Matrix woes

[03bluP5]

Ha! One of my coworkers drives a Matrix XR AWD and paid almost $30G for it.
She's had it in the shop numerous times - once for the engine light coming on because the gas cap doesn't tighten enough, but more recently, the battery died because the lights come on any time they feel like it! Imagine that, and Toyota "felt bad" so they washed her car after fixing the problem. Of course she had to have it towed in!
Well we can afford quite a few car washes, cuz we didn't pay $30G for a problematic car. Not impressed with her service record so far...

[CarDemon]

Hope she didn't get an isolated lemon if that were the case? It is based off the tried and tested corolla engine and her model hs the celica's. It is built at the Cambridge plant in ONT. known to be one of the highest in Q.C. in N.A. by independent studies; but engineering glitches do happen though! http://msg.toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif And it is a recent design that started last year or the year before.

I would have bought one if the price range were comparable to my P5 with the option package being more competitive on the XR and base model. I also would have been in the Corrolla LE or Sport last year if their engine had more pep and the option packages were juiced a bit more compared to my Mazda at the time.

Just imagine if we had a PT 4WD or AWD or traction control option though?

[03bluP5]

You make some good points. And you may find this interesting too...her husband works at the Cambridge plant. And she has the QA report.
At least she's smiling thru the whole experience. Not sure if I would be.
Be glad you got the P5 over the Corolla. The hatch is so much more versatile than a trunk. I still don't understand why hatchbacks aren't more popular than sedans. Some people say it's a security thing - I say that's a load of crap.
Traction control...if Ford can put in in the Focus lineup, why can't Mazda incorporate it into the Protege lineup? I'd be all over that one.

[CarDemon]

Damn, I hope she gets better servicing and treatment.
That can tarnish a company's rep when one of their own drives a lemon from their own production. IT MUST SUCK TO WORK AT CHRYSLER THOUGH 1000 TIMES MORE.

How is the Quality, reliability and durablity so far in the general automotive circles? Will we have to wait 5 years or so for the 'LEMON-AID' guide for the Phil Edmunston review?

Thank god for newer car warranties!!!

[323F~SW]

Actually Demon, The XR AWD doesn't have the celica engine, it's the Corolla's 130hp 4cyl (I know they're both 4cyls)
But even then it's slightly different. Because it has AWD, it actually LOSES 7hp in the process. 123hp in a package that looks a lot like someone lowered a RAV4 doesn't appeal to me at all. Especially because it's priced 3-4 grand more than a P5 equally equipped.

[CarDemon]

In terms of AWD vehicles, is it a good price if it is a desired feature. What I mean? It is one of the cheapest AWD passenger cars I may know of, or is the Suzuki Aerio which now has that option. Too bad the Aerio is as ugly as hell.

And damn, I think I must have read about the 7hp loss due to routing of the exhaust or additional wieght of the AWD system. What a pity? Do you know if it is full time engaged AWD or does it just naturally detect FWD slippage and throw torque to the rear wheels?

Most car companies today are incorporating some sort of traction control even if it is FWD. Don't Crapaliers have it? Mazda could incorportate it as an option maybe? http://msg.toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blush.gif