Just ordered a 2005 GT

[soldierguy]

New guy here, and I just ordered a 2005 Vibe GT. I'm military and stationed overseas so I ordered it through the PX, but won't pick it up until I return to the states in summer 2005. I'm not sure what the final price will be, but I know it will only go down from where it's at now...$23,500 with no rebates. As Pontiac adds rebates, my price will go down, so here's hoping for BIG rebates!I ordered a GT, Neptune Blue monotone, graphite cloth, moon & tunes, power package, 6-disc in-dash changer, side-impact airbags, alarm, and a couple of the things for the cargo area.I didn't intend to order the Vibe...I actually went to the dealer to look at a PT Cruiser GT Convertable. I had looked at the Vibe specs online and figured that the Vibe would be a torqueless wonder, and my only previous experience with variable valve timing was with a mid-90's Acura Integra that I was thoroughly unimpressed with (that car had no torque AND no high end despite the VTEC). So when I took the Vibe GT out for a spin, I was not expecting much. Wow was I wrong! Not only does it have plenty of low end grunt, but the cam lobe changeover at 6000 rpm (or whenvever it hits) is amazing! I accidentally spun the tires just pulling out of the car lot, and the first time I went north of 6000 rpm, my jaw dropped in amazement. I was also really impressed with how solid it felt...no indications that it will become a creaky & squeaky beast as the miles pile on.I could afford to buy a considerably more expensive car, but why bother...I was totally impressed with the Vibe GT and think it'll suit what I want & need very well. It'll make a nice companion to my 2000 Dakota 4X4 V8 that's waiting for me back in the states. I dunno...maybe my perceptions are kinda screwed up right now...I've been driving a 2002 Kia Visto for the past year...it's a rollerskate of a city car that weighs 1750 pounds, is 12 inches shorter in length than a Miata (no I'm not kidding!), and has an 800cc 4 cylinder that makes a tire-shredding 50 hp and 50 lb-ft of torque. But I'm very impressed with the Vibe GT, and I'm really looking forward to owning one.Oh and this is a great forum! Lots of good info here!soldierguy

[Nervous_Dog]

Welcome to Genvibe. Good choice on the GT. I have a 03 GT and agree that lift is addicting. It's also handy for freeway entrance ramps *"Lift" is the boost above 6K rpms. The name comes from the Toyota engine in the Vibe GT. 1.8L VVTL-i (Varible Valve Timing and Lift-Intelligent)The Vibe sells pretty well. GM hasn't offered more than a $2000 rebate on the 04's, though they have offered other money like conquest and loyalty bonuses. I'm sure by next summer there will be a rebate attached to the 05.Good luck!

[bjlarson]

As far as rebates go, I bought mine two weeks ago and was offered rebates totalling $3500 on the '05 Vibe. ($1000 Pontiac, $1000 Conquest & $1500 from the dealer) It was during their 72 hours sales event for the roll-out of the Pontiac G6 and The Buick LeSabre.

[joatmon]

welcome to the site, and hope you have a calm tour till you get back stateside.

[Psychobroker]

Welcome aboard Soldierguy Great choice, and thanks for what you're doing in Korea...we need it! /salutes you

[soldierguy]

Thanks for the welcome...I appreciate it.I still have several months to alter my order...any suggestions? I didn't get the 17 inch wheels because I was a little concerned about ride quality with the 17's...any thoughts on that? And I just looked at my order...it said the cargo mat is not compatible with the moon & tunes...is that because of the subwoofer? Does the subwoofer sit in the cargo area?Thanks again!

[Psychobroker]

I'd go for the 17's if you can, they tend to come wrapped in better rubber (Dunlops or Goodyears?) The 16's tend to come with a set of VERY crappy Continentals. Your ride quality shouldn't suffer. On the contrary, you'll have better handling with the shorter sidewall and larger contact patch.

[Triton]

Welcome to GenVibe! I have to agree with Psychobroker, go with the 17's if possible. The ride difference isn't huge and you will appreciate the better tires.

[Frosty05Vibe]

Quote, originally posted by Psychobroker »I'd go for the 17's if you can, they tend to come wrapped in better rubber (Dunlops or Goodyears?) The 16's tend to come with a set of VERY crappy Continentals. Your ride quality shouldn't suffer. On the contrary, you'll have better handling with the shorter sidewall and larger contact patch. Not sure, but they might have changed the stock tires. We just bought our 05 and it has the Goodyear Eagle RS-A's not Conti's.We bought a base Vibe , but got the 16" wheels with it for reference.These are the same exact tires that were OEM on my Grand Prix GTP.

[soldierguy]

I think what I might do is stick with the factory 16 inch wheels and get some good quality lightweight aftermarket 17 inch wheels. I really like the ones that ballrub or psychobroker have on their Vibes...very sharp looking.Geez...it just hit me...I don't even have the car yet and I'm thinking of mods...LOL!