Shopping for a Vibe-few questions

[Spooner]

Looking for a new work car as I'm a sales rep and drive a ton of miles. These have popped up on my radar as possibly fitting the bill quite well. Looking to spend less than $8k and hoping to find one with 100k or less. I drive about 35k miles a year for work so I hope to get 3-4 years out of the car. What is the fuel mileage difference from the base to the GT? I drive 85% hwy or more. I assume the 6 speed helps drop the rpm's on the hwy. How well do these tow? I will have a small utility trailer that I use to tow my dirt bike, I assume that's no problem for these, right?Going to try to stop and look at an 05 GT with 108k miles for $8k today just to get a feel for them. Thanks for any help!

[sideshowalan]

The GT has the worse mileage of the bunch, due to the larger 2ZZ engine. I think most people get 25-30 MPG in it. The 5 speed stick gives the best mielage, 36 average for mine with 80% highway.From highest to lowest MPG it's going to be: 5speed stick, 4speed auto, AWD, then GT.

[trb]

On a base 1.8, you can get great mileage. I get about 35 hwy on my son's 06 auto, going about 60-65 or so. Hit 70+ and it drops to 33 or so. But a GT is much more fun!Good luck on your search!

[joatmon]

welcome to genvibeSeems unlikely to find an 2009 or 2010 below $8K, might be possible. There were a number of changes between 2003 - 2008 and the 09/10 models. Some prefer the new styling, I like the older models better, but maybe because that's what I own. The rest of this applies to the 03-08 modelsThe GT has a slightly different engine, which at higher RPMs (>~6K) a more aggressive valve profile kicks into give an extra surge of power, called lift. The GT's 6 speed tranny's top gear is actually geared lower then the 5 speed. THe extra gears in the 6 speed allow keeping the RPMs in lift range when upshifting through the gears.fueleconomy.gov says the AWD and GT got the same EPA ratings.. The GT requires a higher octane fuel, so the cast per mile of the GT will be higher than the AWD, especially if you hit lift a lot.The AWD is AWD, but there's a power loss as well as a mpg loss. Some here have had transfer case issues with the AWD, especially if the fluids are not serviced.The GTs, at least the early ones, seemed to have an issue with premature clutch wear. THe GTs did get all disc brakes, the other models have front disk/rear drum brakes.The early base 5 speed trannies have had a higher than expected rate of bearing failures, mine included, so I am reluctant to recommend an early 5 speed vibe to anyone, friend or foe.The base auto trannies have been fairly reliable, and while you do lose a little bit of power and control with the "slushbox", I think of the various models if I were to buy another Vibe I'd get an auto tranny one. I too drive mostly highway, but around DC I can hit some outrageous traffic jams, and for those times I'd really like the convenience of an auto tranny. Also, the money I've saved from the extra few mpgs my car has gotten by having a 5 speed doesn't come close to the cost of replacing a transmission. People here have towed various things with the Vibe. I can't remember the tow limit, may be only 1000 pounds. A trailer with a dirt bike should be ok.If you want you can look over the various owner's manuals before you buy (or if you end up buying one that doesn't come with a manual) from http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=1010There are various options, such as sunroof, ABS, side air bags, but I would recommend getting one that has the "power package" which gives you cruise control, power windows/locks and remote keyless entry. You'll probably want those at some point, and it's a lot easier to get them with the car than to put them in later.

[zaxellord]

Try to find a 2004 model.

[Brandort3]

Along with what joatmon said, the 5 speed transmissions have had a lot of problems, especially with the 03-04's. Really it all comes down to your preference and your driving style. If you like to go a little faster and have a sporty type of style, a GT or base 5 speed would be the way to go. I love my '03 GT and although it says estimated MPG of it is 30-31, i've gotten as good as 37 before with it. But with towing a trailer, i'd guess you'd get about 28-30 with any of the vibes you go with, auto or manual. The '05 model that your looking at would be pretty good, but i think you could talk him down a little on the price. 8k seems a little high for one. I got my '03 with 128k on it for $4900. Best of luck to you!

