It is absolutely perfect for camping. I camped at Mt Whitney in August with my 2005 matrix. And up onion valley campground fully loaded in August year before that. Still running beautiful
For camping, you could open the hatch window and drape a mosquito net over it for open air flow. Or open the entire hatch and get one of those "van tents" that have a zip up door for entrance and exit
I bought a 2008 Matrix in bullet grey. It's one of those stories U hear about when a person scores on a buy from an estate sale. The old man of 92 yrs bought this brand new back in 08 and its now 2023. He only drove it to the store and back and kept in the garage. For 2008, it only had 29,000 miles on it! Even the tires were still new, but I bought new ones, though. I discovered that the passenger seat folds completely down through TH-cam!! Yay...I am an Rv girl and I sold my 150 truck, cuz I was gonna pull a trailor. After the sale of my truck, I found this on Facebook Market. I scored, and now I am gonna try car camping in Quartzsite to go crystal hunting. Keep your videos coming on camping life.
Yes we did. My 09 Vibe GT, Porky, started popping out of 5th. At 180K, I started looking @ new & newer suvs. They have nothing as perfect as mine so I'm getting a new transmission, rims, windshield & tlc & hope she gives me a few more miles of absolute joy in driving. I love my bear proof cardrop.
I have a Pontiac Vibe, a Matrix really. It is the perfect camping car. The Vibe has the Corolla engine, too. Would love to see more videos on your setup. Mine is AWD and has 8” ground clearance, so I was surprised to see how low to the ground yours is.
To Build a bed, I used a 24 x 30" piece of 1/2 plywood for my head. It rests against the back of the passenger seat. My torso weighs down the board.. On one trip to California I dismantled my bike and kept it I my car.. My beloved bike and I snuggled up to have a comfortable night's sleep. Now I'm considering a road trip to Mohab in April..maybe I could plug in a heater at a campsite.
LOVE MY MATRIX (2007 model) Did a 2 week MTB camping trip out of it an it was perfect. Bes part is that if you are under ~6ft tall, you can sit up in the back with the seats laid flat! Great RELIABLE vehicle!!
It really doesn’t matter what tool you use for camper. All it need is your interest and commitment to camp. I have done it with Toyota Matrix then I upgraded to FJ cruiser and now I am doing it with electric bike. Camping is in my blood.
Wow that’s cool. We use a Scion tC to sleep when we go to national parks but we’re looking for something bigger like the sequoia but mpg on those are bad. I’ll consider this one. Great vid.
did you have ever make a subsequent video showing your bed build/configuration? Very curious about this, as I just bought a matrix myself and excited to car camp asap!
Chasin' Simplicity love it, still haven’t done a long trip though cause of corona...my friend refers to it as “your scooter”..it’s an amazing car. Looking forward to your next video!
I have one here in El Salvador, Centro América. And everybody ask me about this car... A los of tiempo have no idea 💡 that it's Toyota...and therefore is so good. I clamp up hill ... with bad roads. This Vehicle is the Best for me... it worth me around $6,000 dollars. But is worthy to me...thanks to General Motors for their grait invention.
I like it, even better than the next gen matrix. For those not aware the Pontiac Vibe is basically the same car but with an ac delco radio and cheaper plastics. Is there a reason you did not like the Prius V (wagon)?
You are exactly right on the vibe! I forgot to mention that. I like simplicity and hybrid cars add a great deal of complexity. Prius are extremely reliable. But, when they do break... it’s not a good situation. The first gen matrix especially that one has the venerable 1zz motor and 4 speed automatic. Just bulletproof stuff! I appreciate your comment and for watching
Nice overview! Did you ever do the camping buildout? I didn't see it on your channel. Just asking because I have a Vibe, and am always looking for ways to upgrade my setup.
I did camp in it a few times! I set it up much like my Prius. I really need to edit the video footage of me camping in it. Thank you for the reminder and thanks for watching.
After I sell 2 of my Rangers I’ll be looking for either a 90’s Corolla wagon or else I’ll buy a Toyota Matrix or the equivalent Pontiac Vibe. Since I’m in Minnesota I’m guessing that the Corolla wagon will be hard to find.
