Shopping for a used Vibe/Matrix

[mmiller2002]

Looking at the Matrix/Vibe automatic for a new teen driver. Are the2003 first year cars more problematic in any way than the 2004-2005models? Anything to look out for in the 03-05 models?Any factory features or options that are must-have?How "safe" do they feel? Has anyone crash-tested one (by accident ofcourse)? I believe that starting with '05, they included the smart/advanced airbag system with seat sensors and multi-stage deployment, correct?Thanks

[Kari]

Hi, and welcome. I have a 2003 that I've had since Oct. 2002, and it's been a great car. I've had no problems. They changed a few things from 03 to 04, mostly to fix small annoyances like the overly sensitive automatic headlight sensor on the 03s. I don't know of any major mechanical problems that they 03s had. The biggest problems across the board with the cars are a tendency for some screws to get loose inside the door and possibly put the power windows in a bind (manual windows don't seem to have the same problem), and a TSB-covered catalytic converter replacement if the car makes a rotten egg smell, which would probably have already been fixed on a used one if it had the problem.A few members have crash tested theirs, and the car tends to sacrifice itself to save its passengers, and it does a very good job of that.I think the Vibe is a great choice for a teen driver.

[jake75]

Bought a new 2003 in Jan. 2003 - just turned 22,000 miles. Only warranty issue was replacing the Conti tires. Right after warranty expired the right side light switch on the rear view mirror acted up - couldn't get it to "catch" to turn off. Bought a replacement mirror assembly on eBay for about $23 including shipping. Most prices I've seen on used Vibe have not been much of a bargain in my opinion. Matrix prices probably even higher. You can get an idea at carmax.com.

[ColonelPanic]

Welcome aboard. There hasn't really been much changed over the years, other than a few features here or there being changed or deleted. For reliability, just make sure if it is a manual, that you don't hear any strange noises in the transmission, if it is an automatic, make sure the fluid is in good shape and the shifts aren't harsh. GT 6-speed manual transmissions have weak clutches, so if you end up getting one of those, it may not be so good for a teen, especially if they have to learn to drive a manual on it. Watch out for any weird noises with the power windows like Kari pointed out, that's quite common. That's about it, aside from flaky CD players and other small things...Safety, they do fine for the size of car. Probably one of the more impressive crashes is here. The only bad thing, if you were looking for them, side air bags were very difficult to come by when these cars were on the dealer's lots new, so you will probably have even worse of a time trying to find them on someting used. There were only seat-mounted air bags available for '03-'04, curtains were added for '05. '03-'04 models had dual stage frontal air bags, for '05 they also gained the occupant classification system for the passenger side. ABS in my experience has been difficult to find on the lots new as well, not sure what the market is like for a used Vibe. It should be a good car for the teen...

[sk8r78]

Here and at Matrixowners.com have forum topics for issues and problems. should be able to get a good idea from those. I have an 03 Matrix since May 02 I have about 84,000 on mine now. I have not had any big problems with mine. 5 star safety rating for driver and front passenger. My only concern would be if your teen is 5'3 or under, as some shorter stature owners had issues with finding the sweet spot for driving position even tho drivers seat has height adjustment. significant changes from 03-04 Instrument cluster lighting, all red for 03 and difficult to see at best during sunny days and with sunglasses on. 04 has two color illumination and is much improved. 05 to current have Toyota Radio previous years have Delco (GM). Minor center dash change for 05 and up and front bumper cover and grille changes on 05 and up. Overall I think you should be fine buying any of the years you mentioned. Toyota has Certified used and newer may still have Warranty. Good luck in your search and tell your son or daughter about these websites. Good people here.

[mmiller2002]

Thanks for all the replies. I really like the the car, the only concern is the small size. I may look for the 05 since it has the Advanced Airbag system with multi-stage deployment and occupant sensors. My daughter is small, under 5', under 100lb. Maybe the 05 has abetter chance of the ABS and side curtain also.http://www.safercar.gov/NCAP/Cars/3385.html

[joholste]

if you're looking for ABS then get a GT that for sure will have them...otherwise it's a package also it has been proven that although these cars are not very big they are a very accident safe vehicle.

[VforVIBE]

Quote, originally posted by mmiller2002 »How "safe" do they feel? Has anyone crash-tested one (by accident of course)? I believe that starting with '05, they included the smart/advanced airbag system with seat sensors and multi-stage deployment, correct?ThanksWelcome to the site, and you question about the Vibe being safe... here's a thread with a pic of a totaled Vibe, the owner said: "Vibe performed beautifully in its demise."http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=24197Oh, and about features, get an alarm system and ABS. Quote, originally posted by joholste »if you're looking for ABS then get a GT that for sure will have them...The GT is a manual, just to let you know.

[joholste]

having a manual shouldn't scare anyone...i think everyone should atleast know how to drive a manual i learned how to drive on a manual

[mmiller2002]

For safety, the biggest concern in the Vibe is the smallness in a side impact. there's just not much there to stop an SUV from the side. But that concern is purely physics of all small cars.Thanks again for all the replies.

[VforVIBE]

It is a strong, solid car. All you need is the crash star rating, which you have."In governmental crash tests, the Pontiac Vibe earned a perfect five stars in frontal-impact testing, five stars for side impacts involving front occupants and four stars for side impacts involving rear occupants."

[new05vibeowner]

With a teen driver, make sure that you check with your insurance agent to see what the ratings are of the base Vibe vs. Vibe GT. I'd bet that since the GT makes more horsepower, it has a higher rating and, therefore, more $$ to insure.

[VforVIBE]

Quote, originally posted by new05vibeowner »With a teen driver, make sure that you check with your insurance agent to see what the ratings are of the base Vibe vs. Vibe GT. I'd bet that since the GT makes more horsepower, it has a higher rating and, therefore, more $$ to insure. I wouldn't get a teen a GT PERIOD, The last thing a teen needs is the mind set that their car is fast, and get into trouble/racing.

[TRDman]

If you can find a later one with side airbags it should help to negate that problem. True, all small cars are less safe when hit from the side, but the Vibe rides high enough and has enough of a profile that the problem should be minimized when compared to, say, a Civic. Something like 90% of Vibes sold are automatics, so that shouldn't be a problem in your search. And if you are concerned about safety you could look into an AWD model, which has traction and stability control in addition to the AWD itself; it may come with side airbags standard as well.

[jake75]

A friend of mine recently sold her white 2000 Buick LeSabre 4 dr sedan, tan leather seats with 68,000 miles, to CarMax for $4,000. She was very happy! That car had a lot of issues. I saw it on the CarMax website for a no haggle price of $8,995. I am sure they addressed some of the "issues" but my gawd! Buy that car for $8,995 and drive it to the CarMax on the other side of town and see what they offer you for it. $5,000 maybe? And they say don't buy new because you lose 20% of its value the moment you drive it off the lot.

[Merzbow]

You are a teen Vibes aren't fast at all so I don't think anyone has to worry about that. They are quick for the size of there engine but I got beat by a G5 the other day three times in a row I've had mine since July of 2002 and its just turning on 63500 miles. No problems with it whatsoever except for the stereo headunit (been through three of them). I don't have ABS and since the car is so light it is not that hard to control although if you are not comfortable with the car it may be tricky. The paint on the '03s is kinda thin, not sure if they fixed that on the later years but that's the only com plaint I have about the car.

[new05vibeowner]

It's common knowledge that any dealer pushing a used car has at least $2000 in profit built into the selling price. When you trade the old one in, if the new one is heavily "discounted", you get fleeced on the trade.