Choices...Rogue / Matrix?

[Joony]

I've been trying to decide between two somewhat different cars,

2009 Toyota Matrix S
2008 Nissan Rogue SL

Both have AWD option, but not sure if I really need it. (It snows every so often here in the midwest)

Looking for 'not a sedan' kind of feel, with slightly more cargo capacity.

Must have a moonroof. (Subaru Impreza didn't have it!)

I'll be getting it in the summer with that 2% USAA commissioning loan!

Any specific reason to get one over the other?

edit: whoops, forgot the links:

Edmunds.com Reviews
2008 Nissan Rogue | 2009 Toyota Matrix

Manufacture Pages
Rogue | Toyota Matrix

 

[dpert1]

I dont really like either car, but USAA is top shelf

 

[Aimster]

I hate both

 

[senseamp]

Neither, get a Mazda3 hatch.

 

[dud]

Originally posted by: Joony
I've been trying to decide between two somewhat different cars,

2009 Toyota Matrix S
2008 Nissan Rogue SL

Both have AWD option, but not sure if I really need it. (It snows every so often here in the midwest)

Looking for 'not a sedan' kind of feel, with slightly more cargo capacity.

Must have a moonroof. (Subaru Impreza didn't have it!)

I'll be getting it in the summer with that 2% USAA commissioning loan!

Any specific reason to get one over the other?

If you want some advice please post links to pictures of the cars ...

 

[AdamK47]

Originally posted by: dud

Originally posted by: Joony
I've been trying to decide between two somewhat different cars,

2009 Toyota Matrix S
2008 Nissan Rogue SL

Both have AWD option, but not sure if I really need it. (It snows every so often here in the midwest)

Looking for 'not a sedan' kind of feel, with slightly more cargo capacity.

Must have a moonroof. (Subaru Impreza didn't have it!)

I'll be getting it in the summer with that 2% USAA commissioning loan!

Any specific reason to get one over the other?

If you want some advice please post links to pictures of the cars ...

It's the Anandtech way. We lack any solid idea what the specs are but having pictures linked for us would be the basis of getting any well informed opinion here. I'm going to wait and see what they look like when linked here. I cant wait! I'm going to pick the cute one!

 

[Joony]

Hmm, interesting!

Edmunds.com Reviews
2008 Nissan Rogue | 2009 Toyota Matrix

Manufacture Pages
Rogue | Toyota Matrix

 

[T2urtle]

yea with these 2 cars. i'm a little more in favor of a mazda 3 wagon...

 

[Joony]

I just took a better look at the Mazda 3 wagon...not a bad car it seems!

Mazda 3 Wagon

Any particulars about this car that are better than the Rogue/Matrix?

 

[kalrith]

I like the Nissan Rogue out of those choices. I would personally pick the RAV4 with its 269hp V6.

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

What no Pontiac Vibe love? I think the Vibe looks better than the Matrix, Mechanically they are the same thing, an dbeing a pontiac, you have more wiggle room in hammering out a price you like, over the toyota snob attitude.

 

[Joony]

Not really a Pontiac fan, even if it was technically the same car...also I was reading that it had lower resale value!

 

[AdamK47]

Ahhh yes... the badge.

 

[vi edit]

The Vibe is the same thing and comes with a better warranty and better incentives. Buy it and with the $1500 you save over the Matrix buy a Toyota logo and put it on the hood and the steering wheel.

 

[melijak]

what about the 09' Subaru Forester or outback? Did you see the size of these sunroofs> double size on both.

 

[AdamK47]

Is this thread a joke?

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: AdamK47
Is this thread a joke?

Why would it be a joke?

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

Originally posted by: Joony
Not really a Pontiac fan, even if it was technically the same car...also I was reading that it had lower resale value!

It is the same car.
If your purchase decision is based on resale value then go buy a Scion. Unless you plan on getting out of it in a year, there is no telling what the resale will be when you get out of it.

 

[sindows]

Originally posted by: Joony
Not really a Pontiac fan, even if it was technically the same car...also I was reading that it had lower resale value!

Judging from this response, get the Toyota. Its clear to me you aren't an enthusiast and you view cars as white goods. The Toyota is perfect for you. It holds it's value well and has a comfortable ride.

 

[Uppsala9496]

I bought a 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT (basically the Matrix XRS with Pontiac's front end styling).

I absolutely love this car. It is quick and handles well. Lot's of interior room. I believe the interiors are exactly the same.

My wife and I checked out the Mazda3 (neither one of us liked it) and the Subaru's (wife couldn't stand the body styles). The Pontiac beat them in terms of our personal preference for looks, gas mileage, and comfort. We didn't go with the AWD (live in the Chicago suburbs) because it was a little lower in MPG and only a 4 speed engine.

Check out the Vibe if you are considering the Matrix. It is the exact same car with a little exterior body changes (same interior, same powerplant). The Vibe is cheaper (about $4,000 cheaper with all of the options we have). The resale will be a little lower, however you are making up for that with the cheaper price out the door.

We ended up getting ours for under $20,000. I used a GM supplier discount, but that was only around $500 off when all was said and done because the car is so new.