Looking to buy...new guy

[amd6547]

Hello all--I am new here, and have just about decided to buy a vibe as a second car. Been a Subaru Outback fan for a few years, I am on my second one. I have a 16-yr old daughter with a temp licence, and want a second car. I also want something with a little better milage (I am getting about 28mpg on the highway now).Anyway, I was thinking about a Carolla, till I discovered that the Vibe is a Carolla in Pontiac clothing.I test drove a 2006 today with 21,000 miles. It seems pretty well laid out with power everything, moonroof, etc. Price is $14,750, plus it has quite a bit of warranty left. It is a "GM certified" used car. It looks, in all respects, like new. Drove great. Kind of dark silver with gray interior.I have always liked the small wagon for it's versatility, and this one seems nice.What do you guys think about the price?

[keithvibe]

base, GT or base with AWD... if it's base price it's not out of the ball park. but dealing with a dealer you will alwasy pay a bit more than bluebook.I did a Bluebook value for a car with what you mentioned and bluebook dealer price was just over 15k..

[02csnow]

If you want a quick way to get to know the vibe really good and the owners. You could come to a meet that we are having next weekend in Columbus. Here is the link if you decide you want to show up. http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=28797

[keithvibe]

Quote, originally posted by 02csnow »If you want a quick way to get to know the vibe really good and the owners. You could come to a meet that we are having next weekend in Columbus. Here is the link if you decide you want to show up. http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=28797HAHA i just seen that he's from Ohio... good looking out Mike....

[amd6547]

The Vibe I looked at was $14,750 on Yahoo autos. Since it is just a couple miles from my house, I went to check it out and test drive it, since I had never been in one before.At the dealership, they had "$16,750" on the window...Anyway, Thanks for the invite, but I won't be able to make Columbus--Maybe next time, in my new Vibe (maybe).

[kevera]

They are excellent cars,for gas mileage,reliability and price.I think it would be perfect for your daughter and as a second vehicle.I've had zero problems and my wife loves it.

[WaveAction]

i cant complain about them right now..they're fun, versitile and the above that kevera mentioned and they're made by toyota, so you know you got some quality backed behind it, unlike most gm products

[joholste]

and safety wise...these cars have proven themselves many many times. If the person is safely belted in in virtually any seating position in the vehicle they more than likely will merely get a scratch. The passenger box does not collapse easily at all.

[jake75]

A new 2007 Vibe with automatic and the power package has a list of about $18,900. Last I looked there is a $1,000 rebate and I am sure you can get about a $1,000 dealer discount. [The moonroof probably adds $1,000 but is that really a must have.]So for 16,900, $2,150 more than the used '06 Vibe with 21,000 miles, you can buy brand new with 36 mo bumper to bumper warranty. The value of a year newer model, that added warranty, new tires instead of half used up ones, new brakes instead of half used up ones, new coolant that doesn't have to be changed for awhile, new struts, etc. etc. has got to be worth $2,150. And if you are financing, the rates are lower on a new car than on a used car. The dealer probably will make $500 on the sale of that new Vibe, but the profit on the used Vibe is likely $2,500.That new car is going to be worth $2,500 less the minute you drive it off the lot. But guess what, that used car is also going to be worth $2,500 less the minuite you drive it off the lot.

[AKLGT]

i would keep looking. if it's a base vibe, i would think you could find one for less. remember, 21K miles on an 06? still a good amount of miles for a one yr old model year car. we just sold our 04 Vibe (base) for $8500 Cdn with approx 32K miles, in top notch condition. you can find a better price i would think on a slightly used base Vibe. and yes, i would agree, these cars are great and I highly recommend one to anyone, especially to any young adult. they are awesome for fuel economy, utility, and cargo holding!

