Hello all - bought my Vibe today

[KRR]

She's an '06 model, only 86K on the odo, grey color, base model, been sore neglected, rode hard and put up wet (but I'm gonna take care of that). I'd never paid Vibes much attention, until a friend said he was selling and asked me to help him list it on CL and such. Learned more about the car in that process, liked what I had learned, and so... here I am.

Right off the bat I have to get a new windshield, left rear lens, tires, a battery, and do some deep cleaning. Even with all that, the deal I got puts me a few K ahead of KBB value for a Vibe of this vintage and mileage.

Been driving an '03 Chevy Astro. Not sure if y'all know Astro folks, but they love their rides too, and for good reason. Great van, surprising mileage, and reliable drivetrain. Mine has 172K on it, and I set it up like a mini-RV, it's my "Home Away...". Plan to do the same with the Vibe, and then take it across our great Nation later this year to look at things and visit relatives. Should be a lot cheaper to do that with the Vibe, than it would with the 22mpg highway van.

I love to ride 2-wheels, too. Currently have an Ape (Sport City Cube, if ya know 'em), and a mint condition '72 CB350K4. In warmer weather, the Ape is my daily driver, but I haven't yet trained my CrewDog to ride yet, so that limits the adventure possibilities.

Thanks for having us aboard! Extra Thanks in Advance for y'all putting up with my eventual asking one of the hundred Q's you hear over and over from new owners, tho' I will try to keep that to a minimum.

Peace!

[vibrologist]

Welcome on board, KRR! You seem to be the right kind of owner for a neglected Vibe. Please show us before and after pictures. Start thread in the GenVibe Garage. I like to know more about your bikes and your dog as well. I used to have Ford Aerostar, quite similar to the Astro.

Check your calendar: June 25 is a Vibe meet in Nashville TN.

[vibenvy]

Welcome to GenVibe! As vibrologist said, you should definitely post some before and after pictures of your "new" Vibe when you get a chance !

[KRR]

I'll post up some pics tomorrow, before I do any cleaning or anything, start a thread... But be warned, you won't like what you see.

This afternoon made an appointment for the windshield replacement (Monday), found an '06 taillight on eBay in nice shape for about 1/2 retail, that'll be here Tuesday. Gonna see about getting some rubber for the 4 corners tomorrow; I live in a small southern town and may have to head up to the road a bit to get a decent deal. They are some of the saddest tires I have ever seen. Pulled the battery and speed charged it 'til full; seems like it's holding charge, so I may be able to put that purchase off for a little bit.

Does anyone here use their Vibe on a semi-regular basis for camping? I see lots of Prius owners doing that on YouTube - some are even living out of their cars. That is a project I will be undertaking, to come up with a 'microRV' setup. Having gotten used to doing it with the Astro, it was one of the first things I checked on the Vibe - can I stretch out in the back... The passenger side seat-to-try-table makes me think that someone at Pontiac must have had it in mind as well. Anticipating a lot of road trips this coming year, sure shaves a corner off the budget when you don't have to shell out $100 to get some shuteye at night.

Thanks for the replies, see y'all tomorrow!

Kurt n Barque, the Crewdog

[tpollauf]

Welcome to GenVibe. Looking forward to pics of your Vibe. Also update profile for us showing location. We could literally be your neighbor and not know it. Glad you found us here

[KRR]

Also update profile for us showing location. We could literally be your neighbor and not know it.

Done. The actual city name is Georgetown. It's tiny and relatively unknown outside of the state, so for those not familiar the way I wrote it should make it easier to place.

Currently shopping on eBay for the driver door window/lock switch panel...

Which reminds me - Is there a 'trick' to locking the back hatch with a key? Last night I couldn't get it to lock during several tries, but then somehow (maybe while holding key turned to left while shutting?) it locked after closing. I decided to let sleeping dogs lie at that point. Haven't yet perused the handbook to find out...

[ImUrOBGYN]

Welcome to GenVibe. Gl with personalizing your new to you Vibe!

[KRR]

Thanks, OB!

Pic thread is up in the garage now:
viewtopic.php?f=30&t=45059

[vibrologist]

KRR: if you like to share about the Astro and the bikes you can do so here: viewforum.php?f=40

[vibenvy]

What breed is Barque your crew dog?