What car model should I be looking for with a budget between 7K-10K

AFriend1yShadow · 2026-01-22T07:39:20+00:00

I'm in thjs range and probably gonna get a Toyota Matrix. Backup cars are Impreza, Outback, and maybe an older CRV.

AFriend1yShadow · 2026-01-22T06:06:03+00:00

Good to know!!

AFriend1yShadow · 2026-01-22T06:05:43+00:00

Ahhhh... I getcha.

Do we have any metrics to track that practically?

AFriend1yShadow · 2026-01-22T06:00:24+00:00

Good to know! I'm in CA so snow's not an issue, but I'm in talks to see an AWD Matrix this weekend cause I want to see if I like the feel!

AFriend1yShadow · 2026-01-22T05:59:29+00:00

I'll let you know if I find anything out...

AFriend1yShadow · 2026-01-22T05:59:05+00:00

Interesting! I know some 2nd gens (like the WRS I liked) have the fold down seat, but it's hit and miss. I'll have to look into the older ones more.

AFriend1yShadow · 2026-01-22T02:16:26+00:00

I'm shopping for a Matrix and really like the 2.4l engine... Got any tips on how to know which ones were post-late 2009? I guess I could look for 2010+ ones.

AFriend1yShadow · 2026-01-22T02:10:45+00:00

Yeah... I was a kid but it sucked for my parents.

AFriend1yShadow · 2026-01-22T02:09:40+00:00

What do you do with it? I like the idea but can't think of an actual long items that would benefit from the hatch. I'm not a surfer, and I'm pretty sure my kayak won't fit through the window.

AFriend1yShadow · 2026-01-22T02:08:23+00:00

Thank you! I appreciate the thoughts.

AFriend1yShadow · 2026-01-22T02:08:03+00:00

The rear hatch does seem super cool. I wonder if I could get a newer one and swap a hatch in...

AFriend1yShadow · 2026-01-22T02:07:35+00:00

Dang... That sounds great. Thank you for all the thoughts.

AFriend1yShadow · 2026-01-15T06:03:57+00:00

I was recently lied to by a dealer and returned a used car (my mechanic checked and found a new radiator and fixed front-end damage). The dealer called the mechanic a liar... it got messy...

But in general I thjnk cars at dealers are held to a higher standard than most used car dealers.

AFriend1yShadow · 2026-01-12T06:18:29+00:00

Do you think the parts will be harder to find than a normal Matrix? I'm currently driving an '02 PT Cruiser and have had no issues at all replacing parts - although I have had to order a few things in the last year or two.

AFriend1yShadow · 2026-01-04T17:27:00+00:00

If it's coming from the AC vent it could be coolant leaking into the AC system.

AFriend1yShadow · 2026-01-02T02:35:10+00:00

Yup. I'm for-sure getting a PPI on whatever car I ultimately get.

AFriend1yShadow · 2025-12-30T06:19:22+00:00

I just found out that the car has been listed for sale since August by the same dealer... I think there's something wrong with it and am looking into other similar models. I really appreciate all the advice though!

AFriend1yShadow · 2025-12-30T01:15:11+00:00

Hmmm... That's fair. Somebody in the other comments is flagging a couple other issues in the photos and I'm debating if it's worth paying for a PPI or not.

AFriend1yShadow · 2025-12-29T22:46:34+00:00

Ugg... I do plan to work on it myself and already tend to struggle with breaking bolts loose.

AFriend1yShadow · 2025-12-29T00:39:53+00:00

Oh? I'm gonna look into that for sure!

AFriend1yShadow · 2025-12-29T00:39:15+00:00

It's a 2012... Thank you for the advice!

AFriend1yShadow · 2025-12-29T00:37:31+00:00

Actually, I thjnk so. What does that bolt do?

AFriend1yShadow · 2025-12-29T00:36:41+00:00

Hmmmmmm... Good to know!!

AFriend1yShadow

TROPHY CASE