[amd6547]

Thanks for all the replies...food for thought.I just looked on the local Pontiac website. New '07's are selling for $17,345 less $1000.00 incentive. This comes with GMAC financing for 10.2%--a 60 month note equaling $242.17/month. ($5000 downpayment)While I didn't go so far as to fill out a credit app on the used Vibe I looked at, they said they could do "8 or 9%" assuming my credit is good--perhaps lower.As my '97 Subaru is up to 135,000 miles, and has needed precisely One brake job (four monthes ago) I seriously would hope that an '06 Vibe with 21,000 miles brakes aren't "half used up". Still, you have all given me something to think about. I am waiting on a small inheritance to allow me to make that $5000 down payment--that will give me time to weigh this purchase.Thanks again,Jeff

[jake75]

Check auto loan rates at bankrate.com for your zip code. If you have good credit you ought to be able to get a much better rate than what you've been looking at. Credit Unions might even be better.

[joatmon]

Quote, originally posted by amd6547 »As my '97 Subaru is up to 135,000 miles, and has needed precisely One brake job (four monthes ago) I seriously would hope that an '06 Vibe with 21,000 miles brakes aren't "half used up". I agree, here were my four factory brake pads compared to two new ones, after 96K miles http://forums.genvibe.com/zerofile/8978/bpad.jpg Other people have had more wear, it depends a lot on how you drive. Buying a used car means you can't really know how the previous owner drove it. jake's point is that for a little more money, you get a brand new car with no wear. I think GM switched to a longer warranty, that would be a good advantage in a new one. Will it be worth the price difference? Hopefully not. The best warranty is the one on something that never breaks. I bought mine new, if somehow I needed to buy another, I'd probably buy used. Maybe I'd hunt down an envy colored 2003 I have had mostly good luck buying used cars, helps to be able to fix things though. I helped my kids buy cars, and I made them buy used ones. There's a reason why it costs more to insure teen drivers Hard to know what price is reasonable. There will always be one you could have bought cheaper, and (hopefully) there will always be someone else who overpaid compared to you. Ultimately it comes down to whether the particular one is worth it to you.

[tnpartsguy]

Might also do some looking for NEW '06 models, I know there are still PLENTY out there.....

[amd6547]

Again, thanks to everyone for your help. I have done some serious thinking on this subject. I see I can get a new '08 carolla for $15,100. I find it interesting that the local Pontiac dealer websites keep trying to pump the G6 as an alternative to the Vibe, and don't even list the current Pontiac incentives on the Vibe, showing them at full $20,000. Not really sure what I will do. I did find 6.35% financing, which would put me at about the same 60 month payment for new, as I was offered for this used Vibe. Anyway, you folks have been really helpful, and I appreciate it. I am happy to admit that, as a 50-yr old man, my financial good sense is underdeveloped.

[AKLGT]

though the engine is the same as the corolla, the use and utility of the Vibe vs Corolla isn't evenly matched. i also looked at both when i was purchasing my vibe and after over 6 months of research, i settled on the Vibe. i would not have been happy with the Corolla. honestly, the Vibe has a much better fit and finish inside and out than the Corolla imo. heck, if you are looking at a Corolla, than may as well extend that search to the Scion line up since they are all the same and about the same price.

[amd6547]

The Vibe is definately more my kind of car--I'm keeping an open mind, however

[jake75]

If you have an open mind - might look at something smaller like the Honda Fit; also something larger like the Mazda 5. Both are in the same price range and should have good reliability. With my recent upgrade from a 2004 to an identical 2007 T&C combined with my recent decision to "semi-retire" and an expensive roof repair I am out of discretionery money and out of the market, but when thinking about a replacement for my Vibe I had considered the Honda CRV. That CRV is a definite notch up in $$$ though, and a notch down in gas mileage.

