so, say i can't afford a vibe. any recommendations in the 7,000 -10,000 range?

[progvmac]

I've been talking a lot about getting a vibe. Today I test drove one and absolutely loved it. However, it might make a lot more financial sense for me to buy used.If the vibe did not exist and you could pick one car for under 10 grand, what would it be?Or, why is the vibe a better option than used, from a cost perspective?

[kaybeejay]

What are your needs?I you want an SUV/truck, I would say find a used 4runner or Tacoma.If you want a commuter, find a used Civic.

[progvmac]

For my needs, the vibe is perfect. Many of the miles will be commuting and general-purpose driving, but I also have the tendency to haul around large objects, for which I love the hatchback/stationwagon-ness of the vibe.I have $0 dollars for a down payment. I will be getting a job and income soon, but right now I am simply waiting to graduate.Oh, and i don't really like small cars like the civic and corolla, because I don't fit well in them (6'2" 200 lbs). I test drove a 2003 corolla but felt i was sitting atop the dashboard (strange, since i didn't have this problem whatsoever with the vibe)

[progvmac]

graduating from college. toyota gives $400 to college grads & deferred payments. GM does something similar, but I am not sure if i can use that along with GMS pricing, i don't think I can.I might end up with a basic, basic vibe, but i *really* want moon & tunes and the power package

[meathead333]

id drive ya around for $10,000, but you pay for gas.

[slbpsi63]

Careful they might take you up on that Meathead!

[progvmac]

sounds good. i'll need picked up every morning at 9 for work, again around noon for lunch and at 5 or 6 when i get off. after that, i'll need to go to the ice cream shop every night at 7 and to the gingerbread house at 9pm.how long is the contract good for?

[NSimkins]

quote:graduating from college. toyota gives $400 to college grads & deferred payments. GM does something similar, but I am not sure if i can use that along with GMS pricing, i don't think I can.You're right. According to GMgrad.com (http://www.gm.com/automotive/vehicle_sh ... ines.shtml):quote:Certificate may not be combined with GM Supplier/Employee Discount.Any other discount (ie. rebate, etc.) should be able to be combined with the graduate discount. I received the college grad discount rebate, a standard Vibe rebate, and another rebate I cannot remember back in July when I purchased my Vibe.Just another option...

[Herb]

I was seriously considering a Mazda Protege 5 before I looked at a Vibe. Considering what your needs are, I think this is a good substitute. I don't know what P5's are like on the used market price wise, but it might be worth a look.Later on when you get established in your job you can always trade up to a Vibe. Just think of all the available options that might be available in future Vibes such as the upcoming supercharger and XM radio.Best luck on whatever you decide.

[Frosty]

Have you considered the "mini SUVs" like the Forester, CRV and RAV4?You may be able to get a bank loan with a minimal amount down if you get a co-signer from a friendly relative. My parents did that for me 24 yrs ago, banks are even more competitive now.

[progvmac]

I have found a couple used P5s on autotrader for about $14,000 fairly loaded with under 10,000 miles. I might test drive one or two. Anyone drive one of these? Does it feel like a vibe? I just loved the vibe i test drove.I also have seen some 2000 vw golfs with ~ 30,000 miles for around 10,000 - 12,000. Maybe i should check those out.The mini suvs aren't a bad idear either. Wonder how much a '99 CRV is? CRVs are just so...ordinary though

[jdf]

My other car is a 1996 hyundai Elantra wagon. I bought it used in 2000 with 40,000 miles on it. I paid $4,500 USD. It is now 27 months later and I have 90,000 miles on it. I have never done anything except change oil and fluids. I also recieved the transfer of the 100,000 mile warranty.The car is a small wagon and does hold almost as much as my vibe, and it is about 10 inches longer inside than the vibe, they are all power everything windows, locks, etc..If you can find a good used one, I reccomend it until you save up enough to get your vibe! I think they stopped making them in 2001.It is now my secondary car, but no reason to get rid of it.JDF

[Vibe Rater]

I'll sell ya this car for $700.00 and a pound of hamburger.

Attached files

[ColonelPanic]

Well, something sturdy to push the car with at least...

