Newbie to forum...and possibly to the Vibe too :)

[Ocean14]

Hello everyone,first let me say that I am luck to have discovered this community and it seems like everyone is really helpful.- I have learned a lot!I was hoping to get some much needed advice/feedback. So, I currently drive a 2010 Edge Limited and have been considering selling it for sometime now due to the fact that I'm back in school and have positive equity in the vehicle. Furthermore, I have been driving a lot and could benefit from a vehicle that gets better MPG.I first gravitated to the Vibe due to its looks, MPG and utility (I love the cargo capacity). So this is where I stand: I have a deposit (refundable) on a 2010 Vibe GT w/ 32K miles, but I have found a 2009 Matrix XRS with 23K miles...both for the same price of 16K and both cars are CPO. I guess what I would like to know is if one vehicle offers an advantage. There is about a year and a half left of school and I would love to not have to worry about potential repairs. Also, I have read that many people suggest getting snow tires instead of using the 17in stock tire/rim. If this is the case, I don't think that I will be able to consider either vehicle due to the added expense. Both dealers assured me that the 17in tires would handle fine in Detroit winters, however this could be a sales ploy.Your insight and opinion will be greatly appreciated Thanks again!

[DressedInBlack]

Welcome to the coolest forum ever!I hope you get the Vibe over the Matrix. My GT came with 18's not 17's so you may want to look into that...

[Ocean14]

I stand corrected...the wheel size is 18", will this make a difference in snow?And yes, this does appear to be the coolest forum ever!

[tpollauf]

OK. First off welcome to this great site where EVERYBODY is friendly & helpful. Seeing where you are located (Detroit, Big 3 AMERICAN car company headquarters, etc.) you might want to purchase the PONTIAC ... instead of the Toyota, even though they are pretty much the identical car Secondly about the 18" alloy rims/rubber (not 17") if you don't plan on keeping the car forever then drive with them on all the time. The reason so many of us GT owners in the snow/salt region of the country change them out to a winter tire, is to preserve the aluminum rims. Just look at any other car around you after 5-10 years with aluminum rims and they are literally destroyed by the winters we have around here. Also, most of us went down 2" in rim size so we get a bit "cushier" soft ride during the winter months. Finally, have them work a bit on that price. I would think somewhere in the 14-15K would be a better price, especially if this Vibe has already seen TWO Michigan winters Good luck and keep us all posted ................ Toledo, Ohio

[Houston]

I live about one hour from Detroit and in this area snow tires on the Vibe do make a tremendous difference. I assume it's the same with the Matrix. I drove my first Vibe for about three years without snow tires and made out okay. They aren't needed, but I'm sure glad I got them.

[tpollauf]

Quote, originally posted by Ocean14 »I stand corrected...the wheel size is 18", will this make a difference in snow?From a diameter standpoint ............................... NO . Whether your driving with 16" or 18" tires, the outside diameter is pretty much the same. You probably have the original Eagle on this Vibe and they'll do fine, although they likely already lost half their tread. The Blue Vibe GT in my signature is keeping the 18" on and with 38k miles on the original Eagles, it has done fine in the snow (not that we've had much yet ). Don't let the tire issue stop you from getting the Vibe. It will get you through the snow no matter what tire/rim combo you have

[Ocean14]

Wow, many thanks to all that have responded...perhaps the greatest case for purchasing this car are the people on this forum !tpollauf,you mentioned "working on the price". What would you consider a fair price? I tried negotiating, but the sales manager said the lowest is 16K Out-the-door (well, less plate)...I am going to try again come Monday to see if he would knock-off a couple hundred. Maybe because he is buying my trade-in?? Either way, I am near confident they will be able to make 3K+ on my car when they list it.

[tpollauf]

You're VERY welcome Vibes officially ceased production on August 17, 2009 so all 2010 Vibes were manufactured during late spring/summer 2009, yet were titled as 2010 vehicles. The dealer is using the "model year 2010" as leverage for getting a higher price when the car ia already 2-1/2 years old if not more Also the few we've seen come on board here recently, have spent much less than what you are potentially going to spend. The Blue 09 GT in my signature we bought 9 months ago with 35k miles for ............. $13100. Another one on this forum was going for the high 12k range. Don't know what to ell you BUT it just seemed a bit high

[trb]

Clean retail is around $16K for a 2010 GT with that miles. They probably gave $12-13K in trade, $500 for the certified program, so there is plenty of room for negotiation. Seems like most used car dealers make $2-3K per car, like you said on yours. They probably didn't do much to the car besides a good detail, especially since it is still under warranty.FWIW, I got my 2010 GT with 37K miles for $12,400, six weeks ago. It needed a few interior repairs (prior owner had a jammin stereo and left screw holes all over) and I decided it needed new tires since the originals were getting pretty low. Others in my area were asking around $14-15K for similar cars.The sad thing is that $16K is probably not much less than the original owner paid for it new. They were $21K cars, and GM probably discounted them a good $2-3K to move them off the lot. How is the Matrix CPO warranty? If the Vibe is a GM certified, it should have one more full year of B2B coverage, 5 yrs or 100K powertrain, and they also have 2 yrs, 30K miles of maintenance included. Certainly look on cars.com and autotrader.com for comparable cars. Might just find one at a better price close by that you can bargain with the local dealer on. I had dealers offer to pay for my plane ticket if I would come buy their car.Good luck!

[rAERRK]

my first thought is that if i were ready to spend $16k on a car, it wouldn't be a used vibe or matrix honestly. there are plenty of new cars you can get for under $20k. and if you really want a vibe for its all around practicality, go a bit older and spend closer to $10k.

