2006 Toyota Matrix v.s. 2006 Subaru Impreza Wagon 2.5i

[mathemagic9]

I am buying a new car this summer and it will be my first car. I am planning to keep the car as long as possible. I have narrowed down to two cars. They are the 2006 Toyota Matrix and 2006 Subaru Impreza Wagon 2.5i. I have test driven both cars. I like both cars though.

These are the issues I have been thinking about,
*Gas – the Impreza has a bigger engine that will give more horsepower, but it is thirsty on gas, also it is AWD. Matrix saves of gas, but has less power. (Gas prices are on the rises these days.) :x
*AWD – excellent for winter, but adds extra weight.
*Car price – the difference between the two cars is around $2700.
*Handling and Safety – Impreza has more safety features (e.g., ABS, airbags,…) and lower insurance rate compared to the Matrix by about $150/year
*4 disc brakes v.s. disc and drums.
*Interior - Matrix's interior looks very nice.
*Reliability – both cars are reliable.
*Parts - parts maybe a little more expensive for Subaru

Any thoughts on this? If you are given the choice, which one would you buy? :roll:

Thanks! :D

[jww]

The Subaru, I think is potentially more expensive to fix long term - i.e. awd components, etc. However, I can't say whether there is an issue long term with the Subaru awd systems. Personally, I prefer 4 wheel discs to discs and drums, but that's a preference and not necessarily meaning discs are always better than drums - it all depends on the application.

I think that both are excellent vehicles. If it's a true wash with you, is $$ an issue? If not, go with the one you really like the best in terms of drive, feel, comfort, etc.

jww

[Pritch]

The subaru- thats probably what you should get. If safety concerns you, then the extra $2700 means nothing if it is a safer car. Reliability of all wheel drive components? Lets say...if Subaru has been making AWD since before I was even born some twenty something years back, after having invented it in the first place, they've probably got it down packed well enough not to worry. I have to stress that if you tried both of these machines in the wintertime, you wouldnt even second guess taking the Subaru.

I know many stories of used subaru's coming up for sale that disappear instantly because theyre rare to see people let go of them, and are known to be quite reliable, although interiors are dated.

Thats my opinion anyhow. All wheel drive rules all if you drive in the winter. Lets wait for the general to address your question.

[big_block]

We have 2 very good cars here but my choice would have probably go to the Subaru. More power, AWD, more feeling than the Matrix. Yes the car take extra gaz but I think it's plenty worth it.

You could look also at the Saab 9-2x, copy of the Impreza but different suspension settings and a better look in my opinion.

[The General]

I absolutely love the Impreza. It is reliable, tough, AWD, great in any condition, quick, good ride... The Matrix is more reliable and easier on gas.

I would go for the Suby!

[Crash]

My vote would be for the Subaru also, it's a great vehicle esp for Canadian winters. As far as the AWD system goes, like Pritch said "they invented it" what they don't know about AWD systems is not worth knowing!

[wonderboy905]

I'm about to unload my leased Pontiac G6 (love the car, time for a change) for a Saab 9-2x. Slightly nicer than the Subaru, a lot quieter and once you start bargaining you can get them down to about the same price (although they're taking my lease off my hands which is through GMAC, might have something to do with it).