Vibe vs Matrix - Options so much more expensive!

[mexigrl]

Hi -I really like the local Pontiac dealer and the Vibe. Can someone see the wisdom in why GM is pricing themselves out of range with options vs. Toyota?I want a sunroof and cruise control. I would pay $880 (MSRP) for this package with Toyota. To get the same options with GM I would pay over $2000 (MSRP). Anyone have any wisdom?ThanksMexigrl

[Kari]

According to GM BuyPower, it would be over $2000 for both packages, but it is a lot more than just a moonroof and cruise control. I'm not familiar with Toyota's packages, but on the Vibe it includes the "premium" stereo system and a subwoofer with the Moon & Tunes package, and you also get power windows and door locks and remote keyless entry with the Power package. They do cost more than they did when I got my Vibe in '03 though.

[ColonelPanic]

Not sure why, but this car has become quite expensive as of '05... At least that's the way I see it. The '03 base/auto/alloys/power package/moon & tunes car I have was $19,300 sticker. From what I've found, the '05 will be at least $21,000 for the same level of options (but actually fewer standard features.)The one saving grace would be the fat rebates or the current employee pricing... Otherwise, as much as I like the Vibe, the sticker price is frightening. When comparing just the sticker price of the Vibe to the sticker price of other cars in its class, I find the Vibe is far from a bargain. Taking rebates out of the picture - you can get a lot more car elsewhere.... But add them back in, and it looks a bit better.I think that's always how it has been with the Vibe vs. Matrix for pricing - Vibe may be a bit more, but when rebates and such are factored in, it evens it out a bit... But it's really looking worse now since the prices can really get up there ($26-27K sticker for some Vibes out there!)

[joatmon]

I think that to get similarly equipped base models you have to start with a base Vibe and a Matrix XR. hard to be sure you compare all the same options, but an XR with the option package (manual tranny) came out to be $18,220, a Vibe with the same options came out to be $20,345. Those are MSRP. Pontiac has a $1000 cash back, which brings it down to $19,345. I'm not sure how much the employee pricing would further reduce the Vibe price. I couldn't find any Toyota incentive on Matrix. It is possible that the GM employee pricing eliminates an amount of dealer bargaining room, I don't know how willing Toyota is to deal.Overall I think the two cars cost effectively the same for the same options, but you might be able to get a better price on one or the other if there were some specific options you did not want. There are also options available on Vibe that are not available on Matrix, such as XM radio, OnStar, Leather seats. I didn't se where I could configure either car to have a Nav unit., maybe I missed it. The '05 Toyota head units do not have the RDS feature anymore.The way that GM has a higher MSRP and larger incentives does make the competitors "look" like a better bargain. Vibe/Matrix are both great cars, either is welcome here

[Jahntassa]

Nav is no longer an option on the Matrix, but is still available on the Vibe. It's just hidden away a little bit.

[GMJAP]

Due to all the incentives and other issues, you can't compare MSRP on the Matrix versus Vibe.When I was shopping, the Vibe has a higher MSRP than a similarly equipped Matrix. But GM incentives chopped $2000 off the price immediately. Also, all 3 of the Pontiac dealers I spoke with said they'd sell it for $200 over invoice (before applying incentives.) A Toyota dealer would never do that. And even getting them whittled down to $200 over invoice would be like pulling teeth, if even possible.

[Jahntassa]

Nevermind the fact that the Matrix is UGLY. They really started seperating the two this year, too, as far as the internals go.. Matrix is now more Toyota than GM.

[ColonelPanic]

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa »Nevermind the fact that the Matrix is UGLY. hahaha! I certainly agree with you there. I'll keep my "rubbermaid mobile" anyday. hahaha!Another important thing to consider is the dealer itself... I've not found a single Toyota dealer in my neck of the woods that has been pleasant to deal with... Arrogant as hell, our poo poo doesn't stink kind of attitude. Nothing worse than bringing your Toyota in for service and them try to tell you "Oh, it's a Toyota, we don't build crappy cars, it's not possible that you could ever, ever, have a problem, so go screw yourself!" That's the attitude I've detected from the various dealers I've attempted to deal with, and that was just for simple questions and such....Very pathetic, and that alone makes me never want to consider a Toyota product and go find a more down to earth GM dealer instead, as they know their cars aren't perfect. Of course, they may not be such *******es in other places, but that's always something to consider....