Hi Scotty,
I'm shopping for a reliable, roomy and economical small used car (aren't we all these days?). I've looked at small sized SUVs (CR-V, Rav-4). Very practical and well made, but I find them too "truck-like" in their handling. I'm hesitating between the Pontiac Vibe and the Toyota Matrix. I've heard that they are basically the same car with different names and the only year to avoid is the 2009 edition. What are your thoughts on this? What should I look out for as far as "problems" are concerned? And how does the Scion xB compare?
Thanks,
Vinny.
P.S. Heard you were moving back North. You miss winters that much? 🙂
I have an 09 Matrix - the 1.8 liter engines are fine, the 2.4 problematical. Matrix's handle better, better materials, Vibe's are cheaper to buy. One weird problem with the 1.8 is that most develop a rattle when cold starting at below 30 F - there's a TSB on this, doesn't really hurt anything (but a good negotiating point). Only other fixes were an an alternator and battery at 120K.
I'd go for the Matrix of the two.
I agree I would go with the matrix, however, you can find the Pontiac Vibe for pretty cheap and if you find one with low miles it can be an ok car.
In general, I would go Matrix over Vibe. But some of the 2009 Toyota Matrix (and Pontiac Vibe) with the 2.4L engine had excessive oil consumption so avoid that engine. Also, see below of list of complaints from owners: not meant to be comprehensive.
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Matrix/
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/2009-2010-pontiac-vibe/#post-39504
Of the two I say go vibe.
They are nearly the exact same car and you'll save a lot of money if there's a pontiac badge on it instead of a toyota badge.
Like to add, all Matrix which are not the base model from 2009-2013 have the 2.4 engine and thus excessive oil consumption issues, so any base model from 2009-2013 would be my choice. Same with the 2009 Pontiac Vibe. The only difference is that the Vibe has a difference AC/Heater system and is made in the US rather Canada. Quality is a bit lower but if you can get one cheap enough mechanically they are pretty well made.
Make sure to have a mechanic check it out first though. TO sum it up, 2009+ 1.8 is a to buy, 2009+ 2.4 is a not buy, before 2009 is complicated with different engines for different trims I personally find the interiors ugly on those but its a personal choice.
