soon to be vibe owner! new or used?

[Jim Mac]

First off, just like to say HI!.My wife decided its time to upgrade to something a little more fuel efficient than our 77 Jimmy(Blazer). We went and looked at the local dealer. I perfer used and cheap, but this time we are going newer, and spend a little more. The local dealer has a 06 vibe GT 6 speed, 17 inch wheels, sunroof, manual windows, lock. for 15,000 with 8700 miles on it. The balance of the warranty is about 15 months or whats left of the 36K. They also have brand new 08's base models with power window, automatic. 5 year 100K warranty. for 16,150. We really like the 06 because of the color, moonroof, BUT. is the 6 speed bulletproof? whats the life of the stock clutch? Is there anything that goes on these things? I really dont mind spending the little extra to get the new one for the warranty, and lastly, is basically 15K for a 06 vibe gt out of line? thanks! Jim

[jake75]

I am one who strongly believes that buying used is usually not the best financial decision when you consider the value of the new car warranty, the fact that you should be able to drive a new car for at least 3 years without any maintenance beyond oil changes and tire rotations (tires, brakes etc. cost money), and if you finance new car rates are less than used car rates. Dealers make $300-500 at most on a new car but they make $2,000 on a used car. Drive a new car off the lot and it depreciates - but drive a used car off the lot and come back and ask what the dealer will give you for it and you will see that it depreciates just as much. Aside from that, I would think that the AT vs. manual would be a defining lifestyle preference - one way or the other.IMO remote keyless entry/power locks; cruise and power windows provide more day to day utility than a moonroof.Clutches are a wear part - and a costly repair part.The GT I think requires premium gas.The GT probably gets lower mpg tho perhaps the 6 speed equalizes that.Just my ten cents worth - inflation you know!

[northvibe]

The tranny is fine, its the clutch thats hard to get used to and can wear out fairly early. Most people with GT's like a upgraded clutch anyway. Yup it uses 91 oct. or higher so take that in consideration. It does get slightly less mpg than the base, but its more fun to drive. so you'd have to take your pic over fun to drive + gas prices vs slower better mpg base model. The car is a great car, its just up to you on what you want, heck I say go test drive it then test drive a base.Welcome to the site!!

[jimincalif]

I have both an 03 GT and an 08 base.GT just had clutch replaced at 50,000 miles. Otherwise no problems. But I just bought the base brand new in Jan for $11,250 after negotiating a discount with the dealer, applying the GM rebate, the loyalty rebate and my GM card rebate.I saw an ad in the local paper last weekend for 08 Vibes with something like $3,000 or $3,500 in rebates.If you can get an 08 new with lots of rebates, go for it. Also you should be able to negotiate close to invoice for the dealer selling price before applying the rebates (see edmunds.com).

[ehoff121]

If you haven't already, you could check used car pricing on http://www.edmunds.com.You can also search other cars in your area using http://www.autotrader.com.

[ColonelPanic]

Crank it yourself windows and a sunroof on a GT is a bizarre mix of equipment, I must say. You see some base ones set up like that but not too many GT's that I recall.I'd probably go for the automatic with the way gas prices are and the fact that the GT drinks premium. $0.20 extra a gallon could hurt when gas is already astronomical. Although even filling up with premium from an empty tank is still probably going to be less than it was the Jimmy. Hard choice, the GT will be more fun. But the base is new, has a warranty and will cost less to fuel.

[Kamikaze]

I'd love an 06 GT... would consider trading.. but then again, it's hard to say about gas milage... I'd probably go with the 08 AT.

[lovemyraffe]

For me, I would go with the '08 just for the power options. I've become lazy in my old age and want the power windows and locks.

[vibolista]

Tough call, but I was able to deal on a new 08 manual, power stuff, moon roof, monsoon, two tone silver and snagged it for $14,800. Had to get dealer to include all rebates/incentives. It's a pain to have to negotiate with a dealer, but 08's are now considered leftovers, since the intro of the 09's. I think the price I got was ok... off an MSRP sticker of almost 20,000. End of the month also helps, when they need to meet sale targets and get these cars off the lot. The GT sounds pretty nice, but they want too much for it. And it's going to cost more to run than a base. There are plenty of 08's still around. The dealer I bought from had about 6 or 7 of them... right next to the new 09's when I went to check out the new ones in person to see what all the commotion was about. If they don't have the 08 you want... have them locate one or go online and locate one yourself.Anyway, the manual 5 speed should be more economical than the automatic. You can squeeze more mileage under most conditions by stirring the trans yourself.

