Longer waits in Canada?

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Thu Jul 04, 2002 3:49 am

I've heard rumors that U.S. Vibe orders are given priority over those from Canada. Can anyone confirm this for me?

Frosty · Post by **Frosty** » Tue Jul 16, 2002 5:49 am

Bob, Apparently nobody cares or they aren't sharing info. My next order will have a penalty clause.After 10 weeks the price of the car goes down $100 a week or no sale. That might get them to dot the i's and cross the t's. A buddy did something like that with his Matrix order. I will have to get the details.My dealer gave me the 91 lumina over the weekend. I am going to get a paper bag so no one sees me driving this grampa-mobile.

Dan · Post by **Dan** » Thu Jul 18, 2002 9:49 am

My dealer told me the same thing.. GM is in the US.. they prefere to sell the car in the US before Canada for the simple fact that is much more a good deal for them (they make more $$$$) You know the US-money is much more powerful than the Canadian money

Jack · Post by **Jack** » Mon Jul 22, 2002 6:18 am

I ordered my Vibe in the Toronto area on April 10, 2002. I was told the wait time would be 8 weeks. My dealer got it on July 12, 2002 and I picked it up one week later. So, I waited for over 13 weeks.

Frosty · Post by **Frosty** » Mon Jul 22, 2002 7:01 am

Lucky you What options did you get? ABS, Auto etc.

Jack · Post by **Jack** » Mon Jul 22, 2002 7:20 am

The only options I request were ABS and automatic; I also got for free 6 speaker/200W radio.

pimpingnu · Post by **pimpingnu** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 3:58 am

just ordered my base vibe with all avable options... ordered last week i beleive.... called dealer and my build date is aug 5th

Frosty · Post by **Frosty** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 4:12 am

quote:... ordered last week i beleive.... called dealer and my build date is aug 5th WOW Amazing. What was your order date exactly? Did you specify ABS?Thanks.

pimpingnu · Post by **pimpingnu** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 4:21 am

i ordered july 14th... prolly got put in monday. yes i have ABS and dvd nav system, and sid airbags, and power. all options.

pimpingnu · Post by **pimpingnu** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 4:22 am

but.... i live in NY!

Frosty · Post by **Frosty** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 4:30 am

quote:but.... i live in NY!That is ok I don't mind. You deserve good service However so do I.I am going to use your example to go after GM for a better build date if I can.GM really seems to be putting the boots to Canadian customers. Thanks, Ken.
[Modified by kshields, 3:30 PM 7/23/2002]

hoeboe · Post by **hoeboe** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 7:58 am

kind of makes sense though. the matrix is way more money to buy in the US, and the vibe costs us CDN's another $1000 bucks over the Matrix. the XRS Matrix works out to about $30000 CDN if you buy it in the States as opposed to 25k in the homeland. i guess you would want to sell the car to whomever would pay the most IMHO.

Frosty · Post by **Frosty** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 8:31 am

quote:kind of makes sense though...........i guess you would want to sell the car to whomever would pay the most IMHO.Fine I can accept some sort of delay. But, for me to wait 17 weeks for a build and a U.S. buyer only has to wait 3 is criminal, excessive and discriminatory.What can I do?Beat up on and trash GM Canada for starters.How about never order another car from GM? We can only hope to learn from our mistakes. Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me.

Chris · Post by **Chris** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 8:40 am

17 weeks, sounds like me. Ordered a Black base Vibe with mags and power on April 15th... just found that I'm to recieve the car the first week of September. If I didn't get well over $3K off with the GM card thing, I'd be waaaay more p.o.'d than I am.I've ordered GTI's from Germany that didn't take this long!!!

hoeboe · Post by **hoeboe** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 9:18 am

i feel your pain ken. i was even told that a Corolla was going to be a 2 month wait from a plant that is 10 minutes from me in ontario. (removed).luckily my first choice (the matrix) happened to be on the lot the day i was going to order my corolla and just happened to be exactly the one i wanted to begin with. nice that the guy who ordered it couldn't wait any longer. my benefit i guess.if anyone is interested my dealer has a titanium XRS on the lot with 6 speed and it's been there for a month. i can pass along the info if anyone so desires. maybe he'll kick me a set of TRD springs if i can sell it to the US. he'll make more that way.i was just there today and it is still sitting there. i really can't belive it.