I have the Matrix younger sister, The Corolla IM. How would you have those windows tinted. Some states dont want black out tinting so how deep would u go? Is there a way to add a battery with inverter to these, and what do you have for floor if you pull the front passenger seat completely? I was going to sell mine, but its a 2018 with tire and bumper to bumper warranties. I only put 6000 miles a year on it and I want to try it as my home when my husband passes. I need a potty i can get to early in the morn. Thats why i wanted to pull the front seat. i realize they are different cars, but they are quite similar in size.
Very similar cars. It would be too small for me to live in more than a week or two. The front seat you will want to consult someone that is an expert on that year so that you don’t set off airbag sensors. I’m sorry about your husband. Tint laws here in Utah are pretty good I can go as dark as I like in the back. Battery I would just get a jackery unless you have massive needs
@@ChasinSimplicity Hi! Well my man passed on - July of 21. I pulled the front seat. The only thing with the airbags is that the light on the dash stays on. And the seatbelt light flashes., Or visa versa. No biggie. The real biggie is that I cannot get comfortable for sleeping! I think I need to pull the back seats and anything from the rear hatch area and build something as I cannot afford to live where I am currently, I really need to make this work. Was back looking for ideas, watched you again! and realized I had commented back a few months ago. Thanks for your vids. If I add a top carrier, I think I can do it. Took a test drive to Maine from Florida. Its just too uncomfortable. I am going to test different bed setups and keep within a day from home to see what works.
I’m sorry for your loss. In regards to the bed that has to be the single most important thing. Anyone looking to travel I always tell them to do the bed part first. Don’t worry about anything else until you get that figured out because without good sleep you will not enjoy the travel in my opinion.
That looks like a good vehicle to do what you want. Multi-use. I have a minivan and have been thinking the same thing. They make a tent which fits over the rear hatch. I have been looking at those. A person could stand up to change clothes as an example. It would also be good for ventilation.😀
I bought the matrix as a cheap little economy vehicle to get around town while I was down in Florida with my 4runner. I would fly back every few weeks and want something to drive. I decided to make it into a little road trip machine but believe me... minivan is on my mind. I have some awesome ideas for one. Alllllmost bought an old used sienna the other day but decided to wait until I try this matrix camper. I think it would be way fun!
The front bumper thing. I love Toyota but both Toyotas I have had, the front bumper thing is very low and gets trashed. Still great cars, just not sure why they do that.
@@ChasinSimplicity I had a 1987 Celica GTS, loved that thing, but I was always clicking the front bumper back together. That model’s bumper was two parts. That was probably my favorite ever car. Now I have a 2013 Prius v, purchased in 2019.
Looks like a good option Galvain, but lacking some of the Prius advantages? That folding passenger seat is handy though 👍 I have a ninebot ebike to get to work on at present...I have elected you to design a ‘stealth dwelling’ for it🤔😁😂!! After the Corolla of course, no pressure 😳😉
Oh nice!!! Good to hear from you HB. Lacking some Prius advantages but also the matrix does NOT have traction control, has 50% more ground clearance and the repairs are much much cheaper if it should ever need them.
The Prius is often at the top of the most reliable cars out there sort of lists. However, when it does need something... it’s crazy money. Recovery is going awesome! Just had another infusion yesterday so I’m a little weak this morning but I bounce back fast. Those e bikes look awesome
Chasin' Simplicity Fab news on your progress 🤩🥳 ebikes have their uses, no doubt about it, especially if you don’t live on the ground floor and don’t do cycling 😫😏
I have a 2006 Toyota Matrix and you can fit a twin mattress in the car no problem. I have done it already when I went camping few months ago. This car has so much room.
@@ChasinSimplicity i know both are on the same plateforme but the inverter neven been in the matrix, the dash clock was the same in 2003-2004, So except for the inverter
Hey good to see you back! Yeah that Corolla is a good foundation to build on. They've been around forever and are tried and true. I owned a Corolla sedan back in 1980s, great little car. How many miles does your matrix have on it?
