New Owner of a 2009 Vibe 1.8 - $13990!

[bh1973]

Hi,I just picked up a new, silver 2009 Vibe 1.8 auto, brand new (80 miles at sale). Sticker was $19650 (full power, auto, air, etc). My price was $13990. Deal of a lifetime. The seller bought it with tons of GM cash and immediately sold it at technically a loss (he paid 16800 otd). Although he didn't get as much as he wanted on Ebay, where I was the first and only bidder, he seemed to pocket some of that GM cash. Anyway, with tax, title, tags and the one-way rental car to drive 220 miles to pick it up, I spent $14600 on this car!http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...:1123Like it so far, although I did drive the first 300 miles in 3rd gear! Anyone else do this? I was a little disappointed by the mileage, but thought it was just the break in. Still got in the mid-20s. I expect 30 or so with the next tank driving in "D". Doh!

[star_deceiver]

That's a good deal with all those options!!!! (there are a few topics here about driving around in 3rd, it happens...)

[jake75]

Seller's ad said "up to 36 mpg"

[TONY TAT2]

Great deal,Congrats !!!

[jake75]

Seller's ad said "up to 36 mpg" And the States of VA and NC benefited - both got sales tax on the same car!

[bh1973]

I've heard that 36 mpg is possible, but don't expect it. I'm actually enjoying driving it more than my 2004 Prius, which will still be my primary car for longer trips.I'm not sure I could have found a better deal than this without being a previous GM owner and having lots of GM awards points.

[lovemyraffe]

Congrats and welcome!

[star_deceiver]

36mpg is possible if you drive "nicely" and all highway. Drafting in heavy traffic helps....

[jake75]

I think the eBay seller was just copying the Pontiac ads - the 36 mpg is the hwy # for the 1.8L manual.

[jake75]

I checked the "Carfax" link - they say they have 6 reports on that vehicle. How would you generate 6 reports on a new car in 45 days or so?

[bh1973]

I checked the carfax before buying it.1: Vehicle equipped with Onstar2: 1/02/2009 Vehicle offered for sale (dealer)3: 1/28/2009 Vehicle serviced, safety inspection (dealer)4: 6/01/2009 Vehicle sold (3 miles on odometer)5: 6/01/2009 Vehicle purchase reported6: 6/25/2009 Title Issued or updated, first owner reported.That's how you get to six records in 45 days.

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by bh1973 »I checked the carfax before buying it.1: Vehicle equipped with Onstar2: 1/02/2009 Vehicle offered for sale (dealer)3: 1/28/2009 Vehicle serviced, safety inspection (dealer)4: 6/01/2009 Vehicle sold (3 miles on odometer)5: 6/01/2009 Vehicle purchase reported6: 6/25/2009 Title Issued or updated, first owner reported.That's how you get to six records in 45 days. Interesting - I didn't realize that all this info was reported to CarFax. Next thing they will know when the car was washed/waxed. Also interesting that it was on the lot that long - shows how bad car sales have been.

[bull77]

Quote, originally posted by lovemyraffe »Congrats and welcome!+1

[vibolista]

Hey bh, great deal on a great car. You'll get better mileage as the car 'breaks in' a bit. Maximize your mileage by driving gently and planning ahead. Make sure your tires are inflated properly (they all lose air slowly). I keep mine up about 5 psi over recommended on the sticker and check them at least once a month. Just make sure you never exceed max psi on sidewall of tire. Also try not to carry a bunch of stuff you don't need in your car. You pay in fewer mpgs for each additional pound you lug around with you. I have a 2008 Vibe with manual trans and get around 36 mph in my rural driving area. Keep us informed on your car. By the way... what kind of mileage have you been getting with your Prius?

[bh1973]

My 04 Prius gets between 48-50 mpg regularly. A long trip doing the speed limit yields 52-54 mpg, whereas a lot of stop and go with the bike rack on the back brings it down to 45-46. I got the Vibe as a second car to replace our 04 Honda Civic coupe. We needed a 4-door because of the new baby and always prefer hatchbacks. I was thinking of a 2010 Prius, but just couldn't justify it, especially since the second car will only be driven 5-7k miles a year. And there's no way you'd ever make up the $10k price difference with 50 vs. 30 mpg.Anyway, the Vibe is really growing on me, and I'm trying to drive it whenever I can, even though the Prius remains our primary car (it gets 30k a year). But as soon as I get the Curt trailer hitch installed (ordered it yesterday) I'll be able to carry my bike with me, which I use everyday to commute from a commuter lot to my office.

[vibolista]

You're getting great mileage with your Prius, so you know about efficient driving techniques. Drive your Vibe the same way you drive the Prius and you'll do very well. My wife has a Prius, and it defaults to the primary travel car too. Did the same kind of thinking about the new 2010, but figured the cost would not be worth it. The Vibe makes a near perfect second car, (my primary car) especially if you can bag one for a bargain price like you did.

[808 Vibes]

Welcome and congrats! I see they are still using my ninja stars LOL