Where are the GTs?

[scooter]

Got 09 Vibes hitting the dealer lots locally.... except GTs - NOBODY has them around here. Now I know it is the still winter, and Syracuse, NY is one of the snowiest spots in the country . So it appears they are stocking up on the AWD models, with a few base models sprinkled in. Funny, when I bought my '03, AWD was what interested me. I have decided it is a little overrated. I think I would rather have the stability control.... Anyway, anybody else out there seeing GTs yet? I saw the other post about the first one in Illinois, but was wondering if they aren't producing as many GTs as the others at this point....

[WaveAction]

we got GT's up here, got a few red ones and black ones, i've test driven one, they're alright, nothing to special

[Flak happy]

All they have up here is GTs. i have my eye on a red one

[Herb]

I remember when the Vibes first came out alot of dealers had GTs in 03, but for the 04 year and later they were next to impossible to find.I think the dealers over estimated demand on GTs in 03 and have been cautious ever since.

[dtana117]

We have two red GT's and an AWD. IMO, driving an 08', the 2009 is a waaay better car for the money. $21,500 gets a fully load GT which is only $500 more than a fully load base 08'.

[bull77]

Quote, originally posted by Flak happy »All they have up here is GTs. i have my eye on a red onei'm looking into getting a black one --- maybe this onehttp://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=32052

[lovemyraffe]

The local Pontiac $tealer ship has a new red GT. The wife and I are going to go drive it this weekend.

[breezd]

I took a drive thru the pontiac stealer's lot yesterday and they had one GT and two base models. The GT looked nice... but I'll stick with my 03's power...

[dtana117]

Why do people think the 09'GT is slower than the previous generation GT's? I am seeing times in the mid 16 second 1/4 mile range for the older generation. I am hearing from my GM rep that with the added displacement and TQ the car will be in the mid to low 16's with the AUTO. If I end up buying a GT for a replacement car for my totalled 08', I will make sure it makes it to the track this year.

[PlatinumVibe08]

Quote, originally posted by dtana117 »Why do people think the 09'GT is slower than the previous generation GT's? I am seeing times in the mid 16 second 1/4 mile range for the older generation. I am hearing from my GM rep that with the added displacement and TQ the car will be in the mid to low 16's with the AUTO. If I end up buying a GT for a replacement car for my totalled 08', I will make sure it makes it to the track this year.Peak horsepower and zero to whatever times aside, in my opinion, the biggest advantage of the 2.4L engine in the new GT versus the high rpm 1.8L of the original GT will be the smooth and seamless torque delivery. Now, I say this having not driven either vehicle but with enough knowledge and experience with automobiles in general to feel confident in making the statement. My wife's Camry has the 2.4L mill and I have always been amazed at how smooth, refined, and utterly competent it is for a four-banger in a decent sized car. I was born a gear-head and I like running a machine to redline and grabbin' gears as much or more than the next guy, but when it's all said and done, give me the smooth, torque-laden 2.4L and the 5-ratio auto with DSC and watch me smile for miles. PlatinumVibe08

[garnermike]

Lived there from 1974-1976, and then again from 1987 to 1997. After that I lived nearby in Ithaca until moving to North Carolina in 2006. My best friends live in the Salt City, and I consider that city to be my "home" town. Am an SU alum.That said, you do not need an AWD Vibe, even in Syracuse. The Vibe runs great in the snow. Worst case, switch over to a real mud/snow winter radial from Nov thru April---the Vibe will run like a tank with those on!Go with the GT. One thing: check to see if the GT comes with a wide- footprint high performance tire. If so, keep them on only for use Nov-April. Then, if the GT wheels can wear them, go with a non-performance type winter radial that has a narrower footprint. The narrower the tire tread footprint, the better the snow traction in winter.

[savedbyzero]

Really disappointed with the front end design of the '09's. The back looks really nice, though.If I was in the market for another performance-minded wagon, the new STi wins hands down. So hot!

[garnermike]

You're talking apples and oranges though. STi is a turbocharged 305 hp AWD world-class rally machine. And yet the Vibe GT has certain clear and BIG advantages: In-the-driveway price: approx. $20K (Vibe GT) vs. approx. $38K (STi)MPG: 21-29 (Vibe GT) vs. 17-23 (STi)

[scooter]

Update - called a couple local dealers, same story every where, no GTs for 2-3 weeks. I can only assume this is because of the lingering weather conditions in the North East - ESPECIALLY upstate NY...

