Originally posted by red99sesport:
You were driving a 3s with an auto correct?


Right. I also tried a 3i manual. (I pretty much bracketed the whole range of options by trying the leather-seated Grand Touring wagon and the stripped base sedan.) I did try out the manual-auto shifter, but I didn't try going down to third for freeway passing, I only tried fourth. I think I revved about 4000.

Also, this was a low-emissions engine with no VVT, since I'm in California. This may affect the passing power.

I previously said there was no real price advantage of a Matrox over a 3... WRONG! I forgot that the Matrix is also sold as the Pontiac Vibe, which currently has employee discount plus rebate... I just got a quote that was $2500 below what I'd probably pay for a 3s wagon, maybe $3000 below. I think that just reopened the consideration a bit.

But I'd have to buy it before the end of the month, when I haven't been paid yet...

. . . Two zetec Contours, two blown head gaskets... for some reason I have a Japanese car now. anybody in California want a Diehard Gold 100 month battery? inquire by PM.