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"Used Toyota Matrix Overview And How To Get The Best Price!"
We find the Matrix a solid choice for someone wishing to combine the functionality of a sport utility vehicle with something with a sportier look and drive.
We've had a number of these in stock in the past and have always been impressed. It's most notable qualities include comfort, ample interior space, good handling and highway stability, a generous list of standard equipment, good gas mileage and quite affordable prices. Some can even be found with all-wheel-drive and stability control.
And of course, they come with Toyota's reputation for quality and reliability. Resale values have also been good, lowering the total cost of ownership over the longer term.
The Matrix also has excellent genes, being based on the Toyota Corolla ... the number #1 selling vehicle in the history of automobiles. It's essentially a Corolla in hatchback form, with extra room and available four-wheel drive.
Used Matrix models can be found in base, XR, and XRS trims. Both the base and XR came powered by a 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine that produced 130 horsepower with front drive models and 123 horsepower with AWD models. The Matrix XRS is equipped with a 180 horsepower engine four-cylinder and is front-wheel drive only.
Base and XR models came standard with a five-speed manual transmission, while the XRS featured only a six-speed manual. A four-speed automatic transmission was included on AWD models and optional on those with front-wheel drive. The AWD models are the same height as the others and are not really intended for off-road duty.
Antilock brakes are a standard safety feature on XRS and AWD models, and available as an option on other versions. The XRS was also equipped with rear disc brakes. While front side airbags were optional for all models, curtain side airbags were not offered.
A household-type power outlet can be found in XR and XRS models, and is an option on the base. The XRS also has aero body trim, and like the front-wheel XR, offers optional 17-inch wheels rather than the standard 16 inchers. Some used Matrix models can also be found with the optional navigation system and/or the optional in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Other very good resources for learning about the Toyota Matrix include the used Toyota Matrix info by model year, including photos, specs, recalls, etc., at Automotive.com: Used Matrix Info. For more deatils on the Matrix's history and back ground, there's fairly comprehensive information at Wikipedia,org: Toyota Matrix. For those who may still be thinking about buying a new Matrix, there's good info on the newest model at Toyota.com: New Matrix Info.
For both dealer and "by owner" price comparisons, there's a good nationwide database of classifieds at Yahoo Auto: Used Toyota Matrix For Sale. And to learn what actual Matrix owners think of their vehicles, there's a good online owner's community at MatrixOwners.com.
Overall, in our humble opinion, the Matrix is simply one of the better choices available for those shopping for a hatchback or small wagon. And we can make a number of suggestions to help you save money when buying one.
How To Get The Best Price On A Pre-Owned Toyota Matrix:
There are actually several different ways to buy a used Matrix at the lowest price, even at wholesale.
ONE - Car Auctions:
You can go to Public Car Auctions in your own geographic area to acquire a wholesale Matrix first-hand. While this may take more time and effort on your part, there are indeed excellent deals for those willing to shop these events.
Another excellent method involves getting several used car dealers to compete for your business. See the details in this Used Car Buying Guide. It's just amazing what happens to prices when you force dealers to fight among each other for your sale.
Also ...
If You're Interested In A "Brand New" Matrix, there are some great deals to be had if you know how.
