Something is going on with the electrical in this car. The engine light goes on and off. The light in the interior go on and off. Hard to see the gears at night for shifting. The starter went. The windows won't close. Now it has failed the smog test. Trustworthy car? Don't think so.

I've owned my Matrix since 2006 and it always seems a bit longer to start the car after turning the keys then what I have experienced with other cars. I just thought it was normal. The starter finally gave out the past week. Seems it was the starter solenoid that died. It costs about $35 for a replacement solenoid on ebay (free shipping). Labor will probably totals about 2 hours or less to change out (free thanks to my bros). Overall, I'd say I got a crappy starter to begin with.