Looking to Buy My First Vibe...

[steven]

Hello everyone, my name is Steven from British Columbia Canada and I am looking to buy my first vibe. Any thoughts on this one here:
http://www.dueckgm.com/used-cars/2009-P ... id=1467480" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

After much research the value & storage capacity & fuel economy of the vibe appeal greatly to me. Can't wait to get into the driver's seat. Any tips for a new vibe buyer will be appreciated.

[steven]

I should also note that this will be my first car ever...

[star_deceiver]

Not bad! Personally, I'd knock them down to $11000.

1) Find out if the steering rack has ever been replaced. Pay attention to how the steering behaves on the test drive, shudder, roughness, ect.
2) Look closely at the paint between the left and right edges of the rear spoiler and hatch. The paint is known to chip in those seams.
3) Tires. If they're not new or have lots of tread, insist they replace them (or knock off more $$$ on the price).
4) Brakes. Being from Van, this car has most likely a lot of city mileage. So it'll have lots of brake use. Check the pad wear if possible.
5) That car has no floor mats. Maybe get them to include some.

[Scwmcan]

I have to agree the price is a little high, I too think around $11,000 would be about right. I paid 12,000 for my Matrix in July and it is the Mid level one ( with the larger engine ( which is both a plus and a minus, so I wouldn't worry about that, but theoretically it should cost a little more) and a few other niceties not on the base vibe which would up it's price a bit), given that it is six months later and the car you are looking at is a bit lower spec I think the lower prie is justified, but they may not, it can also depend on howling the car has been therein how much they are willing to deal. If after you drive it you like it, the main thing is that you will be happy with whatever price you wind up paying, and with the car.
Edit: Oops after looking at the add again I see that it does have the larger engine, so is comparable in spec to my car, so even 12,000 would be a fair price, the almost 13,000 the are asking may still be slightly high, but if it is comparable to what the cars are getting in your area ( every area's pricing is slightly different after all) it may still be worth it, and it doesn't hurt to make a lower offer.

[Caretaker]

Yes, that price is way too high. Go do a search for used 2009-2010 models on http://www.cars.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and see for yourself.

[steven]

Wow great suggestions, thanks everyone. It sounds like the 09/10's have a pretty common issue with a rattle in the steering rack at lower speeds. I will certainly keep an ear out for that. Thanks again! I will keep you posted.

[Caretaker]

In addition to the intermediate steering shaft issue on our 2009-2010 Vibes, the Corolla Vibe also has:

1. radio knob's plastic base cracks, allowing the knob to just spin and spin
2. camshaft timing gear actuator noise at start up
3. recall on gas pedal (to be trimmed or replaced)
4. power window master switch assembly recall
5. auto transmission clunk from 2nd to 3rd gear (or 3rd to 2nd) requiring a computer reflash from the dealer
6. oil consumption issue requiring and ECM reflash of the computer
7. bad water pump on some Corollas and Vibes. Mine has not shown any exterior Toyota Pink fluid leakage that I can discern.

Toyota has certainly kept us on our toes with this car, that's for sure.

[Scwmcan]

Caretaker, while the price may be way too high in the states, it is not too far out up here in Canada where the OP is from, yes we still get to pay way more than you guys even when the car is used, it is starting to get better with some manufacturers selling for fairly close to the US price, but others are still way out of line, despite the basically equal value of our dollar at the moment.

[trb]

Good list! But be aware some of these items may only apply to 1.8l models or only 2009 models, from what I've seen. Good luck on your car search.

[Caretaker]

ah, St. Catherines; home of Neil Peart. I have enjoyed my time up in that region, especially the nearby Niagara on the Lake.
Since May, used car prices have begun to (finally) fall after this 4 year run up. I believe that due to high new car sales last year and predicted again for this year, used car prices will really begin to fall. Hopefully the same will be true in the land that gave us Neil Peart, Bill Shatner, Shania Twain, and Corner Gas.

[kazenosword]

My Vibe was my second car, but the first one I picked out. I was hoping to get a brand new one, but by the time I got to the dealership, the it was sold. So instead of waiting for the same one again, I looked at the used ones. My Vibe has never let me down. I find it to be a great car with great gas mileage. I live in the Adirondacks (a very mountainous area in New York State that gets lots of snow) and have never been let down. I have front wheel drive, and sometimes have issues getting started on hills, but once we're going, no problems what so ever. Good luck!

[tpollauf]

Looks clean and the mileage is OK. No sunroof or Monsoon premium sound system Also THREE different prices shown in the ad. The original 15xxx on the windshield, then the 13xxx which was crossed out to the now 12xxx This means it's probably been on their lot for a while and they will likely be willing to negotiate even lower! Nice color & tint also! Go for it

[steven]

Thanks for the help guys. The items you listed gave me quite a bit of leverage in negotiating. I will post a photo soon!

[zyzyix]

Looks clean and the mileage is OK. No sunroof or Monsoon premium sound system Also THREE different prices shown in the ad. The original 15xxx on the windshield, then the 13xxx which was crossed out to the now 12xxx This means it's probably been on their lot for a while and they will likely be willing to negotiate even lower! Nice color & tint also! Go for it

....or someone else looked at it, found some issues, and Passed on it.

[steven]

Not quite home yet...

[808 Vibes]

11k? Aw gee, for 11k, I'd let BOTH of mine go. J/K.

[Kincaid]

Looks very pretty in black!

If by chance you are still negotiating and the steering column does have the low speed clunky rattle, complain mightily! But don't worry, I've put over 30k on mine the the rattle never gets worse and is not apparently any safety concern.

Welcome to Gen Vibe!

[steven]

So I did end up getting it today. Thanks everyone for the help. I ended up getting it for 10.5 plus tax which I am happy with. The only cons so far is that it seems to be missing the tool set and part of the jack (the long rod part that hooks up to the actual jack, the jack itself is there). Other then that all is good! Super excited about it.

[808 Vibes]

Congrats! I would check the salvage yards for the missing hardware.