[KSNeptune]

Sorry, but this comes from a college prof that sees many grads...Don't buy a new car now unless you can pay cash. The biggest mistake new grads make is getting farther in debt. You've probably got a poor credit history or no history at all, which means you won't qualify for the occasional 0% financing. Having to make high car payments and paying interest, plus high insurance rates for your age group will stress your budget even if you DO get a good paying job.Find a used ($4000ish) anything reliable that you can easily afford to pay off in three years. Drive it as long as you can, saving the money you won't be spending on the new car and full insurance. In five or six years your income will be higher. Much or all of your student school and used car debt will be payed off, and you'll have the ability to make a good down payment on a new car. You'll qualify for lower interest loans, and you may (with a clean driving record and no accidents) be able to get lower priced insurance.I did essentially what I described above. After graduate school I bought a used pickup. It took me three years to pay it off, but I kept driving it. The minute I had it payed off I switched to liability-only insurance on it. That was 1988, and I still have that truck. Now my pay is double what it was then, insurance is cheap for my age group and with my accident free/ ticket free record. This year I was able to pay CASH for my Vibe. Last year I payed cash for my wife's 2002 Altima. We're having $20,000 worth of work done on our house this summer, and I'll have CASH to pay for it. How? I payed off all debts as quickly as I could. Never bought anything more than I could easlily budget for. Never paid any interest to a credit card company. And I was able to resist buying expensive stuff before I could truly afford it (which in most cases meant I could pay cash for it).It may not seem like any fun for now. But moving slowly with life's major investments can pay off big in your near future. BTW, I own my home too.Hope that helps.KSNeptune.

[ragingfish]

You can do what I did too.My parents took out the loan in their name so I could get 0% financing. But I make the payments. Simple as that.There are some used vibes on ebay for under $10000...many look to be in good shape too!I hear that both Kia and Hyundai make excellent cars at very reasonable prices. Might wanna check them out. My friend has an Elantra he got for around 8-9...he likes it overall...says it's a little skimpy on features, but hey, for under $10k, you can't ask for a whole lot.My advice: get an efficient car. As tempting as it may be to get an SUV for whatever number of reasons, keep in mind the current state of the economy and the world. The best way to cut costs is to get a very efficient car. Gas for an SUV will cost you a lot more than, say, a civic, and if you don't absolutely need the off-road capabilites of an SUV (or snow-handling capabilities of any 4wd vehicle), save the cash. Once the economy turns around and the high paying jobs show up again, nab one, and then go get the car of your dreams. I'm just finishing college, and if I could have any car, it would probably be a GTO or a Nissan 350z or something. Something with lots of power and pep. But honestly, I'm happy with my vibe. I've gotten that little 4 cylinder to outrun some acuras, subarus, pontiacs, chevys -- lots of cars that you wouldn't think it could. This little baby has lots of pep! I love it!

[jake75]

A used Chrysler PT Cruiser might be a good option. I bought a new 2001 PT Aug 2000, and a new VIBE in Jan. 2003. They have a lot in common.

[ragingfish]

I've heard that Chrysler's aren't very good...both in quality and reliability. But I have no firsthand experience to affirm or deny that.

[Yoda]

Look at it this way : an $8,000 loan at 0% is still 222 per month. Around here for that $222 per month and ~1200 down, you could be driving the VIBE that you really want (3 year lease). After that, you'll either have the money to buy out the lease, or you'll want the new vibe, or you'll be able to afford something nicer. In the mean time, you will have the car you so obviously have your heart set on. Saving for the future makes sense, is the right thing to do, makes mom happy, better safe than sorry, etc. Other than that, it's boring and rarely makes you happy. Life is too short to drive boring practical cars when there are fun practical, cool cars like the Vibe. If you want to buy, get a junker, wait two years and then buy the car you want. If you're worried about the money, get another job. It's a matter of priorities - if you really want a vibe, you'll find a way - just don't give up. I just noticed in your post that you're looking at used VW's and P5's - you might be able to get lucky and buy a vibe off E-bay or from a private seller for less than $14k. Good luck - let us know if you become a "viber". Otherwise, I think the P5 and VW's just sit lower to the ground than a vibe. Not at all bad...

[jake75]

The PT Cruiser has a "check" recommended from Consumer's Report. Seems to be very reliable from everything else that I've read. As for me, I have had no trouble at all. My new VIBE has a rattle that appears to be on the front passenger side window. No rattles on my PT.

