2003 Toyota Matrix vs. 2007 Pontiac Vibe

[cyfreddy]

I have test drove both of these cars, and am trying to decide which one is best for me.

The 2003 Toyota Matrix has 53,000 miles on it, but the warranties have all run out. The Pontiac Vibe has 21,000 miles on it, but has all of its warranties left. There is about a $3,000.00 difference in price. By the way, the Matrix is a candy apple red, and the Vibe is white.

I will be trading in my Ford F150 4 wheel drive, it is going to be hard to part with, but the gas mileage is killing me.

Just looking for suggestions.

By the way, I know both of the salesmen, and they are from 2 different companies.

 

[cycloneace55]

You might want to check out any Consumer Reports articles on each car. That and see if there are any reliability issues with each model. (brakes, transmission, electrical, that sort of thing) Track record wise Toyota tends to have a better quality record overall then Pontiac over the past 10 years, but don't take my word for it. Also look at the fit and finish on both cars, those annoying little mismatches and oversights will only get more annoying over time.

 

[mramseyISU]

If you're looking into that catagory of a car you should check out a Mazda 5. My wife just got one and loves it.

 

[dmclone]

Power train wise, they are the same car unless the Toyota is the 180 horsepower motor. If the Toyota is the high horsepower version I would go that route. It has 60 more horsepower but gets the same gas mileage.

Another thing to think about is resale. I don't know how long you're going to keep the car but let's say 5 years and you put 50K miles on the car. At that time the Toyota will have 100K miles and the Pontiac will have 70K miles. My guess is that they will be worth about the same price just because of the Toyota history on the used car market.

Financially the Toyota probably makes the most sense. If you're talking about a plain jane front wheel drive Matrix than you shouldn't pay over 11K.

It probably comes down to whichever you like the most. The interior of the Pontiac may be better since it's 4 years newer. One may be a higher end model with more options.

 

[besserheimerphat]

FYI, mechanically the two cars are identical. They come off the same assembly line. Same engine, transmission, chassis, etc (except for any year to year differences obviously). Toyota will have better resale, but since the cars are essentially the same the Pontiac may be a better value.

From Edmunds.com: "The product of a joint venture between Toyota and Pontiac, the Vibe is essentially a twin to the Toyota Matrix; indeed, the two are built at the same factory. The platform is essentially all Toyota, and most interior components are shared as well."

2007 Pontiac Vibe Review - Edmunds.com

 

[dmclone]

So to summarize, here are some things I would consider.

Model comparison-Do they have similar options. Automatic? FWD vs. AWD? Sports package?

2003 Vs. 2007-2003 was one of the first model years. 2007 is the last before the redesign. First year models can sometimes have problems but Toyota is one of the best.

Styling (both interior and exterior)-This is more personal preference.

Condition of the car. I would be more worried about this than the miles. Usually people that take care of the cars exterior/interior, also take care of the maintenance.

How long you going to keep it? If you're going to keep it forever than the Pontiac is probably the better choice. If you're going to keep it for 3 years than bank the $3K and buy the Toyota.

What about a 2003 Pontiac Vibe? You could probably save another 3K and they are roughly the same car. That would probably be your best deal if you can find one.


BTW-If it's the Matrix at Bob Brown than it's the XR, which has the standard 130hp motor.

 

[cycopath25]

Never buy a white car.

 

[2020cy]

It's obvious you buy the red one, i.e. cardinal and gold!

 

[Nedrick]

I've been considering the Vibe as well. I'll probably regret this, but there's a blue '06 Vibe for sale by private seller in Cars.com. Has 24K miles and only $12,500. I know it can be risky buying from private sellers, but the price seems low. I'd also agree that white cars probably aren't worth it -- not only for keeping clean, but for winter driving hazards. My 2¢...

 

[2020cy]

We have an 05 and have been very pleased. AT $12500 you could almost buy a new one.

 

[everyyard]

I have test drove both of these cars, and am trying to decide which one is best for me.

The 2003 Toyota Matrix has 53,000 miles on it, but the warranties have all run out. The Pontiac Vibe has 21,000 miles on it, but has all of its warranties left. There is about a $3,000.00 difference in price. By the way, the Matrix is a candy apple red, and the Vibe is white.

I will be trading in my Ford F150 4 wheel drive, it is going to be hard to part with, but the gas mileage is killing me.

Just looking for suggestions.

By the way, I know both of the salesmen, and they are from 2 different companies.

We have had a Pontiac Vibe 2004 model since that model year. Put over 100,000 HARD miles on it mostly in the mountains and also driven it to Seattle and back and all through the west. We have not had a SINGLE problem with it...nothing. You must understand that the Vibe is a joint project with Toyota and the Vibe is for all practical purposes a Toyota Corolla. Sure Pontiac has styled the interior, but the important working parts are all Toyota and thank God because Toyota knows how to make a reliable car. I also have a Prius, and as much as I have loved our Vibe the Prius is my favorite car EVER. In fact, when I trade in the Vibe I may get a second Prius. It gets great mileage and has more room than our Vibe...it does not have all wheel drive however. We have a baby and both are great family cars as well...assuming you don't bring the kitchen sink with you. By the way, living in Colorado we had trouble only with the very steepest of mountains in the power department...if you live in Iowa you will have NO problems with power.

 

[Nedrick]

We have an 05 and have been very pleased. AT $12500 you could almost buy a new one.

If, by almost, you mean $6K more, then yeah, you could. :wink:

It's tough to get into a decently equipped '09 for less than $19K...

 

[CYCLONE STATE]

Whichever route you go spend the $100 or so to get the vehicle inspected before you buy!!! It can save you in the long run.

 

[Cy Heavy]

FWIW: I've ridiculed my coworker mercilessly (there are a lot of different takes on "vibe") since she bought one four years ago. The car itself seems fine, just a horrible name. :smile:

 

[jdoggivjc]

I also have a Prius, and as much as I have loved our Vibe the Prius is my favorite car EVER. In fact, when I trade in the Vibe I may get a second Prius. It gets great mileage and has more room than our Vibe...

Jeff Dunham and his friends Walter, Achmed, and Peanut (his puppets) have a lot to say about your love for the Prius...

 

[everyyard]

Are you SERIOUSLY making fun of my car preferences???? Dude, you must be a real big tough super cool man. L O S E R.