New to me 03 GT

[RonB]

Hello, all

I just purchased an 03 Vibe GT that I ran across locally that was too good a deal to pass up.

It is Salsa red with faded gray cladding. It had 99,000 miles on it. It was very dirty, but drove like a new car (at least, compared to my old one).

Once I get it cleaned up, I will take and post some pictures.

I have liked the Vibes since they were first introduced, but never actually bought one before.

Yes, lift is very much addictive

This was purchased to be my daily driver (80 miles round trip) and autocross vehicle.

Before you all jump on me for choosing a tall vehicle for autocrossing, it is replacing a 1st gen Scion xB. I had to lower it to be able to participate at all, and even then it felt like it was on the edge.

[vibenvy]

Welcome to GenVibe Ron! 99,000 miles is nothing! Can't wait to see pictures!

[vibrologist]

Wecome, RonB!
As far as I learned the 03 GT is the one to have for lift addicts. At that low mileage you have way to go. It sounds like you found some cheap thrills.

[runningslow]

Sounds like you found yourself a good car!

[tpollauf]

Welcome to GenVibe. Looking forward to some pics. Visit often

[ImUrOBGYN]

Welcome!

[RonB]

Thanks, all, for the welcome.

I really like the lift Not every commute has the chance, but it is welcome when it is possible.

I am pleasantly pleased with the fuel economy. My first tank returned 33 mpg, and my second is at 35 so far (compared to the EPA rating of 29 highway). If I had known that the GT could exceed its EPA rating by so much, I probably would have bought one years ago.

More later.

[tpollauf]

If I had known that the GT could exceed its EPA rating by so much, I probably would have bought one years ago.

It's the manual transmission AND smart shifting My 2.4L manual is EPA rated at 21 city, 28 highway. I'm averaging over 29mpg combined and it's nothing for me to hit mid 30's when all highway driving. Love these cars

[RonB]

I owe you guys a picture.

It's not very good, but here's the first one:


It is an 03 Vibe GT, Mica red, with sunroof and 16" wheels.

So far, I have caught up on maintenance, and added a trailer hitch (a Curt hitch specific to the GT). It hangs down a bit more than I like, but clears the exhaust without rubbing.

More to come (better pictures too, someday).

After 2100 miles, my average fuel economy is 30.9 mpg.

[trb]

Nice! Love the red color. It was what I wanted when I was looking for my last GT, but had to settle for a Neptune one that was really nice. Welcome and it sounds like you are enjoying it a lot. I only got about 24mpg in mine, but I admit, I hit lift a lot!

[vibenvy]

Thanks for the picture! I am not typically a fan of red vehicles, but I do love Salsa (the "official" name for your Vibe's color)!

[LoneWolf]

Welcome Ron...I purchased my first Vibe from a coaxing mechanic of mine, which of course he has a 5 speed himself...lol
When I saw mine for sale and it being the GT,(taking it to them to inspect before purchase) I think my mechanic was a little jealous...hahaha
I am not fond of red color either but nice color on yours I had a 99 civic which was that metallic maroon color..CHOICE!!!!!
As far as the plastic molding, which i think it should have been painted, but I use that Wipe New on the trim and what a big difference it makes
So far I have added new front speakers (component), new aftermarket radio, a 10" pioneer woofer/amp, tinted all windows, except for the two fronts,window vent shades, bug shield,replaced front brakes/rotors,PCV,spark plugs and coil packs...I love my car

[RonB]

I'm still enjoying it, but it hasn't been all "wine and roses" due to some needed repairs.

During an autocross a couple months ago, the clutch started to slip. I was too busy at the time to deal with it, so I dropped it off at the dealer for a replacement.

Then, this past weekend, it wouldn't start in the cold. It would crank, but no attempt to fire. After a couple hours, I diagnosed a marginal battery and replaced it. Better that it happened on a weekend than when I was trying to go to work, but it cost me another autocross