Prius are amazing. The three issues I have with the Prius are ground clearance (matrix has about 50% more). No ability to turn off traction control easily. Lastly is cost of repairs. They are crazy reliable cars, but, when something does go wrong...oh boy. But the Prius is a really great car especially if you stealth camp or campground camp. I don’t do much of either so I decided to try this out and see how it goes. Thanks for watching!
I have an 09 Matrix S model which is same as 2010 and the only real difference other than body styling is the 03-08 has a separate opening rear glass window.The 2009-2013 base models came with 1.8 engine,no front forward flat passenger seat,no 100 watt AC electrical outlet,no sunroof..The S,XR,XRS models have all those options and the optional 2.4 engine with the 5-speed auto trans.Base model has 1.8 w/4speed auto trans...Manual trans set-up is different. 03-08 only have 1.8 engines.
🤣😂 I was wondering if anyone would pick up on that... it was the only reasonably quiet place I could find that’s close by where I could film. Good eye!
It is absolutely perfect for camping. I camped at Mt Whitney in August with my 2005 matrix. And up onion valley campground fully loaded in August year before that. Still running beautiful
Glad to hear it!!
For camping, you could open the hatch window and drape a mosquito net over it for open air flow. Or open the entire hatch and get one of those "van tents" that have a zip up door for entrance and exit
Thank you. Good suggestions
its gota sunroof
I have screens on all the windows too.
I bought a 2008 Matrix in bullet grey. It's one of those stories U hear about when a person scores on a buy from an estate sale. The old man of 92 yrs bought this brand new back in 08 and its now 2023. He only drove it to the store and back and kept in the garage. For 2008, it only had 29,000 miles on it! Even the tires were still new, but I bought new ones, though. I discovered that the passenger seat folds completely down through TH-cam!! Yay...I am an Rv girl and I sold my 150 truck, cuz I was gonna pull a trailor. After the sale of my truck, I found this on Facebook Market. I scored, and now I am gonna try car camping in Quartzsite to go crystal hunting. Keep your videos coming on camping life.
Thank you for the story and encouragement
Nice find
Yes we did. My 09 Vibe GT, Porky, started popping out of 5th. At 180K, I started looking @ new & newer suvs. They have nothing as perfect as mine so I'm getting a new transmission, rims, windshield & tlc & hope she gives me a few more miles of absolute joy in driving. I love my bear proof cardrop.
I have a Pontiac Vibe, a Matrix really. It is the perfect camping car. The Vibe has the Corolla engine, too. Would love to see more videos on your setup. Mine is AWD and has 8” ground clearance, so I was surprised to see how low to the ground yours is.
Thank you great car. You are right on the vibe and Corolla. Even shares some Prius parts
I have a 2005 Vibe AWD. Love it. See a few Matrix's around but not many Vibes.
There's a lot of potential there. Why can't all back seats fold flat like that?
They really seemed to have thought it through. I’ve been doing some cool stuff to it, can’t wait to show you all!
To Build a bed, I used a 24 x 30" piece of 1/2 plywood for my head. It rests against the back of the passenger seat. My torso weighs down the board..
On one trip to California I dismantled my bike and kept it I my car.. My beloved bike and I snuggled up to have a comfortable night's sleep. Now I'm considering a road trip to Mohab in April..maybe I could plug in a heater at a campsite.
Awesome story! I am glad to hear it worked well and that sounds like a great idea
LOVE MY MATRIX (2007 model) Did a 2 week MTB camping trip out of it an it was perfect. Bes part is that if you are under ~6ft tall, you can sit up in the back with the seats laid flat! Great RELIABLE vehicle!!
Glad you like it! Sounds like a great trip
True I'm 5'10 and I sit up in the back very comfortably
Still driving my 2003 Vibe, bought brand new. The flat floor and fold flat passenger seat turn it into a mini mini van
Awesome car glad to hear it! You hit the 299,999 mark yet?
@@ChasinSimplicity 137,350 km (85,345 miles) I'll be long dead when she hits 299
Let’s hope you outlive the 300k
It really doesn’t matter what tool you use for camper. All it need is your interest and commitment to camp. I have done it with Toyota Matrix then I upgraded to FJ cruiser and now I am doing it with electric bike. Camping is in my blood.