[Theodoreable]

I live in Central NJ. We just picked up a Vibe GT (auto) in white. Many area dealers have the 2009's, although stock is very limited. They are though, more than willing to swap stock with one another. I wanted the GT in white and found it on one dealer's showroom floor. Not much wiggle room on price.

[scooter]

Ok, curiousity has the better of me.... Although probably inappropriate to ask, how much is "not much" wiggle room? I am hoping to knock at least $400 - $600 off the sticker, which is probably a tall order with the supply limited at this point.... but hey, we are in a recession.... so maybe they budge. Part of me wants to wait until there are some incentives out there - whether they are to the consumer or dealer holdbacks.... but I think I have the new car fever!

[dtana117]

Funny thing happened today when I sold my Torrent demo.

[northvibe]

umm... for the old GT vs new.. youd have to drive them yourself. old gt had a 2zz 1.8 with lift which...well kinda feels like a boost kicks in. stock 2zz's are in some lower end v6 car territory in terms of fastnessnew gt has the 2.4 hmmm i never did get to test drive the tC but, meh i hear they are kinda doggy.i mean when a SC'd 1zz can maybe MAYBE keep up/beat a 2zz stock...you know thats a sweet gt engine.

[dtana117]

Quote, originally posted by scooter »Ok, curiousity has the better of me.... Although probably inappropriate to ask, how much is "not much" wiggle room? I am hoping to knock at least $400 - $600 off the sticker, which is probably a tall order with the supply limited at this point.... but hey, we are in a recession.... so maybe they budge. Part of me wants to wait until there are some incentives out there - whether they are to the consumer or dealer holdbacks.... but I think I have the new car fever!We haven't sold one Vibe yet. I have three red GT's all the same, a gray GT 5spd, a base 1.8 and an AWD model. All just sitting around.(cept my demo )

[Theodoreable]

Scotter,Not much wiggle room at all. The sticker price of the car is essentially the price. (Went to several dealers.) Got a few bucks off on after sale "stuff."

[scooter]

Bummer, that's what I figured.... Since I am too cheap to pay sticker , maybe I wait. Problem is the '03 is due for inspection, and I will be SHOCKED if I don't need brake work. Owning a GM product (Although I call it a Toyota in Pontiac's clothing) that has lasted 5 years without needing brake work is a miracle in itself! I just don't want to put too much $$$ into the old one only to trade it in!

[scooter]

Once again, my '03 passed inspection without a hitch. Man I love this car. I guess I am SHOCKED.... although I shouldn't be. This is by far the best car I have ever owned! So I guess I hang on to it a bit longer. I like the '09's standard saftey features, and like the idea of the more powerful engine.... but I think I'll wait for rebates to become available before I take the plunge.

[scooter]

Quote, originally posted by scooter »Once again, my '03 passed inspection without a hitch. Man I love this car. I guess I am SHOCKED.... although I shouldn't be. This is by far the best car I have ever owned! So I guess I hang on to it a bit longer. I like the '09's standard saftey features, and like the idea of the more powerful engine.... but I think I'll wait for rebates to become available before I take the plunge.I have a feeling I am gonna make a liar of myself.... A Red GT has showed up at one of the local dealers, has an auto transmission - which I do want - and a sun/moon (not sure what they are calling it now) roof - which I can live without.... I am going to try and wait, see if it maybe sits on the lot for a bit (doubtful), then pay them a visit. I am still waffling between the GT, or the base wtih Auto, A/C, and the preferred package. The only reason the latter is in play is gas mileage. I really want the bigger engine, but am not sure if I want to give up the mileage, although I am not sure it would be too much different then what I am getting with my 03 AWD....One other option that I would like is the cargo cover, but if it is the same cheap thing that was on the 1st generation, they can keep it for $60. Anybody with an 09, or who as seen one know - is the cargo cover any better?

[Theodoreable]

Hey Scooter,You're right, I've got one and the cargo cover is "crap."

