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My car is a 2011 Toyota Matrix XRS. Next season I’ll have to put around 2000 CND of repair on it (changing the break, etc). It’s a sport car really good for long road. But really bad in the forest (gravel road). Since a few years I really like hiking so a VUS would be better (to go to some cool place). I’d like a Mazda CX-5 GS… but damn car are expensive.

I wanted to change in a year or two... but now I kind of want to change now instead of putting all those repair on it.

What would you ILFer do?

Changing car mean no GAS money for a while.

What extent of "off roading" are you doing?

I have a hard-on for Toyotas and Hondas because I love keeping cars for a long time and regular maintenance will keep a Toyota or Honda running for like 300,000 miles. Or
482,00km.

We had a bitchin' Toyota Camry wagon that had 256k. It ruled. We just gave it up for a Honda CRV because it was ancient and we needed something that offered some additional safety. Some of the CRVs have 4WD and could bee what you're looking for -- a bit more rugged but still good on gas. I've also driven a Toyota 4Runner and loved it. Also a mid-sized SUV.

Lots of love for Subaru Outbacks, etc., but to be honest I think Consumer Reports rate a lot of Honda and Toyota's better than the newer Subaru stuff. Do they do Consumer reports in Canada?

Also, apparently the Toyota Matrix was designed in partnership with GM and has the same guts as a Pontiac Vibe? That's like a Digitech Bad Monkey and an Ibanez Soundtank Tube Screamer.

The 2011 model is not related to GM. But the break are the bad point on this car.
I had then maintenenced two years ago. My car is only 56 000 KM.

Mazda CX-5 have some good reviews and should be as fun to drive as the Matrix XRS.
But I would prefer to put my money somewhere else you know.
But I have to avoid some cool hiking place because of my car.

I guess my question is... should I keep the Matrix XRS and have the break job done after the winter... or I would be better to invest in a new car that would suite more my needs?

keep or sell do the breaks before the winter?

odontophobia wrote:keep or sell do the breaks before the winter?

They still have 40% left on them... no need to do it now (I should have mention that).

I'd keep the Matrix for now. And I'd also shop around some other mechanics, $2000 for a brake job is highway robbery. I'm guessing that price is from a Toyota dealership? Ask around for a good independent mechanic/brake shop in your area. Seriously, brake pads and rotors should be under $1000 for all four wheels.

40% brakes should also be good for a while still, unless you really slam on the brakes hard a lot.

I just had all 4 brakes done & rotors shaved on a decade-old Toyota; along with a handful of other work (at the dealership) and it was <1000.
Getting the timing belt+all belts/seals & water pump replaced today. Everything together is totaling about $2k usd.

IDK who is quoting you 2k for the brakes but that's bullshit.
Get a second opinion. I'd also advise you to keep the Matrix if it has otherwise been good mechanically & electrically.
Especially if it's paid off. It's super underrated to drive an older, low-mileage, reliable car and keep it well-maintained.
Think of how much more money you can pump into the musical aspects of your life & the enrichment you will enjoy from [it].
Maybe invest in some new snow tires for the back country driving

I might keep it for a year or two.

Yes it was at the dealer. But I already decided not to go there anymore.

I'd love to have an AWD car. But it's a lot of money a new car.


Thanks guys!

Not sure what the used car market is like up there but a 4x4 Toyota 4Runner might be a good choice. Or a 4 door truck if you want that. Toyotas are really reliable. I have a 2001 Tacoma truck that is my work and daily driver truck and its great. I do all the maintenance - which is pretty easy on these trucks - it is all around awesome.

All Wheel Drives are bullshit. And they cost a fuckton to run.
Get a real 4WD and go do some mud/rock work if you're in the forest a lot.
I have an 09 Suzuki Jimmy that has never let me down and cost me >$50AU a fortnight to run as a daily driver.
It has never gotten stuck on the beach or in the mud.

It's not a great car if you have a heap of stuff to haul but if you like small cars and know how to Tetris you can get by alright.

I'm actually thinking about getting good rid of my Acura RSX and replacing it with a 4x4 suv. My first thought was 4runner (used to own a 91), but the used prices in bc are crazy.

So now I'm thinking about a Nissan Xterra.

I think I'll go try a Mazda CX-5 GS and see the offer I'll get.
Mostly by curiosity. No decision yet.

I have a 2013 Camry and want to get a Tundra. Used to have one and it's fucking amazing for off, on road or just running shit over. lol. They are expensive but you can get a used one for a decent price, plus they hold value well.

2k for braes is INSANE. I changed my own several years back, rotors and all for a couple hundred. It's not hard unless they are fused...like mine was. Had to take one off with a torch...

Anyway for that price they better be putting NEW rotors on and not shaving them. Fucking bitches.

A Tacoma is also a good choice. Great little trucks.

Volkswagen Polos, man.

I'll see myself out.

sylnau wrote:I think I'll go try a Mazda CX-5 GS and see the offer I'll get.
Mostly by curiosity. No decision yet.

I drive a 2013 CX-5 (FWD but still) and it's a fantastic SUV. Damn near silent, great mileage and great for long drives as well. It's only got a 12 gallon tank so I don't think I've paid over $20 to fill it up since driving it.