2010 Toyota Matrix Upgrades to mimic Pontiac Vibe?

[thattrashley]

I owned a 2006 Pontiac Vibe for years and LOVED it. I recently was rear-ended and had to replace my car ASAP. I ended up needing to replace it with a 2010 Toyota Matrix instead of Vibe which I now regret. The matrix is missing some key parts that I loved about the Vibe and I'm wondering if there's a way that I can add in the features to make me feel a little better?

For one, the matrix doesn't have the extra outlet plug in the dash near the cup holders. There's a place for it that I believe I can install one, but I'm not sure how or where to get the parts for it? I'm upgrading the radio in the dash so I will be taking the dash apart and working with the wiring, so can I do that at the same time?

As well, the front dome lights don't automatically turn on when my doors open when all the others do. I've looked throughout the car and it looks like it was just made that way and I hate it. With the wiring am I able to replace the front dome lights with a fixture that has the switch to enable it to turn on automatically when my doors open?

Super bummed out about my purchase and really hoping I can get my matrix to feel even a little more like my vibe used to so I'm not so sad about losing it. If there were another 2006 pontiac vibe with low miles in Utah I would buy it instantly

[SeattleJeremy]

For the dome light there should be three positions on the slider deal. Middle is off, one side is on, and the other side is on-door.

Another 12v outlet can be installed no problem there are tutorials for that, but I don't think any of the 09'+ cars have the two prong outlet.

Edit: Looks like this is my one thousandth post

[zbyers]

For the dome light there should be three positions on the slider deal. Middle is off, one side is on, and the other side is on-door.

Another 12v outlet can be installed no problem there are tutorials for that, but I don't think any of the 09'+ cars have the two prong outlet.

Edit: Looks like this is my one thousandth post

The 09+ Vibe does have the 110v plug. I believe that can also be installed. You'd need the dash pieces for it, and probably the inverter under the drivers seat. We no longer have an 09, so I couldn't tell you what all you'd need.

Go you on post 1000!

Also: the reason the matrix may not have those, is that it was sold in varying trim levels. They had base models, which probably barely had power locks/windows. Then they had the XR, which usually had the extra goodies like the 110v plug; and then the XRS or S models that were the more premium ones usually with all the goodies.

[Caretaker]

Sorry for the loss of your car, but I have to ask: why does it have to be another 2006? That's really limiting your options. Also, have you checked craigslist? I found this on cargurus. It is "low mileage" for an '06 but it has been in an accident. Not sure if airbags deployed, frame was damaged.....yada, yada, yada, but it looks like it has been sitting on the lot for awhile.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventory ... =243841232

[SlammedNiss]

Sorry for the loss of your car, but I have to ask: why does it have to be another 2006? That's really limiting your options. Also, have you checked craigslist? I found this on cargurus. It is "low mileage" for an '06 but it has been in an accident. Not sure if airbags deployed, frame was damaged.....yada, yada, yada, but it looks like it has been sitting on the lot for awhile.

I'm guessing that was mostly sarcasm, but if not, he obviously could expand his search to any Matrix or Vibe manufactured from 2003-2008, considering they're virtually the same thing with different exteriors. The Vibe would likely be cheaper than the Toyota simply because.

Btw, congrats SeattleJeremy on your 1000th post. I've got a ways to go myself.

[SeattleJeremy]

Found this handy video for the first gen cars. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DT8Q06TceM
It should be really similar for the second gen cars.