SOLD: 2005 Pontiac Vibe – one owner, low miles, great condit

[LeRoy]

The car is a Neptune Blue base model with automatic, color-matched bumpers and wheel arches, and Convenience Package (cruise control, power locks, windows and mirrors). I bought the car new. We don’t do many miles, so the car’s total mileage is just 66,900 as of this morning. It’s always been dealer serviced and never had any accident damage or body work.

It still has the standard radio but I upgraded all four speakers to Polk Audio DB651. They fit perfectly in the original location behind the unmodified door panels. I also installed an iSimple iPod interface. This is the kind that plays through the radio’s CD changer input. You control selections from the iPod and it charges the iPod while in use.

The car is stock and original, with a few minor modifications/upgrades:
• Original equipment roof rails have been installed on the standard roof rack. I had the rails powder coated silver and they look nice with the silver rack.
• I also installed the two-level center armrest that was standard on the 2003-4 models. This gives a nice bit of added storage and a better height for the armrest.
• Within the deep center console compartment I’ve added a 12-volt outlet (another item that was standard until 2004).
• I added a HomeLink transmitter, cleanly installed at the forward end of the center console. With this, you won’t need to use or carry a separate garage door opener.
• I also added a rear bumper scuff plate to reduce potential damage to the top surface of the rear bumper.
• The car has almost new front floor mats and a rear cargo mat by Lloyd Mats. These are their best quality heavy Berber carpet and fit perfectly – and the rear mat helps reduce road noise a bit. The rear seat mats are the originals and in fine shape.

The tires are Bridgestone Potenza G019 Grid tires in the original 205/55-R16 size. They have about 60% of their tread left and have been a great set of tires for enthusiastic driving – and they are much quieter than the original Goodyears. Within the last 500 miles I had the front brakes done with new AC/Delco ceramic pads. The rotors were turned and are well within spec. The battery is about two years old and is the most powerful one sold by CostCo in the original size.

The car is in excellent shape. It has a minor door ding or two, but no significant damage. The paint still has a great shine. The interior is super clean, never smoked in, and no rips, stains or damage to the upholstery or trim. All the glass is perfect; no chips, cracks or damage.

How much, you ask? $7,750. I’m located in southeast Michigan and can meet a serious buyer locally. Pictures also available. Send me a message with your e-mail and I’ll send you as many as you’d like.

[jake75]

Four years ago in Feb. 2009 I sold a 6 year old similar 2003 with 33,000 miles for $9,500. That was a good deal for both buyer and seller.
Used car prices have trended upward since then. A $7,750 price for an eight year old Vibe with 67,000 miles seems in the high range of ballpark.
Just my best guess. Do a national search at carmax,com. Subtract $2,500 and you should be near market for a private sale.

[LeRoy]

Four years ago in Feb. 2009 I sold a 6 year old similar 2003 with 33,000 miles for $9,500. That was a good deal for both buyer and seller.
Used car prices have trended upward since then. A $7,750 price for an eight year old Vibe with 67,000 miles seems in the high range of ballpark.
Just my best guess. Do a national search at carmax,com. Subtract $2,500 and you should be near market for a private sale.

Interesting advice. Perhaps you should have followed it before declaring the price to be "in the high range of ballpark." The price is very much in the ballpark, if not a smidgen on the low side. Here's the range of Carmax prices on 2004-2006 Vibes. As you note, used car prices have trended upward since your single, outdated point of reference.

http://www.carmax.com/enus/search-resul ... 50d172b1d1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jake75]

As I said - "just my best guess". And I pointed you in the right direction. In the end a motor vehicle is worth whatever someone will pay you for it. Sorry this seemed to have upset you.

[joatmon]

Interesting dialog on the price, but the only real question hasn't yet been asked or answered.

Why are you selling it?

A secondary and subordinate question is what you will be using to replace it

[Chiadog]

If you are replacing it, what did the dealer offer you on trade? Just curious.
chiadog

[LeRoy]

Reason for sale: I'm now eligible for a screaming good deal on leased Volkswagen or Audi vehicles. So yesterday I picked up a 2013 Beetle Fender Edition at a price that was simply too good to resist. For the first two days so far, the Beetle is a blast to drive. The latest generation Beetles have been dramatically upgraded from the original "New" Beetle with am emphasis on better packaging, great chassis dynamics and less of the cutesy "bud vase" character. The bottom line is that with the Beetle and a Kia Sportage in the garage, the Vibe is available to a new home.

As to a trade-in figure, none was ever offered or sought. The nature of my particular transaction on the Beetle precluded a trade-in, so that was never part of the equation. And unlike what was implied in a post above, I did the homework on pricing. The asking price is based on a composite of Kelley Blue Book and NADA private party prices for my geographic area, with a small allowance for the upgrades I've made to the Vibe.

I'd be pleased to hear from anybody interested in more information, but I fail to understand why anyone else would feel it necessary to offer unhelpful and nonconstructive "suggestions." Sorry to be so pointed on this; now, let's return to our regularly scheduled programming.

[jake75]

In my 10 years of active participation on this Board I don't think I have ever been treated so rudely nor have I ever treated another member so rudely. Let us all know what you were able to get for your 2005 Vibe with 67,000 miles so we may all be better educated in regard to how the market value of our Vibes is holding up. At age 70 I have had a lot of experience in buying and selling motor vehicles. My 2009 Vibe 1.8L AT Power Package msrp $19,480 was purchased new for right around $13,000 out the door - no trade in - thanks in part to a $1,250 GM Card rebate that was upped to $3,000 as part of a limited GM promotion.

[LeRoy]

Thanks to those who expressed interest. The Vibe sold through Craigslist to the first looker. The selling price of $7500 should be informative to anyone who wishes to know an actual selling price benchmark.

[Chiadog]

Congratulations LeRoy! Selling used cars can be a hassle, but your went fast! Gotta love craigslist.
chiadog

[jake75]

Can be a hassle but the money you get compared to what a dealer offers in trade usually makes it worthwhile. I sold my 2004 T&C SWB with 22,000 miles in July 2007 for $11,500. Dealer offered $7,000 in trade; CarMax offered $8,000 to buy it outright. CarMax was asking $13,500 for similar vehicles on their lot. I didn't even ask when I bought my 2009 Vibe in Jan. 2009 - sold my 2003 as mentioned earlier. I suspect I got at least $2,500 more than the dealer would have offered. And that extra money is legally tax free. Most would have to earn $4,000 in wages to net $2,500.