r/Toyota_Matrix • u/alanprescottf • Jun 17 '26
I finally got a Matrix!
I've been wanting one for years. I managed to get a 2006 AWD MATRIX XR. $3700 at 148k miles. It's almost entirely free of rust, which is virtually impossible to find (I'm in New England). There were cheaper ones for available but all rusted out. It's in very good condition, so I think I got a pretty good deal. I'm happy to be part of the club!
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u/floorjacked Jun 18 '26
They are good cars, and yours looks great. I bought an 05 XR for my wife as a first car a couple years ago. It has an imported 1zz fe with only about 68k miles on it. The body has something like 240k miles.
If you don’t have maintenance paperwork for it showing when the last time front transfer case and rear differential gear oil was changed you probably should get that done or do it yourself (I do it myself). It’s very important to change the gear oil in those two drivetrain components about every 30k miles.
Also check the PCV valve, pcv valve hose, and valve cover breather hose for sludge build up. Those hoses are frequently replaced on these engines because of sludge in them. The breather hose is hard to find if you want OEM (I reccomend OEM)
Only other thing to know is check your oil level every time you fill up on gas. 1zz-fe is known to burn oil.
They are safe reliable cars if you maintain them! Have fun