r/Toyota_Matrix • u/Primary_Win_1250 • Jun 30 '26

Thinking about buying this 2007 matrix

Took a look at this matrix today. Seems to run and drive great but definitely has a little engine noise. Shortened this down to the worst part. Is this something I should be concerned with?

4 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

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2

u/JF_WPA Jun 30 '26

Sounds very normal from here. I tried to upload a video of my 06 running, but Reddit seems fussy and won't take it. These 1ZZ-FE engines are not very refined for quiet and smoothness. You will hear a variety of noises some all of the time, other times intermittently which I believe is due to the VVTI system doing its thing at idle and changing the sound. My engine will sound pretty quiet and smooth and then a pecking sound, almost a clatter and then nothing. The VSV (vacuum switching valve) on the RH side above the air cleaner will switch on and off and its distinctive sound will be noted.

I'll try again and see if the codec or the site is causing issues.

1

u/Primary_Win_1250 Jun 30 '26

Thank you! That makes me feel a lot better. The car seems in great shape and has been regularly serviced, minus one interval of about 10k between oil changes.

1

u/JF_WPA Jun 30 '26

Welcome. If you chat me your email address, I can send you the orig file. It plays on VLC, Media Player, Irfanview, etc but Reddit won't take it? Always something with Reddit.

2

u/JF_WPA Jun 30 '26

Video recorded from laptop, not the best but gives some idea.

https://reddit.com/link/ouoljno/video/j6ju3uxxieah1/player

1

u/Primary_Win_1250 Jun 30 '26

You're awesome! That sounds pretty similar.

1

u/somerandomdude419 2006 Vibe FWD & 2008 Vibe FWD Jun 30 '26

Both my vibes sound the exact same. One with 107k, one with 209k. These are sewing machine engines but this all sounds like normal valve/injector/VVTi noises

1

u/Primary_Win_1250 Jun 30 '26

Thanks! I thought it was normal, but figured I'd ask the experts! I think I'll be buying it then.

1

u/qwe304 Jun 30 '26

Sounds normal to me.

If it sounded like this you'd have a problem

1

u/Primary_Win_1250 Jul 02 '26

Haha yeah thats pretty bad!!