That is so awesome!
I took the lower part of my back seat out and it made it nice and flat when I put the back of the seat down. :)
I kind of wondered if that would work. Great job!
Hey Galvain! Nice to see a vid from you!
Interesting choice!
Hope you are well!
Thank you. You too!
You guys should check out a Honda Element. IMO best car for outdoors. Just not great on gas like a Matrix. But not horrible like a 4Runner
Great surfing cars - you can change in and out of a wetsuit in them. But yeah - lots of drag in the shape.
The car is great, especially in 5 speed manual. If careful you can get 38 mpg. Painting the roof white will drop the temps dramatically
Thanks for the tips!
Wow that’s cool. We use a Scion tC to sleep when we go to national parks but we’re looking for something bigger like the sequoia but mpg on those are bad. I’ll consider this one. Great vid.
Thank you! Scion tC are great cars. A friend of mine has a matrix like this and put off road tires on it. Goes all over Canada lol.
Awesome! Seems like a really great camper option! Excited to see you outfit it and try it out. (Watch out for snakes!)
No snakes! Lol thanks
I have the pontiac vibe. The cousin to the matrix. A lot of parts are interchangeable. Great gas mileage.
Awesome! They are great cars. Thanks for watching.
did you have ever make a subsequent video showing your bed build/configuration? Very curious about this, as I just bought a matrix myself and excited to car camp asap!
I did not sadly. I made it almost exactly like the bed for my Prius though. Great cars!
😲😲 Snake decor!!! Cool little vehicle, nice the front seat folds down flat and back window from hatch opens. Good to have a video from you.
Thank you!!
Nice video👍 always good to see a video of yours pop up! Darn now I have to go buy another car😂
Haha. This will be like my Prius setup only different. lol how’s yours?
Chasin' Simplicity love it, still haven’t done a long trip though cause of corona...my friend refers to it as “your scooter”..it’s an amazing car. Looking forward to your next video!
Thanks road runnner. Prius are great. I build my bed and some cool little storage things already. Should be my next video
Chasin' Simplicity yay!
My dad has one that me and him camped in. It was really nice. Not the most spacious but really nice.
Glad you enjoyed it. Great cars!
@@ChasinSimplicity ya. It was fun
I have one here in El Salvador, Centro América. And everybody ask me about this car... A los of tiempo have no idea 💡 that it's Toyota...and therefore is so good. I clamp up hill ... with bad roads. This Vehicle is the Best for me... it worth me around $6,000 dollars. But is worthy to me...thanks to General Motors for their grait invention.
I like it, even better than the next gen matrix. For those not aware the Pontiac Vibe is basically the same car but with an ac delco radio and cheaper plastics.
Is there a reason you did not like the Prius V (wagon)?
You are exactly right on the vibe! I forgot to mention that. I like simplicity and hybrid cars add a great deal of complexity. Prius are extremely reliable. But, when they do break... it’s not a good situation. The first gen matrix especially that one has the venerable 1zz motor and 4 speed automatic. Just bulletproof stuff! I appreciate your comment and for watching
You can tell a man designed this, so much storage, and usefulness....pratical...simple. reliable...
Great cars!
Beautiful little car...
This guy a serial killer? Ropes, knots, massive cargo load lol. Great Video and car tho!
No trash bags tho…
Nice overview! Did you ever do the camping buildout? I didn't see it on your channel. Just asking because I have a Vibe, and am always looking for ways to upgrade my setup.
I did camp in it a few times! I set it up much like my Prius. I really need to edit the video footage of me camping in it. Thank you for the reminder and thanks for watching.
yoo should i get a fit or this .. this honestly is better but idk if its reliable as the honda
I would say more reliable as long as it is manual transmission. The fit is more fun to drive and also very reliable and better mpg!
@@ChasinSimplicity why manual , is the auto bad?
Hondas are not known for awesome auto transmissions. But their manuals are amazing. With the fit I would guess their autos are reasonably good.
After I sell 2 of my Rangers I’ll be looking for either a 90’s Corolla wagon or else I’ll buy a Toyota Matrix or the equivalent Pontiac Vibe. Since I’m in Minnesota I’m guessing that the Corolla wagon will be hard to find.
