Help choosing: '07 Matrix vs. '06 Vibe

[divallol]

My wife and I are looking for a larger vehicle (we have a Corolla) and have settled on the Vibe/ Matrix. There are 2 vehicles that I am seriously considering:2006 Vibe (automatic, 20k miles) for $10,8002007 Matrix (manual, 17k miles) for $13,000I actually prefer a manual, but either way is no huge deal. I AM a little concerned with GM's future (though I doubt they'll be allowed to fail). Also, we may be moving abroad in 2 years and resale value is important.Any advice on which to choose? My wife is more excited about a newer vehicle, prefers the Toyota brand, but $2200 extra for basically a 1-year newer vehicle seems a bit steep. As a side note: We are thinking of using the vehicle to tow a 1200 pound trailer (small fiberglass trailer from '74). If anyone has experience towing that would be helpful as well. We usually only take it around 5 times a year.

[lovemyraffe]

If resell value is a big concern, the Matrix will hold it's value a little better than the Vibe. The only difference besides the transmission, is the body and the Vibe has roof rails. Good luck with your decision.

[DeClerq]

Take the Vibe, it looks better and costs less. Just explain to your wife that the Vibe is a Toyota with a Pontiac body. Mechanicals are identical.

[Vibe2009]

The vibe seems like a better deal!Resale value tend to be less for manual as compare to automatic of the same car, at least that's what I find...

[jake75]

Either seem to be reasonably priced - I'd prefer the VIBE AT. Seems to me that if the Matrix is the base model it might be less well equipped than the Vibe. Also - pulling a trailer with a 1.8L engine seems to be asking for trouble, especially with AT.

[TheGames]

You will get more for your Matrix when you will sale it but you've paid 2200$ more for it..People always says Matrix has a higher resale value but the price when you buy it is higher (when i got my Vibe the difference was 1800$ (20255$ vs 22000$)

[vibe11]

take the vibe. they are alot better looking than the matrix

[kunkstyle]

Quote, originally posted by divallol »but $2200 extra for basically a 1-year newer vehicle seems a bit steep.1 year newer and less mileage. I'd go newer. As far as the trailer, 1200 lbs is asking way too much from either car.

[Merzbow]

The manual trans would be so much more fun to drive. I wish I would have gotten my Vibe with manual trans

[ned23]

Which one do you like the looks of better? Buy that one. Quote, originally posted by TheGames »You will get more for your Matrix when you will sale it but you've paid 2200$ more for it..People always says Matrix has a higher resale value but the price when you buy it is higher (when i got my Vibe the difference was 1800$ (20255$ vs 22000$)I paid $17,800 for my 2004 Vibe, and a month ago I traded it in and got $8000 back, 5 years and 58,000 miles later. I saw it on the lot listed for $11,990. Divide that over 5 years and I only paid $1,965 per year to drive it. That was the best bargain I've ever seen!