First post, potential Vibe or Matrix owner

[austintaco]

Let me say thank you for having this site. I joined up over here and Matrixowners so i could research the two vehicles. I am pretty active on the toyota truck sites, but this is my first car forum.I am helping my girlfriend buy a new/used car and she's decided that the Vibe/Matrix is the way to go. Of course, I had some help in that decision. We test drove an 03 Vibe GT with 6spd/sunroof/all power options, and 51,000 miles. Its the charcoal silver color, Shadow, I believe. Anyway, its at a used car dealer and its already a pretty good deal at $9900, but here's the kicker. Its got a scraped up lower rear door on the driver side. It will need some body work, and I got a quote of $400 from a shop that I went to. Its only cosmetic, but can't just be popped out. It also needs two new tires. However, other than that it drives great, the carfax checks out, and its got all of the hard to find options. My question is: Is this a good deal? I have offered $8900, and the owner of the lot has not made a decision on the offer. I would post pics but I didn't take any. OK Genvibe experts...yay or nay?

[AKLGT]

hmm. i honestly don't know. I sold mine 3 yrs ago with 32K miles to the dealer for $11500. but the clutch was going out, windshield was busted and the front bumper was also busted. so I suppose 3 yrs later with only 51K miles is pretty decent. but then again, TX prices are probably different. we don't see too many 03 VGT's up for sale and imo, it was the best yr for the GT's. But I think my opinion is jaded. is it two tone or monotone? what about the clutch? the GT clutches are known for sucking, so if it's on the original clutch, that may be in need of replacing soon too... all things to think about.

[austintaco]

Thanks for the reply. I have been hitting craigslist, cars.com, craigshelper.com, and of course, Autotrader. Its really hard to find a 2003-2006 GT or XRS with a manual and a sunroof.My understanding is that the 03's had slightly more hp because of less emissions equipment, and the GT and XRS models were canned after 06.This one is not monotone. Its Shadow with the plastic underbody. We like the new 09's, but I thought I read that they had slightly less room in the hatch and the gas mileage dropped slightly.You can see the damage best in this pic.

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[808 Vibes]

Welcome! Yeah, I just did a search on craigslist for Pontiacs last night (no, not going to stray-I was bored and was curious if anyone had an original GTO) I saw a few classic other model Pontiacs, and one I felt really sorry for. I very rarely see ads for used Vibes. Not sure about fully loaded GT prices, just wanted to say Good luck with your search

[sk8r78]

How is the GF with a clutch? The Matrix/Vibe clutch is a little different and someone not used to a clutch may end up using it up prematurely, in addition to what ALKGT stated about a short OE clutch life. In addition to the decreasing HP there is a difference in lift engagement . There is no comparison between the 03/04 and 05/06 and the 09 earlier models will smoke a new one hands down no contest. other than that between the two,Matrix/Vibe its an appearence thing, Matrix has a little bit better aftermarket support. 03/04 Matrix has a Delco radio 05 up has Toyota. Later years of the Vibe have OnStar. Pretty much anything you need to know can be answered here or MO. good luck

[jake75]

$9,900 for an '03 with 51,000 miles and body damage? Well, people are paying anything nowdays to get 30+ mpg - but then this is a GT that takes premium gas!A new 1.8L AC AT Power Pkg is employee priced at $16,736 after rebate they tell me. I know that's another $6,800 BUT . . . a far better VALUE IMO, and with side air bags, antilock brakes and stability control could be a lifesaver as well. You can finance new cars longer and at a lower rate and at least for 3 years not face any repair bills, and for 5 years not worry about powertrain issues. Don't tell me about new car depreciation - drive that used '03 you buy at $9,900 around the block and bring it back to the dealer and see how much he will pay your for it. $6.500 maybe?

[vibolista]

Welcome to the Vibe site austintaco... you have a tough choice to make. There might be some leftover 08's if you take the time to look around some. If the 09 is already discounted, you might be able to work an even better deal on a first gen Vibe. Don't know if there are any leftover Trix. Smaller more efficient cars are starting to carry a little of a premium, but something to remember is that this car is really a Toyota, it has a good rep, so it does seem to hold its value pretty well. Good luck!

