Greetings, 2009 Vibe purchase question

[mustard127]

Greetings,

Potential new Vibe owner here. Looking at this 2909 base model on craigslist. Recently had timing belt, routers, and brakes replaced. They are asking $7200, 109,000 miles.

http://ames.craigslist.org/cto/5022643210.html

What do you think?

Thanks!

[jake75]

The Vibe does not have a timing belt that needs replacement. It has a timing chain that generally lasts until the car dies. Also - no wifi in the 2009 Vibe so it wouldn't have a router (or a modem for that matter). I have a 2009 Base AT (new tires) with 37,000 miles that if I were to sell as a private party I would ask about $10,000. I estimate one like mine would be $14,000 on a CarMax lot. One with 109,000 miles probably $10-11,000. Why anyone would pay $10,000 for a 6-7 year old Vibe with 109,000 miles on it is beyond my understanding. But $7,200 doesn;t seem bad for that Vibe. especially since it has a 6 cyl engine. We've never seen one of those.

[vibrologist]

Mustard: are you shopping in my neck of the woods?

Obviously, the poster of that CL ad isn't very knowledgeable about cars. I bet they had the drive belt changed as there is no timing belt. Not knowing it is a 4 cylinder engine just goes along with that.

[mustard127]

Thanks for the replies. Vibrologist, I'm in grad school in Ames, searching for a car and very interested in the Vibe or Matrix. I have also been looking on Minneapolis craigslist. Please let me know if you hear of any Vibes in the area, or if you have any other comments on the one in Story City.

What do you think of this 2009 with 90,xxx miles for $5,500? Seems like too good of a deal to be true? http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/c ... 53498.html

Thanks!

[vibrologist]

Mustard: something is not right with that car in Minneapolis. Even Edmund's thinks it should be in the 9000 to 10000 range. It is a business and they should know what it is worth. Interesting enough I don't think they are member of the BBB.

http://www.edmunds.com/pontiac/vibe/200 ... value/tmv/

The one in Story City is worth a look. The pictures don't show the front and the right side. The hood is popped open. I noticed a small dent in the driver's door and maybe a smudge of sorts by the rear wheel. The price appears right for a car in good condition. Just verify it is in a good condition. You could ask them if they agree with a pre-purchase inspection. It is kind of a test question. If you want a pre-purchase inspection I suggest En-Tire Car Care near Target and Wal-Mart.
Maybe the owner has some maintenance records. If he or she can verify that they used Toyota brand fluids it would be a +. If they used generic stuff I wouldn't call it a deal killer. The car is not old and up enough in the miles to have suffered from that. But you would have to take care of it this summer.

I would use the blemishes and possibly slightly sub par maintenance as bargaining chips. I think Edmund's is estimating low and KBB is estimating high. I like a price in between the two.


Amescars on Duff Ave have a Toyota Matrix with manual transmission.

btw, I am working at Vet. Med.

[tpollauf]

Welcome to GenVibe Mustard (BTW ... my favorite condiment on sandwiches .) I want to know what size 6-cylinder engine this has under the hood? This Vibe must REALLY scoot along at a good clip!

You gotta love the typos you see is all these adds. Even yourself for misspelling "rotors". But seriously, if this Vibe checks out pretty good then any price around $7k would be very good. Keep us posted here

[kumquat]

6 cylinder Vibe?

[trb]

6 cylinder Vibe?

LOL! I know! I've actually wondered if it would be possible to shoe horn in a V6 from a Camry under the hood, since the 2.4 drivetrain is from a Camry. Wonder how tight of a fit it would be.

[ctgottapee]

If you get the exact specs, you can punch in the details into Edmunds and they will show you what the vehicle has sold for locally at dealers or private sellers over the last several months. It is the same info the dealer uses, only they get a lot more data, Edmunds just gives you a range.