[Spooner]

Thanks for all the info! Yeah I read the early 5 speeds were junk by I am not finding many anyways. I like driving a stick but I wouldn't turn down an auto. Good info on the gt, I know in a lot of vehicles the bigger motor is more efficient than the smaller one because it isn't struggling so much but sounds like the base is the way to go. And yeah I want power everything and want to find a m&t package too. Any problems with the moonroof leaking after a while?

[rAERRK]

Quote, originally posted by sideshowalan »The GT has the worse mileage of the bunch, due to the larger 2ZZ engine. I think most people get 25-30 MPG in it. The 5 speed stick gives the best mielage, 36 average for mine with 80% highway.From highest to lowest MPG it's going to be: 5speed stick, 4speed auto, AWD, then GT.25-30 sounds about right. you could probably get more out of it if you made a conscious effort, but that's no fun

[djkeev]

Quote, originally posted by Spooner »...... Any problems with the moonroof leaking after a while?The only problems are when seed pods, leaf sticks and other small debris is allowed to fall into the open roof and become lodged in the four drain holes in each corner. It's most often easy to unclog, even easier to check visually from time to time.Dave

[rAERRK]

never had any leaks here

[meinmi]

I was in a similar place the last 4 months of last year. At the end of December I bought an 06 with 78,000 miles for $9,000. My base model with an auto trans gets between 30 and 35 mpg. Best I have gotten was 37 mpg driving 70 mph on flat interstates. To get that you can't drive with a heavy, jerky foot. On a side note - these cars are a blast to drive!

[vibenvy]

Welcome to GenVibe! You have definitely come to the right place to do your research ! Best of luck with your search !

[zaxellord]

Quote, originally posted by Spooner »Thanks for all the info! Yeah I read the early 5 speeds were junk by I am not finding many anyways. I like driving a stick but I wouldn't turn down an auto. Good info on the gt, I know in a lot of vehicles the bigger motor is more efficient than the smaller one because it isn't struggling so much but sounds like the base is the way to go. And yeah I want power everything and want to find a m&t package too. Any problems with the moonroof leaking after a while?The GT engine does not produce its power until higher RPMs compared to the AWD and base model engine.

[Spooner]

Sounds like the GT isn't worth it then. I mostly just drone down the highway and I don't get reimbursed for fuel so I would rather get a little better mileage. AWD isn't big deal to me. I do drive a subaru currently and it has been nice in the snow but a front wheel drive vehicle would be fine where I live. I assume there is some sort of traction control, right?

[djkeev]

It was an option for some years, you may be hard pressed to find it on most of these cars.Dave

[jake75]

The'09's added as standard 4 wheel antilock disk brakes, stability/traction control and multiple airbags - my memory is that the 2009 msrp was actually less than the 2008. Used car prices have been so strong, and new car financing rates so low, that you really owe it to yourself to at least compare the cost of a new 2012 Matrix with whatever you are looking at used. Chances are a new Matrix will run for 100,000 miles with no repairs - just routine maintenance. Chances are used Vibe/Matrix with 100,000 miles is going to have some repair costs in the second 100,000 miles plus a lot more routine maintenance. In my view, miles are worth a minimum of 10 cents, and 100,000 miles= $10,000. And you get the 4 wheel antilock disk brakes, stability/traction control and multiple airbags.

[Spooner]

Ok i'm a little confused on the options now. I thought if it had a sunroof it automatically had the upgraded stereo w/subwoofer. What year did that start? Did all years have the upgraded stereo as an option?

[zaxellord]

Quote, originally posted by Spooner »Ok i'm a little confused on the options now. I thought if it had a sunroof it automatically had the upgraded stereo w/subwoofer. What year did that start? Did all years have the upgraded stereo as an option?It did. The package is called Moon and Tune and was available starting with the 2003 model year

[Spooner]

Gotcha. I found an AWD one with a sunroof but no sub in the back and was an '04 I think and wasn't sure what was up with that. I would rather get a fwd one though.