[AKLGT]

well, i'm assuming you are looking at the GT because you want the more sportier Vibe with the 6MT. so getting a new 09 won't give you any of that. they took the GT out of GT and neutered it imo. Also, the autobox on these are very sluggish. I was greatly disappointed when I originally researched mine back in 03. Took all 3 versions out for test drives and of course ended up with the VGT model. Keep searching and keep looking if you want that particular style or make. It'll be tough to find, but you might get lucky. the Premium gas isn't that big a difference... on a 15 gal tank, it'll cost you $1.50 more per fill up. hardly worth crying over, especially when you get so much more out of that $1.50/tank than over a base or auto Vibe. but that's just me and I prefer having some oomph to my vehicles than just fuel economy. For the price and whole package, the VGT offers great fuel economy, (removed), and cargo space. I know I miss seeing 26-28 mpg city vs 20-22 mpg city (still premium).

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by AKLGT »the Premium gas isn't that big a difference... on a 15 gal tank, it'll cost you $1.50 more per fill up. hardly worth crying over, especially when you get so much more out of that $1.50/tank than over a base or auto Vibe. but that's just me and I prefer having some oomph to my vehicles than just fuel economy. For the price and whole package, the VGT offers great fuel economy, (removed), and cargo space. I know I miss seeing 26-28 mpg city vs 20-22 mpg city (still premium).I thought premium was 91 octane. Today at Shell near me87 = 3.5989 = 3.7991 = 3.89Now - the usual difference is 10-12 cents each jump, but often this Shell underprices regular 87 compared to 89 and 91.

[wyatt89]

Octane depends on where you live, it's 93 here Our regular unleaded is 3.39 right now! As for the vibe, 9.9k is for sure not the cheapist one I've seen...I got my 04 GT for 12k with 24k miles on it and a slightly scratched up interior...the older model gt's are pretty fun to drive and If I stay out of it I can get 32mpg mixed city/highway. My clutch hasn't gone out yet and I'm at 46k although it does feel a bit weaker than it used to. It really is a great car though!

[AKLGT]

Quote, originally posted by jake75 »I thought premium was 91 octane. Today at Shell near me87 = 3.5989 = 3.7991 = 3.89Now - the usual difference is 10-12 cents each jump, but often this Shell underprices regular 87 compared to 89 and 91.I wish 91 was $3.89. 90 oct is $4.55 here. even still, it might cost you an additional $3-$4 per tank. if you really only care about fuel economy, then go buy yourself a scooter. otherwise, you may as well enjoy your drive and the ability for the car to move when you put your foot on the gas. but again, that's just me.

[austintaco]

AKLGT nailed it. We are looking for the 6spd, not an auto. She had no problems driving it, I actually stalled it twice! There are lots of vibes and matrixes for sale, but if you start putting parameters on the search like I have, the list gets smaller and smaller. This particular one always pops up and its cheaper by at least $1500 from the next vehicle.3 questions:Did they produce the Vibe GT with a 5spd or was it only a 6spd?After 06, Toyota and Pontiac only put the base engine in the cars, correct?If you use premium and drive with a light foot on a highway roadtrip, what kind of mileage can we expect on a GT 6spd?Thanks for all of the help.

[Kari]

If one cares about fuel economy as well as safety, then I'm thinking the Vibe is the better choice over the scooter. The spread here is typically 12 cents between each grade now, making "premium" 24 cents more a gallon than regular.Anyway, I believe the GT was only a 6 speed, and yes, the GT was cancelled a few years ago and brought back out with the 09 model year in a "manual automatic" configuration.

[ou.grizzly]

1. Only the 2003 Toyota Matrix XRS' had the option between a Automatic Transmission and a 6 Speed Manual Transmission. In 2004, all Toyota Matrix XRS' came with a 6 Speed Manual Transmission. 2. All 2003+ 1st Gen Pontiac Vibe's came with 6 Speed Manual Transmission and never had the option for a 5 Speed Manual or Automatic Transmission.3. The 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT is available in a 5 Speed Manual Transmission or a 5 Speed Automatic Transmission with a "tap shift" feature. This also applies for the 2009+ Toyota Matrix XRS. Regarding fuel economy, there have been some reports of Vibe GT owners getting upwards of 36+ mpg. I believe that was driving all highway, doing around 68-70 mph, and staying in 6th gear. One thing to remember is the transmission and engine in these vehicles by no means is a 22RE mated with a 5 speed manual.

