Ragingfish's Car Shopping Photo Journal (56K Warning!)

[rebbierae]

A: Then maybe you aren't completely sold on EITHER car. B: Is there any one car that is absolutely PERFECT? I mean, honestly. You loved the Vibe when you first got it--we all did/do. But you find little issues, things you wish you could change, little quirks, etc. But you either learn to live with it and be happy with what you have (for me a car that didn't die at every intersection I stopped at), or you get it fixed if you are able to, or you find something else. Truth is, you will probably never find a car that has absolutely, positively every single thing you want and love on it, but you figure out which things are most important to you, and which things you can live without.

[Sputnik]

Get the Sedan. You don't want to feel aprehension while driving your new car and if thats what a coupe does to you, then get the sedan. I also feel very claustraphobic in the back of a two door car. So much so that I will turn down rides from people with coupes. I keep thinking to myself, "what if I'm in an accident, I can't get out - I don't have a door!!" It freaks me a bit. As for the sunroof problems - well you know a lot of us bought first year Vibes knowing and expecting some issues would arise. It'd be the same with a G6 since they haven't been out very long. We risked it then... the only difference this time is you know the issue (even if you don't know what can fix it yet)...

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by Sputnik »Get the Sedan. You don't want to feel aprehension while driving your new car and if thats what a coupe does to you, then get the sedan. I also feel very claustraphobic in the back of a two door car. So much so that I will turn down rides from people with coupes. I keep thinking to myself, "what if I'm in an accident, I can't get out - I don't have a door!!" It freaks me a bit. You hit the nail right on the head there. I do feel confined and uneasy in the front seat, but that could just be manufactured in my head. But in the back seat, even with both doors open, both seats tilted forward, i was still feeling a tad of panic inside me. I could NEVER ride in the back seat of a coupe...and one thing i keep thinking in my head is, "god forbid i'm in an accident...and my best friends are in the car with me...could they get themselves out, or could they be rescued, from the back of a coupe?" it truly scares me...but i gotta believe there's some way to it, otherwise i'd think coupes would've gone the way of beta by now...

[Sputnik]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »You hit the nail right on the head there. I do feel confined and uneasy in the front seat, but that could just be manufactured in my head. But in the back seat, even with both doors open, both seats tilted forward, i was still feeling a tad of panic inside me. I could NEVER ride in the back seat of a coupe...and one thing i keep thinking in my head is, "god forbid i'm in an accident...and my best friends are in the car with me...could they get themselves out, or could they be rescued, from the back of a coupe?" it truly scares me...but i gotta believe there's some way to it, otherwise i'd think coupes would've gone the way of beta by now...Do you want to risk it for looks is the question. A lot of people will risk a lot just for appearance (which is probably one reason coupes are still around)... seriously, do coupes provide any better functionality than a 4 door? I don't think so... they're appearance only (ha! My bias against coupes is coming out! LOL). Besides coupes have bigger doors which are more likely to smack into neighbouring cars (one of my big peeves when parking!)

[ColonelPanic]

Owning the coupe may not be all bad... Removing two doors may very well keep the mileage off of your car. I can't count the number of times where I was the one that had to drive because I had a 4-door that was more capable of hauling people around. And with that came no gas money, as I was too nice to ask for anything. Had I owned a coupe where the friends would not have been able to fit back there, I would have saved thousands in gas and depreciation. But the visibility, that should be a deal breaker. There is no sense in signing the line for something if you won't be able to see well enough out of it to drive it without freaking out. The Vibe scared the hell out me at first. Took some time getting adjusted to, but the blind spots are still there, so I still have to be careful... I'll be glad when I get back into a sedan with better visibility. Keep in mind that when they design a coupe, particularly one of a 2+2 variety, they don't really intend for people to ride back there as much as they would in a sedan. For the safety thing, I guess you could always say that the rear passengers have less of a chance of being ejected from the vehicle because there is no door back there. But I do see the point about not being able to get out. Since you're quite concerned about safety from what it looks like, you may want to go check out the new Sonata. Five star crash test ratings for front and side impacts and plenty of nice safety equipmet that you don't have to pay a dime extra for. And a 235 HP V6 with a shift it yourself 5-speed auto so it may get out there and move if you let it. heheheEr, anyway, good luck deciding. You only live once, so get what you feel is best. And you probably won't be able to trade for a while depending on what you owe on the Vibe vs. the 5k you're getting, so I think you may want to go ahead and get what you want now with everything you could possibly want on it, as it may be some time before you could get something different.Don't end up with something you will detest driving every single day. It sucks.

