Buying Used Vibe

[Chuck]

I'm considering buying a used ('05-'08) Vibe. Questions:I noticed some Vibes are one color (monochromatic) and others have a black composite lower-body belt. Does the paint chip off the painted lower belt so much that I should avoid a monochromatic model?How can I tell whether or not a used Vibe has ABS (aside from taking the seller's word)? (or Monsoon speakers).I'll definately need an Automatic Tranny,(lots of creeping traffic in Boston area). Is a 1.8L Vibe too underpowered when mated an A/T? Is the 1.8L too high in the rev range at say 70 MPH?Any options that I really should really hold out for? Thanks in advance for your time.

[djb383]

Any paint will always be subject to chipping....it's just the nature of the beast. Underpowered and high revs is subjective and should be compared to what???? Our '05 base automatic is the first car we've owned that has never been back to the dealer in 3 1/2 years now for any repairs. Outstanding vehicle, we think.

[jake75]

I think that seeing disk brakes on the rear would also indicate it has ABS. Also - isn't there a ABS check light in the instrument panel visible when you first turn the key?.

[prathman]

Quote, originally posted by Chuck »Does the paint chip off the painted lower belt so much that I should avoid a monochromatic model?How can I tell whether or not a used Vibe has ABS (aside from taking the seller's word)? (or Monsoon speakers).Haven't had a paint chipping problem yet in that area on my wife's '06 monochrome red Vibe but it's certainly a possibility. The ones with ABS have a warning light on the dash that goes on when you first turn the key and then off after the system does its self-check. And you can check for the subwoofer in the panel on the passenger side of the trunk as well as the extra little tweeters by the lower front edge of the side windows.We have one manual 5-spd (and ABS) and one with an automatic. Both have adequate power for my tastes. But that's subjective enough that you really have to decide for yourself on a test drive.

[northvibe]

Quote, originally posted by jake75 »I think that seeing disk brakes on the rear would also indicate it has ABS. Also - isn't there a ABS check light in the instrument panel visible when you first turn the key?.base/1zz models have ABS but with drums, disc brakes are on GT's not sure about awd ones...Theres a ABS light that should light up when you start the car up. Um the unpainted trim can fade... It really doesnt matter the monochromatic ones have that same trim its just painted (feels the same, try it) so whatever you think looks good. Otherwise the only real options on base models are rims vs steelies, abs, power locks/windows and the moons/tunes package (which would be handy). I had a 2004 automatic base with ABS and alloy wheels, was awesome car (sister has it now) oh yeah with power locks/windows. Was all the options I really needed but a moonroof would of been nice.

[ou.grizzly]

Here is my story about buying a used Vibe. I wanted a Monotone Paint, OEM Alloys, and ABS. Yes, was not able to find one like that in my area that was a 2008 with low miles. A Pontiac Dealer can tell if if the Vibe has ABS or not. Just get a VIN, call a dealer, and have then run the VIN.http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=35972The Vibe has no issue at all getting to speeds over 70 mph.

[Whelan]

ABS will light up when you turn the car to the on position, you will see the light.I think you are referring to the black/grey plastic on some models. That is not paint, it is a solid piece or unpainted ABS plastic. As for the engine, it does rev high, the base redlines at about 6200 I believe. But at 70mph you are not very high in the range. I typically drive 80mph and am not even near 4000 on the tach. But remember it is a 4 speed auto so it does like to downshift a lot to get that power.