[AKLGT]

Quote, originally posted by austintaco »AKLGT nailed it. We are looking for the 6spd, not an auto. She had no problems driving it, I actually stalled it twice! There are lots of vibes and matrixes for sale, but if you start putting parameters on the search like I have, the list gets smaller and smaller. This particular one always pops up and its cheaper by at least $1500 from the next vehicle.3 questions:Did they produce the Vibe GT with a 5spd or was it only a 6spd?After 06, Toyota and Pontiac only put the base engine in the cars, correct?If you use premium and drive with a light foot on a highway roadtrip, what kind of mileage can we expect on a GT 6spd?Thanks for all of the help. only 6spd except 03 XRS had an auto option (but it sucked, so not a very good one imo). Sporty and fun is what the 03 VGT was to me. That's why I had it and why I bought it over any of the other models. I also preferred the body style over the Trix. It was just more usable space. I doubt you'll need AWD there in TX, however up here, for my needs I did, so that is why I no longer have the car (and I switch vehicles every 2 yrs). If my VGT had been AWD with everything else it had on it, I'd have kept it no doubt. As for fuel economy, provided you're not romping and stomping on the throttle, the best I saw was 32 mpg on the hwy, but again..... that was driving about 65-70 mph and not passing or stopping much. Usually I got about 28 mpg hwy about 80+ mph Really, the car gets superb fuel economy for the (removed). Even when I traded her in for the 05 LGT (turbo), the tech who took it over to the GM dealer said it was a lot of fun, surprisingly spunky and pretty cool car. I have since gone back to a hatch with a 6MT, but with AWD and a turbo, so my fuel economy isn't near as good. boy do I miss 25+ mpg CITY! I get just under 30 mpg on the hwy, but again, no passing, and being very very conservative, and the thing I really don't like about the new car is that my front passenger seat does not fold flat like in the Vibe! I could have sooo much more cargo space if it did! I imagine the price for that VGT is lower than others because of that damage. It doesn't hurt to ask them to come down a bit more in price or if they want you to buy it at that price, they should have it fixed.

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by AKLGT »I wish 91 was $3.89. 90 oct is $4.55 here. The Lord giveth (Alaskan Dividend) and the Lord taketh away (gas prices).

[jwalcik]

I haven't seen it so much as you get closer to the coast in Texas (say, the Houston area), but the premium for premium fuel around Austin has climbed up to the $.25-.30 per gallon. That can add up depending on how much you're driving. I drove to Houston and back this weekend in my '05 GT. Using cruise control on the highway both ways (set at 72mph), I got 34mpg on the trip. Around town, it's between 24 and 28 mpg. Quote, originally posted by wyatt89 »Octane depends on where you live, it's 93 here Yeah, the closest I've seen 91 octane is in Oklahoma.

[bodhi_tree777]

Quote, originally posted by austintaco »If you use premium and drive with a light foot on a highway roadtrip, what kind of mileage can we expect on a GT 6spd?Thanks for all of the help. i average 31-33mpg mixed driving in my 03 GT. When I say "mixed", i mean that i drive for mileage most of the time and my wife does not . Best we've ever done on a long highway trip, 65 mph was just over 35mpg. If you're careful, you can get over 30 even in the city which says a lot for such a sporty ride. for what its worth, i paid just over 10k for mine this past December with 47000 miles on it. We're over 60k now with absolutely no problems, still original clutch. Definitely feel the clutch out, as you never know how it was driven before and these things do fail prematurely. In fact, you might as well budget that in to your decision and if you get it, go ahead and buy yourself a nice aftermarket clutch so when it goes you'll have it ready

[zionzr2]

Welcome fellow Austinite!!

