A couple of questions....

[Atomic]

I've been Vibe hunting (lusting?) since the 04 models came out, and finally in the position to obtain a new one.My 92 Accord Coupe is almost ready for replacement, I've been holding off as long as I can.What do I need to look out for?Are there any problem areas or concerns that need to be addressed before it leaves the dealer lot?How are they in the snowy months, how do the aluminum rims hold up against the salt and gravel etc?Do I NEED a winter set with Blizzaks?HVAC system? I live in southwestern Ontario, they salt/sand the roads here in the winter.I've read about the anemic horn, and the suggestion to add mud flaps to protect the rocker panels, and the A/C temp cable fix.Is that it?I haven't found too much griping anywhere about these beasts, which I find somewhat odd.I'm set on a base 05, Abyss, auto (I MIGHT let the wife drive it in an emergency, though at the moment I can't think of anything that serious), 16" aluminum wheels, & the power package.I don't want to get into the mechanicals yet, (I have a 69 Firebird at the beginning of a frame off restoration) but that may occur after a while.

[tangerine]

I had no problems with mine except for window regulator breaking and me blowing the tranny showing off. They fixed the AC cables. salt/gravel you might want to get a bra (if you can afford the $500 clear bra I'd go that way unless you like the black bra) as for mudflaps thats a personal preference i kinda laugh at mudflaps on cars.

[ShadowRuleZ]

Paint chips on the front. We're suffering that right now.

[goodvibe]

The wheels are coated so unless you scrape them they won't wear. It's fine in the winter but i would take the car from the dealer to a tire shop and do a new exchange depending on what it comes with. Winter tires are always better but if you've gotten along without them then a good all season should be fine. The horn sucks. I added a Napa horn to the one already there. Easy to do and about $10. If it's a solic color car, I'd get the splash gaurds with all that sand and salt you have on the roads. The air condition is sufficient for any nothrn climate. On forums you tend to hear the squeeky wheel. It's a corolla wagon with a better front suspension and just that reliable.

[sloth]

Also if you get an automatic make sure the put the piece on the shifter. I have a GT so I'm not sure what it is, but have heard about several of them missing. I believe it might be a decorative peice around the lock.

[ArcsVibe]

Welcome to genvibe! Always nice to see another Canuck join our ranks For wintertime driving I do suggest a good set of winter tires slapped on some black steelies, save your wheels they will not last long with our winters!Change the horn when you get a chance, it really is wimpy and no one within a foot of you will hear it.Paint chips we all live with them. Get yourself some 3M protector or a hood deflector to save your hood.Lowering your car also helps with the handling, it so improves it.If you have any other questions we are all happy to help you out!Good luck

[Atomic]

Thanks for the help everyone, I'll post some pics after I get the beast.psThe site is very cool.and helpful.

[Atomic]

Yeah, the Knights (London's Junior hockey team) did monstrously well this year, broke almost every record there is for scoring and wins etc, and I don't really even care that much for sports (60's muscle cars, drag racing, sport bikes and road racing for me thanks).The meets are a definite possibility, since yesterday I ordered my new Vibe, Abyss, 16" aluminum, autotragic trans.I expect to go get it Thursday or so, so now I have to deal with the impending loss of my 92 Accord coupe (I've been driving Honda cars since 1984), and these things have been bulletproof for me.First order of business:Detailing, Wax, Scotchguard, maybe the clear bra (money depending)Then window tint (absolute necessity for me), not too dark at the front , cuz my night vision is crappy.Oh, yeah, then I guess the missus can take it for a trip to the end of the driveway (about fifteen feet, I'm not nuts, ya know)Next will be steel and Blizzaks for the winter (I've got a while yet).Maybe an ECM chip, any thoughts, suggestions, experience?

[GMJAP]

Atomic-One thing to check for with an '05 : some have a starting problem - it takes several key turns to get it going. There is a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) out on this problem and a fix. I would recommend trying to start it several times before leaving the dealer lot (or signing the papers, if you can get away with that) and make sure it starts up quickly every time.More info in this thread:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=17057

[kostby]

IMHO an ECM chip won't gain much on a completely stock 1ZZ engine with automagic transmission.Many Genvibers have added CAI and/or cat-back exhaust systems for a few extra ponies (up to, say 15hp COMBINED on top of the stock 130hp)BUT...MOST of the '05's are DBW (Drive By Wire), meaning they have no physical throttle cable, so the CAI (Injen, for example) that fits '03 and '04 does NOT work on '05's with DBW. If mods are definitely in your future, you might want to check under the hood BEFORE you buy, to see if you're getting a DBW or a throttle cable!

[binary]

Or just look at the gas pedal... it'll either have a cable or a servo / sending unit attached to it.Every '05 I looked at was DBW Built from 04/05 and on.

[Atomic]

It's a DBW.But now that I have the Vibe, and I guess I'm a new member of the family, do I need to change my last name?Can I just hyphenate it?