[zaxellord]

Hi and WelcomeYou should be able to get a good deal on the Vibe. The dealer is "pulling your leg". Both Pontiac and the Vibe have been discontinued, so that means resale would take a nice hit. If you don't get the price you want to pay just walk away.

[vibenvy]

Welcome to GenVibe! You have certainly come to the right place to research the Vibe and Matrix . Most, if not all of us here will obviously be biased toward the Vibe, but there is still plenty of info on the Matrix as well. For me, it's all about the looks of the Vibe, especially the 2009-2010 GT. The Matrix IMO is just too plain looking, whereas the Vibe is much more aggressive and sporty looking. Besides looks, they're essentially the same exact vehicle as far as engine, suspension, interior (only minor differences), etc. so it really comes down to mileage and which look you prefer.Tpollauf summed up the winter wheel/tire topic perfectly. Both my mom and I have 2009 GTs. We plan on keeping them for a long time, so we decided to get a seperate set of wheels and tires for winter to keep the 18s in excellent condition. Seperate wheels and tires aren't necessary, just something you may want to consider if you plan on keeping the Vibe (should you get it) for a long time and want to keep it looking nice. Good luck with your continued search and be sure to update us with what you end up getting and be sure to post pictures as well!

[star_deceiver]

Welcome to GenVibe!!! Quote, originally posted by Ocean14 » I have read that many people suggest getting snow tires instead of using the 17in stock tire/rim. If this is the case, I don't think that I will be able to consider either vehicle due to the added expense. Both dealers assured me that the 17in tires would handle fine in Detroit winters, however this could be a sales ploy.Your insight and opinion will be greatly appreciated Thanks again!Get snow tires no matter what vehicle you decide to buy, even if you decide to keep the Edge!!! Anyone who's driven a vehicle with good winter tires knows that they will never again drive their 3 season tires in the snow or ice!!!

[journeyforce]

Well both are toyota products and the mechanical parts are Toyota so very reliable.I know this is a Vibe forum BUT if both cars are the same price then look to the Matrix over the Vibe. The Matrix will hold its value better then the Vibe simply because the Matrix has the Toyota symbol on it where as the Vibe is doomed because it has Pontiac(and GM on it)Other things the Matrix has over the Vibe is that Toyota puts the radio AUX port near the console (so there is no wires coming from the radio and if the jack breaks you don't need to replace the radio)) the radio is easy upgradeable and you don't need 50 million things to allow your to use an aftermarket radioToyota has a better dealership network for parts and service. Most GM dealers seem to pretend the Vibe never existed(heck if it don't say Chevy or have a lack luster 3100 V6 engine in it then they don't want to touch it) and it take forever to get parts for it. Most people get repairs and parts from Toyota anyway as it is cheaperThe 2009-2010 Vibe were only made a short time before GM killed Pontiac but the Matrix is still being sold in 2012 so finding body parts if you should hit something will be easier to find(I had to replace my tail light on my Vibe and it took forever since they are so scarce)That said the Vibe is a great car and one that will not let you down Both are great cars but if you can get the Matrix then get that oneGood luck

[knightrace]

I was considering the Matrix as well when I was looking for a used older daily driver.. The 2005 Vibe won... it was hard to find a Matrix with a sunroof, leather and a subwoofer (Moon and Tune package). I know a lot of people on here modify the Vibe's sound system, but I thought the Moon and Tune package sounded great compared to what my truck had. Oh and I the think Vibes are less expensive. So, yeah, they may not hold their value as good as the Matrix but if you are going to drive it into the ground, it won't matter.If you are concerned about traction, have you considered an AWD version of the Vibe/Matrix.check autotrader.com do a search for " any distance" and look for a Matrix All Wheel Drive vs. a Vibe AWD. check some prices.

[knightrace]

okay, just did a quick search.... found an 2009 Matrix S AWD with sunroof and subwoofer in hatch...45,xxx miles, $15,985 in chicago, ilI don't recall seeing too many Matrix with the subwoofer.

[Ocean14]

Thanks again to everyone with their insight. I have been doing some additional searches of my own and have found, non-dealer Vibes, are bit lower in price (thanks for the tip). However, I am struggling with finding deals like many of you have found...I guess I will just keep my eye peeled. So, with that said...the conversation with the dealer should be interesting come Monday lol!

[jake75]

Have you priced a new 2012 (or 2011) Matrix?

[trb]

Here is an 09 GM certified Vibe in Dayton OH for $13,397. This price looks much better to me, and it is only a few hours away. If you don't like the color or something, you could always just use it as a bargaining tool to get the local price down.http://www.cars.com/go/search/...ype=1

[dustie]

Go with the vibe! I am a new vibe owner and I love mine. I went from a V8 Magnum to my vibe.. Not quite the speed but gas.. Holy crap! I just got back from L.A. and it was amazing on gas. It cost me $70 to go just shy of 600 miles! That would have been easily $120+ in my Magnum and honestly the same ride... Just a longer hatch haha. Plus the ease that I've had finding upgrades and such due to it more or less being a Toyota makes things nice. Only thing you're really lacking is Body Kit options and such.. But if you're going for economic than that is not an issue. And as for the forum.. These guys are awesome... Any question I've had I have an answer in less than 24 hours..

[vibenvy]

Quote, originally posted by dustie »And as for the forum.. These guys and girls are awesome... Any question I've had I have an answer in less than 24 hours..Fixed it for ya !

[mkowdley]

Hello and welcome!