[austintaco]

What's up Austin! We live south, near Ben White and Manchaca.Its good to see some MPG numbers in the 30's for the GT's. Awesome!

[austintaco]

The search continues. Strangely, the dealer with the 03 GT has not called back after I offered $8900. As if I am so far off of what they would sell it for, they are not even interested in countering.Tonight, we looked at an 03 XRS Matrix with an Automatic. I found the car using the carfax "find a car" feature. They had taken it in on trade the day before so it wasn't priced or advertised yet. Its only got 43K, and its loaded,sunroof, power everything...but its an automatic.The salesman quoted me $10,800 when we talked on the phone which is very reasonable compared to anything else on the net so we drove 3 hours to check it out. Its very clean. very nice, but its an automatic!(am I repeating myself?)We drove it, and it gets up, but there is a lag. However, we are not going to be doing any racing so it really shouldn't be an issue. My big concerns are the drop in mileage compared to a 6spd.I know, the vibe didn't have an auto GT, but do any of you have an opinion on the Auto XRS? Matrixowners has been down for the last 2 hours.Oh, we are at $10,500 at the moment on price.

[AKLGT]

Quote, originally posted by jake75 »The Lord giveth (Alaskan Dividend) and the Lord taketh away (gas prices). yes, I know. and this year, he giveth an extra $1200 per person. Hallelujah!

[AKLGT]

Quote, originally posted by austintaco »The search continues. Strangely, the dealer with the 03 GT has not called back after I offered $8900. As if I am so far off of what they would sell it for, they are not even interested in countering.Tonight, we looked at an 03 XRS Matrix with an Automatic. I found the car using the carfax "find a car" feature. They had taken it in on trade the day before so it wasn't priced or advertised yet. Its only got 43K, and its loaded,sunroof, power everything...but its an automatic.The salesman quoted me $10,800 when we talked on the phone which is very reasonable compared to anything else on the net so we drove 3 hours to check it out. Its very clean. very nice, but its an automatic!(am I repeating myself?)We drove it, and it gets up, but there is a lag. However, we are not going to be doing any racing so it really shouldn't be an issue. My big concerns are the drop in mileage compared to a 6spd.I know, the vibe didn't have an auto GT, but do any of you have an opinion on the Auto XRS? Matrixowners has been down for the last 2 hours.Oh, we are at $10,500 at the moment on price.As I said previously on the XRS auto, it sucks. Hold out til you find exactly what you're looking for imo. don't get me wrong, I loved my LGT with a 5 spd auto, wish the new car had one similar (or a dual clutch system like the GTR). But the toyota slush boxes are less than desireable, so just remember that if you don't really like it now, you're probably not gonna really like it tomorrow or the next day or the next day or the month after that, etc.

[jake75]

I continue to believe used cars are overpriced.A new Vibe 1.8L stick with a/c and power package is about $15,900 with the employee pricing and $500 rebate. A sunroof is a $1,000 luxury addition IMO. Gotta decide what these things are really worth to you. Interest rates on new cars are less than used - can count on minimal maintenance costs for 3 years, and no worry about the powertrain for 5 years (except if you burn out clutch). I don't think a 60 mo loan on a new car is any less logical than a 36 month on a 6 year old car. Payments actually substantially less on the new/60 mo and you won't be facing "repair/maintenance" payments. On my new '03 my maintenance over the past 5.5 years has been limited to oil changes, tire rotations, alignment. 2 antifreeze changes (probably overkill), wiper blades, and a new battery (preventive). No repairs. Of course I only have 31,000 miles on it.

[austintaco]

Quote, originally posted by ou.grizzly »One thing to remember is the transmission and engine in these vehicles by no means is a 22RE mated with a 5 speed manual. Yeah, the 22re and a 5spd is an all around great setup, but unfortunately none of my Toyotas have it. My 84 4runner has a 22r with a weber 38, my Tacoma has a 3.4, and my 89 4runner has a 3.0. However, I have two parts trucks with 22re's in the back. Hopefully, I will make one in to a dedicated wheeler this winter.I think we are going to go ahead with this automatic. I am not into racing, and neither is she. The XR 5spd or a vibe 5spd would be the best choice, but the price and low mileage on this one works for us. I will post up pics if and when we pick her up. Thank you to all for replying.