[BigMac]

I had to drive a two-door around for 7 years (using my parents Bronco II) and I couldn't wait to get rid of it. Safety wasn't my primary concern when I went 4 doors, although I understand that fear. For the most part it was just me or two of us in the car, but every so often I like to be able to give someone a ride. And TWO DOORS SUCK!I'd buy the sedan. Besides, it'll impress any potential date/gf/fiance/wife with you buying a responsible, safe, practical car that still looks really, really good.

[joatmon]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »Joat -- your advice is well taken, but unfortunately, keeping the Vibe is not financially logical. It needs a LOT of work and money put into it before it's running the way it should be.That being said, I called the dealer back and told them I'd make a decision by morning. I've been sitting in front of this damned machine since about 2ish trying to come to some sort of decision, and I just can't. Every time I try, I go to dial them, and all of a sudden, I don't want to anymore...you have been pretty quiet about the extensive problems you're having with the Vibe that make it finacially not viable. Damn. Broken beyond economical repair. What kinds of problems should we be on the lookout for?Really though, you have set yourself this deadline, and I'm too lazy to look throught the whole thread again, but is there some compelling urgency to get the new car tomorrow? Right now you are undecided, and it's a big pile of money your are committing to spend, wouldn't you be better off taking your time and being sure that you are getting what best meets your needs? What is the impact if you waited another week to decide? How about another month? Hard for me to relate. I usually buy used cars, the Vibe was the exception for the MPG. of course if I hit the $340 M powerball drawing Wednesday all bets are off If you can afford it, and you want it, then buy it. Sounds like the sedan is the model for you, once you sign your name don't look back, just look ahead and don't second guess yourself. if it costs more to get what you want, go for it. No use buying a car and feeling regret every time you get in it or look at it. Have you considered another Vibe? Maybe a Vibe GT?

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »you have been pretty quiet about the extensive problems you're having with the Vibe that make it finacially not viable. Damn. Broken beyond economical repair. What kinds of problems should we be on the lookout for?Really though, you have set yourself this deadline, and I'm too lazy to look throught the whole thread again, but is there some compelling urgency to get the new car tomorrow? Right now you are undecided, and it's a big pile of money your are committing to spend, wouldn't you be better off taking your time and being sure that you are getting what best meets your needs? What is the impact if you waited another week to decide? How about another month? Eh, ok, maybe it's not THAT bad. But it does need work. It needs a new windshield ($600), at least one new wheel ($50-100), and it still has engine noise issues, which the dealer said should be resolved, but, if I was going to trade it in, then I could go with it as-is for maybe a month or so. Then there's the issue of the body condition. The body's in (removed)-shape. And I hate driving a car that looks like (removed). I'd end up spending close to at least $1000-2000 to get the body back where it needs to be. Plus, as we all know, when I get confirmation of the promotion back in June, I already started looking. I've actually been "deciding" for almost 5 months. I've set it down ot this week, however, due to both my erratic work schedule and that, because certain work wasn't done on the Vibe, it can't go much longer without needing said work. I don't want to sink more money into a car I'm about to trade in, so if I get it back to them before I start having bigger issues, all is better for me. Keep in mind, I drive about 400-500 miles a week now with my assanine job commute. That's about 30,000 a year. That means by next summer I'll be close to 100,000...I can get more money for the car by trading now, and frankly, I prefer the security and reliability of a new car.Quote »Hard for me to relate. I usually buy used cars, the Vibe was the exception for the MPG. of course if I hit the $340 M powerball drawing Wednesday all bets are off I dunno, if I can afford not to, I don't want to buy a car someone else has owned. The only two cars I ever owned, that were used, were hand-me-downs from my parents. Otherwise, my Sunfire, Vibe, and now the G6 (whichever it'll be) will be new. There's a lot of reasons why. 1) Warranty. 2) I wouldn't trust my commute to a used car and 3) I like something to be mine from the start. I want to know everything that has ever happened to it. A used car, to me, will never feel like it is truly "mine." I know...I'm screwed up.Quote »If you can afford it, and you want it, then buy it. Sounds like the sedan is the model for you, once you sign your name don't look back, just look ahead and don't second guess yourself. if it costs more to get what you want, go for it. No use buying a car and feeling regret every time you get in it or look at it. Have you considered another Vibe? Maybe a Vibe GT?I hate the 05 front end, so a Vibe was ruled out almost immediately. Plus, I want to get away from the wagon. Negating the mocking my employees give me because of it, even since day 1, I've always missed having your good 'ol engine/cabin/trunk kinda car. The whole engine/cabin/hatch-cabin extension type just doesn't thrill me. Plus, I wanted a true GM car again. The Vibe had some GM in it...but not enough to keep me in it. I'm not impressed with the Toyota powertrain. Had GM stepped up to the plate, ripped out that Toyo BS and dropped in a nice 2.2 ECOTEC, then maybe I would've considered one. But again, I prefer traditional cars. Oh, and as to the GT, there's that whole premium fuel thing. That's the same reason I eliminated the G6 GTP without even a test drive. The minute the dealer slipped the words "premium" past his lips, I said "faggedaboudit!".But, I'm right there with you. As I told my parents when they said I should drop this feature or not build..."I want to get a car that I am TRULY happy with, so that if it doesn't have any major issues in 4-5 years, I won't feel the urge to get out of it." I "settled" on the Vibe sort of. My Sunfire had just been totalled, and we needed a replacement car quickly. I didn't like the 03 Sunfire (the first year the new front debuted, which consequently I've come to love), and the Grand Ams were out of the question (I came to hate my parents' 92 and 98 GA's, so I ruled them out instantly.) So I had to settle for a Vibe, and then again for one on the lot that wasn't the color I wanted. Don't get me wrong. I came to LOVE the car (all thanks to this site), and I'm going to miss it dearly. But I don't feel it speaks to me or my personality anymore. I really feel the G6 speaks to me. So does the Solstice, but we all know THAT deal. So yeah...that's my story and I'm stickin to it.

