New Vibe Owner - 2005 Salsa Base

[jhupka]

Hello!Today I just got a new 2005 Base Salsa Vibe! I originally started this morning with a test drive of a 2003 Black GT. I wasn't super impressed with the VVTL-i...maybe it wasn't working right, but I expected more when you cross over into lift - something more akin to hitting VTEC in an Integra. I've driven my parents' Base Vibe, and I found it to be plenty sufficient in power for a commuter car - and better MPG for my commute.So I went to another dealer and test drove a 2004 Orange Base. They were asking a bit much for it, and when we sat down and started talking money, he didn't want to budge. I told him that for just a couple thousand more I could buy one brand new with the GM "Employee Price" promotion going on right now, so why would I buy a 2004 from him with 29K miles at his price. He didn't believe me, so being a broker/dealer place, they pulled an invoice for a new vibe at a lot on the other side of town. Sure enough, I was right, and I figured I might as well go with brand, spankin' new. So I chose Salsa of the colors they had in the Base, but I haven't seen it or driven it yet since it is still wrapped up in the shipping plastic. I'll take delivery in a couple days.Other cars I have are a 1990 Miata project car(which I *love* and purchased for a song) and my wife drives a 2002 Odessey.Jason

[binary]

Welcome to the site jhupka. My wife drives the same car - she'll agree with your color choice!

[joatmon]

sounds like you just got in under the wire on the employee discount thing, congrats on the new car and welcome to genvibe! Let us know when you get it. What options did you get?

[jhupka]

I didn't get anything fancy for options - just the power group package. But, from what I have heard that really isn't an option since every one seems to be built with it.Jason

[gargoyle]

Quote, originally posted by jhupka »...So I went to another dealer and test drove a 2004 Orange Base.ORANGE!?!?! Yikes! that's like calling "Salsa"... red! or "Neptune"... blue!But I must admit... I once called mine "white" instead of Frosty!Welcome & congrats on the new Vibe! Enjoy it and enjoy this awesome site!

[jwalcik]

enjoy your new ride!

[jeffgtx]

Quote, originally posted by gargoyle »ORANGE!?!?! Yikes! that's like calling "Salsa"... red! or "Neptune"... blue!yea, its fusion punkin metallic welcome and nice color choice!!!enjoy (when it gets there).chekc out teh site, we gota lots of cool and clever things hidden in here...

[jmf2]

Welcome aboard Jason! great color choice, wife and i special ordered a salsa vibe in 03. still get nostaligic when we see one!enjoy your ride!Post a picture when you get it home, we love pictures here!John

[POLO]

Welcome

[ArcsVibe]

Welcome to the family

[ZubenElGenubi]

Welcome to GenVibe! Salsa is my 2nd favorite color next to Abyss. Sounds like Vibe is gonna fit perfectly between your two other cars, too.

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by jhupka »Hello!I told him that for just a couple thousand more I could buy one brand new with the GM "Employee Price" promotion going on right now, so why would I buy a 2004 from him with 29K miles at his price. JasonA point I make so often on this board that I fear others are getting tired of my repetition - but if it saves just one more person from getting screwed by overpaying for a used car it is worth it.

[jhupka]

Prudent used car shopping and knowing the values of the cars you're looking at is the best way to go. Also, having cash in hand or being pre-approved lets you jump on those perfect deals when they come around. When I was buying my Miata I fought with lots of dealers on prices of their used cars. One salesman flat out refused my $1800 offer on a Miata listed for $3500 and didn't like my justifications. Funny thing is, that same car sat on his lot unsold for another couple months, and I then saw the price drop to $1900. It sold soon after. In the meantime, I ended up getting a Miata for only $1250 with 114K miles on it.So I'm enjoying my new Vibe. It's going to be a great commuter car. The only 'dissapointment' is it did not come with the power package. I don't mind the lack of power windows - with AC and a Heater, I won't really need to roll the windows down. Plus, the way I see it is rolling the windows down kinda defeats the purpose of having an air filter on the HVAC system. Also, if I ever feel like fresh-air driving, I can take my Miata out for a spin. I am missing power locks, though - it'd be nice to lock and unlock all the doors from a remote. But, I found a cable-lock actuator system via some other messages on this board for only $130 - not too shabby. I'll have to order that and install it.Jason

[scherry2]

Quote, originally posted by jhupka » But, I found a cable-lock actuator system via some other messages on this board for only $130 - not too shabby. I'll have to order that and install it.Jasonwhere did you find it? link please. welcome to genvibe.

[jhupka]

I can't find the forum post I found this in, but here is the kit itself for $130:http://www.a1electric.com/Merc...RF104And here's an example install in a Toyota Tundra:http://www.a1electric.com/cablelock.htm The main difference from a normal lock actuator kit is the cable one comes with a hold down plate to secure the cable in one spot. You then strip away the sheathing on the cable to expose the wire so you can clamp the actuator rod to it.Jason