I have seen some I think. What a great idea. But yes… hard to find and very old at this point.
Woohoo!! I caught a glimpse of Morpheus!! I had to play the video back a few times, but I finally was able to spot him! 👍👍
He’s going to be hidden another five months I think lol
I have the Matrix younger sister, The Corolla IM. How would you have those windows tinted. Some states dont want black out tinting so how deep would u go? Is there a way to add a battery with inverter to these, and what do you have for floor if you pull the front passenger seat completely? I was going to sell mine, but its a 2018 with tire and bumper to bumper warranties. I only put 6000 miles a year on it and I want to try it as my home when my husband passes. I need a potty i can get to early in the morn. Thats why i wanted to pull the front seat. i realize they are different cars, but they are quite similar in size.
Very similar cars. It would be too small for me to live in more than a week or two. The front seat you will want to consult someone that is an expert on that year so that you don’t set off airbag sensors. I’m sorry about your husband. Tint laws here in Utah are pretty good I can go as dark as I like in the back. Battery I would just get a jackery unless you have massive needs
@@ChasinSimplicity Thanks, I never thought about the airbags.😬
@@ChasinSimplicity Hi! Well my man passed on - July of 21. I pulled the front seat. The only thing with the airbags is that the light on the dash stays on. And the seatbelt light flashes., Or visa versa. No biggie. The real biggie is that I cannot get comfortable for sleeping! I think I need to pull the back seats and anything from the rear hatch area and build something as I cannot afford to live where I am currently, I really need to make this work. Was back looking for ideas, watched you again! and realized I had commented back a few months ago. Thanks for your vids. If I add a top carrier, I think I can do it. Took a test drive to Maine from Florida. Its just too uncomfortable. I am going to test different bed setups and keep within a day from home to see what works.
I’m sorry for your loss. In regards to the bed that has to be the single most important thing. Anyone looking to travel I always tell them to do the bed part first. Don’t worry about anything else until you get that figured out because without good sleep you will not enjoy the travel in my opinion.
Chasin' Simplicity: "And if we pop up the hood, you can also find some extra storage"
That looks like a good vehicle to do what you want. Multi-use. I have a minivan and have been thinking the same thing. They make a tent which fits over the rear hatch. I have been looking at those. A person could stand up to change clothes as an example. It would also be good for ventilation.😀
I bought the matrix as a cheap little economy vehicle to get around town while I was down in Florida with my 4runner. I would fly back every few weeks and want something to drive. I decided to make it into a little road trip machine but believe me... minivan is on my mind. I have some awesome ideas for one. Alllllmost bought an old used sienna the other day but decided to wait until I try this matrix camper. I think it would be way fun!
What tint percentage did you go with ? I just bought one , give us a update?
Howdy it is 24% front. 5% back sides and 20% rear window (better for night). I consider it perfect at those tints with my eyes
Hello my friend ive seen your work! Lol you csn def make this work and i love the design
Ha thanks so much I hope you are well!
The front bumper thing. I love Toyota but both Toyotas I have had, the front bumper thing is very low and gets trashed. Still great cars, just not sure why they do that.
Some people think it looks cool... not me! Ha! Thanks for watching
@@ChasinSimplicity I had a 1987 Celica GTS, loved that thing, but I was always clicking the front bumper back together. That model’s bumper was two parts. That was probably my favorite ever car. Now I have a 2013 Prius v, purchased in 2019.
Awesome car! My first was an 82 Corolla sr5!
Looks like a good option Galvain, but lacking some of the Prius advantages? That folding passenger seat is handy though 👍 I have a ninebot ebike to get to work on at present...I have elected you to design a ‘stealth dwelling’ for it🤔😁😂!! After the Corolla of course, no pressure 😳😉
Oh nice!!! Good to hear from you HB. Lacking some Prius advantages but also the matrix does NOT have traction control, has 50% more ground clearance and the repairs are much much cheaper if it should ever need them.
