Just joined

[plainolebill]

Hi everyone, Introducing myself, I'm retired from the USCG, was an electrician for many years after the service and am now fully retired. I just joined the forum after having read it on and off for a year or so while looking at Vibes and Matrixs (what is the plural for Matrix?). I found it helpful reading various posts about the cars and there weren't a lot of complaints which was encouraging. A few days ago I bought a 2006 1.8L with all power and 26,000 miles on the odo, selling an Xterra. So far I like everything I know about the car: comfortable (more so than the Xterra, good mileage, plenty of space, handles well, will pull a utility trailer. My granddaughter liked it too. Things I need to do: Clean up the rear seat upholstery, put a hitch on it, get roof rack bars. Question about that: how useful is the rack with the antenna sticking up between the rails?Thanks, Bill

[VforVIBE]

Welcome to GenVibe!Quote, originally posted by plainolebill » Question about that: how useful is the rack with the antenna sticking up between the rails?I've never actually use them, but I've seen people put kayaks on the roof, (the antenna screws off)

[djkeev]

Welcome!!You will enjoy your Vibe. The roof rack is mostly for looks I'm afraid. You can get the cross rails and all but you might search this forum for what others have done using after market racks or components. I've carried but one item on the rack and that was wider than the side rails so it worked just fine. I really haven't need for a rack, the car is plenty big inside for what we carry, even on trips.My brother was USCG, worked at Governors Island AMVER back in the 70's. Not a military guy, it was STRONGLY recommended that he NOT re-enlist for a 2nd go round. He only joined for he was a very low number in the draft lottery and thought he had a higher chance at staying alive in the USCG than he did as a foot soldier in Viet Nam.On the plus side he now lives in Northern California (crescent city) and as a former USCG he is entitled to stay in some old light houses up the west coast in Oregon?!?Just a Suggestion considering you are pulling a "small" trailer, change your auto trans oil NOW at about 30,000 instead of the recommended hard service of 60,000 and certainly ignore the "you don't need to change this oil" on the dipstick. Just pull the plug, takes less than 4 qts. The entire trans takes 9 qts so by changing it more frequently you won't get into the hassle or expense of an exchange machine. Make sure the oil is from Toyota and is Type IV. Don't substitute.Good LuckDave

[bull77]

Welcome to Genvibe -- good choice for vibe years Quote, originally posted by VforVIBE »I've never actually use them, but I've seen people put kayaks on the roof, (the antenna screws off)yup -- just unscrew the antenna when you need to carry a cargo box size item. I didn't notice a big difference with reception in the city.

[Kincaid]

Welcome fellow Oregonian!

[lovemyraffe]

Welcome!The roof rack is extremely functional even with the antenna on. I've carried skis, snowboards, bikes, kayaks, cargo boxes and full sheets of plywood on it with few issues. If the antenna is in the way, unscrew it and put it back on when you are done.

[plainolebill]

Thanks everyone! Glad to have such a great resource.

[L5K]

Welcome. The only help I can be is to say that the plural of matrix is matrices. It is pronounced like matri-seas as in the Coast Guard. lol.

[ajb812]

Congrats on getting the Vibe, and welcome to Genvibe!Quote, originally posted by plainolebill »I'm retired from the USCG, was an electrician for many years after the service and am now fully retired. My Dad is a retired electrician as well. He worked for GM though. Things were good for him when he worked there, but as I'm sure everyone knows that has definitely changed a lot recently!