Potential Vibe Owner Here

[Sleeperservice]

Hi everyone, I've really enjoyed reading through the forum and getting some information. I wanted to introduce myself, and I may be coming back here a lot if everything goes right and I can purchase the Vibe I'm looking at. Could you all give me some input on that subject? I test drove a 2003 Base model today. It's black on black, FWD automatic trans, power everything, and it's only got 51,000 miles on it. They are asking $8500 for it, and even at that low mileage I know it's higher than KBB's highest retail for excellent condition. I would say that it is in fact excellent condition, but I will try to haggle a bit. It did have one issue of making a very loud rhythmic sound coming from the dash. Like dit dit dop, dit dit dop, always in that rhythm. The salesman said it was probably the diverter for the a/c vent selection and said they would take a look at it. Other than that it seems pretty sweet. Since it's under 75000 miles I can also qualify for BG service protection plan and maybe forego an extended warranty. Any comments? And nice rides! Thanks.

[star_deceiver]

Welcome to GenVibe!!!

Way too much money for that car, no matter what the mileage... it's 10 model years old... there are 09 Vibes going for that price, easily!!!

[trbstang]

If the sound stops when you press the "recirculate" button, then it is the air diverter gear that is missing a tooth. Easy fix, there are instructions on here how to fix it if you want to do it yourself as a bargaining tool. Good luck!

[Rayven01]

Definitely way too high! I just bought on '09 for only $500 more than that. With some patience you could likely find one just like that for $6k, or if you're willing to spend that much, a newer model.

[tpollauf]

Agree with the others here ... WAY TOO MUCH and they probably only paid $3 - $4k for it and are trying to make a quick killing on it Don't be their next victim Also do us a favor and update your profile showing your location so some of us can possibly locate a Vibe for you. Good luck & welcome

[Sleeperservice]

Thanks for the replies everyone, yeah I am seeing that 09s are going for that price or a little more, which was surprising. But NADA and KBB are telling me $8000 is right in the ballpark for the 2003 with that mileage and such . I realize it is 10 years old and would rather have an 09 of course. I can't seem to find any on autotrader within 300 miles of me. I updated my profile with my location. I need a car soon(like yesterday) and the less I have to finance the better! Thanks!

[zyzyix]

Hi and welcome


That is too much. You could get a Scion Xd (or even Xb), newer for around the same cost or a little bit more.

[trb]

If you want to head to Houston we have a nice 09 GT down here for under $12K. 39K miles one owner. I found a complete Autocheck report online for it and went to look at it last night. I was thinking about it for my daughter, (yes, a THIRD Vibe!) but my wife wants a newer small SUV for herself instead.

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.js ... listType=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Autocheck:
http://dealers.autosweet.com/Tools/Auto ... id=5085874" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Call Linda Patterson at the dealer for info on it, I talked to her about it.

[tpollauf]

I can't seem to find any on autotrader within 300 miles of me.

Hopefully something will pop up in your area. When we were looking for another Vibe for our son a couple years ago, we wanted the 09-10 GT model but in a certain color and it had to be an automatic (my red one is stick shift). Found the Neptune 09 down in Cincinnati and then the 4 hour drive to check it out. The following week we made another 4 hour drive to take delivery of it. Up where I'm at it is more densely populated so cars are more readily available. Down where you're at you may have to DOUBLE the span in order to get the same pool of vehicles. Don't give up .... keep looking and you'll eventually get a Vibe

[vibolista]

Look around... there are plenty of Vibes out there for sale with low miles and in great shape. I just went on cargurus.com this weekend to look around for my son and found some really great Vibes for sale. If they don't come down reasonably, walk away. They probably took that car as a trade in for a lot less. Making a reasonable profit is fine, but reasonable is the key word here. They should easily drop the price 1,000 to 2,000 bucks.

Haggle. It's expected. If they don't meet your price, walk away. In most cases, they will ask you to come back into the office/showroom to try to make the sale. Be patient, but hang tough to your price limit. Good luck!

[Sleeperservice]

Thanks for your help everyone. I admit I am kind of smitten with this particular vibe b/c of the low miles and its pristine condition. I did the carfax on it and it's a one owner no accidents. I do realize it is a high price for it though. I will definitely be haggling, and if they can't meet my price then I will walk. Unfortunately I don't have the luxury of waiting for a vehicle right now, and this one has all the features I want. And the vibe/matrix is of course one of the best reviewed cars out there so I'm not really interested in anything else. Beggars can't be choosers though I know, but I can't afford any payments on a vehicle over 10,000. Well, I'll be trying to get the loan from my credit union tomorrow. Hopefully I'll be posting pics sometime this week if I can get the car at the right price. You guys and gals rock. I hope I have a reason to keep coming here soon

[robtco99]

Not sure what BG plan is, but I wouldn't pay an extra dime for any kind of warranty on a 10 year old car, especially one that is reliable as the vibe is.

Sounds like a nice car, but hopefully you can work on the price.

[trb]

Not sure what BG plan is, but I wouldn't pay an extra dime for any kind of warranty on a 10 year old car, especially one that is reliable as the vibe is.

http://www.bgfindashop.com/locator/index.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

BG Products are basically additives or flush products to keep the various vehicle systems clean; oil, fuel, cooling, trans, etc. As a part of their service, they provide extended warranty protection for the covered systems. Only provided by certified BG service shops, they are pretty highly regarded by some of my local auto shops. I've never used them though.

[vibolista]

Just searched for BG Products stores here in Maine... found 3 within 5 miles, and I live out in the woods! Never heard of BG Products!