SoCal Noob

[396]

Greetings,
First off, thanks to the group for providing good pre-purchase info, it was nice to be well informed while looking. Last week I picked up an '05 base with 105k on the clock. I replaced a Kia Rio5 that was totaled by hit & run driver that ran a red light while high on meth. I commute about 80 miles a day for my day job, & run a mobile motorcycle detailing business on the weekends, so I need good MPG with cargo capacity. The Vibe seems to fit the bill perfectly. I'll be posting some pics eventually of the car, & my detailing gear stowed away.
If anybody is curious:
https://www.facebook.com/DetailingByRay" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[396]

mounting-bracket.jpg (44.82 KiB) Viewed 1497 times

My first little project is to find a place for my Garmin. I use it a lot to monitor traffic on my commute, & to navigate to my detailing customers. The PO had installed a single DIN radio in the lower position & a storage compartment in the upper position. My day job is a mechanical engineer, so I have access to a few cool toys . I modeled up a mounting bracket that slides into the storage compartment, & built it using a 3-d printer. The Garmin attaches to the faceplate with Velcro, & the opening inside the mount provides storage for the cord.

[Chiadog]

Welcome to the group 396! The Vibe sounds perfect for your needs. Very nice work on the mounting bracket for your Garmin. Must be very handy to have access to a 3D printer! If I make such a bracket - it will be made of wood,

[vibrologist]

Welcome to the forum, 396!

I would like to hear how your Vibe compares to your former Kia Rio5. (That hit and run sucks. How did you find out he was high?)

[396]

Thanks guys! The Rio5 was a good little car, sort of like a 3/4 scale Vibe. I put 90,000 miles on it in 2 years with few problems, & usually got around 35 mpg on my commute which includes freeway and stop & go. I would have gotten another one, but the cargo capacity of the Vibe attracted me.

[tpollauf]

Welcome to GenVibe 396, from one Mechanical engineer to another Excellent choice on getting the Vibe to replace your former car. Visit often

[396]

garmin mount.jpg (176.36 KiB) Viewed 1471 times

RP Garmin mount

[396]

05 base

vibe.jpg (254.14 KiB) Viewed 1471 times

[396]

My poor little Rio5. The other guy blew a red light. He got out of the car & literally ran. The cops found him hiding in a gas station. He has a long history of meth abuse, & the cops said he was obviously high at the time of the accident.

[vibenvy]

Welcome to GenVibe! Thanks for posting a picture of your Vibe right away! I see it's the best color !