Thinking of getting Vibe

[moondawg]

Thumbing through some sites,there seems to be some concern about the Vibe.Mechanically.specifically.Does anyone here,have a major concern?I love the look,and hoping against hope,that all works well,or at least,works well.Does anyone have major/or minor problems?Maybe I am in the wrong thread here,but I'm giving it a shot.I test drove one about six months ago.I liked it vey much.I don't see too many here in the NY area....but I am sure that will change...

[NSimkins]

Welcome to the forum moondawg! I personally have not *yet* had any mechanical issues to report on my Vibe (had it over 2 months now and still love it). I do know there were some isolated issues with certain problems, but nothing that I can see as being a huge wide-spread problem. The Pontiac Vibe (Toyota Matrix twin) is built on reliable and proven Toyota mechanics, technology, and assembly standards and can definately gain a better reliability rating for being a first generation vehicle just for this fact.You are going to have to expect that the first year vehicles to be, in fact, guinea pigs for the manufacturers in order to work out bugs and faults for the upcoming model years.If you check out the Problems and Warranty Issues area on this forum (click http://forums.genvibe.com/zeroforum?id=17), you may be able to get more information on problems you might classify as mechanical plus other topics you may find interesting.

[Flip-Side]

fACT IS...THE VIBE IS BRAND NEW. I bought a first year Saturn and that was a nightmare as far as clinks, clanks, and warranty issues. The vibe is one of the most rewarding cars to drive in my opinion, but I have had my share of problems with only 200 mi. on my car. Nothing big, but stuff like stuck headrests, faulty hatch glass release, intermittent door light, and not to mention un-killable Daytime Running Lights. If I could go back and do it again, I'd wait for the next model year Vibe, cause they are really sweet. Hopefully the annoyances will be worked out.

[JimScolaro]

I too am from NY, I live up in Lake Peekskill, not to far from where you live in Briarcliff Manor. I have had my VIBE for a few minutes and I have seen more and more of them recently. I bought mine from GEIS Pontiac in Peekskill, it was a very good experience.One reason I bought the car besides its great looks was that the mechanicals are all Toyota. I previously owned a 93 Geo Prizm which was made by the same group that made the VIBE/MATRIX and i had absolutely no problems with it.Base VIBE (Salsa, Power, Moon and Tunes)

[Frosty]

quote:.Mechanically.specifically.Does anyone here,have a major concern?...500 km so far, everything is tight, solid functional and FUN I would go for it. NUMMI is an award winner of a plant. If they have any issues they will straighten them up tout suite One thing to keep in mind is that the people who are may not frequent these sites because they have no issues and have no reason to look for info no who to fix up their cars. So just reading about all the sad sacks with issues here is not a good indicator of the true quality of the vehicle.

[NSimkins]

Yeah, I would mention to go for it too! I am nothing but pleased with my Vibe and would recommend one to anyone who asks. Like Ken said, the problems you see on here represent a low % of people who have problems, mostly all of them were resolved.

[robodog61]

I bought my Vibe in August from Colandrea Pontiac in Newburgh, NY. I was also concerned about buying a first year production model, especially and American car. No real problems so far, however. It really is a Toyota with Pontiac badges. The problems I have all are mentioned in these forums, but they are just minor issues such as the daytime running lamps, the poor low beam heat lights and the somewhat weak A/C. One thing I would check before buying the car is the dashboard rattle. If you are test driving it, push on the gauge assembly and the top of the dashboard. If it squeaks, insist they fix it with a tape kit available from GM. It is very fixable but make sure they fix it before buying. All in all, the car has exceeded expectations. Good luck.

[Vibester]

Ditto, for me. 700 mi. so far. No problems (knock on wood) and the GT gets sweeter every day. And just a heck of a lot of fun to drive. Go for it!

[Campbell]

2000 miles and no problems. I keep seeing more on the road.If you like computers, I highly recommend the DVD Nav system. Probably best to check the manufactured date on the door post and buy one made in summer 2002 or later.

[yank dini]

I love this car man!!!!!!Aside from the basic horsepower and torque.This is a real good car. I was really impressed with the VVT-i engine from Toyota so I know reliablity and hopefully a good resale value is there also. I get a lot of stares and question about this car from everyone in and around Detroit. I have a picture with some aftermarket mods just belowGood luck

[Chris]

Y'know, aside from all the basic good stuff about the Vibe, I've found that everything simply works for me.The seating is comfy, the handling is fine if not great for this type of car (I've got the Conti tires... you Goodyear folks probably have better handling ) and even the little things, like to get to the shifter (manual) you simply drop your hand from the steering wheel. All in all a very nice well designed car.

[Chris]

Correction - looks like I said the handling was not great.. I meant that the handling is good for this type of car and actually WAY better than I expected... I'm running pretty close with my friends Civic Si Veloz which is a pretty great car in it's own right... and the Vibes a much bigger/taller vehicle