Thinkin about a P5
September-11th-2002, 07:51 PM
#16
Protege Newbie
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 13
Why the P5 rules over Matrix
I went through the same debate as to select between Matrix, Impreza 2.5 TS, and the P5. I got the P5 last week and immediately went on a road trip!. Boy was I amazed!.
Anyhow The reasons I took the P5 over the Toyota:
- Superior interior quality on the P5
- Better look
- The Matrix is produced in Ontario whereas the P5 is made in Japan. Even though the Ontario plant is excellent when compared to some other plants throughout North America they still have a higher problem/car ratio. Also they have to further ramp up production due to the 5-6 month waiting list on the car. The same plant produces the corollas, so every Matrix made means one less Corolla. They will eventually have to relax quality constraints.
- No bargaining power with 5-6 month waiting list.
- Never buy Version 0.0 of anything!!!!
Anyhow The reasons I took the P5 over the Toyota:
- Superior interior quality on the P5
- Better look
- The Matrix is produced in Ontario whereas the P5 is made in Japan. Even though the Ontario plant is excellent when compared to some other plants throughout North America they still have a higher problem/car ratio. Also they have to further ramp up production due to the 5-6 month waiting list on the car. The same plant produces the corollas, so every Matrix made means one less Corolla. They will eventually have to relax quality constraints.
- No bargaining power with 5-6 month waiting list.
- Never buy Version 0.0 of anything!!!!
September-11th-2002, 07:55 PM
#17
Look I changed my title!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 169
yep i was in that position aswell, i look at the subies, matrix, corolla, civic si, golf/Gti, and the sentra.
P5 won me over. But i don't have one yet.....i wonder if they started loading them into winnipeg yet?
P5 won me over. But i don't have one yet.....i wonder if they started loading them into winnipeg yet?
September-11th-2002, 09:08 PM
#18
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Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Winnipeg, MB
Posts: 30
I am sooooo hunting down a Laser Blue Mica P5 once my truck sells. It will be listed in the Truck Trader hitting store shelves in less than 12 hours... I'm getting pumped 
Anyone else hear about the recall on the 2003 Pontiac Vibes? Something about the rear wheels maybe falling off or something? Heh... Way to go GM!
HS8... I called Shawn at Destination Mazda today to ask him about the LBM 2003's. He's hoping they'll get a few in the next couple of weeks... Not much left for 2002's though, unless you want an automatic
Anyone else hear about the recall on the 2003 Pontiac Vibes? Something about the rear wheels maybe falling off or something? Heh... Way to go GM!
HS8... I called Shawn at Destination Mazda today to ask him about the LBM 2003's. He's hoping they'll get a few in the next couple of weeks... Not much left for 2002's though, unless you want an automatic
September-11th-2002, 10:01 PM
#19
Protege Enthusiast
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Winter Park, Fl.
Posts: 200
Same here, I checked out and drove the Matrix, Golf 5dr, Elantra GT and I bought a P5 which was my first choice. Simply, the P5 gives you the most for your money while looking good doing it. The Matrix and Golf offered more, but you had to go into the serious up level trims to get 4 wheel discs, alloy wheels, CD etc. The 130 hp is just fine for the weight of the car and the handling can't be beat. I haven't regretted my decision once. I mean face it, the Matrix is UGLY. Might as well go buy a Aztec.
September-11th-2002, 10:04 PM
#20
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Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 39
Originally posted by Fobiah
My girlfriend has had a matrix for about 2 months now and I have to say that it is nice. It definitely has more room then the mp5. The handling is pretty nice(it comes with firestone tires, which are crap). And, it comes with abs(standard). That's #1 in my book. It gives the mp5 a run for its money(plus, it is a toyota). Sorry to say.
My girlfriend has had a matrix for about 2 months now and I have to say that it is nice. It definitely has more room then the mp5. The handling is pretty nice(it comes with firestone tires, which are crap). And, it comes with abs(standard). That's #1 in my book. It gives the mp5 a run for its money(plus, it is a toyota). Sorry to say.
September-12th-2002, 04:45 AM
#21
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 282
I went to Mazda today and re-test drove the MP5. It impressed me a hell of alot more than it did like a month ago. The suspension feels pretty good and the power is good enough. I remembered the back seats and the trunk being a lot smaller but they are big enough too. I kinda dont like how you have to fold down and take out the back seat cushion bottoms to get the most room. In the matrix you just fold it down, you don't even need to take off the headrests. Another thing i noticed is that the prices are better than i remembered, especially if i want a 2002 :P
I need to sell my frickin celica!