pimpingnu · Post by **pimpingnu** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 11:07 am

well... from a buisness stand point it may make sence. they may wait untill they have say 200 of one kind of car ordered to run the line that way. so when 199 other people order your same car.. yours is scheduled to be built that day. another thing is shipping. they may ship all canadas orders together. well maby they alot every 5th production week to canada. it could have been a planing flaw as far as expected sales go. those plans dont change overnight. they would have to increase certin part orders from suppliers who in turn would have to re-arrange their schedules to acomidat, they would also have to adjust orders from their suppliers and so on. if there is a delay... well.. skip this production week and hit it up next time. these are hypothetical examples... the vibes may be different cars in canada due to emissions and safety standards... who knows... it could be 1 fuse or something stupid holding up canadain cars... just an idea...

MA-VIBE-FAN · Post by **MA-VIBE-FAN** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 11:12 pm

ken, we know that there is no way a car ordered on 7/14 is being built the week of 8/5. It is just another case of dealer misleading the buyer. The only way it gets built that quick is if the dealer already had an order in the system. (Will email you tonight).

pimpingnu · Post by **pimpingnu** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 11:33 pm

No... i saw the fax from GM. the dealer is telling me what he is told.

Frosty · Post by **Frosty** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 11:43 pm

(MA-VIBE-FAN) quote:ken, we know that there is no way a car ordered on 7/14 is being built the week of 8/5. It is just another case of dealer misleading the buyer. The only way it gets built that quick is if the dealer already had an order in the system. (Will email you tonight).Thanks Bud! I did smell a rat but it sure got my blood boiling. Luckily my wife was waiting with a couple of Guinness when I got home to simmer me down. Hard to believe that Andrew's car was set up and was waiting for him to come alongj to order it.Sorry Andrew, but I hope for your sake your salesperson wasn't feeding you a line. Thanks for your earlier post about the fuses and what not, my biggest beef is with my salesman denying all knowledge about backorders. Had I known in April it would take 21 weeks to get a Vibe I would have looked at Mazda's or Honda's. My Mrs. wants me to hang in there or I would have cancelled.
[Modified by kshields, 10:47 AM 7/24/2002]

MA-VIBE-FAN · Post by **MA-VIBE-FAN** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 11:49 pm

American orders in by 9pm Sat 7/20 for 7/23 selection are scheduled for production week of 8/19 and even that would not be confirmed until 7/25. And all together now, 14% of production Base Vibe w/ABS. Did the dealer give you the Pontiac order number? If so could you post it?
[Modified by MA-VIBE-FAN, 7:50 AM 7/24/2002]

Zero0ne · Post by **Zero0ne** » Sun Jul 28, 2002 6:27 am

Well... My order for my Vibe was put in on March 21st. I live in Ottawa Canada, and my Vibe has finally arrived. I am picking it up on Tuesday, July 30th. It's been a long wait, and after reading posts from this and other forums I know i'm not alone. I hope it's worth the wait.Zero--

Frosty · Post by **Frosty** » Sun Jul 28, 2002 8:34 am

Congrats ZeroOne What options did you go for? Manual vs. Auto. ABS etc.?
[Modified by Frosty, 7:35 PM 7/28/2002]

Zero0ne · Post by **Zero0ne** » Sun Jul 28, 2002 8:46 am

Thanks, I ended up getting the following:Base Vibe, Manual Tran., 16 ALUMINUM WHEELS, PWR PKG - inc: pwr door locks, remote keyless entry, speed control, pwr windows, SPORT PKG - inc: 16 aluminum wheels, sunroof, premium (6) speaker system w/ amplifier, SAFETY & SECURITY PKG - inc: anti- lock brake system, side- impact airbags, SECURITY SYSTEM - inc: monitors door/ hatch entry, glass breakage sensor, audible/ visual alarm notification.I'm also getting a Car Starter and the Platinum Protection (ie. UnderCoat, Rust, Fabric, Paint). Thats why I need to wait until Tuesday to pick it up.I am going to get the Windows Tinted some time within the next few months and am going to consider replaceing the CD Player with a MP3 player. Maybe a Christmas gift to myself. I am also considering the SuperChager/TurboCharger when it becomes available. This is my first Car (Purchased) and I want to enjoy the ride. Like I said, I hope it's worth the wait.Have you not heard anything on yours yet?Zero--