[KITT222]

Quote, originally posted by zaxellord »It did. The package is called Moon and Tune and was available starting with the 2003 model yearNot necessarily. My Vibe is an 04, it has a sunroof but no amp or subwoofer. But it does have the 6-speaker sound system.

[star_deceiver]

The sunroof was also a stand-alone option on some models as I recall.Up here (at the dealer), some have '09 - '10 Vibe models like mine between 50K - 100K kms for $11000. It all depends what you can live with... or without!

[zaxellord]

Quote, originally posted by KITT222 »Not necessarily. My Vibe is an 04, it has a sunroof but no amp or subwoofer. But it does have the 6-speaker sound system. Interesting. The review I read on line the person had a 2003 Vibe with Moon and Tunes they had as an option.

[Spooner]

What do you guys think of this one:http://raymartauto.com/2004_Po...4.vehLooks fairly clean and has a good carfax. It's actually very close to my house so I might go check it out tomorrow. I really didn't want black but I could live with it if it's in nice shape. They are asking $6,500.

[Spooner]

Also since it doesn't have the better stereo does that mean no factory amp? That would be great actually as I have a nice double din nav system and would like to run my amp to the oem spots with different speakers of course. Not having to mess with bypassing a factory amp would make my life MUCH easier.

[djkeev]

If you spring for it, and if you are in a front plate State, have them acquire and provide a PROPER Vibe front plate mount bracket as part of the sale. They aren't cheap $$ !!Dave

[KITT222]

That's a good Vibe. The paint on the bumper is a little tired and scuffed up, but that's nothing a little touch up paint or something similar can't handle. The paint on these cars isn't that good anyway. Interesting to note though, the Vibe badge is on the other side of the hatch than it normally is, and the Pontiac arrow is absent on the hatch as well. It's odd, but I've seen similar on other Vibes before. I have no idea why, maybe the owner moved it or the guys/gals at NUMMI were bored and decided to throw some badges on in different places (wouldn't surprise me. I'd do the same thing).

[Spooner]

Man I wish this was closer to me, I really like this color a lot more plus being newer with decent miles. http://www.cars.com/go/search/...ype=1

[djkeev]

Or..... it took a shot in the rear and the body shop just stuck stuff on. I know I know, clean history but......... not everything is reported to these tracking organizations!Dave

[KITT222]

Quote, originally posted by djkeev »Or..... it took a shot in the rear and the body shop just stuck stuff on. I know I know, clean history but......... not everything is reported to these tracking organizations!DaveThat did cross my mind, but I see it way to often for it to all be the same story. Look at the one he just posted, the badges aren't in the right spot on that one either. That is a good looking one, though I am a little biased It also has the 17inch rims. If you feel it's worth the drive, and if you feel that 15,000 miles are worth $2500 than go for it.

[rAERRK]

Quote, originally posted by Spooner »Man I wish this was closer to me, I really like this color a lot more plus being newer with decent miles. http://www.cars.com/go/search/...ype=1 eerily enough, that's exactly what i'd want if i were in the market for another one. 05+ silver, a/t, extended sideskirts, 17" wheels. only thing missing are the rear wings

[Spooner]

Found it's twin about an hour away. Price is a little high though. http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...thumb

[Salsa Guy]

Here's a Trixhttp://wichita.craigslist.org/...=date

[Spooner]

Looks nice but I don't want to mess with the SC, plus I want to use my bicycle roof rack which clamps the stock rack on the vibe (at leas I hope it does!)

[Spooner]

Can someone point me to where I would find the width of the roof rack rails? I want to see if my bicycle rack will fit these.

