quote:I've been looking at the Vibe/Matrix, Protege'5, Focus ZX5 even the 5 door Elantra GT and have decided the Vibe/Matrix is what I want. Don't go with Ford. First off, EVERYONE drives a focus. Second, their quality is questionable. There's a guy I work with who drives a focus, less than a year old, and it spends more time in the shop than it does on the road. P5, I can't say anything about, not familiar with how it drives. Same with Elantra GT...but you've had a Hyundai, go for something different and exciting this time! quote:After research I am leaning towards going with the base model for the following reasons:Better gas mileageMore usable regular RPM powerQuieter operatingI personally have not noticed any major difference in engine noise between the 1ZZ (base, AWD) engine and the 2ZZ (GT) engine. However, don't forget, the GT model requires premium fuel, which means a higher operating cost.quote:Will I hate myself for not going for the GT(I'm getting a stick either way)?GT definitely has more power. But if you're concerned about stretching your dollar more than lots of kick, you might be better off with a manual base model (or AWD even). But you should probably test drive both models to see how you feel about them.quote:Are the suspensions the same for Base and GT?Yes. Only the AWD has a different rear suspension.quote:Is the Navigation system good and how about the stereo with it?I can't answer this one, no nav system here, though I saw one, and it's pretty sweet! Kind of a bummer though that you have to reach under the seat to load the changer with the nav system. I personally prefer loading the dash.quote:16" or 17"wheels?That's all personal preference. I like 17's though.quote:Painted lowers or plastic? Will the plastic get nasty overtime from weather and wax residue?Again, personal preference. You pay more for a monotone look. I like the two tone in certain colors, mainly Neptune (blue) and Satellite (silver). Some members have problems with wax getting on the plastic cladding. I am one. That was my own stupid mistake though. I have yet to find anything that takes it off. Some also have had problems with a "sandblasting" type effect from road debris. However, GM has addressed this issue with a TSB (technical service bulletin) that replaces the damaged parts, and adds a rocker extension. This has been covered under our warranties. The 04 models have this extension already.quote:Last but not least, I dont qualify for the GM employee/vendor discount not the customer loyalty discount so would I shoot for straight invoice price less the $1500 rebate on the 04's? Could I do better?Not my area of expertise. I do know we have many GM employees on here who are helping us out with bonuses. Check this thread:
http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=5911 for info on paying just 4% above what a GM employee pays, which roughly comes out to 8-9% below invoice. This program expires at the end of September, however, so if Vibe is what you want, you need to move to get that discount.
YES!I still visit GenVibe periodically. I have not forgotten about my "original" family over here!
2009 PONTIAC G8
3.6L V6 (256 HP @ 6300 rpm, 248 ft-lbs. @ 2100 rpm)