[jake75]

Get LUCKY and buy a Vibe off e-Bay for under $14,000? I got LUCKY and bought a new VIBE at the dealer for under $14,000. $18,690 less $1,056 disc. less $2,000 rebate less $2,000 GM Card special offer - net $13,634. Plus I got $150 U-Promise credit for my grandson. Now there is a $1,000 GM Loyalty rebate so one could get a new VIBE for about $14,364 if they had a GM car. Seems to me a dealer ought to be willing to sell a person a used GM car for $100, and then buy it back for that same $100 so you coudl get the $1,000 loyalty rebate. Perhaps would cost about $50 in title expense to do this.

[ragingfish]

quote:The PT Cruiser has a "check" recommended from Consumer's Report. Seems to be very reliable from everything else that I've read. As for me, I have had no trouble at all. My new VIBE has a rattle that appears to be on the front passenger side window. No rattles on my PT. Well, I stand corrected about chrysler's. As for your vibe squeak, I haven't met an owner yet who doesn't have that squeak. LOL!

[Chris]

I'd have to stand by KSNeptune and suggest that staying out of debt will be the best thing you can do. Also, don't think that an older car is boring... or even a boring car is boring. Seriously! I had an '89 Mazda pickup that was a hoot in the snow (HUGE 4 wheel drifts and loads of fun) took off road (nope - not a 4x4 just a regular B2200), took camping, took mountain biking and had a whack load of friends ride in and everything. Sure it wasn't fast but, hey, I had 5 years of fun in it all for $2000.Sure a Vibe is a great little car (love mine!!!) but don't get your self into the debt trap. I gaurentee you'll have more cash and more fun if you stay out of debt... I've done both and I stay away from unnecessary debt from now on.Sorry for the 'sermon' but what do you really want... a Vibe now or an M3 in a couple years

[latina_qt]

I would definitely go for:1) Honda Accord2) If you can't afford the Accord, the Civics are cheaper and great on gas!3) Toyota Camrys are great as well.To be honest, when I went car shopping, I was shopping for either of those but eliminated the Civic because they are so dang small!, The Accord was too pricey for a used car and the NEW ones, Forget it!The Camrys were what it came down to until I test drove my Vibe!

[Yoda]

I said get lucky and find a vibe for under $14,000 because that's the number he was using for the price of a lightly used P5. Even with your rebates and discounts, I'm guessing the value of the car drops some as soon as you drive it off the lot. I'm not insensitive to his cost conciousness, it just seems like he's "settling" for cars that might not save him any money in the long run. I know VW's and Mazdas offer good powertrain warranties, but what if something else goes wrong? If the VW has 30000 miles, it's gonna need new tires soon . Batteries, Brakes, scheduled service. There is some value in buying a new car over a used car. After the initial drop in value, the vibe may retain more of its value because it's a newer model year. Or because it's a fresher design. Yes it's not good if you have to starve yourself, put off college, or skip child support payments to get into a vibe. But seriously, a decent afterschool job will pay for the payment and insurance. The additional cost over some of the other cars he's considering is minimal, and if you add in operating cost savings and depreciation advantages, it might be a wash. All I'm saying is that you might be surprised in a few years to learn that you could've been in a Vibe for the same amount of money you paid for a cheaper car because of all the "hidden" maintainence, depreciation, and repair costs that you signed up for. As far as saving up for an M3- talk about fiscally irresponsible(high maintainence costs, high insurance costs, high fuel costs)! Your argument seems to be that he should be fiscally responsible now when he's young and able to enjoy it so that he can throw his money away later when he may or may not have time to enjoy it (on that same assumption that he'll have more money later in life). It sounds like that may be your dream and I'm not knocking it, but that doesn't mean he shares your goals. There is always a faster, more expensive car out there, my motto is buy what meets your needs and wants now. Same thing applies to computers and electronics, a person could go nuts trying to plan out purchases for 5 years away. Remember - I'm not trying to flame anyone - just trying to base my arguments on real considerations.

