Are you concerned about the fact that you have a first generation Vibe ?

[Dan]

Everything in a vibe (except for the exterior design) is made by Toyota (engine, brakes, suspensions,etc...) GM employes are probably not used to deal with this kind of stuff... Because of this fact, do you think that the Matrix will be better than the Vibe on the long run ??Do you think that you should have wait (a few years) to buy a Vibe to see if it a good,bad or equivalent choice compare to the Matrix? I know that the engine is not a new engine.. however it is not assembly by the Toyota'employes but instead by the Pontiac'employes.

[NSimkins]

I don't believe this will be a problem only that the fact that NUMMI (the GM/Toyota joint venture) has been assembling vehicles in this aspect since 1984. I would think it would be safe to say that they should have the system down pat and be able to build a high quality product, or they wouldn't be around today.I have put 1100 miles on my Vibe already (not alot, but it's moving on up) and have not faced any sort of deficiencies due to the fact it was built the way it is.I think both vehicles, Matrix and Vibe, will probably endure equal problems, if any, and both end up being reliably built vehicles, no matter where it was built and by whom. Time will tell of course and this is my opinion. Check out the cool info about NUMMI at: http://www.nummi.com/
[Modified by NSimkins, 7:52 PM 7/29/2002]

[Dan]

Thank you NSimkins, that was exactly the answer that I was looking for I'm sure that the Vibe will be as good as the Matrix ! I asked this question because someone (a toyota lover) told me that the matrix will be propably better because it being assembly by Toyota.Unfortunetely, I guess that the re-sale price value of the matrix will be greater than the vibe (because the reputation of Toyota), despite the fact that is pratically the same car... will see if this is true or not !Personnally I don't mind since I plan to have this car for as many years as I can !

[LadyHwk750]

I did consider the 'first gen' situation when I was deciding whether or not to buy. The performance stats of the car VIBE was based on plus the reputation of Toyota reliability convinced me that it would be a small gamble to take. However, I DID purchase the GM extended agreement for peace-of-mind. I was especially glad of it after reading how difficult it is to get replacement parts if the car was to get "injured" in an accident. By the way, have fun with your new VIBE when you get it. I am totally in love with mine and I'm having a ball with the manual transmission. The hardest thing is to NOT open it up during the 500 mile break-in period. That baby WANTS to take off.

[NSimkins]

quote:Dan wrote:Unfortunetely, I guess that the re-sale price value of the matrix will be greater than the vibe (because the reputation of Toyota), despite the fact that is pratically the same car... will see if this is true or not !Yeah, that may be an issue, but one I am ready to live with! quote:LadyHwk750 wrote:I did consider the 'first gen' situation when I was deciding whether or not to buy. The performance stats of the car VIBE was based on plus the reputation of Toyota reliability convinced me that it would be a small gamble to takeI did the exact same thing. Now if the Vibe was a pure GM vehicle inside and out, I would definately not purchase a first gen of any kind! Toyota's reputation played a huge part in my decision to purchase the Vibe during it's first-gen.LadyHwk750, by the way, what tire-shine and wheel cleaner (if any) product do you use on your tires? They look great!
[Modified by NSimkins, 9:46 PM 7/29/2002]

[Lori19]

Since I plan on moving to something else when my lease is up, the fact that the Vibe is a "first gen" didn't enter into my mind. I actually loved the idea of having a car that wasn't too common on the roads around here. To this day I have only seen one other Vibe on the road and that was 40 miles from home. I have had my Vibe for 5 weeks now and there isn't anything that I would change on it. I love the car, but leasing let's me try something new every few years. The only thing I was thinking of was the new options that would be available in the '04 or '05 models. My brother in law, who is a GM master mechanic, always told me never to get a car the first year it is offered. This time I didn't listen and I am glad. It was just too damn cute to pass up!

[Jack]

Since I accumulated over $3.600 in my GM Visa--and due to the new rules that I had to use the rebate or lose it--I kind of had to buy a GM car. Before I considered the Malibu, but was extremely discouraged by all the negative comments I heard, especially regarding its reliability. When I found out about the Vibe and the fact it was manufactured with Toyota and had Toyota Corolla's motor and transmission, my decision was sealed! In fact, I've had a Toyota Corolla for over 9 years and had only 2 minor repairs. So, I'd rather take chances with a first generation Vibe than buy a car that has been on the market for a long time and has a very bad reliability record.

[Campbell]

As I understand it, the Corolla and the Vibe (which is called Voltz in Japan) are made at NUMMI in Fremont near where I live. The Matrix is made in Canada only, and has some different sheet metal (note the rear window shape). So the Vibe is assembled by the exact same people who build Corollas, and the engine and axles that are assembled in the US are assembled for both the Corolla and the Vibe in the same room by the same people. In fact, the Vibe is EXPORTED to Japan as the Voltz.

[LadyHwk750]

Wish I could answer your question but the tire finish was put on by the dealer. They did a nice job getting it ready for me to take home, eh? I may have to call them to find out what they used. I'm already putting together the list of "extras" that my baby needs. She had her first bath Sunday morning. (Less than a week after I brought her home)

[NSimkins]

quote:Wish I could answer your question but the tire finish was put on by the dealer. They did a nice job getting it ready for me to take home, eh? I may have to call them to find out what they used.If you can that would be great. I would have asked my dealer what they used, but I wasn't impressed by their tire shine.quote:I'm already putting together the list of "extras" that my baby needs. She had her first bath Sunday morning. (Less than a week after I brought her home) I have my list together also. I will be going out and fulfilling the list this weekend.

[LadyHwk750]

Let us know what you get. Any chance of seeing some pictures too?

[Gim67]

FYI! Your GM extended warranty starts the same day your regular warranty does and only provides extra coverage if you purchased a plan covering more years/miles(kilometres) than the regular warranty.

[LadyHwk750]

I researched the extended warranty plan extensively before deciding to go with it. I purchased coverage for 5 years or 60,000 miles that starts from the day I picked up the car. The extended warranty guarantees me a replacement car for any repairs that will require leaving the car overnight. The extended warranty also covers parts & labor costs not covered by the normal GM warranty, roadside assistance, and tire road hazard protection against damage caused by roadway debris. (Good to have living around a big city like Philadelphia)

[ngilbert]

I was in a similar situation, GM VISA with alot more that the max amount GM is applying to their vehicles starting Jan 1 2003. So rather than lose it, I decided to use it (and gamble on buying a first gen vehicle). I think regardless of who makes it, be it Toyota, GM, Honda, Ford, etc... I think everyone has their share of first year problems. Some car manufacturers just have more than others!Case in point: I have a 2 friends that bought first-gen Dodge Neons. One had nothing but problems, a classic POS, everything ranging from sensors going bad, electrical problems, fit and finish, engine, tranny, you name it. The other had to replace the tires once they wore out. I feel confident that with the market exposure GM is seeking for this vehicle, and Toyota's solid rep, we should be OK.

[Chris]

I'm in the same situation with the gm points and the vibe. We first looked at a matrix but with TOy dealers not moving (they have this new "access pricing" Rip off pricing is more like it and over $3500 in gm points, we went with the vibe.Regarding first model year... like everyone's said, proven Toyota drivetrain with new sheet metal... I'll take my chances! GM's done this a lot before with the 80's chevy nova and others I can't think of right now. Most of those were fine vehicles unlike a GM original design first model year... whoa, wouldn't catch me near one of those!!!Unfortunately the vibe won't hold its value like the Matrix simply due to public perception - gm vs. toyota... Toy's first in quality while GM languishes somewhere below Hyundai so this perception will take it's toll on Vibe resaleOh well, I'm happy I purchased one! Now if only it would come!!! Aaarrggg, I can't take this waiting any longer, I wanna drive my Vibe!later!

[lopers]

I believe GM finished 3rd in quality this year behind Toyota and Honda, ahead of the other Big 2 and all other foreign makes. They are getting better.

[Campbell]

Actually, I don't think there there are any GM parts or labor on the NUMMI Vibe at all. Even the Pontiac Symbol on the front is used with a different overlay that says "TOYOTA" when the Vibe is sold in Japan as the Voltz. (The Matrix is not sold in Japan)

[NSimkins]

quote:Does anyone have pictures of this Voltz?Here are some pics below and some links below the pics that may help you out:http://www.nummi.com/voltz.htmlhttp://w ... 001.htmThe Voltz is pretty much Vibe-like. Of course for exports, they tend to tweak things a little.
[Modified by NSimkins, 1:17 PM 7/31/2002]

[Campbell]

http://www.ankaraba.com/showtokyo.asp?id=482There's news releases about it also.

[pimpingnu]

UHHH WHAT HEPPENED TO THE REST OF THE TAILGATE IN THE PICTURE WIT DA PICNIC TABLE?

[Lori19]

quote:UHHH WHAT HEPPENED TO THE REST OF THE TAILGATE IN THE PICTURE WIT DA PICNIC TABLE? Maybe it pops off, you turn it upside down and it becomes the picnic table? Looks like a fake backround too, since the sunlight in the backround is different than the light on the car.

[JimScolaro]

I am not at all concerned about the Vibe being first generation. I now own a 93 GEO Prizm built by NUMMI and it is a tremendous car and I have no problems with it.I am picking up my Vibe on Sat, Salsa, Auto, Power Package, Moon & Tunes. I can't wait to ge it.