[Sputnik]

Soo.... any decision yet? And here we thought the decision had finally been made! We've decided to buy out our lease next year. I wanted a new Vibe, but the bf put his foot down and said if you want a Vibe, we're keeping the one we got. The other options were a Smart car (blech!), a Mini (blech!) or a bimmer ( yeah right!).

[ragingfish]

No, no decision yet...

[tnpartsguy]

Mike, here's the deal, ask the dealer if you can do a 24 hr test drive on a coupe he has in stock. You've driven your dad's car plenty of times to know you like it, now you just need to know if the coupe is REALLy not going to cut it for you. I was kinda hoping the Sol would work out for you, because we all know you're just hot for it.

[ragingfish]

They still do 24 hour test drives??? I was thinking how much I could use that program right now!!!

[ColonelPanic]

They've been doing 24 hour test drives loooong before the promotion ever came about. I remember my father taking many a' new cars and trucks home for a night to look them over closely before signing for them. If Rasass gives a rat's (removed) about your business, they oughta oblige.

[rebbierae]

My dealer back home would let me take a car for 24 hours in a heartbeat, and Mike it sounds like you have the same relationship with your dealer as my family does with mine--go ask them. Tell them you are on the fence and want to know how you will feel about driving the coupe, and would like to drive it for a day and a night, see if you feel safe in it. I know they would let you do it. Go. Get up, get dressed, and go to the dealer!

[amynoelle]

As for the auto dimming mirror with onstar, I believe my husband's 2001 olds intrigue had one. I'm pretty sure that it had a compass too. Good luck with your decision!

[MrRich]

Quote, originally posted by amynoelle »As for the auto dimming mirror with onstar, I believe my husband's 2001 olds intrigue had one. I'm pretty sure that it had a compass too. Good luck with your decision!I say 99.99% that the Hummers have the dimming mirror with the compass.

[Sputnik]

So, I come home after a loooong day at work and want to know the verdict! I don't see anything... do we have a winner??

[ragingfish]

Well, I called the dealer first thing this morning and asked to see if they could locate a coupe with side airbags. They said they'd get back to me.Around 4 00, they called, said the only one they could find was in stealth gray (a nice color anyway), but it was at a dealer who wasn't pleasant to deal with. They were waiting for the dealer to tell them if the car was available. They'd call back. Around 530, still no word from said dealer. Guy said chances of me getting that car were slim, and it was the *only* coupe in obtainable range with side airbags. They asked me what I wanted to go with if by morning they still couldn't get the coupe with airbags. Having to make a split second decision, I uttered the first thing that popped in my head..."go with the blue coupe."so, looks like i'm staying with the original decision...hoping i don't eventually come to regret not getting the airbags......also hoping when i get it saturday (tentative but likely delivery day) i'll fall in love and all my stress and aggrevation from this process will subside...we shall see...I didn't get the car yet, though, and I already just submitted an online order for my first mod. Curious? Don't fret...I just bought the all-season floor mats. I'm so pleased with how they held up in the Vibe, I don't want to waste ANY time getting them in the G6...

[ColonelPanic]

Very cool. I don't think you made a bad choice at all. You do realize now, however, that you ARE committed to buying it. You now have accessories on the way, can't go back now. Can't wait to see it! *drool*

[millster]

Congrats Ragingfish! Can't wait to see the photos of the new car!