I also don't like the center armrest in the MP5. What the hell can fit in that thing? You can put like 2 cassettes. Another thingi don't like is the way the engine sounds. It sounds kinda econo-mobile-ish, but i guess i'm just used to the GT-S :P
I think i should test drive the matrix again and double check which one i like better. Thanks for your input guys!
I need to sell my frickin celica!
I also don't like the center armrest in the MP5. What the hell can fit in that thing? You can put like 2 cassettes. Another thingi don't like is the way the engine sounds. It sounds kinda econo-mobile-ish, but i guess i'm just used to the GT-S :P
I think i should test drive the matrix again and double check which one i like better. Thanks for your input guys!
September-12th-2002, 10:15 AM
#22
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 71
Arghman,
If you want to truely make a decision about what are you want, you should also go to a matrix forum and ask those guys. Of course, everyone here is going to say that a mp5 is better. You should get both sides of the story. If you don't, then no matter what you do, you are going to get an mp5. AND WHOEVER SAID THAT THE MATRIX IS UGLY, JUST GO AHEAD AND QUIET THAT DOWN. IT HAS A NICE LOOKING BODY, IT IS INNOVATIVE. Peace
If you want to truely make a decision about what are you want, you should also go to a matrix forum and ask those guys. Of course, everyone here is going to say that a mp5 is better. You should get both sides of the story. If you don't, then no matter what you do, you are going to get an mp5. AND WHOEVER SAID THAT THE MATRIX IS UGLY, JUST GO AHEAD AND QUIET THAT DOWN. IT HAS A NICE LOOKING BODY, IT IS INNOVATIVE. Peace
September-12th-2002, 05:48 PM
#23
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 282
Thanks Fobiah,
Yeah i was hangin around on Matrixvibe.net for a while but its so utterly unresponsive that it's annoying. I get like 1 response a week, while here i get like 10 per day :P
I went back and test drove a matrix, and i think i've changed my mind. For a long time i was set on the matrix, but now i think i like the protege better. Although the matrix has a bit more room, i don't really like the big feel of it. The dash and all the radio controls and all that are really big or somethin, it makes me feel like i'm driving an SUV. The door armrests suck. The suspension is a tad slinky. These are all things that the p5 does right.
Thanks for your help guys!
Yeah i was hangin around on Matrixvibe.net for a while but its so utterly unresponsive that it's annoying. I get like 1 response a week, while here i get like 10 per day :P
I went back and test drove a matrix, and i think i've changed my mind. For a long time i was set on the matrix, but now i think i like the protege better. Although the matrix has a bit more room, i don't really like the big feel of it. The dash and all the radio controls and all that are really big or somethin, it makes me feel like i'm driving an SUV. The door armrests suck. The suspension is a tad slinky. These are all things that the p5 does right.
Thanks for your help guys!
September-13th-2002, 01:58 AM
#26
Protege Newbie
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Florida
Posts: 1
1) The person who suggested that the Matrix guages are better... are you nuts!?!?!?! I test drove a Matrix, and couldn't read the damn guages because they were so deeply set into the dash... it was like looking down a long tunnel, and then the light that was reaching the guages was reflecting off the plastic covers!! Plus, they look like something from a car from the 1970s!!
My reasons for not purchasing the Matrix:
- When I test drove the Matrix, the gear **** was not screwed on and the boot around the gear stick had come off... yeah, quality stuff...
- I felt like I was driving a mini-van... okay, that one is totally subjective... but oh well..
- Yes, the Matrix does have the optional kick-butt engine from the Celica, but everything I hear about that is that you have to really push hard to extract that performance and thus it's not enjoyable... again, that is partially subjective...
- The Toyota sales guy knew less about the Matrix than I did, even though all I had done was spend 30 minutes reading a couple of web sites about it... not very impressive....
- Many other reasons, like I preferred the appearance of the MP5, the interior is simply awesome, and the protege have an excellent reputation for reliability.
- Every review in every mag I read said the MP5 was an excellent car, and is a real blast to drive....
2) To Arghman... there may be a good reason why you get such a stronger response from the MP5 boards than the Matrix ones... the MP5 generates strong loyality and a semi-cult following that it's not clear the Matrix will achieve... which I think is a good sign of an excellent car... that tells you a lot more than any set of specifications can... it's what convinced me, and even several months after buying my P5, I still look forward to driving it every day!
My reasons for not purchasing the Matrix:
- When I test drove the Matrix, the gear **** was not screwed on and the boot around the gear stick had come off... yeah, quality stuff...
