new member looking for info

[lbrowneye]

I am just looking at the matrix and the vibe, just had a few questions mostly about the vibe. How is the roofrack, is it preety durable to attach a thule rack system to it. could I transport bikes, kayaks, etc on it. Also how has the reliability been on the vibe say after 200000kms or 300000 kms. Looking at the toyota matrix but it doesn't have the rack to atttach to, and it is more expensive. What do people think of the two cars in general.

[northvibe]

welcome! The vibe's roof rack is dang I am super forgetful here...um 75lbs? I have not put anything on it yet but MANY members here have. I will be strapping a canoe to it soon here... I like having the option to use it quick. The aftermarket roof racks work great as well.The vibe and trix are the same engine/tranny/chassis so the reliability is...the same. I am currently at 55k miles with no issues mechanically. I just do all the normal maintenance my self and its been great to me!The real difference in the cars is the look, options that are stock and the roof rack. The base vibe will have fogs, the base matrix doesnt. Oh yeah the price difference too haha. I got the vibe because it was cheaper, had the same parts, came with a roof rack, had fog lights and rims (not hub caps)You will be happy with either one, but pick the one that best suits your needs and looks. Im sure more people will post up with their opinions and stories as well

[viber05]

I would go w/ the vibe. its cheaper, i think it looks better, and it has some stock options im sure you allready want.

[Baltovibe]

Try this on a Matrix!

Attached files

[prathman]

As northvibe mentioned, the nominal factory weigh limit of the roof rack is 75 lbs. which is probably conservative. The '05 - '08 models don't come with the crossbars. The GM 'Utility Bars' that clamp to the rails look like they may well be made by Thule and will take Thule accessories. We carried a couch that probably exceeded the 75 lbs. by a bit from CA to WI without any problems and the rack seemed very sturdy. Also used it to carry bikes. For longer seakayaks it might be better to get one of the Thule bars that sits farther forward on the roof and combine that with a bar on the rear end of the rails so the boat supports are farther apart.Can't speak personally to the longterm reliability yet since our Vibes only have 5 and 22 Kmiles, but the Consumer Reports tables have looked very good and they share mechanical parts with the Matrix and Corolla which also have good records. Our only problem so far was that one of them came with a bent electrical connector in the hatch that led to intermittent operation of the rear wiper. There was someone on this forum who used 3 Vibes in his taxi business. He complained that the odometers stop at 299,999 but seemed otherwise happy about the reliability.The Matrix and Vibe are very similar so you can decide based on styling preferences, local dealers, price, and a few little feature differences that have been mentioned. The Matrix is made in Canada while the Vibe shares an assembly line with the Corolla in California. Both plants have received quite a few quality awards. Resale value has been higher on the Matrix, presumably because of the Toyota name.

[lbrowneye]

great pics, of the vibe with the kayaks, is that an after market roof rack that is installed on the front and back. This is what I would use it, like to be able to carry 2 sea kayaks. Thanks Laurie

[KNINE]

If you buy your Vibe at the right time, like holidays or end of year closeout, you might be able to get factory cash back. I saved $2,000 on my Vibe that way. Try that with a Matrix!!!

[Baltovibe]

Quote, originally posted by lbrowneye »Vibe with the kayaks, is that an after market roof rack that is installed on the front and back?I grabbed the pics from http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=27576That thread gives more details on the racks used.