Looking at a 03 Vibe GT, some questions.

[shaneinhisroom]

Hi guys, new member here. I am looking at a new Vibe GT as a DD to and from work. I have a couple questions for you all. First of all, is a 58k, no accident history, silver car a good value for $6k or should I haggle him down?Second, what's the maintenance like? Are there any major maintenance I have to get through around 65k miles or so? Is there a maintenance table somewhere online?Lastly: here's a picture of the interior. What is that stereo, and the blue light on the left of the steering column? It looks modified but I'm not sure to what extent.Thanks!!

[hapagan]

well it looks like its in good shape and 6k is not bad for a GT but u could still haggle down the price. i mean the less u pay the more u have to do mods

[VastOrangutan]

I was involved in the car seach just last week. This Vibe seemed tempting due to it's low miles. It's very hard to find them with so little mileage! I was considering buying this one (spotted it on autotrader), but it was across state lines and I didn't want the GT badly enough because of the premium fuel requirement.The price is in the ballpark for all the other ones I've seen, and for the mileage you can't beat it. The stick is what's keeping this one from selling and the guy's had it for quite a while. If you don't mind that and the premium fuel, I'd say go for it!Still try to haggle, shoot for $5500, and maybe offer $5000 at first to see his reaction. Remember the dealer adds fees and such, so it might be good to ask for an "out-the-door" price! As far as maintenance once you get the car (I just bought a loaded AWD with 115k for $5000 - Hell of a deal!), it's always a good idea to change out ALL the fluids and check the brakes. A standard tune-up (plugs, belt, pcv valve) shouldn't need to be done until about 100k. I might be concerned about rust since it's older, so give the vehicle a good look before purchasing. You may also find you need to replace struts/shocks!I guess long story short, this car did catch my eye...the price is great and the condition looks good. If you can haggle with the guy you might just get a great vehicle!

[Bedlam]

if you are serious, give it a good drive. A lot of inexperienced or abuse standard drivers out there. GT clutches around that time is abused will need a new one and it is a pain in the but or could cost you some coin if you have to pay a shop to do it.

[rAERRK]

60,000 miles is the "major" maintenance interval, which suggests inspection of belts and replacement of intake and cabin air filters in addition to the usual oil change and tire rotation.also suggests replacement of certain fluids if you do towing.

[bodhi_tree777]

Definitely haggle him down.. use the chipped paint on the bumper as a bargaining tool .. The little storage door under the shifter is open in the photo as well. Chances are the latch is broken, pretty common as well. Check for other little plastic bits on the interior (window/lock controls, etc) for rattling or broken clips. Before buying, have a shop check it out and make sure you drive it a good bit. The stock clutch on the early GT's had a reputation for early failure (although mine is still fine and I'm about to hit 100k). Try to feel for any slippage or odd shifting. I've had my GT for a good while now (since 47k miles) and couldn't be happier. Very, very few problems to be had beyond basic maintenence. If your seller won't come down, see if you can talk him into putting new belts on it, maybe a few other maintenence items, to sweeten the deal.

[star_deceiver]

When you test drive it, make sure you do a good 0-60 launch, taking it to redline in first second and 3rd. $5000 seems a fair price IF that dealer has the full maintenance history of the vehicle. Otherwise the price should come down!!!

[shaneinhisroom]

Thanks guys. I will haggle him down. I keep hearing of problems with the transmissions. Is it really that prevalent in these cars? He said over the phone he put a new axle in as well as a new wheel bearing.

[rAERRK]

Quote, originally posted by shaneinhisroom »Thanks guys. I will haggle him down. I keep hearing of problems with the transmissions. Is it really that prevalent in these cars? He said over the phone he put a new axle in as well as a new wheel bearing.never heard of trans problems, just the clutch. mine went around 60k.

[bassplayaz06]

my GT's been great for me. i did the clutch job myself and the stock one went about 143,000 miles. job was a pain in the but movin around the tranny but i got full instructions from a guy off here. never had any major problems with the car, great gas milage, alot of fun once past 5800 rpms...