u/alanprescottf

I just bought this repair manual and found that it has no acknowledgement that there are 4WD versions of the cars. I don't need it for anything at the moment, but it doesn't even have simple things like procedure or specifications for replacing differential fluid. I'm sure I can find any of that information elsewhere, but I was looking forward to having the information all in one book.

I generally get information from Google and YouTube when necessary, but I was hoping to have something that felt a little more officially.

Does anyone have recommendations for more extensive repair manuals or a reliable place to find repair/maintenance procedures?

Sadly, it's time for my Element to go to the junk yard/auction (one of those online places that will come pick it up). It's a 2008 automatic 4WD. I'm looking for parts I can take off first to sell for a little extra money. I still need it to run and drive , so I don't want to take any parts that would disable it.

The tires are almost brand new. I plan to swap them for junk ones first, and sell the good ones.

Are any of you in need of any parts I could sell you cheap? I'd love to be able to contribute to the community in some way.

I'm sad about this. But it's rusted to the point that I don't think it's safe to drive. Not in good enough condition to be worth repairing and/or selling.

I'm going to be changing the fluid in my transfer case and differential and want to make sure I use the right oil. (2006 Matrix 4WD XR, automatic) .

The manual says SAE 90 Hypoid gear oil GL-5.

Most of the oil I find of that viscosity is 75w-90. Is that alright to use? In my area it can get to 0° F, so it seems like a good idea.

Also, most of the higher quality oil I've found says it has additive for limited slip. Would using that cause any problems?

Thanks!

Also, I'll be replacing the transmission fluid soon (automatic). Any advice on what brand/type to use?

I just got a 2006 Matrix XR 4WD with 148k miles. I love it already, and I'm loking for maintenance advice, like what brands and mileage intervals are best. I want to make it last as long as possible, while avoiding spending insane amounts of money on maintenance. I do most of the work myself, so it's just parts cost.

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I'm preferably looking for good products with best value for money, not necessarily the absolute best that money can buy (trying to avoid $60 oil changes, etc.) I often just buy whatever mid-grade oil and filter are on sale when it's time to change the oil. I avoid the cheapest options, but rarely go for the most expensive stuff.

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I only drive like 6000 to 8000 miles per year. I like to change my oil at least twice yearly, usually in Spring and Fall. Are there options that are better for Spring vs Summer driving? I live in New England, so very hot summers and very cold winters. I generally think full synthetic is overkill if I'm changing my oil every 3-4k miles. Everyone says these engines are bulletproof, so I imagine I'm fine using conventional or synthetic blend. But I'd love to hear any opinions either way.

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My other car is a 1985 AE86. I generally use a quart of Lucas Oil Stabilizer additive for every oil change. Does anyone know if that's actually helpful to extend engine life? Is it worth the cost to use that in the Matrix as well?

And since I just bought the Matrix, and don't have all the service records, I plan to replace the fluids in the front transfer case and rear differential very soon. Any recommendations on what type of fluids to use and how often to replace? The transmission fluid looks very clean and pink on the dipstick. How often should that be replaced? Are all of these just a drain and refill, or are there additional steps? I use Royal Purple transmission and gear oil in the AE86, because I've heard it's really good. Is it okay to use cheaper (but still decent) oils in the Matrix.

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How often should coolant be flushed? It looks clean. Is it okay to just drain and refill occasionally? Is it recommended to use Toyota coolant or is a cheaper brand okay?

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The body has almost no rust, and I want to keep it that way. And that's very difficult in New England. I only have one local shop that does undercoating. It costs $250 per application and they say it needs to be done yearly. I tend to undercoat my cars myself. I just crawl under with a paintbrush and apply grease to everything I can reach. And I spray white lithium grease on all the parts I can't reach with the brush, and into all the holes that salty water could get into.

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Someone also suggested I check/clean the PCV valve, PCV valve hose, and valve cover breather hose. Is it necessary to get OEM replacements for these? Any other suggestions to things to check and/or replace?

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Sorry for the long post. I appreciate any advice!

I've been wanting one for years. I managed to get a 2006 AWD MATRIX XR. $3700 at 148k miles. It's almost entirely free of rust, which is virtually impossible to find (I'm in New England). There were cheaper ones for available but all rusted out. It's in very good condition, so I think I got a pretty good deal. I'm happy to be part of the club!

I guess it was just a matter of time. I already got a Cat Clamp to keep the replacement safe. They took so much of the pipe that the repair cost like $3000. Has this happened to any of you? Not looking for advice or anything. I'm just sad. Please send thoughts and prayers Edit: it cost $2700, and I just rounded up in my head. Haha And while the car was in the shop, I had them weld up some damaged parts of the frame, so that added a ton of labor cost. They did that after, so I forgot if that was added to the same bill.

I'm thinking about buying this 2006 Matrix (XR 4WD, 148k miles) and looking for advice. I'm hoping to talk them down to $3000, but $4000 seems fair as long as there are no significant issues. I live in New England, so I'm struggling to find an affordable 4WD without major rust. Every decent 1st gen Matrix in my area is selling for $6000 or more.