[scooter]

Quote, originally posted by Theodoreable »Scotter,Not much wiggle room at all. The sticker price of the car is essentially the price. (Went to several dealers.) Got a few bucks off on after sale "stuff."After searching about on the net, I am actually seeing dealers who are discounting the 2009.... Sales must be forcing them to slash pricing? Here is an example of what I have seen here and there:http://www.mcdonaldauto.com/Ve...h=newWhat I truly don't get is these appear to be below invoice....(GT with Auto and sunroof is listed on this page for 20,004 and Edmunds lists this same vehicle as having an invoice of 20,470)Could this possibly be right? There aren't any factory to dealer incentives, are there?

[Theodoreable]

Scooter,I guess anything is possible, but in my usual post purchase neurosis manner, ("check to see if you got the best price,") I still find no discounts listed off list around "these parts."

[farles]

No discounts in Ontario either. I am even going to have to pay a high interest rate as the car is so new (so I am told). Always a price to pay for having the first of a new car

[Theodoreable]

Farles,Congrats on the 2009 Vibe GT. It's sort of like a "double edge sword." On one hand, I wish you did get a discount. On the other I would "bummed out" that I didn't.

[scooter]

I think I have found out what some of the discounts are on advertised prices I have seen. The fine print in the local paper refers to $500 Conquest Cash applied on their ads.... Conquest cash is for non-GM owners only. This pi$$e$ me off. They are doing loyalty rebates on other models, but not on the Vibe. If it wasn't for the fact I really like the Vibe, and have a GM Card rebate of $1800 built up, I would be looking elsewhere! Hopefully they will do a loyalty rebate on the Vibe at some point.... soon.... I want one!!!!!

[Eloi]

@scooter:I think I have found out what some of the If it wasn't for the fact I really like the Vibe, and have a GM Card rebate of $1800 built up, I would be looking elsewhere!**Are you sure you're able to use $1800 on a new Vibe 2009 in the USA? I don't think so...In Canada, we can't. I have more than $2600 built up on my GM card and the max I can use on the Vibe 2009 is $1000. It was $1500 for the Vibe 2008 and older...So they must think that the new model will pretty much sell by itself...That sucks bad...

[scooter]

Quote, originally posted by Eloi »@scooter:**Are you sure you're able to use $1800 on a new Vibe 2009 in the USA? I don't think so...In Canada, we can't. I have more than $2600 built up on my GM card and the max I can use on the Vibe 2009 is $1000. It was $1500 for the Vibe 2008 and older...So they must think that the new model will pretty much sell by itself...That sucks bad... Yea, I have one of the old "Blue" cards that got grandfathered in with the original program. The original program did not have the allowance limits like the new. It was basically you can accumulate $500 a year for up to 7 years - $3500 total if you max out for the entire period....

[dtana117]

$500 conquest rebate around here. Just looked it up on Dealerworld.

[scooter]

I get more annoyed daily.... Saw that Toyota is doing 0% financing on the Matrix... I want to go Vibe shopping, but there are still no such offers or other incentives on the 09s!

[Fatty Lumpkin]

Quote, originally posted by scooter »I get more annoyed daily.... Saw that Toyota is doing 0% financing on the Matrix... I want to go Vibe shopping, but there are still no such offers or other incentives on the 09s! Where did you see the 0% financing?

[scooter]

Quote, originally posted by Fatty Lumpkin »Where did you see the 0% financing?Saw it on the YES Network during last night's Yanks-Sox game. I do wonder if it is based on region though - they list my local area on the web as 2.9%, but I found down in Maryland it was 0% (Hagerstown, I think? Can't remember...) I love how they play games depending on where you live...

[vibolista]

Holy cow, boys and girls, how much is it going to cost to run a 2.4l automatic with gas headed up to 4 bucks a gallon. At least opt for the manual tranny. You might be able to tease a mile or two extra out of a gallon to help get you to the next gas station. Unless you gotta race your wagon, stick to the 1.8 slug. It'll get you there, and save you some X-pensive fuel at the same time. The new '09 even weighs more than the first gen so you get to haul more vibe and it's no bigger. It's a nice looking car for sure, but I guess I really don't see the advantage of spending 21,000 dollars on something that is going to cost more to drive on a daily basis. Think about it... vibes and trixes are a nice compact derivative of the popular and well built Toyota Corolla... in a more usable wagon form. Now, if the great minds of Toyota/GM had decided to go lighter and more efficient, then possibly I could see that as a step forward. Instead, I see this one as a slight step backwards. Sorry.

