32 miles on it...in my driveway. I just started looking at these cars a few days ago...and loved the fact that you can really upgrade that 2.4l engine.

Now...have to do research on making it fast...turbo, sc, etc

stock for now...

Newbie, Marty

 

how do you compare your new tC to your xrs?

 

well...I loved my trix...however, it felt like a plastic station wagon. I put 18's, tein's, strut brace, CAI, Magnaflow, etc on it and, although it drove tight..I felt EVERY bump in the road. Plus...way too loud...felt like the whole car was falling apart. Also, the XRS didn't have much power until 6200 rpm...and then felt nice...but grew tired of having to reach that level to get power.

I loved my trix...however, not much out there for mods. A SC for the base trix...but no turbos for the XRS model.

So...to answer your question. So far...after putting about 15 miles on it..it's quieter, perform better at mid rpm range, handles a little softer (will have to add suspension soon) and I think it will look better after some mods (unlike the ugly back end of the trix).

So...I was thinking of this euro body kit on ebay...but after reading some posts..not sure if it's the wisest move. it looks great...so will probably do it.

by the way, married guy, 31, three boys and got the mod fever about 2 years ago...won't go away.

Marty

 

First thing your going to want to do is swap out the stock sway bars for some hotchkis if you want to improve the handling. Spings are up to you depending on how much ride comfortability you want to sacrifice for performance.

 

hmmm...ok...will have to do that soon.

does seem to 'float' around turns more than the trix

 

silly rabbit, trix are for kids



sorry i just had to say that after constant reference to the matrix as 'trix'
and congrats on making the trade. the tc isnt just for young owners, its a car for all ages at our current price.

 

congrats on your purchase.

 

Im surprised you think the tC is a soft riding car. I think it drives smooth only on perfect roads. The suspension is way too stiff. Lemme know if you still feel the same when you drive over uneven roads, or worse...a pothole. It will feel almost like a low speed impact. Kinda hurts he....he

 

Congrats again!
My friends ARE going to swtich from Matrix XRs to tCs too!
Woohoo

 

I don't know if they still have the whole TRD suspension packages out on eBay, but if you're lucky, you can get 'em for around $400-500. That's springs, struts, AND a sway bar. You can't beat that. I got it a while ago and had the dealer install it, but if you want to do it yourself, you'll save a lot of money.

 

the 18's and teins may have contributed to that harsh ride on the "trix." Smaller wheels = bigger rubber = better ride = worse handling = less distance from axis of rotation (radius) = more hp.

Bigger wheels = smaller rubber = worse ride = better handling = larger radius = less hp.

Personally I'd never get a wheel larger than 17." At 17", the sidewall is stiff enough for me!

 

I as well traded in my Matrix XRS for the tC. The tC is so much quieter and a much softer ride. I will miss the utility of the Matrix, but not much else. It wasn't a bad car, just not what I was looking for.

 

I wonder just how many people have previously had Matrixes (Matrices?)!! Seems a whole crapload of people have! I had a Phantom Gray XR that got totalled. Now I have a tC....

 

there is a toyota section where anyone with previous toyotas can go and discuss their rides.

 

I love the ride in my tC, I think it is very smooth

 

I still have a Matrix 4wd XR along with the new wife's new tC. I've had the Matrix for 2 1/2 years and I've put 70k on it. The tC is definitely a much nicer car and cheaper too. Don't get me wrong, the Matrix has been rock solid over those 70,000 miles, and I'll continue to put 100 on it per day until I can trade it, at which point I'll probably get another tC. The Matrix feels like a mid-priced Toyota, whereas the tC feels like a cheaply priced Lexus.

 

does it feel faster then the XRS?

 

I bet you love your TC

 

My wife and I also have a AWD Trix.


The Trix has been a very good car, and she is awesome in the snow. However she is a little underpowered and very boring to drive in the summer.



We bought the tC to replace the Matrix, as soon as my S2000 is fixed the Trix will have to find a new home.

 

It's nice to go from a sluggish , ugly as hell car like the Matrix , to a more refined Coupe like the TC . Anytime I see a Matrix/Vibe , I cringe the same way I do when I see a Pontiac Aztek .