Frosty · Post by **Frosty** » Sun Jul 28, 2002 12:48 pm

ZeroONe: Sounds very similar to what I ordered. I was told that the 5spd and ABS was restricted which resulted in our long waits. Canadians apparently are on the back burner as well which really burns me. This most likely will be my first and last domestic. My build date is supposed to be Aug 19th (2002) + 1 month to deliver = Sept 16 key toss time.Looks like you have a lot more disposable income. I am guessing you don't have a mortage I would love an MP3 player and engine mods but I also need to replace my roof. Enjoy!

Frosty · Post by **Frosty** » Wed Jul 31, 2002 6:37 am

Fellow Canadians:I was inspired by the recent posts of Vibe sightings on the thread http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=290&page=2 You have seen the pics of an assortment of Vibes on dealer lots, if not look here at Nick's gallery http://nicksimkins.com/vibe You can see 10 cars, I have heard people talk of 20 or 30 cars available.How many can you find on your local dealer lots?Since April I have seen one Vibe on a lot here in Thunder Bay for about 3 days. That is it! Proportionally there should be same as what is available on U.S. lots right? Or is it 50% of a U.S. Dealer average as above, or 25% or zero%. What are you seeing on your local Canadian lot? My dealer sez there are no cars anywhere to be had for me. What are you seeing?
[Modified by Frosty, 5:39 PM 7/31/2002]

Zero0ne · Post by **Zero0ne** » Wed Jul 31, 2002 9:27 am

Well I picked up my Vibe yesterday. Man, it's FREAKEN AWESOME!!!! It was worth the wait. Going through the Manual... anyone knotice those 2 little green lights inside the Tac -O- Meter? What the heck are they for? I've turned every knob, flicked every switch, and even swore at it a bit to see if it would go away (just kidding), but I can't figure out what the heck it is? Any ideas?Thanks,Zero--

Post by **NSimkins** » Wed Jul 31, 2002 12:08 pm

quote:I have heard people talk of 20 or 30 cars available. How many can you find on your local dealer lots?Yup, about 18-20 Vibe's were on the lot where I purchased mine (1 hour away). I know they still have about that many (not the same ones as before too!) at this time. Dealers in my hometown have about 2-5 Vibe's. I guess it depends on dealer allocation.
[Modified by NSimkins, 11:08 PM 7/31/2002]

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Thu Aug 01, 2002 1:04 am

When the headlights are on, a green "lightbulb" will light up in the tach. Since the Vibe has automatic lights, you can't turn off the lights in the dark. Go out to your Vibe in bright sunlight and turn on the headlights. If you get the same green light you saw before, that was it.

Frosty · Post by **Frosty** » Thu Aug 01, 2002 3:07 am

As the moderators might say" People, stay on topic "This thread is about Canadian Delivery times.
[Modified by Frosty, 5:25 PM 8/2/2002]

Chris · Post by **Chris** » Fri Aug 02, 2002 6:08 am

Frosty, looks like ABS is a pain to get. I ordered my Vibe (5spd, power pkg, 16" aluminum wheels, black) on April 15 and am scheduled to receive it first week in Sept. Whether or not that actually happens... we'll see!

Frosty · Post by **Frosty** » Fri Aug 02, 2002 6:42 am

Chris, Looks like we ordered similar vehicles, with similar painful results I was told that it there was a restriction on the combo of 5sp and ABS on a website for a leasing company, my dealer and GM denied it but I think they were trying to put me off. The leasing firm said that that combo on a vibe would result a 24week wait. I am now looking at 21 weeks. Who do you think is the dummy? Anyway, good luck, hopefully all good things come to those who wait and wait and wait and wait......