[WaveAction]

mazda 3 would be a better fit then the mazda 5 in my opinion

[amd6547]

Further research this evening shows that 99% of the available new Vibes at dealers in my area are optioned out and MSRP at $20,000+.In that regard, the used Vibe I test drove is similarly equiped at the cost of 21,000 miles.As a "GM Certified used car", it does come with the 5-yr, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.The Fit does interest me, a friend of a friend has one and loves it, but the wife has a say, even though she dosn't drive, and she has an aversion to small hatchbacks. I pointed out a Fit to her, and her reaction was along the lines of "that looks wierd, I don't like it". On the other hand, I pointed out a Vibe, and she seemed agreeable. I won't go so far as to name her "SWMBO", but she does have a say.

[jake75]

As they say, "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"My'03 Vibe came via a dealer trade from near Cleveland so don't give up. Last I looked Haydocy in Columbus had one or more Vibes under 19,000 msrp. It's only 140 miles to Columbus.

[joatmon]

Quote, originally posted by AKLGT »we just sold our 04 Vibe (base) for $8500 Cdn with approx 32K miles, in top notch condition. you can find a better price i would think on a slightly used base Vibe. according to http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=29721, Mavrik sold his Vibe to his parents. I don't know what kind of relationship he has with his parents, but I don't think a child to parent sale is going to give you typical resale value data.

[jake75]

The Pontiac vehicle finder says Buckles in Urbana, OH has this in stock - I think they still sell at $49 over invoice and YOu getthe rebate.MSRP - PlatinumSTANDARD VEHICLE PRICE*:$16,760.00FRONT LICENSE PLATE BRACKETNO CHARGE PREFERRED PACKAGE REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY POWER DOOR LOCKS POWER WINDOWS CRUISE CONTROL $850.00 SMOKER'S PACKAGE$15.00 PREMIUM MONOTONE PACKAGE$350.00 TRANSMISSION, 4 SPD AUTOMATIC$850.00 TOTAL OPTIONS:$2,065.00TOTAL VEHICLE & OPTIONS:$18,825.00DESTINATION CHARGE:$585.00Total vehicle Prices*:$19,410.00

[djb383]

I doubt if the dealer gave more than $12K for it as a trade-in or at auction. Offer them $12.5K for it and see what happens.Here's what I do and it works virtually every time. The dealer gave $12K for the car. Add $500 for their profit (they have to eat to). Here in Texas, sales tax 6.25% on autos and approx. .75% additional for title, license, etc. So, $12K + $500 + 7.0% = $13375. Here's the fun part - I take a blank check, fill it out completely for $13375, payable to the dealer, I do NOT sign it, and hand my check to the salesman saying "this is my final, out-the-door offer, and it includes TT&L", do we have a deal?" Don't be afraid to leave if they first say no. I've consummated many a deal in the parking lot, as I was getting into my car to drive off. Try it, it works.

[Baltovibe]

Quote, originally posted by djb383 »I take a blank check, fill it out completely for $13375, payable to the dealer, I do NOT sign it, and hand my check to the salesman saying "this is my final, out-the-door offer, and it includes TT&L", do we have a deal?" Don't be afraid to leave if they first say no. I've consummated many a deal in the parking lot, as I was getting into my car to drive off. Try it, it works.That assumes you have $13375 in the bank ready for spending, which most people do not have. Most people have to finance the vehicle.

[djb383]

Go to your bank or credit union or savings & loan to borrow the money prior to going car shopping. Now your ready to write that blank check for cash but you still have a loan - just not from the dealership.

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by djb383 »I doubt if the dealer gave more than $12K for it as a trade-in or at auction. Offer them $12.5K for it and see what happens. I think $12,500 would be a fair deal.

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by amd6547 »The Vibe I looked at was $14,750 on Yahoo autos. Since it is just a couple miles from my house, I went to check it out and test drive it, since I had never been in one before.At the dealership, they had "$16,750" on the window...Anyway, Thanks for the invite, but I won't be able to make Columbus--Maybe next time, in my new Vibe (maybe).$16,750!!! Well they can ask $16,750 for that car and I can ask Nicole Kidman if she'd like to go to bed with me - fat chance of any success on either question.