[NascarXprt]

welcome fellow texan! Love both your 4runners, my family uesd to own an 86 blue 4runner along time ago. GL with the Vibe

[austintaco]

Thanks, man. Yeah, I love the 1st gen 4runners. I will probably being selling the white 89 though. Its a little overkill to have that many cars and not enough driveway!nice Vibe!

[ou.grizzly]

Quote, originally posted by austintaco »Yeah, the 22re and a 5spd is an all around great setup, but unfortunately none of my Toyotas have it. My 84 4runner has a 22r with a weber 38, my Tacoma has a 3.4, and my 89 4runner has a 3.0. However, I have two parts trucks with 22re's in the back. Hopefully, I will make one in to a dedicated wheeler this winter.At least you have a solid front axle on that 84 with Aisin Hubs one would assume. Have you had any issued with the head gaskets on the 3.0? Tacoma have a locker? 6 speed Auto is a good choice overall especially if it has low miles, once you buy it I would advise you to change the fluids just to be safe.

[austintaco]

Yeah, the 84 is SFA with Aisin hubs, 4.88's, detroit locker rear, true trac up front, Marlin 4.7 low range, 5" lift, 35" tires, Longfields, performance cam, custom exhaust, headers, and some body armor. Its a beast, but I don't play rough with it. I sold it when I lived in Dallas to a couple of guys that drove it back to Minneapolis and resold for a small profit. This guy kept it for 11 years and did all of the work to it,and kept it garaged in the winters.I found it while looking for parts on yotatech.com for the 89. I didn't realize it was my old truck at first, but after we compared notes, and I realized it was my old 4runner, I had to have it back. I flew up and drove it back. One of the best decisions I ever made. seriously.The taco is a locked in the rear, 4x4 auto, with a Tundra coil swap and 32"s. The 89 is stock except for swapping in manual aisin hubs.I have had good luck with 89 over the last 7 years. I think the 3.0's made in the early 80's don't suffer as much head gasket issues as the one's made in the 90's. It had the recall performed before I got it,and it still runs great. It will get 19 mpg on the highway!Looking forward to adding the matrix to the family. The previous owner's info is in the glovebox. Hopefully, the dealership doesn't toss it out. I will probably contact them to find out if they did a tranny flush or not. That Toyota tranny fluid is expensive!

[ou.grizzly]

Transmission Fluid is somewhere around $10.00 dollars a quart? I am sure there are a few vendors on some of the sites that you belong to that would discount it for you. Excellent fleet of rigs for sure...

[austintaco]

We bought the trix. Even though its a 2003, its her first really nice car, and seeing the smile on her face when we picked it up made my day. I will be around here and MO looking for maintenance tips and mpg tips. Thanks again, everyone, for all of the help.BTW, for anyone in the Austin area, if you liked my "fleet" of Toyota trucks, I will most likely be selling the white 89 4runner to the right person. If you know anyone that is looking, have them contact me through here. Patrick

[trb]

I wondered about that Vibe since it has been listed on cars.com for many weeks. I figured something must have been wrong with it. I was planning to take a test drive when we took my son to Longhorn Saturday a couple of weeks ago, but ended up running out of time. I'm curious to see how a GT performs compared to my son's 06. The GT's go very fast locally,(pun intended!) I missed out on a nice 40,000 mile 03 GT listed for 10,900. Bad thing, it was the same color as my son's, solid silver! Good luck on the new car!

[austintaco]

I talked to the salesman at that dealership a few times about the car. In fact I called there while I was making the deal on the 03, just to see if they would try and snag the deal. Honestly, they know what the car is worth, and they are not in a "rush" to sell it. When we talked last, they were going to have the scrape fixed, but they might ask a few hundred more. Lee drives a vibe GT, so he really likes the car, and was knowledgeable about the differences between the GT and a regular model. All in all, we are happy with our purchase. The Matrix was a one owner vehicle, and we were able to contact her to find out about maintenance history.

[mbc]

welcome fellow austinite...