I got this in my inbox today:
Hello IT Nerd. I’ve read about your trials and tribulations with your Toyota Matrix. I’m thinking of buying one that was made between 2009 and 2013 for my son to go to university. Can you tell me about yours? What should I be looking for? What should I avoid?
Thanks for the question. Other than the electrical issues that I’ve documented, I’ve had not much go wrong on it. I have over 138,000 KM’s on it and I recently had to have the oil pan resealed because it was leaking. That was almost $500. You should check the oil pan to make sure that you do or don’t need to do that. Also, make sure that the brakes have been done recently. I’ve needed the fronts done every 60,000 KM’s and the rears done once after 120,000 KM’s. It’s about $250 to get the front or rear brakes done.
Things to look for are:
- The cloth on the seats are prone to be stained easily. Make sure that you get them cleaned and then Scotchguarded.
- Check for oil consumption in the 2.4L engine version of the Matrix. Toyota clams that 1 litre per 1000 KM’s is “normal.” In my Matrix, I am consuming just under half that per 1000 KM’s. Anything over 1 litre per 1000 KM’s may require a very expensive engine repair that is documented in technical service bulletin T-SB-0094-11. My dealer quoted $3000 for it so this is something that you need to avoid. As an aside, this can happen to the 1.8L engine as well, but it is common in the 2.4L engines up until the 2010 model year. This also affected many other Toyota vehicles that use the 2.4L engine.
- Check for proof that all the recalls have been done on the Matrix that you’re interested in. Here’s a list with the model years they apply to:
| 2012338 | Toyota | MATRIX | 2009 |
| 2009251 | Toyota | MATRIX | 2009-2010 |
| 2009290 | Toyota | MATRIX | 2009-2010 |
| 2010012 | Toyota | MATRIX | 2009-2010 |
| 2014124 | Toyota | MATRIX | 2009-2010 |
| 2013462 | Toyota | MATRIX | 2014 |
Of course, all the usual rules apply. Make sure to get all the service records and have it looked at by a mechanic before you put down your money.
Hope that helps!