Hello. The wife and I currently own an 03 Matrix. Its a great car, we get above EPA and we love it. But, I'm kind of a mileage freak and would love something that sips even less fuel. I've had the Matrix next to a second gen Prius a few times and they're very similar is size, so it is a logical choice. We also both really like the Prius. So, I had a tip off to start looking around here for ideas and possibly even vehicles, so here I am. A bit more about me... I'm very much into ecodriving to get the most mileage out of whatever vehicle I'm driving. In the summer we get around 40 mpg with the Matrix. I've gotten upwards of 48 with it under the right circumstances. My other vehicle is a 1997 Toyota Paseo which I'm currently trying to hit 60 mpg in the summer with. I also am into ecomodding (modifying vehciles for better mileage). The gains here aren't quite as good as the driving style changes, but are still quite valid, and fun for a tinkerer like me. I think someone even posted a piece of work I was doing here. It was an automatically actuated grill block that referenced the coolant temp to open and close so the car warms up faster and is more aerodynamic.
Welcome! I think you are the kind of person that can contribute to this community. You have the will and you would find a way. Jump on the hybrid bandwagon and let's do something clever and help each other out to improvement continuously. There is no other car better for you than the 2010 Prius.
If you are getting upwards of 48 on the Matrix, I can't wait to see what you can get with a Prius. Enjoy to forum, tons of great info here.
If that's the case, get 06 or higher model. There were little things improved inside out over 04-05 models.
See the knowledge base here: http://priuschat.com/forums/knowled...andard-optional-equipment-most-countries.html
Be aware that the 2004 - 2009 Gen II Prius has less driver seat rearward travel than your 2003 Matrix. If you have long legs then that could be a problem and I'd suggest that you thoroughly test out the driver seat to see if you can achieve a comfortable driving position. The 2010 Gen III Prius has more rearward travel. From my seat of the pants measurements (literally), I think it has about the same amount of rearward travel as the Corolla which I think is a little more than your Matrix
The most notable improvement must be the "Lexus quality" touch screen. The previous year model's MFD was like NES 8-bit resolution graphic. Starting from 2006, the MFD has higher resolution with more colors (32,000). The interior was also upgraded with the soft panels. Tire Pressure Monitoring System was added. Front airbags are smarter and can tell adult, child, or object with sensors in the seats. See more details in the attached PDF.
Well, the time as come. I finally found my deal and it looks like I'll be picking it up today. I ended up finding a black 04 model with 38,000 miles on it for a fair price. I'm really looking forward to seeing what kind of mileage I can squeeze out of it. Mega Motorworks, Inc : 2004 TOYOTA PRIUS
Daox, Nice find, almost a "granny car." For ~$10k you could add the Hymotion PHEV option and get ~100 MPGs... depending on you daily driving pattern. All that for only ~$22k. :cheer2:
