Need y'alls input

[aggiedude]

Hey folks, I'm really interested in possibly buying a new Vibe and got a couple questions. 1st off, I would be trading an '04 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab V8 which I love with all my heart, but I can't handle the 16-17.5mpg anymore....2nd, the vehicles MSRP with A/T, Remote Package and Cruise, Monotone Package, Premium Audio Package with woofer, and XM Sat radio, is $19630, and they're offering to sell it for $16600..And I'm wondering if this sounds like a decent deal for central Texas..Other than that I guess just wondering if anyone thinks adding an extended warranty ((maybe a 4yr 60k or something for the engine and tranny)) would be worth it, or even requesting that they toss that in there for free is a good idea...Any help and input is welcome....And thanks for a great site, Marty ((43 yr old male from Texas))

[ToolGuy]

If you do not fix your vehicles yourself, the warranty may be a good idea. Vehicles today have lots more computer controlled elements to them and can be expense to repair. I would get a GMPP Extended Warranty if I were to get one. While the Vibe is very, very, reliable I have had no issues with mine and it has been to the dealer only once for a GM TSB issue (rotten exhaust smell). My extended warranty happens to be me and my tools!

[michaelgt]

I think that this is a good price. As for the extended warranty, only a few people have reported major problems. Mine has 93k, and I just put on brakes. No other problems, just the 2003 paint chips, squeaks and rattles.

[xssiv1]

The paint will be the only issue that I would say. I have had a fuel pump at 38,000. Other than that standard car stuff.That is a good price as well.I wish you the best of luck with whatever you do.

[coldmm803]

i know that feeling. about 3yrs ago (i was 17) i got my first vehicle and it was a 99 dodge dakota i got 15mpg in the summer and 13ish in the winter. part time job was hardly cutting it but march 05 i finally traded it in for the vibe. so i've had my vibe just over a yr and averaged 28mpg, the only issue i had with it was the cat went bad and was replaced under tsb.

[slvrvibes]

That is a good price on the Vibe. They usually take off around 2-3K from sticker price, at least, here in Houston they do. From what I've seen here seems like the extended warranty is a good idea for manual transmission, but if you feel more comfortable getting it then go for it.

[northvibe]

Quote, originally posted by MiVibe-ToolGuy »If you do not fix your vehicles yourself, the warranty may be a good idea. Vehicles today have lots more computer controlled elements to them and can be expense to repair. I would get a GMPP Extended Warranty if I were to get one. While the Vibe is very, very, reliable I have had no issues with mine and it has been to the dealer only once for a GM TSB issue (rotten exhaust smell). My extended warranty happens to be me and my tools! +1- the tsb

[aggiedude]

I'm appreciating y'alls replies. It's putting things into perspective. I am vehicle savvy and do most my own work but definitely wouldn't mind either them adding an extra year or so on the hard parts at no cost or giving me a major dscnt on an extended warranty...It's really a pretty good looking car for the $$$ from what I've seen so far..

[NascarXprt]

welcome fellow texan (soon to be ) viber. that does sound like a good deal and id agree with everyone with getting that extended warranty. hope everything goes well with the burchase.

[GormalVibe]

I just bought an '06 GT and I am trying to invalidate the warranty that came with it. Lots of mods to the car will do that. I didn't get the extended because I knew I wanted to upgrade. That and the Toyota engine is such a good engine, you won't really need the extended warranty in my view. Oh yeah.. when you buy your Vibe... WE WANT PICS!!!

[aggiedude]

If'n I decide to get the thing I'll definitely post pics..I just hate to get rid of my pride and joy sitting here...It's an 04 Dakota but the dang thing only gets 16mpg and that's the rough part, but other than that, he's a perfect truck...They best make me a GREAT deal or I might have to keep stopping at the pumps. It's definitely a hard decision....We'll see tomorrow I guess.

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[Mrizzle05]

nice... love that year and that model!Good luck on your decision... these are great cars though. youll save half your money in gas. 34MPG vs. 16MPG?

[aggiedude]

I know..That's the hard part..MPG versus love for the truck..But who's to say I couldn't fall in love with a Salsa Vibe and name him/her as well, right ?? My fiance named the Dakota "Catfish" because she thinks the front end looks like a catfish..She loves the truck too but hey, she doesn't put the gas in it and she doesn't live here, so..........ha ha ha ha

[burkeyro]

I felt the same way when I got rid of my truck - on the Plus side - I fit a Stack of 8 ft 2x4's in the vibe and completely closed the hatch with no problems

[aggiedude]

Well here's the one I'm really thinking about; and they're saying they will sell it for $16600.MSRP--------------------------------STANDARD VEHICLE PRICE*:$16,430.00XM SATELLITE RADIOSERVICE FEE EXTRA 1ST 3MOS.INCL$325.00 PREFERRED PACKAGE REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY POWER DOOR LOCKS POWER WINDOWS CRUISE CONTROL $850.00 PREMIUM MONOTONE APPEARANCE PKG$325.00 TRANSMISSION, 4-SPEED AUTO$850.00 2.96 AXLE RATIONO CHARGE PREM AUDIO W/ SUBWOOFER$290.00 TOTAL OPTIONS:$2,640.00TOTAL VEHICLE & OPTIONS:$19,070.00DESTINATION CHARGE:$560.00Total vehicle Prices*:$19,630.00---------------------------------------------------But I don't know how interested I am in the XM radio and the premium audio setup, and there's another dealer down here that has one he'll sell me w/o those 2 things for $16200...More dang confusion...ha ha

[ZubenElGenubi]

Hey Marty..Welcome to GenVibe!That sounds like a pretty good price. Hopefully, if you're not upside down on your truck, you'll get a good payment on the balance.I don't know many people who regret having their extended warranties, but I don't know if it's necessary. Yeah, 36/36,000 is a little short, but if you treat it nice and have a good service shop, you probably shouldn't have any problems.I've got 33K on mine in 2 years and only had the A/C serviced (switch went out).

[Mrizzle05]

Quote, originally posted by ZubenElGenubi »Hey Marty..Welcome to GenVibe!That sounds like a pretty good price. Hopefully, if you're not upside down on your truck, you'll get a good payment on the balance.I don't know many people who regret having their extended warranties, but I don't know if it's necessary. Yeah, 36/36,000 is a little short, but if you treat it nice and have a good service shop, you probably shouldn't have any problems.I've got 33K on mine in 2 years and only had the A/C serviced (switch went out).Well Zuben... your not suppose to push the buttons off and on like your a lil kid in an elevator!!! Ive had mine 9+ months and have 20K on it now... but the only problems are my window stripping is messed up and one door speaker is out... gotta get those fixed.

[aggiedude]

Thanx Zuben...And I'll be ok on the trade for sure..It's just the "letting go" part and being sure a Vibe is what I really want...Was trying to decide between the Vibe, Xb, and Caliber, and kinda narrowed it to Vibe now...Xb just too "odd", Caliber feels kinda cheap but is kind of "manly" which I liked, and Vibe seems pretty decent all around..

[aggiedude]

Well guys, didn't do it yet...Found out the Salsa was a tad too light for my "maroon" taste and ended up seeing a Stealth on a lot this afternoon (Sunday)..Man, that color is pretty neat; not gray, not green, not blue, etc..This is pretty much what it is so wondering what y'all think about them accepting $16000 even. ........MSRPSTANDARD VEHICLE PRICE*:$16,430.00PREFERRED PACKAGE REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY POWER DOOR LOCKS POWER WINDOWS CRUISE CONTROL $850.00 *******************************NO CHARGE PREMIUM MONOTONE APPEARANCE PKG$325.00 REAR CARGO NETS$35.00 TRANSMISSION, 4-SPEED AUTO$850.00 2.96 AXLE RATIONO CHARGE TOTAL OPTIONS:$2,060.00TOTAL VEHICLE & OPTIONS:$18,490.00DESTINATION CHARGE:$560.00Total vehicle Prices*:$19,050.00

[AlamoVibes]

Aggiedude,No matter which Vibe you get, you will NOT be dissapointed! This is the best vehicle I have purchased since I can remember! It is the perfect blend of design, function, performance and economy!Still not sure, I challenge you to do this...go to the dealer that has the Vibe that you are leaning towards, tell them you would like to take it for 24hrs to help you decide. (this is often called de-horsing, I dont know why). After 24 hours, I bet your decision will be alot easier!

[SuperSpeedWagon]

Heck yes hands down go for a vibe. My bro got a 04 sentra ser, and I already had my car for at least a year and he already put a new engine new intake manifold, new vis lines (its a vavle system for the ser and ser spec-v) and has done a lot to it the only thing pretty much i cjange my my vibe is the oil of course, anyother fluids, and the drive belt from time to time. thats pretty much it. So pretty much get the vibe, hahah. good car i give it 2 's up

[ColonelPanic]

Welcome aboard! Sounds like you should be able to get you a pretty good deal. Personally, I've seen the value of extended warranties, particularly those of the GM variety such as their MajorGuard. If it doesn't add much now, I would highly suggest giving it some consideration, it is great coverage. Later on down the road, you can always buy it as long as your factory warranty is still in effect but the closer you get to expiration the more you'll pay.Whatever you decide, good luck! Do keep us posted on how things go!

[aggiedude]

Ok, ok, ok.....I STILL haven'tr taken the plunge to buy one yet and was ""thinking"' about waiting until all the 2007's came out to see if I can get a better deal on one, but I just can't see them dropping below the $15999 they're gonna go, so ""again"" (I apologize) wondering if y'all think they might go lower or wait until all the new companies bring out their 07's.....And one more thing, I hear a lot about road noise and whiney engines when traveling more than an hour or 2 on the highway and was wondering how true this is...My step daughter goes to school up in Denton, Tx and that's about a 4hr drive from here and defintely want it to be a comfortable relaxing one...Thanx again for all your help/advice/input,etc.....Remember, 43yr old 5ft 11" 200lb Dodge Dakota Quad Cab owner right now getting 16-17mpg ok..Have a great one..And the Stealth color is REALLY nice...

[northvibe]

new i dont think you'll see that price, but used you could. Used ones are going for 15k they sorta keep their value. I got a super good deal on my 04 from hertz car rental sales and i kelly blue booked it and its worth exactly what i paid for it (private sale)

[aggiedude]

Thanx northvibe...They've already agreed on the $15999 but was just hoping if I told them I was interested in an extended warranty, somehow they might work the initial price down or give me a good deal on the warranty...We'll see....So anyone got input on the road/wind noise and such on 2-4 road trips ??

[michaelgt]

Yes, there is some wind noise and road noise. Tires do make a difference. When I put new tires on, road noise was much less. Some of the wind noise is from the roof rails. (Therefore, new 06 without rails may be may be less.) I do not know how your Dodge is for road and wind noise. Besides the Vibe, I have mini-van and Yukon XL. The YXL has less wind noise on the highway. If you want a quiet car with great gas mileage, you may need to think of a Buick! You are old enough to qualify for a Buick!

[eSSjAy]

My stepdad also drives a Dodge Dakota and once he took a ride in my vibe, he fell in love with it.. She's so smooth and cheap on gas! He can't wait to sell his truck and move down to a vibe, he's looking at the AWD version though. $16000 is a great price to pay for it.. I bought mine used for $16,500 CAD including taxes about a year ago. No warranty though.I chose not to get the extended warranty becuase I had heard a lot about the vibe being very reliable other than a dashboard rattle (which doesn't bother me). I've put about 15000kms on it so far and have done nothing but a few oil changes. As for noise, I drive an hour each way to school everyday and every other weekend 2.5 hours to see the boyfriend and find that the vibe is a very comfortable, quiet ride. I always have music on not very loud and don't hear anything on the road.Good luck with the choice! Hopefully you become one of us!!

[aggiedude]

If you want a quiet car with great gas mileage, you may need to think of a Buick! You are old enough to qualify for a Buick! -----------------------------------------------------------------------------Now see how you are michael ??? I definitely ain't my parents yet and still enjoy fun and sporty cars..Sure, wouldn't mind one with 400hp as well but a lot of this has got to do with mpg here, right...Just don't want to drive what folks used to call an "econo box" that only got high mpg but was not a comfortable car....I'll get my "Buick" when I retire though so don't worry.. ha ha

[aggiedude]

And essjay, thanks a million for ur help too..Definitely makes me steer a tad more towards doing it..I know it's not a luxury car and I'm not expecting total quietness etc..but definitely want to enjoy whatever trip me and the fiancee might take, whether it be 1 hour or 5 hours ya know.....Thanx soooo much for ur help.

[vibebob]

my dad's 2002 Buick LeSabre V6 gets 30+mpg on the highway. I was surprised. that big boat gets really great mileage.boboh yeah. Gig'em AGGIES !

