Hi, I'm kinda new here. I joined a while ago, but have basically just been reading and haven't posted yet, as I haven't had anything to say, lol. I know how some people react when they hear about a student buying a brand new car, but I hope this group will be open minded enough to not be biased about it. I am a student, but I am also paying for this car on my own, I am not relying on my parents to pay for the car payments, the insurance, nor the maintenance. Anyway, on to the questions.<br><br>I've been working on making a list of the car I want, and all the options and accessories I would like, so I can be ready when I go to the dealer.<br><br>1. I have never used cruise control before, as I have not had a need for it, but with this car, I will be making long drives to school (3 1/2 hours). It seems kind of awkward to be having the car maintaining its speed itself, and that it would be more awkward (and tedious from observing my parents) to actually have to (god forbid) slow down if a car happens to pull into your lane going slower than you, as it disengages the cruise control. Are there people out there who actually drive long distances without cruise control? growing up, it seems an automatic thing, as my parents do on all our long trips, but I am not sure if I, myself, would prefer this technique. I guess there is no harm in getting it and not using it, but I just thought I'd get some opinions. I'm also sorry this is turning out so long O:)<br><br>2. Side-impact airbags: how many of you who have bought or are buying a matrix are getting sid-impact airbags? I would think that it would definitely be worth it, safety wise, but are people getting them? What are your thoughts?<br><br>3. I read on here that the cargo mat is a useful thing, as items tend to slide easily, but would a blanket do the same job? And how much does the cargo mat cost? If it's a lot, I'm sure there are other techniques for increasing the traction/friction.<br><br>4. What about the VIP security system? Is everyone getting that? I realize, yes, it's always good to have more security on a car, but what do you think? Is it worth it?<br><br><br>For anyone who is interested (and still has time after reading this far), I thought I'd add the car that I am planning on getting.<br><br>Toyota Matrix XR 4WD (driving from dc metro / md to central wv, comfort of 4wd is sure to be nice)<br> - Sport Package<br> - Sport Plus Package<br> - 6-Disc In-Dash CD changer (oughta be nice for driving through all that dead air space in western md and wv)<br> - Cruise Control (see above)<br> - Side-impact airbags (see above)<br> - cargo mat (see above)<br> - tiedown hooks (didn't ask about this, but....)<br> - mudguards (I always thought these were standard on cars, lol)<br> - moonroof wind deflector<br> - carpeted floor mats (always thought these were standard too, O:)<br> - VIP security system (see above)<br><br>OK, now that I've bored you all for one post, I guess I'll end here. It's been great reading all your posts, and to have a club for all the other matrix fanatics, lol. TTYL<br><br>-Michelle ~:)

1. First of all, if you have cruise, there's nothing that says you actually have to use it. And like a lot of other things in life, once you get used to it, you won't give it a second thought. I use my cruise a bunch, and not only for long drives. I tend to have a hard time keeping within the city speed limits I drive in, so I often use the cruise to keep me from having to constantly be aware of my speed. But let's see, school in West Virginia? Cruise is fine on the straight roads, but you'll be constantly turning it on and off if you have many sharp curves. It will be nice to have on I-70 and I-66 though.<br>2. I didn't get the side airbags on mine. I did find it interesting that the manual states "Do not lean against the front door when the vehicle is in use, since the side airbag inflates with considerable force. Otherwise, you may be killed or be seriously injured." I had never thought of that. My wife likes to sleep leaning against the door.<br>3. I don't know about a blanket doing as good a job as the cargo mat, but I'm sure you could find a non-slip mat at your local Wal-Mart. Heck, it only cost me $39 for the manufacturer's mat.<br>4. I didn't get the security system.<br><br>What I did get was:<br>Matrix XRS<br>- Automatic Transmission<br>- Floor Mats (the salesperson will do everything but call you an idiot if you try to get one without floor mats, but it can be done.)<br>- All Weather Package, another thing that is optional but seems to comes on every Matrix.<br>- Cargo Mat - I didn't ask for it, but in order to get my car sooner, I took it.

Hi,<br><br>I am interseted in an automatic Matrix, and I am looking for information about how much faster the XRS auto is over the XR auto, since they both have around the same torque rating (130). Can you time or estimate your 0-60 rating in your XRS auto? I would be grateful. <br><br>Thanks,<br>Austin

They may have roughly the same torque rating, but the XRS develops this torque at a whopping 6800 rpm. The XR develops its 125 pounds at 4200. So I would be interested in finding out how the XR and XRS compare in the 0-60. I have never really paid any attention to such specs on vehicles, but my new XRS is turning me into more of an enthusiast. So I don't pretend to know a whole lot about torque and horsepower. On the face of it, it looks like the XR would have a better 0-60 because it develops its peak torque at a lower rpm.<br><br>But give me a little time and I'll see what I can do about timing or estimating. In the mean time if there is anyone else that can provide an estimate for their vehicle, whatever it is, I'd like to see it!

Since I got a manual 6 I can't really compare my 0-60 times (but they will of course beat an automatic). The XRS will still beat the XR because just because of the higher revs.<br><br>It's hard to explain, but the longer you can keep pulling (staying in each gear and getting good accelleration) generally the better you're doing. In my XRS I'm still in first (reaching 7800 RPMs) to get all my speed while you're switching at 4200 because you'd lose torque after 4200 rpm you'd need to shift. While you're busy doing that I'm shifting to second and again, have a longer climb in second while you're probably thinking about third gear. <br><br>I figure my best 0-100 khp (I'm canadian) so far as been about 8-9 seconds (raced my friend's accord that can do it in 10 and beat him). <br><br>After I truely break in the car, I'll go to a strip and time myself.<br><br>Anyone else with any times?