New user, used Vibe after lurking for six months...

O_Positive · Post by **O_Positive** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 10:51 am

I don't think I can say much on this forum that hasn't been said 100 times, but I am cranked about my Vibe. Although used, I've been waiting for a "new" car for over a year after the 1989 Accord started playing the "let's see if I'll start today!" game.I don't think I got a great deal, but I think I may be able to meet my personal standard of 10,000 miles per $1000 spent. Black wasn't my first choice, but I must admit it looks rather sophisticated (I wanted Neptune). I also didn't want the sunroof after reading about all of the leakage complaints, but mine doesn't leak a drop (yet) and the darned thing sure lets the hot air out quicker (not an A/C guy).I had given up on finding "the" car I wanted in February: high MPG, unusual storage space, hatch, relatively low cost, slightly higher profile than my (removed)-dragging Accord, and better-than-average reliability...and a manual transmission. I was all set to find a Subaru and suffer with the gas mileage, or cram myself into a discontinued Honda hatchback when I checked the Vibe again. My last criteria was actually the ability to get a kayak on top, and I didn't know (at the time) that the Vibe's antenna unscrewed.Yee-ha! The Vibe's antenna unscrews!The last six months has been checking Epinions, Genvibe, Matrixowners.com, Autotrader, Cars Direct, Vehix, Edmunds...if it had a Vibe review or a comment, I must have read it. Then in June, I test-drove a Matrix and three Vibes. It was like a junky on first smack, I was hooked, hooked hooked. I started a two-year countdown until my wife's car could be paid off...then she told me to quit counting and go get it.Two days and CarFax later, I took the only stick for sale within 25 miles 10 minutes before a (poor, sad) girl came back to buy it...Nube joke of the day: Didn't know the hatch wouldn't open if the locks weren't unlocked. Clicked the hatch release like a hamster on a nut button and darned near bent my key in the hatch keyhole until brilliant wife hit the "unlock" button and it worked. Silly me!I know this will wear off, but this is the first car I've purchased in 14 years that I knew I wanted in advance, and I'm a danged happy camper!

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 11:12 am

glad you finally decided to join in and you got your vibe. like you, i did a lot of research before i bought mine (back in 03). it took 6 months to do the deal, but was i happy to save so much on the gas! in the GT, i averaged about 26-28 mpg driving like a crazy person! i no longer have the VGT, but now a Sube Legacy GT. and yes, the gas mileage is suffering. I hadn't realized how much LESS i would get, but i blame the turbo and the silly grin i get when i stomp on the gas. i've been doing my darndest to drive like a granny, but sometimes i just can't. *sigh* oh well. hubby also has an 04 base vibe 5 speed that (if he ever makes up his mind on keeping it or not) will be either turbo'd or traded in for a turbo'd (most likely subaru) hatchback or small "sporty" car in the next couple years.

O_Positive · Post by **O_Positive** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 11:16 am

I must admit, I'm holding my breath on the first tank of gas, because the crusty old Accord (now for sale in relative's front lawn) was getting 32-33 in the summer and 26-28 in the winter. Hope the Vibe will meet or beat it. I drive like Granny with a state cop behind her, so wish me luck!

Bobtronique · Post by **Bobtronique** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 11:18 am

Welcome at Genvibe!I hope you will enjoy your new Rocket! You have made a good choice especially because of rising price of gas. Good pleasures!

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 11:20 am

well, i had a GT so it drank more gas. the base vibe gets very good mileage. i'm sure you'll be at your previous gas consumption or better. i believe we get about 33+ in the hubby's. of course his in km so it's hard to figure the exact mileage.

northvibe · Post by **northvibe** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 11:29 am

welcome!im sure ur gas mileage will be great! i drive like stupid teenager and i get 32 usually.

ArcsVibe · Post by **ArcsVibe** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 9:24 pm

Welcome to the site! You will enjoy your Vibe trust me It has been over 2 years for me and I love it!We love pics on this site so when you get a chance post some of your ride.Welcome again

VibeosaurusRex · Post by **VibeosaurusRex** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 2:02 am

Welcome...I have only been here a few days myself ...took delivery 9/11/05.We Love it so far

O_Positive · Post by **O_Positive** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 10:37 am

Amazing thing about the Vibe...it really takes off compared to the other 4-cylinder 5-speeds I've driven. Now, I can't say I'm comparing to legendary speedsters; my former rides were economy cars like an '81 Civic, an '80 Datsun, an '89 Sentra, and the infamous '89 Accord. They all went from 0-60 in a week and a half. I've just been astounded that this car can accelerate so quickly.I have to laugh at the people who complain about wind noise and a "buzzy" engine...what the heck are they driving, Grandma's Cadillac? I liked Grandma's Cadillac, too, but if I wanted to drive bedsprings on wheels, I would have bought them.Checked the sunroof in a drenching downpour today, and had to try pretty hard to find half a drop creeping in one side. I got more water inside just opening the door, so I think I got a good one.Only minor flaws I have found: Dealer didn't include an emergency spare, and the driver's side wiper is worn. Doesn't stop me from driving around with a stupid grin on my face....

