04-05 Corolla vs. 04-05 Matrix vs. 04-05 Vibe?

[Raven_007]

I've done a bit of research and these cars suit my price range and wants/needs. I know that Matrix/Vibe share the engine (1ZZ-FE) with Corolla on the base models (I want base models). Matrix/Vibe take a bit more gas since it's bigger car but is a bit cheaper on insurance so that balances out. Both models came out in 2003 and they seemed to fix all little glitches they had by 2004. The only Corollas I've driven were driving instructors’ cars (one when I took G1 exit and the other one when I took G2 exit). Both of the cars took a lot of abuse obviously, so it's hard to judge the car based on that, but I know that they are weak on power when merging on the highway compared to the bigger engines (expected). I also know that Toyota's 4 cylinder models are pretty reliable.

Anyway, the questions part:

1. I know that parts are fairly cheap compared to say Mazda3. Any mechanic can work on Toyota right?
2. The cars I'm looking at all have ~100,000km on them. What are the most common problems/replacements for that mileage on Corolla/Matrix?
3. This maybe silly, but is it possible to add curtain airbags and abs (it's an option for all these cars, maybe was standard on Vibe, not sure)? I've never heard of anyone doing it. It's obviously better just to find the car that already has it but just checking.
4. There is a popular belief that resale value on Vibe would drop faster than on Matrix. I wish it was true so I would buy Vibe for a cheaper price, but it's not really the case on 4-5 years old cars. Do you guys think they will be about the same price when they are 10 years old or Matrix will have higher resale price than?
5. How badly are these cars rusting? I doubt that 4-5 years old cars will have rusting problems, but what about when these cars are 10 years old. The car will most likely be outside all the time.
6. I'm surprised not to see too many Matrixes/Vibes for sale, even though there should be lots of 3-4 years leases ending. Is it because the cars weren't very popular or most owners decide to keep the car?
7. Any common problems for those years’ models I should be looking for when buying a car?
8. Does Matrix/Vibe have better handling than Corolla in the snow or heavy rain?

Thanks for all the answers.

[ES_Revenge]

I didn't have all the answers, but here's what I can offer on the questions I could say something about...


Anyway, the questions part:

1. I know that parts are fairly cheap compared to say Mazda3. Any mechanic can work on Toyota right?
Well any mechanic can work on any car really. There may be specialised equiment or training that is needed on certain parts/systems of certain vehicles but for standard/general work, most mechanics are competent to do most things on most cars I'd say. Many of the larger auto shops also have test/service equipment that can be used on a wide variety of makes/models.


3. This maybe silly, but is it possible to add curtain airbags and abs (it's an option for all these cars, maybe was standard on Vibe, not sure)? I've never heard of anyone doing it. It's obviously better just to find the car that already has it but just checking.
If the same models had the option of side airbags then it's more than likely it's possible to add the components from a car so-equipped however it would probably be more money and trouble than it's worth. I.e. It would cost you more than just buying a car with the option. Also it's not really the safest idea either. I doubt you'd find any shop that would be willing to do this anyway, due to liability issues.

ABS is probably possible as well, but again you're going to have to make this a DIY and go hunting at the junkyard for parts, if you really want to add it. Once more, in the end, it's probably not going to be cost-effective. Depending on parts prices and availability, you might be able to add it for a reasonable dollar amount if you do it all yourself but it doesn't sound like you'd be up to doing that (?)


4. There is a popular belief that resale value on Vibe would drop faster than on Matrix. I wish it was true so I would buy Vibe for a cheaper price, but it's not really the case on 4-5 years old cars. Do you guys think they will be about the same price when they are 10 years old or Matrix will have higher resale price than?
So you're saying there isn't really a difference in resale for cars that are ~5 years old? If that's the case I doubt it would be any different in 10 years either. Of course who really cares about resale after 10 years?


5. How badly are these cars rusting? I doubt that 4-5 years old cars will have rusting problems, but what about when these cars are 10 years old. The car will most likely be outside all the time.
Rustproofing like Krown or a car that was dealer-rustproofed at purchase will help mitigate any rust problems that may occur. If you can find one that was dealer rustproofed or one where the previous owner(s) had Krowned the car every year, those are probably the best bets if you're concerned about rust. Also proper vehicle care--washing, waxing, repairing paint chips/scratches, etc.--is also required to prevent rust, on any vehicle.

As for my $0.02 on what car to get out of these, personally I'd pick the Vibe.

[Raven_007]

I didn't have all the answers, but here's what I can offer on the questions I could say something about...


Well any mechanic can work on any car really. There may be specialised equiment or training that is needed on certain parts/systems of certain vehicles but for standard/general work, most mechanics are competent to do most things on most cars I'd say. Many of the larger auto shops also have test/service equipment that can be used on a wide variety of makes/models.



Yes, I understand that. The reason I'm asking this is I don't know for sure where I'll live 1-2 years from now, so I don't wanna get stuck with expensive repairs because there are only a few places can do the repairs on the car.




If the same models had the option of side airbags then it's more than likely it's possible to add the components from a car so-equipped however it would probably be more money and trouble than it's worth. I.e. It would cost you more than just buying a car with the option. Also it's not really the safest idea either. I doubt you'd find any shop that would be willing to do this anyway, due to liability issues.

ABS is probably possible as well, but again you're going to have to make this a DIY and go hunting at the junkyard for parts, if you really want to add it. Once more, in the end, it's probably not going to be cost-effective. Depending on parts prices and availability, you might be able to add it for a reasonable dollar amount if you do it all yourself but it doesn't sound like you'd be up to doing that (?)


Definitely not something I will do myself, this is more of curiosity question.




So you're saying there isn't really a difference in resale for cars that are ~5 years old? If that's the case I doubt it would be any different in 10 years either. Of course who really cares about resale after 10 years?

I guess I'm more looking for quality here. E.g. look for similar 7-8 years old Toyotas vs. 7-8 years old GMs and resale value.