Chasin' Simplicity Toyotas need repairing? Who knew 😉🤣😁 ... good to hear from you too G . Hope your recovery is going well 👍
The Prius is often at the top of the most reliable cars out there sort of lists. However, when it does need something... it’s crazy money. Recovery is going awesome! Just had another infusion yesterday so I’m a little weak this morning but I bounce back fast. Those e bikes look awesome
Chasin' Simplicity Fab news on your progress 🤩🥳 ebikes have their uses, no doubt about it, especially if you don’t live on the ground floor and don’t do cycling 😫😏
Why is it so much better than similar cars?
In my opinion the fact that it is a Toyota is one of the best reasons. But there are lots of great cars out there!
i want one so bad
Hard to find! Thank you for watching
Why did you choose this over the Prius?
Just trying something different. See if it could be done
How long of a bed can I fit behind the back seats?
I have a 2006 Toyota Matrix and you can fit a twin mattress in the car no problem. I have done it already when I went camping few months ago. This car has so much room.
Do you want to sell the front bumper valances? I need those.
Hi hector. Sorry I sold the matrix about a year ago. Kinda wish I hadn’t now though!
@@ChasinSimplicity no worries, thanks for your response.
I'm confuse.. This is clearly a Matrix my as the dash clock, the inverter and the arm from a Vibe...
Let me help! It is a Matrix. Vibe is also built on the same platform only differences are the look and where they were built. Hope that helps
@@ChasinSimplicity i know both are on the same plateforme but the inverter neven been in the matrix, the dash clock was the same in 2003-2004,
So except for the inverter
Hey good to see you back! Yeah that Corolla is a good foundation to build on. They've been around forever and are tried and true. I owned a Corolla sedan back in 1980s, great little car.
How many miles does your matrix have on it?
Thank you! What year? I had a 1982 as my first car.
@@ChasinSimplicity I think mine may actually have been mid 70s.
Great cars!
If only the driver seat also fold flat
So close!
How much did you pay for this & what flaws did you look for when buying.
Around $5k which now would be a deal! Just looked for leaks and noises. Always good to have a mechanic do an inspection though
So do you like this better than the Prius? Why?
Prius are amazing. The three issues I have with the Prius are ground clearance (matrix has about 50% more). No ability to turn off traction control easily. Lastly is cost of repairs. They are crazy reliable cars, but, when something does go wrong...oh boy. But the Prius is a really great car especially if you stealth camp or campground camp. I don’t do much of either so I decided to try this out and see how it goes. Thanks for watching!
Could a 6 foot man have enough room to lay down in the back?
I was surprised that this 2004 has better features than the 2010 model it’s sad that they did away with some of the better features
Thanks for watching. I was surprised too
I have an 09 Matrix S model which is same as 2010 and the only real difference other than body styling is the 03-08 has a separate opening rear glass window.The 2009-2013 base models came with 1.8 engine,no front forward flat passenger seat,no 100 watt AC electrical outlet,no sunroof..The S,XR,XRS models have all those options and the optional 2.4 engine with the 5-speed auto trans.Base model has 1.8 w/4speed auto trans...Manual trans set-up is different. 03-08 only have 1.8 engines.
@JohnnyTyrone77 And mine timing belt has a timing chain and no belt. Built to last.
Yea man!...that vehicle turns me on for real guys. It's loyal guys!... I promise you, without question.
Привет друзья любители Матрикс!У меня точно такой Матрикс ищу обвесы юбки в комплекте?где могу заказать?
Never seen that car in Germany. But looks really good for camping 👍
Thank you. If Germany has a similar car it would probably be a Toyota Corolla hatchback
@@ChasinSimplicity No… the Corolla hatchback is smaller and is not so good for camping.
Good to know!
O.O Masonic Lodge!?
🤣😂 I was wondering if anyone would pick up on that... it was the only reasonably quiet place I could find that’s close by where I could film. Good eye!
Chevy must have copied the interior, not including dash, for the HHR.
DOPE
Thank you!
@@ChasinSimplicity where’s the part 2!?! Haha
Where I left it last!
😯😯😯
🤔🐕🤑
No.
Yea.
That's some dark liquid in your urine bottle.
You may want to see a doctor 😅