torn

[jake75]

OT: jake75 - I just noticed you were in Columbus. We shall have to meet back here to razz each other during The Game!

I have both Pharmacy and Law degrees from The Ohio State University. But unlike some of the nuts around here you wont see me wearing a "I Hate Michigan" t-shirt. I like to see Ohio State win, but if they lose I don't let it ruin my whole weekend.

[Kincaid]

As much as I love the Pontiac styling I'm kinda kicking myself now for not just going with a new Matrix.

okay, now you lost me. I have never warmed up to the 2nd gen Matrix.

As someone who loves the 2nd gen Vibe both for style and performance (excepting mpg) it is difficult for me to relate. I am late to the party here, but it seems like you are getting good advice and are thinking this thing through pretty well. For me, loosing money on a deal trumps all, so even if I felt like you I doubt I'd take a bath on getting a different car right now. I suppose since you bought it used the bath wouldn't be as bad as if it had been new.

It is unfortunate that you probably can't do an adequate search online to find out who makes cars with back glass that lifts (or rolls down I suppose). My recommendation for a different car as far as interior volume goes would be a Honda Fit. Should also handle pretty good in the snow with narrow all season tires.

Good luck!

[Kincaid]

Just for kicks, I emailed the dealership with the '08 last night asking what a ball park figure would be for what I could expect to get for trade on my '09 GT. Now I wish I would have left it alone because they just emailed me back saying that in their market, the '09 GT would trade for somewhere between 10-11k. All that did was make me waver again because even at 10k, I would be rolling over less than I thought and financially it would not be the huge bath that I'd expected to take. Now, of course, that email is nothing official, so that might end up being nowhere near what they'd actually give me on trade, but it does make it more tempting - a car that's only one year older, same "loaded" features, BUT it does have significantly more miles as mine is only at 44K and the '08 is at 89K. Although I kinda consider that to maybe be a wash considering how long Vibe's tend to run and when I factor in the cool but cost-prohibitive tires that I'm hearing will likely have to be regularly replaced on this '09 (two separate tire guys made comments about the lack of longevity of low profile tires now, since I've been calling around asking about prices for replacing the rear two). ... I really should have just left it alone.

If I was you I think I'd figure out what budget I could live with and go test drive that '08. Tell them what you want for your trade and what you need to pay, be prepared to negotiate up to the max you are comfortable with, and if they can't do it or won't do it, walk out. Maybe they would be willing to deal to get a newer used vehicle on the lot.