Vibe Hunting in Arizona

[VibeAZ]

I have always liked the looks of the Vibe and have reached a point in time now it is my turn to find one!

I have enjoyed the posts and links from this site and share your enthusiasm for the vehicle.

I like the 2003 through 2008 models but probably will pass due to the fact I live at 7,000 feet. A larger motor is advantageous for pulling up and down the mountain grades. I want the vehicle to be fun and responsive and not struggle to much or MPG will suffer. The extra HP and TORQUE is needed. So, I am leaning toward the 2.4 with the 5 speed auto. Based on my research I am looking at a 2009 or 2010.

I live close enough to Phx. that if the right deal comes along I can run down there and pick it up. I typically purchase from private party sellers and have had exceptional luck over the years with my many vehicle purchases.

The Vibe will be our third vehicle and will be the go to vehicle for zipping around town everyday. I have two youngsters that are learning to drive and the car seems well matched to our active lifestyle.

Since you know these vehicles I am asking you guys for any input that you think should go into my decision making process as it relates to the car...

I am going to stay clear of AWD since my other vehicles both are equipped with it. If the going gets that ugly I will roll the Sorento or the GMC Sierra.

If anyone you know is wanting to make a deal - let me know- I am a cash buyer. Thx from Flagstaff. I hope to share my findings here once I have had success in my endeavor!

[trb]

Welcome and good luck in your search. We have enjoyed our two Vibes over the years, and know they are a great vehicle, especially for our kids. We bought my son's 06 when he was in high school and after he went to college, I drove it for a year and got hooked. So a year ago I bought myself a 2010 GT. Bad thing is my daughter is really enjoying that car now so I may lose it to her!

One comment, my son's Vibe ran pretty well when we drove across the country from Houston to LA on I-10. Even running the motor hard in the mountains, and at high speeds, we still averaged about 30mpg, vs the usual 35mpg on flat land. It was probably in the 27mpg range in AZ. It does not have a lot of extra power, but it did run ok for us and kept up with all the traffic. I think the highest elevation we drove was about 5,000 ft or so. If you haven't already, I would at least drive a couple of the earlier ones too. The 09-10 models do have a lot more features, and you can probably get decent mpg on the 2.4L. I get 29 on the highway, 24 in the city, but that is in Houston!

[lannvouivre]

I have a 2006 base vibe, and although accelerating uphill is pretty sluggish and climbing steep hills at 70+ mph gets my mother to start sighing in exasperation (due to engine noise), I got over 30 mpg. This was at 70-80 mph going up and down hills on the interstate with the A/C running, passengers, and luggage. On the other hand, it sounds like you're wanting to tow stuff.

[KITT222]

Welcome to Genvibe! Great to hear you want one. Will this one do?

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/3428868981.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jake75]

Do a CarMax national search - see what they are asking for similar year, miles, model. Deduct $3,000 and you should arrive at what is a reasonable price.

[tpollauf]

Welcome to GenVibe You won't regret going with the 09-10 Vibes. The GT's offer a stiffer sportier suspension and the 18" wheels really hug the road and corner on a dime! Mileage for the 2.4L down here at 545 ft above sea level is mid 20's city, low-mid 30's highway. Looking forward to seeing what you end up getting. Thanks for asking us for this valuable input

[vibenvy]

Welcome to GenVibe! You have certainly come to the right place to research the Vibe!

My mom and I both have 2009 Vibe GTs and we absolutely love them! Great looks, decent mileage (26-28 MPG with 50% city/50% highway; as high as 33.9 with 100% highway), plenty of room. I could go on and on. Whichever model, year, etc. Vibe you end up with, you won't be disappointed. Keep us updated on your search !

[zyzyix]

Hi and welcome to Genvibe.


You may have better luck finding a Matrix. It is still being produced, at least for another few months to a year, and there may be more 2.4 equipped models than the Vibe had. Good luck.

Too bad you're not looking at a manual, because the Suzuki SX4 with manual would also be a very good choice as well.

[VibeAZ]

Thanks for the input I will keep you updated!

[SeattleJeremy]

Too bad you're not looking at a manual, because the Suzuki SX4 with manual would also be a very good choice as well.

Suzuki is leaving the US market, so I wouldn't count on warranty work
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/05/amer ... -sell-car/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Besides that 2.0L they use would get pretty winded at 7000ft, and its only rated at 22/30mpg.

[zyzyix]

Too bad you're not looking at a manual, because the Suzuki SX4 with manual would also be a very good choice as well.

Suzuki is leaving the US market, so I wouldn't count on warranty work
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/05/amer ... -sell-car/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Besides that 2.0L they use would get pretty winded at 7000ft, and its only rated at 22/30mpg.

I know It was a suggestion.