In my reorganizing of finances/debt, I sold my Subaru and got this. It's an '09 Toyota Matrix XRS. Car has a 2.4 Liter 4 cylinder engine with variable valve timing on the intake cam (dual overhead cams), producing 152HP/168TQ, mated to a 5 speed electronically controlled automatic tranny, which you can also slap shift. The XRS is different than the other Matrix models in that it has a double wishbone suspension in the rear, 18" wheels/tires, larger rear discs for the braking system, and a sport trim interior. Also has stability/traction control. Bottom line is that it will scoot, and handles like a sports car, with additional feedback from the electronically controlled power steering (no hydraulic pump and hoses, with no belt drive). EPA estimates are 21/29...I'm getting an honest 26mpg in a mixture of driving, and the motor has only got about 3K on it.
Other amenities include a JBL audio system with XM and Bluetooth, 9 speakers in 7 locations (including a big JBL subwoofer). Rear seats fold completely flat for cargo and/or dogs.
I added the body side mouldings, rear bumper protector, and had the windows tinted.
It's a fun car to drive, and gets 6 more mpg than the Subaru. After she's fully broken in at about 10k, I expect to get 30+mph on the highway, and 23 or so around town. Uses regular unleaded too, instead of premium. The bluetooth is nice...voice activated, and the stereo is awesome. All controls are on the steering wheel for BT and JBL. There's only a handful of these in the Southeast...kind of a Matrix CVO
The price was right since I work there too
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Topic: New Car (Read 1885 times)