one more "vs" ? - GT vs. AWD (2009)

[Mazzy21]

Hi again.

So the clock is ticking on finding a new Vibe to replace my 'deer fatality' '05 Base. I have about three days left to shop/buy so my options are limited by what's out there right now.

One thing that would have saved me many hours on review sites would have been if I'd realized that, in order to get a sunroof (something I decided I WILL have this time around) you have to get one of the 2.4L engine versions (for 2nd gens). So all my wibbling over AWD vs. FWD based on the lack luster mpg on the AWD was for not, because now I'm looking at only a slight difference in mpg between models all stocked with the 2.4L engine.

However, I know with my '05 Base, mpg just kept on improving over time and so now I'm wondering about the AWD vs. the GT (2009s).

I originally wanted the AWD due to Ann Arbor's complete lack of snow plowing in the winter and the poor handling (in winter driving) of my '05 Base. Then I posed the AWD vs. FWD question to you guys and decided it just wasn't worth the lower mpg for the AWD. ... Then I found out I couldn't get a sunroof with the 1.8L.

It probably seems like a kinda dumb thing to hold out for, but since, like my last Vibe, I plan on keeping this car until it falls apart, I decided I really want to just have all the features I enjoy in a car this time around and that includes a sunroof (which I missed greatly with my last Vibe).

So my new question to you all is, based on what's available to me today (remember that clock - tick tock), I can get either a 2009 GT or a 2009 AWD - same price ranges, and only slight differences in mpg. Any guidance here??

My thoughts are that 1. an AWD might cost significantly more to fix if something goes wrong, 2. AWD might handle better in the ridiculous snow covered roads of Ann Arbor - but maybe not, 3. if, like my Vibe, gas mileage tends to improve over time, it *may* improve more with the GT than with the AWD just based on the more sluggish/bogged down nature of the AWD in general - but again, I have no idea if that speculation will come true.

So what do you guys think? With MPG being relatively equal at the onset, is it better to invest in the GT or the AWD? I do almost exclusively city driving now, with a once-a-year semi- cross country trip. My city driving experience is horrendous in the winters (thanks to you guys I know to get snow tires regardless of model), but otherwise the landscape is fairly flat and unchallenging. I take the freeway to work but it's only 15 minutes so acceleration matters more there than mpg there as the car won't go far enough to really warm up anyway. And lastly, there's nothing particularly pro or con for me on the aesthetics of either model.

Advice? Guidance? Any owners see the improvement over time with mpg that I saw with my '05 Base?? Any input is greatly appreciated. I go car shopping (again) today.

[thebarber]

1. Whichever you get buy extra rims with snow tires.

2. GT with have 18's with low profile tires...Michigan roads suck....how is your tolerance for ride?

3. AWD will be more to keep up as it has the rear different, etc.

4. Both will suck on gas compared to your 1zz.

5. GT you can get a manual transmission, if you choose

6. Awd will likely have the roof rack, which IMO is ugly on the gen2 vibes

7. Both will have independent rear suspensions so lowering it is a pain

8. GT has the better looking front and rear bumpers

Personally, I'd find a non-gt with the 2.4L and a 5 speed

[Mazzy21]

Thank you for getting back with me so soon. I would love to find a non-GT, non-AWD, 2.4L but unfortunately I'm not seeing any for sale within 75 miles at least (according to Autotrader). Though I'm kinda wondering if I should still at least drive through the lots around here to see anything they may not have listed, but I'm not real hopeful. There's actually a lot of Vibe drivers here. Ann Arbor is granola country so maybe the fuel economy just appealed to Ann Arborites. *I'm not originally from here but that's my take on the locals.

I should correct that and say that there may have been a couple grey ones - I didn't look at anything grey; or white for that matter because a white first gen is what I had and I thought I'd change it up a little. Truthfully I like the look of first gens exponentially more than 09-10s but I figure since they're getting on in age I should probably stick with the newer models now. And since I want to stick with a Vibe first and foremost ~shrug~ 2nd gen it is.

Michigan roads do suck and it was a rough ride sometimes in my '05, but that doesn't bother me ( or maybe I'm just used to it, living in MI my whole life lol).

I don't particularly like that silver roof rack either, although I did prefer the roof rack in the older models so I'll keep that in mind.

I won't do any work to it so I don't need to worry about lowering it, and thanks for confirming my suspicions on which one would be more to deal with if repairs are needed. I can't drive stick so manual transmission isn't going to be an option for me. *Dads please teach your daughters to drive stick!! Moms... don't. You'll just kill both of you! lol Can you tell it was my mom that tried to teach me manual transmissions?

[vibolista]

Go on Car Gurus (cargurus.com) and see if there are any more listings for Vibes out there. Expand your search beyond 75 miles if you can.

AWD and the Autobox will significantly lower MPG. Upper 20s mpg is not great as gas prices drift back an forth from 3 to 4 bucks a gallon. I get upper 20s mpg from my old 4 cyl truck! My manual 1.8l Vibe gets 36 to 40 mpg... so it's a bit better. If you drive a lot, it makes a big difference. If you do a lot of town driving, it will make a pretty huge difference on how much you spend for fuel.

"Granola" or not... fuel burned is money spent.

Don't get caught out, as fuel prices drop a little now and then bump inevitably upward, as they always do. Vibes are an extremely reliable car and fairly fuel efficient if you get the right combination of engine and transmission.

Good luck.

