Problems with 2004 Toyota Matrix EQUIPMENT

My 2004 toyota matrix at 87,000 now needs a new catalytic converter. the check engine light came on and i took it in to be diagnosed. p0420 was the code. warranty for this part is for 80,000 miles. the cost to replace this part is 1300.00 by the dealer. a new toyota replacement catalytic converter is being installed today. my mechanic states that this is a known problem with toytoa matrixes and that toyota should be replacing these. i keep my cars for a really long time (last car 310,000 miles) and have never had to replace a catalytic converter. this is not a part that should need replacing at 87,000 miles. i am so disappointed in the so called reliability of toyota's and really disappointed in their customer service. i called and submitted a complaint to toyotausa and was basically told that this was obviously not a problem or toyota would have recalled these already. obviously, toyota does not keep track of their customer maintenance records and complaints or they would know that this is a chronic issue on 2003-2004 matrixes. *tr

After last oil change, oil was gel-like, engine made tapping noise...took to dealer with a list of other problems, ac not cold, heater not blowing hot, window jumping when rolling down, and tires making funny noise. was told engine noise was normal, fixed ac again, 3rd time, heater had loose part tighten, window part ordered, tire had flat spot, last time was water in wheel. crash did not damage engine, or windows, or tires. *jb

I bought a set of 4 "tire minder" brand 28-32 psi tire pressure monitoring valve caps at brookstone on jul 27, 2004. i installed them on the tires of a new 2004 toyota matrix according to the package instructions. (no valve extenstions and making sure "o" ring was in place, pressure measured by 2 guages at 30 psi.) all the caps held pressure and worked correctly for approx 24hrs. then the first cap failed while car was parked in driveway releasing the air within seconds. approx 12 hrs later the 2nd cap failed in similar fashion. fortunately, the car was not beng driven at the time or else an accident may have recurred. i removed the remaining 2 caps. i contacted brookstone and reported the issue. they offered to refund money but no other action. i still have the caps. i would be willing to send them to a testing lab for analysis. *ak