I haven't looked at it in person yet, but it looks good so far. I can give it a good look over, but are there any specific things I should pay more attention to?

It's been in one accident, but I'm honestly not that concerned. It's been almost 20 years since the accident, and the car probably wouldn't still be on the road if the accident caused any major problems.

I'm considering newer cars nearby, like a 2019 Hyundai Tucson with 150k miles (for $8000), and a 2016 Prius V with almost 300k miles (for $5000). But from everything I've read online, those newer cars are both unlikely to last more than a year or two without major repairs. Even at 20 years old, I feel like I can trust the Matrix to last longer. I'm pretty good with cars, so I can do most minor repairs myself. But newer cars are more likely to need specialized tools or knowledge that I don't have.

Car shopping is stressing me out. Haha.

I'd be happy to get any advice or opinions. Thanks!

I'm interested in this Tucson, and it seems like a bargain for such a new model. The history report shows one accident. But everything else looks good, and it seems like it was repaired well after the accident. We don't have information about service history or details of the accident.

I'd try to talk them down into the $6-7k price range, but that could be a hard ask for for such a new model. Are there any specific red flags to look out for? The miles are pretty high. Are there any issues that tend to come up around that point?

I'd appreciate any input. Thanks!

I'm looking into buying a 2006 Matrix 4WD with 150,000 miles. They are asking $4000 (obviously I'll try to negotiate that lower). That seemed like an okay deal at first, but the carfax shows some concerning things.

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The carfax shows in the service history that the control arms have been replaced 4 times in the last 5 years. This seems like a red flag to me.

It also shows that it was in a minor - end collision once. But that was in 2007, so I don't think it would be related to the control arm situation that started 15 years later.

It also has 7 previous owners. Some were labeled as car dealers, so that might not be too bad for a 20 year old car. But sometimes short-term owners don't bother with maintenance, so I don't know.

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I need advice. Should I pass on the car based on all of this?

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Thanks!

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I'm shopping for a car and I've always wanted a Matrix or Vibe. Any advice on which years are better, what issues are likely to come up, etc. My price range is $3000 to$7000, depending on condition.

I'm looking at two different 2006 Matrix, both are AWD (that's my preference). One has 122k miles and they're asking $6000. The other is $220k miles and they're asking $3000. I'll try to negotiate the price down, of course. Does the XR model make a huge difference?

I'd often prefer a cheaper high mileage car, rather than an expensive low mileage one. The money I save can cover any repairs. And a lot of repairs are caused by age more than just mileage, so I've found that usually mileage doesn't make that big a difference in reliability (if we'll maintained) . But I'd love to hear some opinions on that.

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I'm shopping for a car, and found a 2010 Nissan Rogue that I really like. Just wanted to consult my friends here on Reddit to see if there are any major red flags or anything for that model.

They're asking $3000. It has 160k miles, but seems to be in great shape. Is that a fair price? I'll try to haggle down the price, of course.

Sadly, my beloved 2008 Element is going to need to be replaced soon. 18 years of New England salt have rusted the body and frame beyond repair. I'm thinking about getting another Element, but also considering other options. Any suggestions for something in the $4000-$7000 range? I'm looking for a any reliable hatchback/crossover/SUV. It doesn't necessarily need to be similar to the Element. I'd prefer AWD, but it's not necessary.

What do you all think of different Element model years? I'm hesitant to get an 03-07, since I know some features like side airbags and better transmission were absent or optional. And if I got a 2010 or 2011, are there any benefits compared to my 2008? In my area, most Elements cost about $10k, so it's quite an investment. I regularly see Elements listed for up to $20k in my area, if they have lower mileage. There are some cheaper ones around, but they're all high mileage and pretty rough shape.

Thanks for your support during this heartbreaking time 💜

I loved their Fire Red playthrough so much, I always use at least a few of these names every time I play through a Pokémon game.

Does it look like I overleveled? These little rats and bugs are stronger than I thought. Kakuna attack stat almost 100 !

I underestimated my rats and bugs. Leveled half the team into the 90s before I even attempted the elite 4. I ended up easily sweeping through every battle, so I definitely wasted a lot of time leveling up.

I underestimated my rats and bugs. Leveled half the team into the 90s before I even attempted the elite 4. I ended up easily sweeping through every battle, so I definitely wasted a lot of time leveling up.

I'm doing a run with 2 Rattata and 4 Kakuna. Trying decide how much to level up before I attempt the elite 4. I tried to make Rattata a special attacker. Unsure if I want to allow items in battle. Update. Rattata#1 moves: Return, Shadow Ball, Dig, Toxic. Rattata #2 moves: Ice Beam, Thunderbolt, Hyper Fang, Endeavor. All the Kakunas know poison sting. One Kakuna has an attack stat of 85 and actually does decent damage.