Keely · Post by **Keely** » Wed Aug 07, 2002 2:02 pm

My order date was March 13th, and I finally have a build date of Aug. 28th, ETA in Calgary 6 weeks after that. However, I did order the AWD with monotone - apparently much lower on the priority list for GM since they're only targeting 10% of production for AWD models.For the Canadians, I'm hoping to get some opinions on 5 spd. vs. AWD but I'll start a new thread - I'd love some help.

Frosty · Post by **Frosty** » Wed Aug 07, 2002 10:33 pm

Keely:Unfortunately you may be receiving the Longest Wait for a Vibe Ever award. Will it be 7 months! You seem so calm Hang in there

Keely · Post by **Keely** » Thu Aug 08, 2002 12:07 am

It's easy to be patient when you're saving the money for a big down payment and you're questioning which model to get (as you've seen from my other post). I was traveling a lot as well over the first few months of the wait, and now I'm gearing up to borrow my father's Miata for 3 weeks while he travels - that's what's brought this whole AWD vs. 5 spd. thing on.So what is the LWVE reward anyway? Free rear cargo mats?

Frosty · Post by **Frosty** » Thu Aug 08, 2002 12:40 am

quote:So what is the LWVE reward anyway? Free rear cargo mats?Cargo mats would be a good idea as a free gift from your dealer. I am going to make my own and velcro some to the backs of the rear seats as well.Not much wonder you are so relaxed about your Vibe, the prospect of driving a Miata in the mountains in the summer will do that. I have a the use of a dealer provided 91 Lumina, Yuck. I have no patience with G.M.

spaz2005 · Post by **spaz2005** » Thu Aug 08, 2002 9:30 am

Hi, I ordered my Vibe March 31 and it finally arrived at the dealer Aug 3. I will be picking it up this Saturday and I can't wait!! I guess it will be 17-18 weeks in total but I think it will be worth it. I was originally told it would take 8 weeks!! My dealer (who is in Waterloo) has 3 vibes sitting on the lot that are the result of cancelled orders, I guess Canadians are gettting fed up with the wait. However, because I waited so long, the dealer through in the cargo mat and net, plus a wax. Not bad...though the cargo container would have been nice too

Sputnik · Post by **Sputnik** » Thu Aug 08, 2002 9:41 am

I got a free cargo mat as well, but that wasn't because of my wait period (I only waited 4 weeks because someone cancelled their order). I got it free because of some leasing issues.

canuckchap · Post by **canuckchap** » Wed Aug 21, 2002 10:30 pm

I believe that the longer waits in Canada have nothing to do with specific options or anything like that.Look at the US dollar base price and convert it to Canadian. Then, compare this to the Canadian base price. Voila!! They make more money selling Vibes in the US. Canadian BASE = 19,850 canadian dollarsUS BASE = 16,900 * 1.5679 = 26,500 canadian dollarsWouldn't YOU want to sell more cars in the US !!!!

Keely · Post by **Keely** » Wed Aug 21, 2002 11:14 pm

That's exactly right. My dealer and I had a conversation just last week on this topic - the profit margin is considerably higher for U.S.-sold vehicles and thus the shunning of Canadians.On the brighter side, my Vibe apparently reached the factory line on Monday, so we're counting down 5 weeks from now until delivery.

MA-VIBE-FAN · Post by **MA-VIBE-FAN** » Thu Aug 22, 2002 12:11 am

So the current conspiricy theory is its done for cash? How about the fact that the Canadian car market is 10% the size of the US. Less the 1,500 Vibes are produced each week, so therefore less the 150 go to Canada. Now if 10% are equiped with a certain option (5-Speed, ABS, Whatever), thats less the 2 per week for Canada. Also aren't you leaving out the fact that US Vibes carry $1,000 rebates, which would lower profitability. And if it was all about the money, why bother offer the car in Canada at all?

canuckchap · Post by **canuckchap** » Thu Aug 22, 2002 1:16 am

Good points.I'd just add that its a pretty difficult balancing act from a marketing point of view. You need to a) make a healthy profit b) deliver a quality vehicle c) keep customers happy and loyal so they'll come back.From the opinions expressed here, it sounds as though people are willing to wait for their Vibe's. I'd like to know how many people have decided to purchase say a Suburu, Protege 5 or a Focus because they couldn't get a Vibe more quickly? I know personally I was willing to wait because a) wanted the VIBE b) better deals on the GM's (GM Dollars, New Grad rebates etc.Ordered March 17, Delivered July 27 (4 1/2 months)

vibb · Post by **vibb** » Fri Aug 23, 2002 4:27 pm

A pricing issue exists for almost any U.S. vs. Canadian market car. You can't do a simple currency exchange rate conversion because factors like competition and what the Canadian auto buyer can afford to pay influence the final price. Canadian Vibe owners just got socked with a $800 base price increase as of last month, as well as increases on all options. Some dealers were handwriting in the increases onto the window sticker!