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 10:54 am

No spare? ah well you can pick one up cheap from a wrecker I'm sure. Ah yes... the stupid grin. Heck I have one every time I cruise around in my Vibe. Sure its a base 04 but its my car and I take pride in it. Now I doubt after a few years if I'll keep it... I'd rather have a powerful car to build up then spend a lot of money on this one to make it compare the car I would start off with lol.but... no knocking the Vibe. Its done me VERY well.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 12:42 pm

Quote, originally posted by O_Positive Â»I have to laugh at the people who complain about wind noise and a "buzzy" engine...what the heck are they driving, Grandma's Cadillac? I liked Grandma's Cadillac, too, but if I wanted to drive bedsprings on wheels, I would have bought them.(removed). i almost spit out my dinner! (removed)! and how true! my LGT is much quieter than the VGT, however, i usually have my stereo on so i can't really tell. from outside the car, it's also much quieter.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 12:44 pm

Quote, originally posted by Mavrik Â»but... no knocking the Vibe. Its done me VERY well.ya, it got you lucky. and married...... lol

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 10:10 pm

im surprised at the leak problem with the moonroof, mine was bought in april '02 (a very old vibe compared to most here), and has never leaked a vapor!

O_Positive · Post by **O_Positive** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 11:30 pm

The sigh of relief continues...got gas when reports that Hurricane Rita would force gas prices up again (they had dropped to $2.59 around here). Filled at 3/4 tank and only put in 4.1 gallons (let the pump click then filled until it shut off again). MPG =................................................................................................................43.9!I may not be driving Grandma's bedsprings, but I still drive like Grandma...

BigMac · Post by **BigMac** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 8:44 am

I was going to start my own topic, but this one jumped out first.I've now joined your wonderful group, after reading everything posted here since the start of the year while I was researching what to buy. Obviously I picked the Vibe!!Very happy to now own a '05 Salsa Base Vibe.

ramenboy... · Post by **ramenboy...** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 9:47 am

Quote, originally posted by O_Positive Â»...Doesn't stop me from driving around with a stupid grin on my face....yeah. i still do that...the last time i said to myself 'hey, i like this car' i was just pulling past this car on lake street, and 2 secs later, i got pulled over. so now i don't say it out loud anymore...0_pos, Bigmac!welcome to the site! congrats on your cars!enjoy the ride!

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 11:09 pm

Quote, originally posted by O_Positive Â»I may not be driving Grandma's bedspringsicky thoughts. ugh.

gargoyle · Post by **gargoyle** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 1:27 am

"GILF"?

Flip-Side · Post by **Flip-Side** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 1:43 am

Quote, originally posted by O_Positive Â»MPG=43.9!I use to get around 32 mpg with my automatic vibe. My wife can't make it past 28 mpg, she floors it to take off and slams brakes to stop. It really does make a huge difference in how you drive the vibe. Congrats on the new ride!

O_Positive · Post by **O_Positive** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 10:08 am

Ah, downloaded the owner's manual from this site (such a nice site), and figured out the rear hatch key feature (turn left). Now I can open the hatch without unlocking the whole car, what a nube!Still haven't found anything I consider wrong. I have a couple of minor dents in the hood from the previous (leased) owner, and possibly a minor alignment in the steering wheel; however, I find that the car tracks most toward the side on which it last turned, which is nothing to be alarmed about.Hit 200 miles on this tank, still not to halfway mark. Let's see how long the second half lasts...if it's like most, it will dive a bit quicker.Here's another heresy...I haven't hit lift in this car. Checked it out in the other test-driven cars, but not this one. I've gotta wonder what the previous (leased) owner did with the car, because other than the usual scratches and spots, the car acts like new.KnockOn Wood.

O_Positive · Post by **O_Positive** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 9:54 pm

Second tank, with some 50/50 city driving:37.7 MPG (Yes, that's American miles and American gallons).Beats the '89 Accord by 3-5 mpg and no repair bills.Yee-haw!

ToolGuy · Post by **ToolGuy** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 10:50 pm

Welcome! Another Michigander!

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Sun Oct 09, 2005 4:17 am

nice! i wish i could get those kinds of miles on mine. oh well.... traded the fuel economy for speed and power.....

New user, used Vibe after lurking for six months...

New user, used Vibe after lurking for six months...

Re: New user, used Vibe after lurking for six months... (O_Positive)

Re: (O_Positive)

Re: (O_Positive)

Re: (O_Positive)

Re: (Mavrik)

Re: (O_Positive)

Re: (O_Positive)

Re: (O_Positive)

Re: (drunkenvibe)

Re: (O_Positive)

Re: (O_Positive)