[michaelgt]

The 3800 V6 can reach 30 on the highway. That is why I was suggesting it! I drove a borrowed 2004 Bonneville for 9k miles, and averaged 27 mpg. The gas mileage dipped to 27 on the computer driving 85 mph and above.

[aggiedude]

I appreciate the input really...My fiancee loved her 2 Buicks (one Regal and one Century) and they both got decent gas mileage...I just need some decent cargo carrying area as well as mpg and don't think these have it, plus I just don't think they're really sporty looking or anything....That's all.

[michaelgt]

Just trying to help. I am in the same age category, and chose the Vibe for the utility and sportiness. I would never be able to take piglets or goats in a Buick LaCrosse or Luceurne.

[ZubenElGenubi]

You definitely need to take the car out for an extended drive, including some highway time (as suggested earlier, "24-hour test drive".Road noise is tolerable; it's no Lexus. OTOH, you'll be doubleing your MPG on those drives to Denton. Might be a good trade off....and you can always turn up the radio! I'm 43 as well..still not too old to rock. You might want to reconsider XM...

[ballrub]

aggiedude:My Vibe's 3YR/36,000 Mile warranty expires next month, and the only warranty problem I've had in that time was my cruise control going out once (fixed under warranty last year). Otherwise, being mostly a Toyota, these cars are very reliable. That's why I have bought new Corolla's for all three of my kids!I have taken many road trips with mine, including driving out from SoCal to Austin for the Texas Heat Wave last year, and the wind and road noise was less than most other cars I have owned over the years. I'm also old (52) and am 6'2" and weigh 240, and this car has more head room, and feels much bigger than it is, than any other car I've owned. I am truly pleased with our Vibes, and plan to keep this one for a few more years.Plus $16,000 is a great price for these right now! Plus, as Zuben suggested, XM would be real nice on long trips (only thing I would have added if I knew then what I know now). I say "go for it"!!! Just get the color you are happy with most!Oh yeah....welcome to our little Vibe community! The people here (as you've probably already surmized) are as nice as our Vibes!

[aggiedude]

Well dangitt ballrub, NOW I'm really screwed up....The one in Stealth for $15900 I can get comes with Pref package and Monotone pkg, which of course I want, but NOW another dealer is offering one in Salsa and one in Neptune that has those things PLUS the XM Radio which includes the upgrade Monsoon premium audio pkg for $16450...So now I gotta decide on color again..The Stealth WAS my fav, but being a Texas Aggies fan, the Salsa is "similar" to maroon, and the Neptune is just pretty dang awesome.....I'm honestly hoping to purchase ""something"" tomorrow but 2 different dealers, each 20 miles in deifferent directions from the house...Figgers don't it !!!

[ballrub]

Aggiedude...Well...I have the ETR AM/FM stereo with DVD-based navigation system, includes 6-disc remote-mounted changer, programmable equalizer, Radio Data System and 6-speakers. It was a $1650 additional option, but don't know if the premium audio package you're talking about is worth the additional $550 over the Stealth model's system or not. I'm very happy with my system, and might upgrade down the road, but highly doubt it at this point in time. Remember this, if you get the Stealth with the regular stereo, $550 would get you a lot better upgrade than what the factory offers (speakers, amp, XM or even I-pod connection).As far as the color is concerned, here is one other thing to keep in mind too...I picked my color because it doesn't show the dirt, even if I go weeks without washing it (unless you get right up next to the car). The Neptune (which is almost black) will be very difficult to keep looking clean (and gets really hot in the summer). Since I've never owned a red car (or maroon), I can't testify to how hard it is to keep that color looking clean. Here's something else to remember if owning a "red" car...if several vehicles are exceeding the speed limit and a cops sees all of you, he will pick out the red car first!So...the only advice I could offer you is to go with your "gut instinct". But, if you're asking for an opinion (of course which I'm biased), I would say go for the Stealth Vibe!

[aggiedude]

ballrub, the 2 things that add the $550 are these;Sound system feature, XM Satellite Radio, features 67 channels of 100% commercial-free music included in its over 150 channels of the best in music, news, sports, talk, comedy, XM Instant Traffic and Weather, and more. Digital quality sound with coast-to-coast signal coverage. Three trial months - no obligation. $325.00 ..............Sound system feature, , 7-speakers, Monsoon $290.00 ..But the Stealth color IS what grabbed me 1st so might do like you said and just stick with the favorite color 1st and then go to Fry's or somewhere and have them upgrade the stereo later if I want huh ?????? Thanx a million for the input !!!