[progvmac]

Ah, thanks for all the replies guys, very helpful. The advice about not getting a new car right out of college seems perfectly reasonable, though I should be able to get 0% with a cosign (father).So what will I do? I still don't know! Today I found a 1999 VW GTI for $10k. It has 40k miles, leather, and a V6 (talk about a pocket-rocket!). I really did love the vibe that I drove, but perhaps now is not the most reasonable time for me to be getting a new car. On the other hand, there are lots of discounts available and/or good APR.On the other other hand, my 1993 Lumina w/136,000 miles does still run. The transmission has been acting a little funny lately. The last thing I want to happen is to have my car die as a result of a major repair (transmission, engine failure, etc) and be stuck with a hunk of metal that is worth nothing, PLUS be forced into buying a car in a quicker time-frame, thus losing a couple grand as a result of necessity.

[Zamboni Guy]

quote:The PT Cruiser has a "check" recommended from Consumer's Report. Seems to be very reliable from everything else that I've read. As for me, I have had no trouble at all. My new VIBE has a rattle that appears to be on the front passenger side window. No rattles on my PT. Well, I stand corrected about chrysler's. As for your vibe squeak, I haven't met an owner yet who doesn't have that squeak. LOL!No dashboard rattles or squeaks. At least not yet...

[bellwilliam]

no sqeak or rattle on mine either (knock on wood), I heard it was fixes sometime late last year. mine had a build date of Jan, 2003.

[ragingfish]

You guys just love proving me wrong, don't you. j/k

[Chris]

Yoda.... RELAX dude!He's looking for options and we've all given him some which provides a well rounded basis for progvmac to make his own personnal decision on what he can and cannot afford and does or doesn not want based on the experiences of those on this forum.The M3 thing was a JOKE! It was meant to indicate that if you don't get yourself burried in debt today, you can easily afford the things you really dream of later.My experience is to be fiscally responsible now... and later cuz the stats say you'll be making a lot more later. I couldn't even afford a 10k car in college but purchased my new vibe with the cash that was just sitting in my bank account... and I'm not too old to enjoy it

[Yoda]

quote:Yoda.... RELAX dude!He's looking for options and we've all given him some which provides a well rounded basis for progvmac to make his own personnal decision on what he can and cannot afford and does or doesn not want based on the experiences of those on this forum.The M3 thing was a JOKE! It was meant to indicate that if you don't get yourself burried in debt today, you can easily afford the things you really dream of later.My experience is to be fiscally responsible now... and later cuz the stats say you'll be making a lot more later. I couldn't even afford a 10k car in college but purchased my new vibe with the cash that was just sitting in my bank account... and I'm not too old to enjoy it Chris - didn't realize I wasn't "relaxing" just because I disagreed with you and provided reasons. Your post about the M3 came off not as a joke but as: don't buy an economical/sensible car now, so that you can buy a hideously expensive yuppie status symbol someday when you _____ more. Anyway- I think I got my point across - the vibe is not a frivolous purchase by any stretch of the imagination. It has very low total operating costs, so it may be a better deal than some of the used cars out there because of its quality and the warranty. The way to save up for the things you want is to avoid frivolous expenses, not to deny yourself basic things like economical reliable transportation. Sorry if you thought I was attacking you - I just had a problem with all the one sided advice on this topic. Nice bike BTW - have you seen the new one? That's the frivolous thing that I'm saving up for... (but you don't see me driving a used civic to get there)

[ragingfish]

Here's a used vibe currently at $6800:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... egory=6386

[Stang2Vibe]

quote:My new VIBE has a rattle that appears to be on the front passenger side window. No rattles on my PT. I had that same rattle last weekend. Guess what? Lean over to the passenger side seatbelt and slide the buckle down a few inches. Presto!! Rattle gone. The passenger side front seatbelt buckle vibrates against the B-pillar interior trim and makes a noise. Straighten out the seatbelt and slide the buckle down a bit, and problem solved. Other than that, no squeaks/rattles on the interior of my Vibe.

[ragingfish]

quote:no sqeak or rattle on mine either (knock on wood), I heard it was fixes sometime late last year.I have a bad vibration noise on mine, but it only really surfaces when I sit idling. Whenever the car is moving, because most of the vibration of the engine is not being forced into the cabin, and is instead going to powering the wheels, it disappears. But honestly, haven't heard it recently. Maybe the cold had something to do with it. *shrug*

[jake75]

$6,800 - Reserve not yet met. Reserve might be $12,000. I think the hidden reserve on eBay is a waste of everyone's time.

[ragingfish]

Reserve could only be $7000 too. Ya never know. A lot of times you can ask the seller and they will tell you their reserve.