Frosty · Post by **Frosty** » Tue Aug 27, 2002 1:08 am

Folks, my car has been shipped The lady at GM Canada said it was anyway. She never said it was assembled though so I may have to put it together myself. Anyway here is the thing She said it was put on the train Friday Aug 23 and she advises it takes 3.5 weeks to arrive in Windsor. Well Windsor is a 24 hour train ride past my dealer if you were travelling from California. Do all Canadian cars come in to Windsor? Are British Columbia Vibes sent there first? I am waiting for a reply from my dealer on the above. The GM Canada lady didn't know how long it takes to get from Windsor to my dealer and then under my (removed). Thanks.

vibb · Post by **vibb** » Tue Aug 27, 2002 3:31 pm

quote: Are British Columbia Vibes sent (to Windsor) first? Gosh I hope not!

Frosty · Post by **Frosty** » Wed Aug 28, 2002 4:53 am

quote:Every Vibe entering Canada must go by Windsor.... that's what I have been told by GM There must be a good reason for this. Let's see, I know... The car will also roll through Detroit and get some holy water sprinkled on it. Seriously, it seem like just another goofy way to frustrate people waiting impatiently for their cars. This is fine for you golden horseshoe people or Quebecois but us Westerners must keep waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting.....What a waste of resources to have all those western bound cars travel aimlessly for thousands of km's on railcars. Think of the $$$ they could save in shipping if they sent them to Calgary or Winnipeg instead.

canuckchap · Post by **canuckchap** » Wed Aug 28, 2002 4:59 am

It makes logistical sense. A railcar holds a whole lot more cars, so, direct them all to some central distribution then truck them to their final destination.It doesn't mean it will take longer.Think of FEDEX or UPS. If you send a package across your city, it still goes to the central hub in Atlanta or Memphis and manages to get to its destination overnight!The delay is likely just due to them waiting until they have a "full load" bound for your city before they send it out. Imagine what freight would be if they "personally" delivered every car!!For those waiting, don't worry. I was told 5 weeks, it was more like only 10 days. Besides, you've probably already waited 16 or more weeks, what's another couple of days.

Keely · Post by **Keely** » Fri Aug 30, 2002 1:49 am

My dealer explained the process to me in this fashion - the cars are built in California, shipped to Detroit and then Windsor, and then back out west. They've centralized to save costs at the expense of getting us our cars faster, no question.The good news is, however, that my Vibe has been built (the dealer has been invoiced) and is on its way as of Wednesday. Four more weeks, and then we'll call Guiness and see if my wait makes it on the list.

Frosty · Post by **Frosty** » Fri Aug 30, 2002 2:49 am

quote:Four more weeks, and then we'll call Guiness and see if my wait makes it on the list. Keely, You may win the prize. So far 5.5 months for you! Ouch! Good luck.

VibeSalsa · Post by **VibeSalsa** » Mon Nov 11, 2002 11:06 am

I got some good news today about my future vibe. It's on the train between Fremont, California and Windsor, Ontario. It is due to arrive in Windsor near November 20. It will be in Quebec on November 22 and will arrive at my dealership in the week of November 25. I will probably take delivery at the end of that week (November 29 or 30). So, if I add all the waiting time since July 15 when I ordered, it is almost 4Â½ months of waiting..... It's very long in Canada...

Cubanpete · Post by **Cubanpete** » Fri Nov 15, 2002 11:14 am

You guys that are waiting are the ones with the Automatic Base vibes.Vibe GT's are on there lots and are fully loaded with 95% of all the options, You can pick those up right away!!!! plus stick is way better to drive then the automodel!