[ZubenElGenubi]

Hey aggiedude, whatever you decide to get, try and get it before the October meet, okay? We wanna see your new ride there!

[NascarXprt]

^ what he said wed really love for you to bring the new car up so we can meet. and once you get it post pics we really love pics.

[aggiedude]

I'm trying to deal as I type guys....NOW, the folks who quoted me the $15900 don't wanna stand by it and went up to $16500 while another dealer who has one in Salsa and one in Neptune but also has the ADDED features of XM Radio and Upgraded Audio with Subwoofer will sell them for $16450, BUT I kinda like the Stealth color better and want them to honor the $15900 they quoted earlier....It's Champion/Autonation that's being the pain so we'll see, but I'm trying...I guess if they don't come through I'lll have to decide between Salsa and Neptune huh ???!!! Which one wud a 43yr old fella Texan like the best ??

[michaelgt]

Can you get them to do that price with a GM in the Driveway certificate? That makes the price 5% over employee price. Not sure what incentives can be added. I know standard rebate is available, not sure on any others.If answer is yes, I will need your birthdate and last 4 of ssn. I can then get you a certificate.

[aggiedude]

No clue if I can get that michael....If it means am I trading in a GM, it's no...I'm trading a Dodge...All I know is Champion/Autonation is ruining my Stealth color day so I might be getting Netune or Salsa..Like both of them but really liked the Stealth..

[michaelgt]

The GM in the Driveway certificate allows you to receive the GM supplier pricing option, which is 5% over GM employee price. Ask the dealer what the GM supplier price is for the vehicle, and see if they will do the price using that. If so, let me know and I will get you a certificate.

[aggiedude]

Thanx michael...I just got off the phone with Champion and they will accpet $16285 so I'm going to go at least test drive that one..It has a "pin stripe" that the other one doesn't and has an invoice of $200 more due to being bought in March versus the other one in January so they're saying they can't go quite as good as the other dealer..Guess I gotta decide how important the Stealth is and will figger that one out here in about an hour..Wish me luck folks..And they BETTER gimme what I want/need/KBB for my truck or it's all over..ha ha..And I also sent an email about the certificate and waiting for him to reply about that....

[NascarXprt]

Good Luck man hope you get wnat you want with the truck and the vibe. let us know how it goes

[aggiedude]

Will do...HATE these kindsa problems..Like the dealership that has the better prices and people but right now, like the color of the one at the other place...Things could change in an hour or so; we;ll see..Thanx for a GREAT site..Don't think I can go wrong with Salsa, Stealth, or Neptune realy, so.....................

[aggiedude]

Ok, ok,ok...Went and drove the Stealth one and loved everything about it """"EXCEPT FOR"""" the dang armrest is soooooo low, you can't rest your arm on it. Yea, I'm spoiled and rest my arm on mine ALL the time. So is their a remedy ((no smart (removed) help needed on that one..haha)) for it, like an extension or something, or would I just have to put pillows there, etc...Or do any of y'all even notice it anymore ??? But for such a small engine and everything it definitely has some get up and go..So tomorrow (I ran out of time) I'm going to the other place and look at the Neptune and Salsa with the Monsoon upgrade and drive one of those too and hopefully decide..I just HAVE to come up with something to "raise" the armrest....Thanks again for all y'alls help. Heck, I need to buy one now just 'cause of the site and y'all !!!!!! Great group of folks, even some in my age range..Cool !!!

[Mrizzle05]

the monsoon system sounds nice! my fiance has an 06 with it and its good for the people who just want a lil noise. and the arm rest thing i dont like either but ima MT owner so i just rest my hand on the shifter or lay my hand in my lap

[aggiedude]

I "would be" a MT driver but fiance refuses to drive one anymore and "if'n" we go out in my vehicle and I happen to drink a few beers and need her to drive, the vehicle just better be an AT..ha ha. But I really gotta get some feedback on that armrest thing; it sucked, but everything else was great..Maybe felt like I had to reach for the wheel a little; that was a little annoying but could get used to that much easier...