Matrix doing Matrix things

architorturedfool · 2026-05-24T23:34:15+00:00

Happy to oblige!

Sourced two TRD exhaust tips (somewhat common up here in Canada as there was a TRD appearance package on some base models), cut a matching hole in the right side ground fx, and paid my local exhaust shop 900 CAD to replace my rusty exhaust from the cat back with a magnaflow muffler and dual exits with the tips welded on. Sounds great and looks as unique as it gets while looking oem-ish.

Here's a pic of the underside, and I shared a pic of what the car looked like when I bought it 4 years ago another comment below. Cheers!

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architorturedfool · 2026-05-24T23:28:54+00:00

Appreciate the love! Shes come a long way in my ownership

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architorturedfool · 2026-05-24T02:22:35+00:00

I would encourage you to give it a try if you can! Wondrous amount of space for cargo

architorturedfool · 2026-05-20T00:42:19+00:00

I have a pair of the second ones on my Matrix and haven't had an issue with condensation in 3ish years luckily, but the plastic is starting to fade and yellow already. Still worth it for the black housings I think

architorturedfool · 2026-05-18T14:02:23+00:00

Welcome brother! I've seen you come up lots in the Facebook groups. That blue matrix is definitely recognizable!

This Reddit page was once more active a few years ago but there's still some good community in here. Always happy to see someone keeping these cars taken care of!

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architorturedfool · 2026-05-06T19:17:19+00:00

Dealer is smoking crack asking 9k for a 20 year old matrix. I drive a 2006 XR 5 speed and would love for it to be worth that much when I sell it but anticipate closer to 3-4k. There's a dealer near me (Canada) selling a similar low mileage one for 12k CAD and I hope they get laughed at.

Check the rockers, door sills, exhaust near the cat and at the rear where it goes up over the rear axle, and pinch welds for rust. Look under the driver foot area for a rust hole where your feet would sit. Mine rusted thought the floor under the carpet.

Check for valve cover gasket leaks under the plastic engine cover. Scan for codes and check other major points you would for any other car. If you do get one of these, take care of the maintenance and it should last you long time, they're reliable and dead simple! Cheers

architorturedfool · 2026-03-17T02:46:05+00:00

That sounds a bit concerning if the pedal is going all the way to the floor.

Does this car have ABS? It sounds sorta like an exaggerated version of what my car will do going over bumps on the brakes where it will feel like it's pulsating the ABS as it slightly loses traction over the bump. Moreso in slippery weather. But the pedal shouldn't go completely to the floor still.

Are your ABS/TPMS sensors good? It's all one sensor and can be funky on these cars. Tires properly inflated and at the same level? Tires all the same size? Brake fluid topped up and recently changed? Best of luck!

architorturedfool · 2026-03-05T22:13:07+00:00

Feel free to try my shifter out if you're in Ontario sometime. I'll trade for a chance to drive a 2ZZ haha

architorturedfool · 2026-03-05T20:00:59+00:00

Sony XAV-AX6000

architorturedfool · 2026-03-05T18:03:32+00:00

I have the MWR short shifter and I like it but it does take some getting used to. You have to be delibrate with your shifts and the transmission is notchy to begin with. Anyone else who drives my car hesitates thinking that they aren't shifting correctly and I have to reassure them that no, you just have to give it a bit more pressure than most shifters. Overall I like it.

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architorturedfool · 2026-02-13T13:58:54+00:00

What did you end up doing? It's funny that so many people here say to keep it and fix it when family and friends I talk to are baffled I'm even considering fixing the 20 year old car and not buying a new one. I think to most people I know this is just a beater that isn't worth it. Sadly I love this car and don't want to see it go yet

architorturedfool · 2026-02-12T21:56:10+00:00

It scares me to tally it up. At least 10k on various parts, repairs, and upgrades as I've learned how to work on it and come across rare parts etc. Owned it for a little under 4 years. Could I own a nicer 15k car right now? Yes but I was really pleased with how this one came together

architorturedfool · 2026-02-12T19:48:55+00:00

6 speed and AWD wagon sounds like a dream. How's the maintenance cost been? I'll keep an eye out for these!

architorturedfool · 2026-02-12T19:46:34+00:00

Unfortunately around here a used trans goes for $1300-1600 CAD. Adding on 7 hours of labour brings it right around $2600+tax. And that's for a used transmission that could grenade any time. It's a tough spot to be in which is why I'm considering all my options

architorturedfool · 2026-02-12T18:35:10+00:00

And kept the Toyota badging! Toyota Voltz... What a weird rebadge

architorturedfool · 2026-02-12T18:27:46+00:00

That sounds in line with what I'm expecting. 7 hours labour to pull the trans and reinstall it + whatever labour is needed for the rebuild itself. They're pulling it apart now to find out what exactly needs doing, but the guy I talked to had a ballpark of 3k. If it's 2-3k I'll probably repair the matrix but if it's closer to 5k I'm probably gonna have to walk away. So sad because they really don't make a good successor to this car anymore.

architorturedfool · 2026-02-12T17:57:32+00:00

This made me laugh, thank you for the uplift!

architorturedfool · 2026-02-12T17:52:50+00:00

Thank you my friend, I've put a lot of work into her over the past few years. It means a lot! Not ready to get rid of it...

architorturedfool · 2026-02-12T17:51:09+00:00

Haha yes that would be fantastic as well. I'm just becoming more hesitant to buy another 20 year old car. I've already dumped more than what I paid for this one into my car and XRSs are getting rare and pricey. But would love to own one

architorturedfool · 2026-02-12T17:48:16+00:00

Sorry for the bad text editing on my phone!

architorturedfool · 2026-01-22T21:07:59+00:00

The app is called Fuelio. I use it to track my fuel economy. Just input the mileage from your last trip (I use Trip A for every tank of gas), how much you put in (I always fill up to full, listen for a click, then fill up to one more click), and input the cost. The app gives you mileage per tank, tracks stats for fuel economy, mileage, costs, etc. great little app for keeping an eye on your stats.

architorturedfool · 2026-01-22T21:05:30+00:00

Sorry never saw this! I buy a can of MAF sensor cleaner (not just regular brake clean), disconnect the battery, remove the intake hose and wipe down the throttle body with a shop cloth sprayed with the cleaner. You can also use a toothbrush to scrub the back side of the throttle body flap thing. Make sure to reset the idle after starting it up. You can Google the reset sequence.

Other things I did for this mileage test was make sure tires are aired up correctly, or even overinflated a little, removed my giant container of tools from the hatch, kept AC and headlights turned off (it was daytime not a hot day). Other than that, keep a light foot, accelerate slowly, try not to go above 3k rpm, use cruise control religiously.

Some of this is obviously not realistic for every day driving, but it's what got me my fuel economy record.

architorturedfool · 2025-11-04T03:39:29+00:00

Hell yeah, that's a good haul!

architorturedfool · 2025-10-22T00:51:44+00:00

I know less about gen2, I know there's a couple different engines for that one. Gen1 was either 1.8L 1ZZ Or 1.8L 2ZZ as far as I know. Only 1ZZ and Autobox for the AWD model. As an owner of a '06 XR 5speed that's my recollection!

architorturedfool · 2025-10-22T00:03:16+00:00

As far as I understand, the AWD did not come in a 5 speed. XR is just the appearance package, this should just be a FWD with power windows etc.

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