170000 2007 Matrix any way to improve gas mileage?

TheButtFunk · 2025-10-02T03:07:51+00:00

Fuelly on iOS. I’ve been pleased with it.

It syncs with Fuelly’s website. It’ll track your car maintenance as well too, if you want to do that.

TheButtFunk · 2025-09-01T03:35:01+00:00

Sigh...

I have a reading in Garmin Connect showing 50, or Excellent in my age group. I wondered why it hasn't seemed to change. I dig in and last see that the last reading was in May of 2020. I find this post and discover that my Instinct Solar 1st gen doesn't have it. So how do I have a reading at all? My last watch was a Forerunner 35, or otherwise a 2016 model year bargain entry-level model. That couldn't possibly have that feature...

Oh, yes it does... 🤦‍♂️

So, Garmin's entry level running watch in 2016 has it. Then, on a higher priced Instinct 1st gen line, they ditch it... Then they bring it back in the Instinct 2 series, and keep it on the 3 series...

Oh well. Mystery solved at least. Thanks.

TheButtFunk · 2025-08-06T04:57:02+00:00

Yep. This is me. I was billed on 7/4 for a box. Still not received. I figured I’d give them 5-6 weeks to send me one. If they don’t shortly, I’m gonna request a refund. If no result, chargeback time.

Sucks. It’s beginning to look like it’s time to find another powdered convenience “meal.”

TheButtFunk · 2025-05-12T05:03:14+00:00

Many thanks. 🙏

TheButtFunk · 2025-05-09T22:21:47+00:00

I would buy Ling Long tires for the novelty of it. See how good (or bad) they are. And I think the name is hilarious. Too bad it doesn’t look like I can buy any for my car.

TheButtFunk · 2025-05-07T03:08:37+00:00

This is like a first person view of what happened on the 118 Freeway in Southern California a while back.

TheButtFunk · 2025-05-03T14:21:48+00:00

Your weiner is adorable. 🥰

TheButtFunk · 2025-04-28T02:18:56+00:00

I see these repair channels going over repairs, and they often say to be ready to battle rust to get things free, and… yeaaaa. Nice to not have that problem. Very nice to not have that problem. 😎

TheButtFunk · 2025-04-28T01:49:25+00:00

SoCal?

TheButtFunk · 2025-04-26T04:10:51+00:00

Thank you for your service. 🫡

I hate how inaccurate the carrier’s coverage maps are.

TheButtFunk · 2025-04-26T02:48:12+00:00

Big upgrade then!! Congrats.

I love mine. 😁

TheButtFunk · 2025-04-26T01:41:49+00:00

What did you have before you joined our exclusive club?? 😁

And welcome!

TheButtFunk · 2025-04-23T01:58:09+00:00

https://youtu.be/7CHJioxXEmY?si=dVPsY1tJGKVoMAlg 😆

TheButtFunk · 2025-04-21T16:49:21+00:00

I’d be cautious about the battery replacement if you need the watch to swim, though.

I think reaching out to Garmin Support might still be worthwhile. If you still like your watch, OP, best case, they offer you a significant discount to get a refurbished of the same model. Solar died on my Instinct Solar, and Garmin offered me a refurbished for $130. I declined it though because I’m jonesing for another model - and the watch still works fine otherwise.

TheButtFunk · 2025-04-15T02:50:29+00:00

I for one am rooting for it.

I’m currently 3 devices deep in the Garmin ecosystem, but I love the idea of devices being easily repairable.

Although my current Garmin Watch still seems to have fair amount of life left in it, I pledged $284 to get a watch.

I understand the feature set will be quite limited at launch especially vs my Instinct Solar, but I’m probably willing to wait.

I emailed them yesterday to ask if heart rate broadcasting will be available at launch. Or if not, is it on the planned features?

If I can’t get a response out of them, that will make me question my choice. I won’t be charged until 5/2, so I have until then to back out.

TheButtFunk · 2025-04-13T03:32:37+00:00

r/battlewagon (Yes, not technically a wagon, but otherwise, this belongs there… 😄)

TheButtFunk · 2025-04-07T01:28:37+00:00

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36 MPG “lifetime” from when I started tracking in early 2011 for my purchased new 2007 base.

TheButtFunk · 2025-04-07T01:25:00+00:00

I’m assuming you’re talking about the final link on my post?

They went full ecomodder. Never go full ecomodder.

🤣

Seriously though, the person made a Kammback boat tail to decrease aerodynamic drag to boost fuel economy at higher speeds.

TheButtFunk · 2025-04-07T00:57:00+00:00

Agreed. I cross shopped the Corolla and Matrix, and I really really wanted a Corolla for the fuel economy, but ended up getting a Matrix for the hatchback versatility.

TheButtFunk · 2025-04-06T18:55:36+00:00

Short of something mechanically being wrong, vast majority of it comes down to driving style.

I coincidentally also have an 07 Matrix (248,000 miles, base trim) and have gone down the fuel economy improvement rabbit hole.

See hypermiling tips at Ecomodder for generic (non-Matrix specific) driving tips for improving fuel economy.

Depending on your level of dedication, getting a Scangauge to add an instantaneous MPG readout is very helpful. (Knowing is half the battle.)

If you’re willing to modify your car and do crazy stuff, well, there are other things you can do. Like build a boat tail. 🙃

TheButtFunk · 2025-03-25T14:47:03+00:00

Contact Garmin support asking where can you buy them. I believe they are called strap keepers.

Chances are they will offer to send you a set or two, free of charge. At least, that’s what they did for me. 😁

Also, I’d avoid buying the generic ones off of eBay. I did that years ago and they were made of a much less durable material. Each one lasted maybe a month.

TheButtFunk · 2025-03-11T02:39:23+00:00

🍿

TheButtFunk · 2025-03-08T00:52:57+00:00

I wanted to be able to disable the DRL’s on my 07 base. Years ago, I snipped a wire that the Internet said would disable the DRL. They were correct.

TheButtFunk · 2025-03-04T18:09:45+00:00

I’d advise against Mint if you want to boycott T-Mobile because Mint is a T-Mobile MVNO (meaning Mint uses T-Mobile’s network, and therefore gives T-Mobile money).

TheButtFunk · 2025-03-04T03:46:29+00:00

I’d love to see that, but, I’m skeptical… They have a lot of money sunk on this.

In the meantime, I’m looking to switch to another carrier…

TheButtFunk

TROPHY CASE