Thanks for your input, Caretaker, I do appreciate it. My interest for this particular Vibe, stems from the fact that it is a 5spd, has all the options I currently have, and is fairly low mileage, at less than 88000 miles. The car is a one owner, and Carfax has 33 records showing regular maintenance has been performed. Lots of pictures showing good/excellent condition on exterior, interior and engine compartment (slight surface rust on strut tower not flanges, throttle body linkage, the usual spots. My concerns lie with, undercarriage condition (rust that may exceed surface oxidation, leaks (which I doubt would show anyway, due to the level the car has been detailed, and...how it drives. Any noises from eng or trans is a deal breaker. I know too well the issues with the C59, but would be willing to gamble a bit here, as my first trans the Envy went 249,000 miles. Here again, the low mileage, and pretty flat terrain where the car is located, would lend me to believe that the power train has not been overworked, or abused. Color is not a big factor, although if it was another Envygeen one...it would booost my interest more
I have 3 other Vibes in my family, and have the knowledge/tools to maintain these cars. I really would like to stay with what I know. Moving on to another, I do have someone who is highly mechanically skilled, who lives 1.5 hrs away, and has agreed to check the car for me if needed. 500.00 to ship to me. I do not like purchasing a vehicle without driving it first, and confirming all of the areas that potentially would be an issue, but I would trust some of the senior GV members, and my cousin to be as particular as I would be. Now, if I can only get the seller to put it on a lift(it is a Dealersip), and shoot me pictures of the areas I have requested, I'd be able to say yes/no to having someone go and test drive for me. I do wish I could find one closer, with same options,miles, service records, but have not been able to.
Thanks again for your response.
Jon