Hello CarKiller community!
I have a 2004 Toyota Matrix Base trim with the 5-speed manual and 53K miles on it. I am going to use it as a daily driver, what are some problems I should look out for?
Since car is 16 years old, consider looking at the basics. Hoses, belts, tires, brakes. These are the items that are "age" affected. Also check the cooling system while looking at the hoses.
@porkchophill
Thanks! We did recently change the brakes, the serpentine belt, other than a rough idle (I assume it is the engine mounts), I can still live with it. I easily can say I love manual 30x more than an automatic, and I am going to keep taking care of it, even though I am a newer driver!
EDIT 3:35 PM EST: The cooling system works great too, I hope it lasts!
I have a Corolla with same engine and transmission.
I have changed out all fluids, replaced all filters, cleaned the intake manifold and replaced the intake manifold gasket with a new orange (important that its orange), cleaned the upstream (before catalytic converter) O2 sensor. I recommend you do the same. It all took time, but now I do not have to think about most of these things for a few years! Change the oil every 5k miles max!
Rough idle could be due to the intake manifold gasket, or MAF sensor being dirty. Try those first, starting with MAF