[jake75]

$5,000 off a nearly $20,000 MSRP - that's squeezin' about as hard as anyone can (assuming no GM Card earnings). If I could have done that in January I'd be driving an '08 now as I also had $2,000 of GM Card earnings to apply.

[Jim Mac]

Well we went and got a new 08 tonight, We got the thing out the door for 16,128. Not sure if that was a great deal, okay deal or rip off, but my wife is happy, so that's worth something too. The model has the 5 speed, power locks, windows, tilt, cruise, cd player. Im sure I'll be a regular on here. Jim

[northvibe]

congrats! well hey you got a good gas mileage car! i have heard of 5speeds getting 40+ mpg on hwy

[jwalcik]

Congrats on the new Vibe! As much as I love driving my GT, I definitely wouldn't mind not having to pony up for premium gas now that it's $.35 more a gallon.

[MRCN RCE]

welcome to the fam, and congrats on the new addition let me be the first to demand pics before the angry mob is alerted

[WD0AFQ]

Yea, congratulations. I have 03 GT. 70,000 miles this week. Have done nothing to it, same factory clutch. Have never run premium fuel and I can consistantly get 32.5 mpg using the ScanGauge. Love driving it and folks love seeing it behind my motorhome with matching colors.Dan

[VivaVibe]

Quote, originally posted by northvibe »congrats! well hey you got a good gas mileage car! i have heard of 5speeds getting 40+ mpg on hwy I get that on my Base AT, have gotten up to 42 hwy. I don't believe there's much difference in average mileage between the AT and MT. Plus one needs to know how to properly drive an MT to get the best out of it. Most people don't.

[vibolista]

Hey Jim Mac, you have a great car... and the price you paid is not bad at all. Congrats! Put some pics up when you get a chance. The amount I paid was part of a one time dealer 'online' special and they quoted the price! When I sat down to take their deal, they tried their best not to let me out the door without paying a lot more for extras. The usual get them in the door and then add a bunch of stuff you don't want into the deal... or a form of the bait and switch routine. Too much fun sometimes.

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by Jim Mac »Well we went and got a new 08 tonight, We got the thing out the door for 16,128. Not sure if that was a great deal, okay deal or rip off, but my wife is happy, so that's worth something too. The model has the 5 speed, power locks, windows, tilt, cruise, cd player. Im sure I'll be a regular on here. Jim"Out the door" for that money - I'd say you did fine. The spread between invoice and MSRP is narrow these days - and the dealer has to pay an advertising fee ($300 or so) that is right on their invoice but doesn't show up at KBB, Edmunds etc. as it varies geographically. All dealers are loath to deal away their 3% holdback.

[CoolAKid]

Congratulations! You got yourself a great car at a good price. Before I bought my '06 new, I had test driven a used '06 for a weekend. Exact same color, similarly equipped, but the used one already had 23,000 miles on it. The way I drive, that represents about six or seven years worth of mileage to me. So I found my new '06 with 15 miles on it, and paid about $2300 more than what they wanted for the used one. That represents a $100 for every 1000 miles (I know I use weird logic). To me, it was well worth the difference!Again, congrats on the new Vibe!

[Jim Mac]

thanks for the warm welcome. I got to drive it to work today. I really like the car, the color is moonstone? basically a charcoal grey, I'll try to get some pics of it this weekend. Im trying to get my car ready for bracket racing this weekend. so may not have any time. (elcamino not the vibe).

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by CoolAKid »Congratulations! You got yourself a great car at a good price. Before I bought my '06 new, I had test driven a used '06 for a weekend. Exact same color, similarly equipped, but the used one already had 23,000 miles on it. The way I drive, that represents about six or seven years worth of mileage to me. So I found my new '06 with 15 miles on it, and paid about $2300 more than what they wanted for the used one. That represents a $100 for every 1000 miles (I know I use weird logic). To me, it was well worth the difference!Not weird logic - but rather rational long term thinking. Again, congrats on the new Vibe!