[Spooner]

So school me on first gen vs. second gen cars. I can't believe that I'm finding 05's with 100k miles on it for $7-9K (more towards 9), and '09's with 50-80k miles for $10k. I really wanted to spend more like $7k for a work car but man i'ts hard to not see the value in spending a couple grand more to get a 4 year newer car with a little lower miles, right? Any big differences in reliability/MPG/options/etc.. between them? I think the newer one looks pretty cool too, but I wish it had the factory roof rack-was that ever an option on those? Thanks guys!

[KITT222]

I don't think there's a difference in reliability, although MPGs are slightly lower in the 09/10, especially with the 2.4l engine. Some 2.4s burn oil (or so I've heard), but they come with standard traction control, TPMS, ABS, and so on. They did have a roof rack optional, which some have put on their Vibes. It's the same one that the Matrix has as an option. The AWD has a standard roof rack, but it also comes only with the 2.4l engine. Another thing to consider is that repair costs for the 09/10 models are going to be more than the 03-08 Vibes.

[trb]

From what I've found in my used car search, the newer ones tended to have the larger 2.4l motor, (probably 75% of them) so the gas mileage is less, more like 25 city, 29 hwy vs 28 city 35 hwy with the 1.8l motor. The newer cars have more safety equipment standard, ABS, TC, VSC, airbags all around, etc. I like them both, and was considering an 07 or 08 for my car, but found a great deal on the 2010 GT that I couldn't pass up. Mainly because my credit union would finance 100% of the 2010, and only 80% of a 06-08. As for the roof rack, the AWD 09-10 Vibes had the racks, and the dealer installed Matrix racks will work also. There are a couple of threads about them on here. The AWD racks are not like regular racks, they are just bars that go across the car, with nothing running from the front to the rear racks.

[sideshowalan]

Couple of features in the 03-08's that they took away for the 09-10's. -No split rear hatch. The back glass on 1st gens can lift independently from the whole hatch, allowing long items to stick out without opening the whole door. The 2nd gens have a one piece hatch.-No factory roof rack as already mentioned.-Fold flat passenger seat is standard on 1st gens, and only an option for 2nds.

[Kincaid]

Quote, originally posted by KITT222 » ...Some 2.4s burn oil (or so I've heard...If this is true (not sure) I wonder if it is the factory spec oil? 5W-20 maybe too thin? I've noticed I get discoloration on my stainless steel tip that I don't get on our Civic or Accord. Maybe that is why. I go 7500 between oil changes and do have to add oil or it will be down a quart by 7500 miles. Do not want to go to 5W-30 if it hurts the mpg.Quote, originally posted by KITT222 »...Another thing to consider is that repair costs for the 09/10 models are going to be more than the 03-08 Vibes. Why would that be?

[KITT222]

Quote, originally posted by Kincaid »If this is true (not sure) I wonder if it is the factory spec oil? 5W-20 maybe too thin? I've noticed I get discoloration on my stainless steel tip that I don't get on our Civic or Accord. Maybe that is why. I go 7500 between oil changes and do have to add oil or it will be down a quart by 7500 miles. Do not want to go to 5W-30 if it hurts the mpg.There's a thread somewhere around GV that explains it, but I don't think it's the oil grade. But I don't think that you should be going 7500mi between oil changes. Quote »Why would that be?Two years of production, defunct car, defunct brand

[jake75]

In re repair costs higher - also because there is more to go wrong, .e.g. abs and stability control.

[Spooner]

Thanks guys for the help. I am hoping to just find a clean 05-06ish under 100k for around $7k.

[Spooner]

Went and drove this one today: http://www.premierautodeals.co...Notes Not sure I'm that impressed. I realize these aren't expensive vehicles to begin with but it just seemed so cheaply made considering they are asking almost $9,000 for this with almost 100k on it. This particular one was a good 10 footer as far as the paint but it had a million chips, scrapes, etc.. on it. Is the paint that bad of quality or did they just not care about it? Also when stopped with it in gear it had a bit of a shake or vibration to it-is that normal on the auto's? The seat also seemed to be messed up as you could feel it flex to one side when you accelerated. And I keep hearing on here these are so fun to drive-those people have apparently never driven my wife's Mini Cooper S lol. I mean it drove fine but it's nothing special. I guess I'm a little bummed as I was expecting it to be a little bigger inside and maybe I need to look for a manual as the auto seemed very lethargic. If this was priced at like $7,000 I think it would be a good buy but it seems like everyone wants crazy money for these things!

