VIBE Owner Wannebe - Help me choose!!

[bls8433]

After hours of investiaging vehicles, I decided the Vibe would be the best choice for us....gas sipping and reliability as well as the functionality I need.However I need your help to choose from two different ones I am considering:2005 base, 87k miles, prior accident & repaired/replaced both rt side doors. Options loaded. Automaticor...2003 AWD, 60k miles, Loaded except sunroof. AutomaticThe price is identical and both look nice. I don't really need to have the AWD but the lower miles is nice. Both are carlot buys with little knowledge of prior history but offer a short warranty period.Any help in choosing would greatly be appreciated so I can join this group!!Thank you

[jkm311]

Well, the AWD will not get as good of gas mileage as the base, but being in Minn, I would go after that one. The first item of maintenance I would do is a rear differential fluid change. My two cents. Welcome, and good luck in your choice!

[98se5speed]

Tough call there. I prefer the style and manual throttle cable of the 2003, but I put mpg and a sunroof very high on my list. How much are they asking for these cars? If you ask me, a 2004 is the ideal year to find. Best style in my opinion (front end plus side skirts), white gauges, manual throttle cable. I recently bought a loaded 2003 base model, but only because it was a killer deal. Would have preferred a 2004.

[bls8433]

Thanks for the responses. Asking price is $7k for either of them. Automatice is a must given this is for my wife and she has some neck issues now with shifting a manual. It's a tough choice for me and I need to make it soon or start all over again.

[sideshowalan]

2005 !AWD gives worse MPG and a neglected rear diff will be expensive.There's not a lot that can go wrong with door replacement (is the paint right, does it lock).

[KITT222]

I'd take the base over AWD almost any day. My base is pretty good in the snow, and very controllable as long as you know what you're doing. Another thing to consider is if the 05 base has ABS, and if that really matters anyway. I have no ABS, and I do fine in the snow. Tires are a big factor though, and snow tires make a real difference. A FWD car with snow tires can beat out any AWD or 4WD with regular tires any day in acceleration, braking, and handling in the white stuff. So snow is really no worry with a base, as long as you know how to handle a car in the snow. If you want good mileage, than a base is the way to go.

[MrHatchWagon]

I'm inclined to say get the base, too. More power to the ground for your money, better mileage, no need to worry about the rear diff, two years younger even though it has slightly more mileage. Or see if you can get either of them to lower their price to make the sale Unless the AWD is really a necessity for you where you are and in the kind of driving that you do.

[zaxellord]

I'm with 98se5speed. See if you can hold out for a 2004, barring that, 2005 seems to be a good deal, as long as the accident repair was repaired properly. The all red 2003 instrument cluster may not suit you.