- I felt like I was driving a mini-van... okay, that one is totally subjective... but oh well..
- Yes, the Matrix does have the optional kick-butt engine from the Celica, but everything I hear about that is that you have to really push hard to extract that performance and thus it's not enjoyable... again, that is partially subjective...
- The Toyota sales guy knew less about the Matrix than I did, even though all I had done was spend 30 minutes reading a couple of web sites about it... not very impressive....
- Many other reasons, like I preferred the appearance of the MP5, the interior is simply awesome, and the protege have an excellent reputation for reliability.
- Every review in every mag I read said the MP5 was an excellent car, and is a real blast to drive....
2) To Arghman... there may be a good reason why you get such a stronger response from the MP5 boards than the Matrix ones... the MP5 generates strong loyality and a semi-cult following that it's not clear the Matrix will achieve... which I think is a good sign of an excellent car... that tells you a lot more than any set of specifications can... it's what convinced me, and even several months after buying my P5, I still look forward to driving it every day!
September-13th-2002, 09:03 AM
#27
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 133
i was also in the same debate...matrix/pr5/suzuki aerio sx/civic si (very spirited drive but it wasn't too well put together)...i choose the pr5 b/c of handling...it was the champ in that category...the civic si was the fastest of the bunch (faster than the xr5) but the silver dash and lack of financing options shied me away
my pr5 is a month old now...it's been a good car...still a looker but it has little quirks now (windows go up at different rates, the drivers side window makes some clicking sound when going up, the fabric on the door shows sign of wear already, and the tranny is kinda notchy)
my pr5 is a month old now...it's been a good car...still a looker but it has little quirks now (windows go up at different rates, the drivers side window makes some clicking sound when going up, the fabric on the door shows sign of wear already, and the tranny is kinda notchy)
September-13th-2002, 10:13 AM
#28
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 71
1) To drolfe: Here is what you need to do. Go down to your local eye glass shop and purchase yourself some nice thick *** glasses because if you couldn't see those guages, you mush be blind.
2) To Arghman: I think you are making a good choice by going with the mp5. Just like everyone says, the handling is excellent and it's just fun to drive. I'm just glad that you looked at both sides rather than just come here and not speak to anyone who has bought a matrix. And sorry to hear about that matrix board you went on. I hate that about forums sometimes. You ask a simple question and no one wants to answer. That's why I stick around here. Everyone is mad friendly on this board and they talk to you(even if they are disagreeing with you). I don't think you will go wrong in your choice. Talk to you later
2) To Arghman: I think you are making a good choice by going with the mp5. Just like everyone says, the handling is excellent and it's just fun to drive. I'm just glad that you looked at both sides rather than just come here and not speak to anyone who has bought a matrix. And sorry to hear about that matrix board you went on. I hate that about forums sometimes. You ask a simple question and no one wants to answer. That's why I stick around here. Everyone is mad friendly on this board and they talk to you(even if they are disagreeing with you). I don't think you will go wrong in your choice. Talk to you later
September-13th-2002, 01:02 PM
#29
Protege Newbie
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Southern California
Posts: 9
Originally posted by drolfe
- I felt like I was driving a mini-van... okay, that one is totally subjective... but oh well..
- I felt like I was driving a mini-van... okay, that one is totally subjective... but oh well..
it drives okay though. if you decide to get a matrix, it better be the XRS model.
September-13th-2002, 01:41 PM
#30
Protege Enthusiast
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 180
Are you getting an auto or a standard?
Back then while I was shopping for a new car I test drove both Matrix and MP5. The Matrix drives well enough and I don't mind the minivan look. But the problem is I can't get a comfortable driving position in that car. Seems like when I adjust the seat to fit the steering wheel and shifter the pedals become too close. Once the pedal fits I must stretch my arm to reach the shifter. And the way things are put together are not typical Toyota standard. For the past 10 years my parents own nothing but Toyotas and there's something about the way its put together that no other car company are able to achieve...like everything is so silky smooth from the engine right down to the ***** for the AC.
Back then while I was shopping for a new car I test drove both Matrix and MP5. The Matrix drives well enough and I don't mind the minivan look. But the problem is I can't get a comfortable driving position in that car. Seems like when I adjust the seat to fit the steering wheel and shifter the pedals become too close. Once the pedal fits I must stretch my arm to reach the shifter. And the way things are put together are not typical Toyota standard. For the past 10 years my parents own nothing but Toyotas and there's something about the way its put together that no other car company are able to achieve...like everything is so silky smooth from the engine right down to the ***** for the AC.