[scooter]

Quote, originally posted by vibolista »Holy cow, boys and girls, how much is it going to cost to run a 2.4l automatic with gas headed up to 4 bucks a gallon. At least opt for the manual tranny. You might be able to tease a mile or two extra out of a gallon to help get you to the next gas station. Unless you gotta race your wagon, stick to the 1.8 slug. It'll get you there, and save you some X-pensive fuel at the same time. The new '09 even weighs more than the first gen so you get to haul more vibe and it's no bigger. It's a nice looking car for sure, but I guess I really don't see the advantage of spending 21,000 dollars on something that is going to cost more to drive on a daily basis. Think about it... vibes and trixes are a nice compact derivative of the popular and well built Toyota Corolla... in a more usable wagon form. Now, if the great minds of Toyota/GM had decided to go lighter and more efficient, then possibly I could see that as a step forward. Instead, I see this one as a slight step backwards. Sorry. You raise a few valid points - mainly the price of gas - however:Regarding the manual tranny - sorry, but they actually are rating the automatic slightly higher on the highway 29 vs. 28.The new Vibe is loaded with standard safety features that most probably don't have on the old - 6 airbags, 4 wheel ABS, traction and stability control. Maybe safety is not a priority for you, but I believe it is a nice selling point for a lot of folks.I personally am not entirely sure that the 2.4 will do any worse on mileage than my 2003 1.8 AWD.Part of this, for me anyway, is about timing. How long until alternative fuel vehicles are more common place? 5 years? 10 years? As much as I would love to think my 03 will last that long , I am looking at the 09 to bridge the gap. I would hate to buy a gas powered vehicle 2 to 3 years before the alt fuel vehicles are widely available. I would expect the value of gas powered vehicles will take a hit then.... Then again, I could be smoking crack, and alternative fuel vehicles are still over 10 years away.... time will tell I guess.And oh yeah, one other thing is, of course, there is that new car smell...

[vibolista]

You are right. Compared to the 1.8 awd the '09 GT will do comparably well. The only problem is that I've never met an automatic that could out perform a well driven manual on mpg. Watch out for those EPA numbers, they may have updated their methods recently... but they are still only test estimates. I remember a Golf diesel that I had years ago. The automatic had a higher EPA estimate numbers than the manual. I took a chance on the manual and it surpassed the auto figure by a significant margin in real world driving. The auto version never lived up to the EPA numbers. I've driven a lot of miles, all over the U.S., Canada and Europe, and I've found that safety starts with the driver. It's mostly a mix of situational awareness, a light working knowledge of basic physics and knowing the limits of the vehicle you are in. These things have served me pretty well so far. ABS... stability and traction control are good driver aids although the do add complexity to the car They can also provide a false sense of security to some drivers. I don't even like simple systems like TPMS. The airbags are a HUGE plus. We need higher mpg vehicles soon. Guess I'm just in shock. Was getting gasoline today and saw the pump go over 11 bucks with a little over 3 gallons in. Uff. Anything but dyno oil. And then there's that new car smell. Some powerful stuff!!!!!! Good luck, scoot!

[scooter]

You are 110% correct - we need higher efficiency vehicles! Unfortunately, not GM's strong suit..... On top of that I am unfortunately now of the belief that it might not matter in terms of gas prices.... Those in control of oil seemingly do whatever they want. So if we all start driving 50 mpg vehicles, OPEC cuts production, a hurricane hits, etc. (you get the picture), and next thing we know gas is $7 a gallon.But off my soap box there...Safety does indeed begin with the driver, but if the technology is available that can help, then by all means, it should! I just hope it isn't one more thing to break ("add to the complexity of the car").I just need Pontiac to put that carrot out there for me... even a $500 rebate might get me to bite... That's why I don't understand why they don't at least offer that as a loyalty rebate - they ARE offerng it as the conquest rebate.

[vibolista]

Scoot... the way the national econ is going, you probably won't have to wait too long before the rebates start rolling out. With all the rebates they were throwing around this winter, I was able to sneak my '08 out the door for a little under 15k in January. The deals will be there soon. Was out this afternoon and passed by the Ponty store on the way home. Saw 4 '09 GTs and a couple of base models with about 5 leftover '08s. First closeups of the '09s for me. Not bad... especially the GTs. Noticed sticker MPG for man and auto... both too low... but I want the GT seats!