Which Years of Used Toyota Matrix Vehicles Are Most Reliable?
Toyota Matrix by My Toyota Matrix - CC-BY-SA-4.0
The Toyota Matrix is a hatchback vehicle that was discontinued in 2013. However, it’s still readily available in the used car market. With ample cargo capacity, good power, and cheap maintenance requirements, it’s a popular family and commuting vehicle. Still, you should only purchase one of these cars from the most reliable Toyota Matrix year. If you’re not sure where to start, read on.
Most Reliable Years for the Toyota Matrix
There are plenty of reliable Toyota Matrix years you can choose from. Indeed, the most reliable Toyota Matrix years include:
THE TOYOTA MATRIX YEARS TO AVOID
Some Matrix years are less reliable than the others. Today, we’re rounding up the Toyota Matrix years to avoid along with model years you can safely buy.
- 2007 Toyota Matrix
- 2008 Toyota Matrix
- 2010 Toyota Matrix
- 2012 Toyota Matrix
- 2013 Toyota Matrix
Within these five years, you’ll find that a used Toyota Matrix provides great gas mileage, decent performance, and overall dependability. Given these facts, a used Toyota Matrix could be just what you’re looking for if you need a budget-friendly car for your family or for taking your kids to school.
Are Toyota Matrixes Generally Reliable?
What if you purchase a Toyota Matrix in general? On the bright side, this is a fairly reliable vehicle line through and through. According to carparts.com, the Toyota Matrix has good reliability ratings, such as a four out of five or a reliability score of 81 out of 100. This could be attributed to the fact that the Matrix is basically a Toyota Corolla, just with a larger trunk.
Getjerry.com also says that the Toyota Matrix is a fairly reliable vehicle line. While the best years are those from older generations, any Toyota Matrix can be seen as a reasonably dependable vehicle. 4.5 out of 5-star dependability ratings are common, and some of the most reliable Toyota Matrix years also have relatively low annual repair costs. Thus, not only will you not need to take your used Toyota Matrix in for repairs often, but when you do, you won’t break the bank.
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Which Toyota Matrixes Are the Least Reliable?
At the same time, we highly recommend avoiding certain Toyota Matrix model years that are not exactly known for dependability. The least reliable Toyota Matrixes are generally considered to be:
- 2003 Toyota Matrix
- 2009 Toyota Matrix
Both of these Toyota Matrix models have their own issues. For instance, the 2003 Toyota Matrix received a lot of user complaints because of engine failure issues. Engine failure problems can be damaging to your wallet and your personal health; imagine your used Toyota Matrix failing while on the freeway, for example.
Meanwhile, the 2009 Toyota Matrix doesn’t have a good reputation for its own share of mechanical issues, like airbag inflation ruptures, excessive oil consumption, and a sticking accelerator pedal. That last problem is especially dangerous. It could lead to dangerous or uncontrollable acceleration on the road.
Are Toyota Matrixes Expensive to Maintain?
Just how much should you expect to spend on maintenance and repairs for your Toyota Matrix? According to repairpal.com, the average annual fees for a used Toyota Matrix’s maintenance total $396. That’s very affordable, especially compared to other vehicles.
That said, keep in mind that some repairs will cost you much more than others. As an example, an air filter replacement should cost less than $100, but an alternator voltage regulator replacement may cost you nearly $500 when all is said and done.
If you notice any mechanical problems with your used Toyota Matrix, take it in for repairs as quickly as possible. That way, a mechanic can diagnose the issue and fix it before it gets worse.
Which Toyota Matrix is Most Reliable?
To get the most value for money, be sure to purchase one of the most reliable Toyota Matrix years: the 2007 Toyota Matrix.
Not only is the 2007 Toyota Matrix an affordable choice, but according to copilotsearch.com, it’s also one of the most reliable vehicles overall. It’s stable, comfortable, and has a variety of excellent elements, like a very roomy backseat and top-tier fuel economy.
These elements make it a great family vehicle, especially since you don’t need to worry about major maintenance problems. If you are in the market for an older hatchback, a used Toyota Matrix could be just the ticket.
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What Are the Most Common Toyota Matrix Problems?
You’ll still want to keep an eye out for some common maintenance problems and reported concerns from previous Toyota Matrix users. According to miramarspeedcircuit.com, the most common Toyota Matrix problems include:
- Sudden unintentional acceleration
- Oil leaks
- Airbag faults
- Door handles cracking
- Faulty seatbelts
- Engine problems like excessive oil consumption
- Transmission issues like grinding or transmission failures
Always ask for a vehicle history report when buying a used Toyota Matrix. That way, you can see whether the vehicle in question is already loaded with problems you’ll need to pay for later.
Is the Toyota Matrix Worth It?
A used Toyota Matrix could definitely be worth it. The most reliable Toyota Matrix year, the 2007 Toyota Matrix, is an especially smart choice for families who need to buy a good vehicle they can rely on for several years in the future without spending too much money on the purchase.
Meanwhile, the Toyota Matrix also has very low maintenance requirements. That’s inherently valuable, as it means you’ll pay less on a per-year basis to maintain even a used car compared to many other vehicles on the road.
If you’re looking for something initially affordable and affordable in the long term, the Toyota Matrix is definitely worth a look. Just make sure it’s not broken when you buy it!
8 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN BUYING A USED CAR
So you’re in the market for a used vehicle? We’ve gone ahead and prepped some essential questions to ask when buying a used car.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the 2007 Toyota Matrix is a stellar used vehicle you should check out if you’re in the market for a used hatchback vehicle. It offers stability, room, and convenience in equal measure, all without charging you a major maintenance bill each year.
However, do your best to stay away from used 2003 or 2009 Toyota Matrixes. These vehicles are not worth your time and money, and they may indeed end up costing you more than their initial asking prices reflect if they come with serious mechanical failures or other problems.
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