[zaxellord]

Quote, originally posted by Spooner »Went and drove this one today: http://www.premierautodeals.co...Notes Not sure I'm that impressed. I realize these aren't expensive vehicles to begin with but it just seemed so cheaply made considering they are asking almost $9,000 for this with almost 100k on it. This particular one was a good 10 footer as far as the paint but it had a million chips, scrapes, etc.. on it. Is the paint that bad of quality or did they just not care about it? Also when stopped with it in gear it had a bit of a shake or vibration to it-is that normal on the auto's? The seat also seemed to be messed up as you could feel it flex to one side when you accelerated. And I keep hearing on here these are so fun to drive-those people have apparently never driven my wife's Mini Cooper S lol. I mean it drove fine but it's nothing special. I guess I'm a little bummed as I was expecting it to be a little bigger inside and maybe I need to look for a manual as the auto seemed very lethargic. If this was priced at like $7,000 I think it would be a good buy but it seems like everyone wants crazy money for these things!The Vibe is not the only "cheaply" made car around. Many manufacturers are doing this to keep costs down and stay competitive. It also does not hurt that many owners trade often so as long as the car holds up for the first owner, then all the better. As for the one you tested, obviously it was not well maintained. The dealer wants to make a nice profit on this car since they know that it and Pontiac are gone, so resale value will be very low, (which is probably why the other owner traded it/sold it. All in all, the Vibe is a very good car for what it is. Keep searching if you still want a Vibe. There are good ones out there Edit: Checking the Carfax, the car has been in an accident and it is part of the PCM recall, which it has not had done.

[Spooner]

Yeah I knew about the accident. I will have it checked out before I buy it anyways. I know it's not the only cheap car out there, it's just crazy how much they go for used. When I was driving it there was a little storage compartment to the left of the wheel that kept flopping down, I assume that shouldn't do that?

[jake75]

I have posted many times my opinion that especially in today's market anyone who can afford to buy or qualify to finance a new car at normal interest rates is better off buying new than buying a used car from a dealer. Only buy used if you can buy a car from a private owner who is just trying to get $500 more for their car than the dealer is offering.

[Spooner]

I hear you. I was hoping to only finance about half of the purchase and pay it off in the next year or so. I really don't like to make payments but maybe I will look into something new.

[Spooner]

Haha, just was cruising CL and found they listed the same car for $7,900 on there. Funny, when I was there today and inquired about a lower price he said they had $8,400 in it and would be 'willing to make just a few hundred on it'. Might call them and say I will take it for $7,500 and see what happens.

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by KITT222 »I don't think there's a difference in reliability, although MPGs are slightly lower in the 09/10, especially with the 2.4l engine. . Remember, the EPA lowered mpg ratings effective I think in 2009. Also, the EPA ratings are based on 100% gasoline and all we can buy today is a 90/10 gasoline/ethanol blend thanks to the federal gub'ment. Now they want a 85/15 blend but so far I have not seen any of the oil companies going beyond 10% ethanol.

[journeyforce]

Keep in mind the Vibe may have been sold at Pontiac dealers and has Pontiac badging but it is a Toyota and Toyota products hold value now the Vibe might have a lower value against the sister Matrix but it holds higher value then others in its class.from 2003-2010 the Vibe was the most reliable car in GM's product line up If you do get a Vibe look for a 2003-2008 Vibe, you will be able to find more body parts or interior parts then a 2009-2010 due to the 2009-2010 being made for a shorter production time. Plus the 03-08 has the ability to open only the rear glass to stick stuff in the cargo hold where as the 09-10 require you to open the whole tailgate