Photos from my Motorola cell phone.
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RAV4 2010 / 5-Door 4x2 SUV / 4430 C Classic / 22-28MPG
1155 lbs- car & passengers / 2.5L 4 Cyl DOHC Dual VVT – I Engine /
4 Speed ECT Automatic Transmission / Towing capacity 1,500 lbs
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April 5, 2010 / Monday
Today, I decided to visit Toyota, Houston along Gulf Freeway-I 45 to get the next free service for the Matrix. It was going to take about an hour so I made use of my time inquiring about a possible trade in for a better vehicle for our needs. Lorna and I have recently been toying with this idea for our safety since Matrix is one of Toyota’s recalls.
Also, we had moved twice from Garland, Weatherford and now Houston just to learn that the Matrix is really too small and unsafe a vehicle to carry our things around. Short time notice for Lorna’s work transfers made us give away a lot of our things including food and groceries. Therefore, we had to find the next bigger and safer car that’s just about the same price as the Matrix or a little more.
Chris Madison of Toyota took time to show me the possible vehicles suited for our needs. Got to drive several Toyota pick-ups, cruisers and SUVs. After a while, I thought, the four-seater pick-up would be ideal for our needs since we only need seats for two passengers and a big space behind for our things.
After work, I brought Lorna to Toyota and again had an ocular of the vehicles to choose from. The three of us agreed that RAV4 is just about the right vehicle for our needs. It’s in between a pick-up and a car that makes us feel comfortable using it both for practical and aesthetic uses. There’s enough room for our basic things and a little more extra since the spare tire is placed outside the vehicle. Matrix’s towing capacity is 850 lbs, RAV4’s is 1,500 lbs.
Also, that day was the last day to avail of the zero interest / APR from Toyota. RAV4 2010 carries the “J” VIN which means that all the parts are manufactured in Japan and are not part of any Toyota recalls. It will also be a stop production for Matrix come 2011 so resale value is predicted to be low.
That same day, to our surprise, we drove home with the RAV4 instead of the Matrix. Lorna still misses the Matrix, but like most anything we love, sometimes we have to say goodbye.
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Related link (Matrix) :
http://glenlorn2.multiply.com/photos/album/45/Toyota_Listens