First impressions

[935684]

Well, I picked up my Vibe a couple of days ago, and I've had a chance to try it out under a variety of conditions (except in deep snow) . Here are my comments, for what they're worth.First, I agree with those people who have complained about the low beams. I found that driving on unlit country roads at anything over 60 km/h (35 mph) while using my low beams due to oncoming traffic, was dangerous. I would never have been able to stop in time, had an animal been on the road. My dealer's parts department suggested that I switch to 9004 bulbs. The only alternative would be to install a set of driving lights, aimed a bit low and to the right.Second, the plastic steering wheel is too smooth and slippery, and it has 2 annoying plastic "needles" (probably left over from the mould) on the reverse side at the top and bottom, which will have to be sanded off. I'll also have to install a leather cover. The plastic one in my RAV4 was much easier to grip firmly.Third, storage space around the driver is adequate, but I wish the door bins were a tad wider, so that I could store things such as a small bottle of Windex in them.Fourth, acceleration from a standstill (AWD auto transmission) is a bit too slow for the highways on which I drive. I guess that's a price I'll have to pay, as I need AWD (I live in a snowbelt), and (in Canada) AWD comes with auto.Fifth, I sure miss auto up on the driver's power window. It comes in handy, at times.Sixth, involves the absence of a rear window wind deflector. I have to drive along a one mile stretch of a gravel road to get home. Each morning, I have to clean the dust off the rear window. I hope an aftermarket one appears soon.My last complaint is the pathetic horn. I guess I'll have to put in one of those Hella horns. I'm going to try to find out whether it will be cheaper to do it in Canada, or wait until I drive to Denver next month.Aside from those points, I think it's a great little car. My mileage, so far (330 km), has been about 34 miles per Imperial gallon, and that included using the a/c about 25% of the time. That also involved about 80% highway driving. Not too bad, considering that I was getting only about 28 mpg in my RAV4.The driving position will be comfortable on long trips, the radio works nicely (I'll have to bring along a portable cassette player), there's adequate storage space in the back, the cruise control is fairly precise, and it's easy to enter and exit.To sum things up -
[Modified by 935684, 8:57 AM 8/30/2002]

[vibb]

quote:(I'll have to bring along a portable cassette player)You can always use the 110 Volt accessory plug!Also, I think you'll also enjoy the smoother rear suspension of the AWD and the standard ABS brakes.

[935684]

You read my mind. Last night, after finding my compact cassette player and testing it with a battery pack, I dug around and located an AC adapter with the required 6 volt output. I'll try it out today. I'm thinking of putting 4 self-adhesive rubber "feet" on the dashboard, and placing the player between them when I use it.I'm used to ABS and AWD, as I had both on my RAV4. I'd never buy another car without those features. I'm looking forward (not really ) to the right conditions, so that I can practise using the Vibe's ABS.Your comment about AWD did, however, remind me of one nice feature of the RAV, that I think the Vibe lacks - the ability to lock the front and rear differentials. That came in handy for me several times each winter during the past 4 years. I guess features such as that, are one reason that the Vibe/Matrix are cheaper than the RAV.However, on balance, I'm very pleased with my Vibe.

[ullbergm]

quote: I'm thinking of putting 4 self-adhesive rubber "feet" on the dashboard, and placing the player between them when I use it.RadioShack sells this black rubber pad that you put on your dash and the surface keeps things from sliding around. It's not an adhesive(sp?) but it stays in place.It's made to keep your cellphone from sliding off your dash when you turn.quote:This non-adhesive pad is great for keeping cell phones, PDA's, portable CD players, and glasses in place while you drive. Just slap this washable pad on your dashboard and you're ready to go! The pad is temperature resistant, washable, and reusable.
[Modified by ullbergm, 10:45 AM 8/31/2002]

[LadyHwk750]

quote: RadioShack sells this black rubber pad that you put on your dash and the surface keeps things from sliding around. Thanks ullbergm! I've wanted something like that for the dash. Will give it a try.