life.

CB > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
07/22/2019 at 21:46

Also good to know. Thanks!

facw > CB
07/22/2019 at 21:53

It didn’t become mandatory until shockingly late (2013 I think?), though I’d imagine anything that wasn’t a horrible base model should have had it long before that.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > CB
07/22/2019 at 21:59

I recommend she get the latest model year for the first gen like I did. No oil consumption issues on the later 1ZZ-FE. 2003-2005 is ehhhhhh I would not pay much for one because it could be burning a lot of oil if the previous owner didn't change it religiously and far before 7k miles or whatever nonsense the factory recommended.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
07/22/2019 at 22:00

Also the Vibe and Matrix have identical interiors and interior dimensions, just different sheet metal.

Under_Score > facw
07/22/2019 at 22:07

I remember scrolling through CarMax long ago and only saw a few Matrix hatches with ABS.

Under_Score > CB
07/22/2019 at 22:09

It’s something American dealers never do. Instead, they put the year on the windshield and put a dealer plate up front. What car did your sister used to have?

CB > Under_Score
07/22/2019 at 22:10

This will be her first car.

Under_Score > CB
07/22/2019 at 22:10

Wow! Around here, if you aren’t driving by 18, you’re late to the party.

CB > Under_Score
07/22/2019 at 22:13

She was driving, just our parents’ cars/work vehicles. Plus, our public transit is pretty good (especially where she lives), so a car isn’t as necessary. She just finished school, so she hasn’t need one until now.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > CB
07/22/2019 at 22:16

It’s not particularly exciting, but it’s been incredibly reliable, despite suffering the abuse of being an inattentive drivers first car. The plastic cargo area is awesome! The seats fold flat for a solid plastic bed floor.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > CB
07/22/2019 at 22:38

I would get the 2005 because it’s a color and cheaper.

4kc > CB
07/22/2019 at 22:44

First gen the passenger front seat folds flat to fit longgg stuff

wafflesnfalafel > CB
07/22/2019 at 23:44

W e have a neighbor down the street that has had a one of those bronze/gold 2nd gen for years - loves it.