New member looking to buy a used '03 Base

General discussions about the Pontiac Vibe & Toyota Matrix. New members, introduce yourself here!
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richz03
Posts: 27
Joined: Sat Nov 27, 2010 11:07 pm
Location: NE Ohio

New member looking to buy a used '03 Base

Post by richz03 »

I found a used '03 with a bad 5-speed transmission. The price is really good and the carappears to be in good shape.I plan to use it as a work commuter for the MPG. I will be looking here to get advic from you all to get the most out of this great little car
Rich
star_deceiver
Posts: 5800
Joined: Fri Jun 05, 2009 1:49 pm
Location: Airdrie, AB

Re: New member looking to buy a used '03 Base (richz03)

Post by star_deceiver »

Bad transmission = major barganing chip!!!Replace the 5 speed with a 6 speed!!!Nice find and Welcome to GenVibe!!! Any rust underneath? Mileage?How much do they want for it?
2019 Ram 3500 4x4 CCSB srw 8HP75
2016 Ram 3500 4x4 RCLB Dually w/stick (traded in - 05/10/19)
2012 Chevy Silverado 1500 Cheyenne 4x4 (Traded in - 03/30/16)
2009 Vibe. (Traded in - 12/12/12)
richz03
Posts: 27
Joined: Sat Nov 27, 2010 11:07 pm
Location: NE Ohio

Re: New member looking to buy a used '03 Base (star_deceiver)

Post by richz03 »

174K, Not sure on the rust yet. I haven't seen it in person yet.
Rich
455SD
Posts: 186
Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2005 9:09 am
Location: West Virginia

Re: New member looking to buy a used '03 Base (richz03)

Post by 455SD »

As already stated...the bad trans is a great way to talk the price down. They have one at PAM's recycling for 1500.00, so be aware that it could cost this much + labor. Pay close attention to any Vibes coming from northern Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, as they usually have a lot of rust on the undercarriage. This equates to big problems when it comes to trying to remove fasteners/parts, as they have become weakened and can break/strip out if you go to remove them. Good luck with your search....these are great cars, and the folks on this Forum are very helpful when you need help with something.
EnvyGreen03
jake75
Posts: 4792
Joined: Sun Feb 09, 2003 1:33 pm
Location: Columbus, OH

Re: New member looking to buy a used '03 Base (455SD)

Post by jake75 »

In my relatively long life my experience has been that I never regretted buying something better than I thought was necessary, but often regretted buying something of lesser quality. An eight year old car with 174,000 miles and a bad transmission definitely falls into the latter category. Following used car pricing I have observed that most high mileage used cars are priced higher than they should be. The better values are in the lower mileage vehicles. Just my ten cents worth.
2009 Vibe 1.8L Carbon Gray AT Power Pkg 1/12/092003 Vibe 1.8L Neptune AT Mono Power Pkg 1/27/03 [sold 2/2/09]2007 T&C SWB 7/31/07 "Broke people stay broke by living like they're rich. Rich people stay rich by living like they're broke."
cptnsolo77
Posts: 1645
Joined: Sun Jul 29, 2007 4:05 am

Post by cptnsolo77 »

I say look elsewhere....if taken care of these trannys ( and car in general )can go a long way. 174K and a bad trans? What else may not be taken care of??? I have bought a car before with KNOWN problems & it just turned out to be a headache. Keep looking, continue to save your cash & find something better.
* 2003 Vibe Auto Satellite Silver w / Moons & Tunes
* Kenwood Excelon KDC-X597
* Polk DB651-Speakers
* Soundproofcow Roadblock R sound deadening in all doors
* Drop In K & N Filter
* NGK Iridium IX Plugs
* 27 MPG City/Highway with AC on
richz03
Posts: 27
Joined: Sat Nov 27, 2010 11:07 pm
Location: NE Ohio

Re: New member looking to buy a used '03 Base (richz03)

Post by richz03 »

Well, it sold on Saturday without me even knowig it. They were asking $500 for it and I had no way of getting the money to them fast enough!!!Oh well, probably the deal of the year, but I still want a Vibe so I will continue my search.
Rich
star_deceiver
Posts: 5800
Joined: Fri Jun 05, 2009 1:49 pm
Location: Airdrie, AB

Re: New member looking to buy a used '03 Base (richz03)

Post by star_deceiver »

$500??? Deal of the year indeed!!!
2019 Ram 3500 4x4 CCSB srw 8HP75
2016 Ram 3500 4x4 RCLB Dually w/stick (traded in - 05/10/19)
2012 Chevy Silverado 1500 Cheyenne 4x4 (Traded in - 03/30/16)
2009 Vibe. (Traded in - 12/12/12)
jake75
Posts: 4792
Joined: Sun Feb 09, 2003 1:33 pm
Location: Columbus, OH

Re: New member looking to buy a used '03 Base (star_deceiver)

Post by jake75 »

Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver »$500??? Deal of the year indeed!!!Maybe. There is a reason it sold for $500.
2009 Vibe 1.8L Carbon Gray AT Power Pkg 1/12/092003 Vibe 1.8L Neptune AT Mono Power Pkg 1/27/03 [sold 2/2/09]2007 T&C SWB 7/31/07 "Broke people stay broke by living like they're rich. Rich people stay rich by living like they're broke."
star_deceiver
Posts: 5800
Joined: Fri Jun 05, 2009 1:49 pm
Location: Airdrie, AB

Re: New member looking to buy a used '03 Base (jake75)

Post by star_deceiver »

Yeah, but you could easily sell $500 worth of parts off of it
2019 Ram 3500 4x4 CCSB srw 8HP75
2016 Ram 3500 4x4 RCLB Dually w/stick (traded in - 05/10/19)
2012 Chevy Silverado 1500 Cheyenne 4x4 (Traded in - 03/30/16)
2009 Vibe. (Traded in - 12/12/12)
jake75
Posts: 4792
Joined: Sun Feb 09, 2003 1:33 pm
Location: Columbus, OH

Re: New member looking to buy a used '03 Base (star_deceiver)

Post by jake75 »

8 year old parts off a 175,0000 mile vehicle? That's a tough way to make a living.
2009 Vibe 1.8L Carbon Gray AT Power Pkg 1/12/092003 Vibe 1.8L Neptune AT Mono Power Pkg 1/27/03 [sold 2/2/09]2007 T&C SWB 7/31/07 "Broke people stay broke by living like they're rich. Rich people stay rich by living like they're broke."
star_deceiver
Posts: 5800
Joined: Fri Jun 05, 2009 1:49 pm
Location: Airdrie, AB

Re: New member looking to buy a used '03 Base (jake75)

Post by star_deceiver »

And you need a very forgiving wife with all the parts cars that will inevitably start to collect in the backyard.....
2019 Ram 3500 4x4 CCSB srw 8HP75
2016 Ram 3500 4x4 RCLB Dually w/stick (traded in - 05/10/19)
2012 Chevy Silverado 1500 Cheyenne 4x4 (Traded in - 03/30/16)
2009 Vibe. (Traded in - 12/12/12)
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