[ragingfish]

Not long now...they said Saturday is likely to be delivery day.Completed the FINAL step yesterday, officially returning the vibe to full factory condition. All my grafxwerks overlays finally were removed. Took a while, the vinyl REALLY loves those "vibe" badges...had to alternate between a razor blade and goo gone. But, there is not a SINGLE thing left in or on this car that wasn't there at purchase. I've even taken EVERYTHING out by my sunglasses, radar detector, and a few cd's. Basically, when move out times comes, I'll be done in about 10 seconds. But nah, I'm not happy to be getting a new car...Though seeing a completely uncustomized vibe is kinda sobering...I almost didn't recognize my car today, I'm so used to seeing the red overlays on back...

[ColonelPanic]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »officially returning the vibe to full factory condition.* *with the exception of 60,000-something miles, a (removed) load of dents, scratches, rock chips, assorted other damage and some mechanical issues here and there. j/k! I'm sure it is quite strange going back to a plain jane ol' car... I know the several times I've ripped various "mods" off mine, it took time to get used to the car again. But it is all for the better man. NOT happy to get a new car, what's that about? Did I read that right?

[BOZACK]

Nice going Ragin. I think your getting a great car. But it does sound as if your starting to miss your Vibe. That will pass when you smell that new car and stomp om the accelarator.

[ColonelPanic]

Yes indeed! Mike, breathe deep! Smell the carcinogens, damn those smell good. Once you feel the power from that smooth, quiet and torquey six you'll forget all about your lil' rattlin' gotta wind it up just to get it to move wagon. I've felt the same way with each car I traded in - it's sad to see them go. We get attached to these things. But sometimes it is just necessary to move on, and from what it looks like, you have a good enough reason as anybody to get a new ride, present company excluded. Buy it, drive it, enjoy it. Life is too short to be miserable and if you spend as much time in your car as you odometer tells us, you need this. And just because you're closing out the "Vibe ownership" chapter of your life, you're still part of the family, and you'd better be bringing that car to a meet or two sometime over the next couple of years.

[BOZACK]

He better bring it to the meet on the 22nd. Otherwise how is he suppose to get there.

[drunkenmaxx]

man, this page has made it to 12 pages of a rootin' tootin' good time!

[millster]

Quote, originally posted by desert_dweller »Who would have thought that buying a simple automobile would draw such emotions. I am personally waiting for the 3 part mini-series on ABC.Let's not start down this road, please!

[millster]

Sorry, I guess I don't think it's "asinine".Let's get it back it topic or it gets locked.

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by desert_dweller »Oh, you have to admit this is a little asinine. I mean really....to be up all hours of the night because you cannot decide between a coupe and a sedan. I mean really, It is not like you need to decide whether or not to have invasive brain surgery or something.When you're dropping $24,000 of your very hard earned money (and, not that it's any of your business, but it happens to be a significant chunk of my entire net worth), then yes, it is VERY stressful. You want to be sure you make a decision that will NOT come back and kick you in the rear down the road. Maybe things are different for you, and money is no object, but I want to be sure I get a car that I will be happy with...tomorrow...and three years from now...Save us all the hassle, and if you don't have something constructive and non-critical to say, then don't bother posting. All you do is kill board morale.That being said, time to get back on topic. Looks like I *might* get the car as early as Friday...we go to sign the papers tomorrow night. And I got a welcome bit of good news today...finally calculated the balance of the loan on the Vibe...with the $5000 I'm getting at trade in, miraculously I'm only losing less then $1000! I only owe under $6k for it still...talk about miracles! I wonder if with a windshield that wasn't cracked, and maybe a better look to the exterior body, if I wouldn't have actually made a bit on it...

[tangerine]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »When you're dropping $24,000 of your very hard earned money (and, not that it's any of your business, but it happens to be a significant chunk of my entire net worth), then yes, it is VERY stressful. You want to be sure you make a decision that will NOT come back and bite you in the (removed) down the road. Maybe things are different for you, and money is no object, but I want to be sure I get a car that I will be happy with...tomorrow...and three years from now...Save us all the hassle, and if you don't have something constructive and non-critical to say, then don't bother posting. All you do is kill board morale.That being said, time to get back on topic. Looks like I *might* get the car as early as Friday...we go to sign the papers tomorrow night. And I got a welcome bit of good news today...finally calculated the balance of the loan on the Vibe...with the $5000 I'm getting at trade in, miraculously I'm only losing less then $1000! I only owe under $6k for it still...talk about miracles! I wonder if with a windshield that wasn't cracked, and maybe a better look to the exterior body, if I wouldn't have actually made a bit on it...I hear ya, I was pulling my hair out trying to decide which car and what color to get and even though I'v ordered my car I'm still wondering if I made the right decision to make me happy. I'v started ordering parts for it when it comes in now so I guess I better like what I ordered. T-netics single turbo here we come!