[j42.snyder]

I must admit that the only powertrain combination I did not test drive was the 2009 AWD.

I found that the 1.8's were adequate for normal daily use, but felt that they were clearly having to work notably harder to accelerate once adding a bit of a load - such as passengers. Because I sometimes tow between 800 and 1,500 pounds, I felt that although it could most likely "do it", it probably wouldn't be all that pleasurable an experience. I also liked the fact that the 2.4 equipped cars have larger brakes all around. They work great when the car is loaded normally, and provide an extra margin of safety when carrying more than just a couple of passengers. I've also been very impressed at the rate of wear on mine to date. So far, the pads don't appear to be half worn yet, and I just checked them at the 130,000km mark (about 81,000 miles for my American friends here).

I can attest that here in Canada, a sunroof was most definitely available with the 1.8 as a separate option for the 2009 model year. It was only standard on the GT, but available on all others. The 1.8 auto I test drove with my family had the sunroof. Although I did like the added light inside the car, I found that it did little for ventilation on the highway when open. Not worth the $1,100 they were asking for it at the time, to me at least.

With the 1.8, on the highway around 60MPH, I seem to remember the RPM's being around 2700 with the auto, maybe even slightly higher with the manual. With the 2.4 FWD, my 5 speed auto only revs slightly over 2000 at that speed, where my brother's 5 speed manual sits closer to 2800. The auto is actually rated to get better mileage overall than the manual with the 2.4, which I believe is probably true based on the drastically different gearing. You can see my mileage stats by clicking on my signature. I'm quite a "relaxed" driver most of the time, but often do get stuck in plenty of stop and go traffic. I'm sure a 1.8 could do better, but I enjoy the relaxed feel of the 2.4 on the highway with almost no engine noise being present when cruising, as well as the very adequate power for on ramps and passing when needed. It also has enough reserve to safely pass transports when towing.

Another consideration at least on how the 2009's were packaged here, is that the fold flat front seat was only available with the 2.4. In 2010, it became optional regardless of engine choice. I've used that feature a number of times for long items (fence posts, lumber etc). To me that substantially increases the versatility of the car. I just wanted the OP to be aware that this wasn't included on ALL 2nd gens as it was on the first.

The 2.4 AWD has a different transmission than the FWD - it's only a 4 speed. Overall gearing appears such that the revs will probably be similar to the FWD when cruising, but fuel consumption is rated to be quite drastically different. My street almost never gets plowed here in the winter either, and I've never had any difficulty with my FWD and Bridgestone Blizzak WS60's. They have close to 50k km's (30k miles) on them now, and still have plenty of tread. About 8/32" near the center, and 9/32" at the outer edges. Apparently the extra 2PSI or so I typically run in them hasn't been ideal. They still gripped just as well this winter as when they were new. I find I need to temporarily disable the TCS to get through deep snow, but otherwise it rarely intervenes. I've never felt it kick in other than in snowy or very icy conditions. I'm sure AWD would still have some advantage in severe conditions to get going - but it won't help with cornering or stopping. I'd prefer to stick with the FWD for better fuel mileage and lower maintenance. I haven't driven either an AWD or GT to comment on any difference in ride with the independent rear suspension - but again I see that as potentially higher maintenance. The AWD also has two fuel pumps to deal with the tank that goes over the hump for the drive shaft.

I hope this provides a little more insight. Overall, if something happened to my car now, I'd be quite happy to find an identical replacement if possible. I may consider a GT if the ride was tolerable - although I'd probably switch down to 16" rims to have a wider choice of tires and potentially a softer ride. I suspect I'd end up ruining the GT rims on some of the roads I travel on anyway. I just put new Michelin Primacy MXV4's on my Vibe recently, and must say that they offer a notably quieter and somewhat smoother ride than the factory GY's. I'd strongly recommend them for anyone looking for new rubber. Mine are just the base P205/55R16's.

John

[vibenvy]

Sunroofs were definitely an option for the 2009-2010 1.8L Bases. I have seen at least one in person.

[Mazzy21]

Hmm, I read an article going over each style that said 1.8L Bases didn't have that as an option so I stopped looking at them. I should have just came here and asked first since GenVibe is THE authority on all things Vibe. Still, after much research I think I'll stick with the GT.

[trb]

I would certainly expand your search distance. The last 3 used cars I bought were from about 40 to 225 miles away. Sometimes you got to travel for a good deal! There are quite a few 09-10 Vibes within 200 miles of you, many of them GM Certified so you get the 12 mo 12K mile warranty too.

Good luck!

[Mazzy21]

I plan on traveling this weekend. About three hours. You're right in that there are plenty by me - if only I would take another color. And eventually I will accept that I may not be able to get a black one, but for right now I'm still trying for the black.

I haven't test driven a Base 2.4L, but I have test driven the GT and I do really like it. It felt a lot more sure-footed than my Base '05, and there was an astounding difference in pick up when I hit the freeway. That thing just buzzed right along without missing a beat, where as my old '05, you could tell it had to work for it when getting up to speed to merge. Speed limits are all 70mph here so obviously freeway traffic flows at right around 80. I am a little curious if the Base 2.4L would ride the same but I really like the trim and interior of the GT so that's my first choice.

[thebarber]

Black only? Seems like you're sort of going for efficiency but want a colour of car.that heats up a TON in the summer...thus you'll use a/c

[Mazzy21]

Black is my first choice, but I park in a parking garage so I don't have to worry so much about the heat. Finding black ones for sale is the big problem.