Traded in Vibe Today

mu_ohio · Post by **mu_ohio** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 4:14 am

Well, the Vibe is now gone and have replaced it with a Mazdaspeed. There where just things I didn't like about the car and the deal worked out well. I will post some pics when I get a chance.

fuel4soul · Post by **fuel4soul** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 4:17 am

Out of curiosity, How much did they give ya for the Vibe?

mu_ohio · Post by **mu_ohio** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 4:21 am

A can of Vasoline and $11,000. That's what I owed so it didn't hurt, but I'm sure you can get more through a private sale.

huy397 · Post by **huy397** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 4:42 am

It's pretty decent car.If you don't mind, how much ws the difference ? Enjoy your new car

cibomatto · Post by **cibomatto** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 4:48 am

LOL @ Vaseline... what was the condition of the Vibe at the time (Milage in particular)did you sell it with the CAI ??congrats on your new car even though it isn't a vibe

Vibe Rater · Post by **Vibe Rater** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 5:19 am

Mazda is doing some good things lately.

cibomatto · Post by **cibomatto** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 6:40 am

Yeah.. The Mazda verszion of the Vibe catches my eye everytime.. I wonder if they have "PAINT ISSUES".. which is my biggest sore spot with the Vibe

Big_Red · Post by **Big_Red** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 9:10 am

I'm sorry to see you go as a Vibe owner, but I am sure that you will be happy with your new ride.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 2:56 pm

Never seen a Mazda Speed in person, but did see a 6s at the last new york rally. Very stylish car.

Vibe Rater · Post by **Vibe Rater** » Sun Dec 07, 2003 3:54 am

Quote, originally posted by silverawd26 Â»http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWe...=2003 THAT is a very impressive website.

fuel4soul · Post by **fuel4soul** » Sun Dec 07, 2003 4:15 am

Man! I was really looking to find a Neptune Two Tone GT but had no luck, but for $11k, I would have bought that!

mu_ohio · Post by **mu_ohio** » Sun Dec 07, 2003 5:48 am

Sorry, was out all day driving My Vibe had 23k on it and was in pretty good condition. The floor mats where a little rough on the drivers side, had a few chips on the hood, but nothing more than general ware. The Mazdaspeed was had for $16,500 after a $2500 rebate and the employee discount. The only flaw was the color which is very close to the blue of our Mazda 6s. I did sell everything with the Vibe expect my cd player which is of no use now. The only thing that I could really take out was the air intake but too much blood and cursing went into the installation. The Vibe was a nice car, but I wanted something different and I'm sure it will have a good home.

Stang2Vibe · Post by **Stang2Vibe** » Sun Dec 07, 2003 6:28 am

Sorry to see you leaving the family. Hope all works out well with your new ride, it looks pretty sweet on that website. My g/f is looking for a car and has had little success, but she is very particular. She wants the Acura RSX but doesn't want to pay what the dealers want for them. I'll have to show this to her, I have a feeling that she might like this. May I also ask how you got the $2500 rebate? Is it available to everyone, only in your region, or some other special catch to it? With that rebate, the Mazdaspeed Protege would be in her price range.

mu_ohio · Post by **mu_ohio** » Sun Dec 07, 2003 7:30 am

Quote, originally posted by Stang2Vibe Â»Sorry to see you leaving the family. Hope all works out well with your new ride, it looks pretty sweet on that website. My g/f is looking for a car and has had little success, but she is very particular. She wants the Acura RSX but doesn't want to pay what the dealers want for them. I'll have to show this to her, I have a feeling that she might like this. May I also ask how you got the $2500 rebate? Is it available to everyone, only in your region, or some other special catch to it? With that rebate, the Mazdaspeed Protege would be in her price range.The rebate is open to everyone and the dealers are looking to unload the rest of them. I have seen where people can get them at invoice plus the rebate. I have the employee discount so I didn't ask, but you may be able to buy one for $16,500 after rebate as well.

Stang2Vibe · Post by **Stang2Vibe** » Sun Dec 07, 2003 7:42 am

Like I said, she is very particular. I can't blame her, though, it's her money and her car. I'm the same way. We've been looking through everything. On the road as we drive, at dealerships, and mostly on the internet. She has a Civic now, but it is horribly underpowered and is too cheap in appearance for her tastes. (Keep in mind, she is about one year away from graduating Pharmacy school at a private university and sadly, she constantly feels that she has to compete with the overly-spoiled children of mulitmillionaires in her class. We aren't poor by any means, but we aren't millionaires, either. I drive a Vibe and she drive's a Civic for heaven's sake so please don't anybody take this the wrong way or anything.)She wants something that has some of the characteristics of a luxury car but is primarily sporty. That's why the Acura was a perfect fit for her. She needs a car now, but is considering waiting until the summer so she has time to save up the extra money to buy the car she wants. But if something else came along that she liked and could get it for less money, she will buy it. It also has to be reasonably good in the snow. Her Civic is terrible in the snow even with expensive snow tires on it because it is just too light. Two door vs. four doesn't seem to matter much to her. It also must be reasonable to insure. Like I eluded to before, it must have enough power to get out of it's own way, unlike the Civic. She will be driving a good bit next year (possibly on very long commutes) for her pharmacy rotations (and future interships) and needs something that will be comfortable for those commutes, good on gas, and very reliable. Having the car in the shop will not really be an option for her, as her shifts will be very long and at odd times and she needs a car every single day. It also has to be an automatic because she can't drive a manual yet. She doesn't want a manual as a daily driver anyway because of all the hills and traffic jams around here. Also must have a power moonroof and she wants a spoiler. A sporty body kit would be a big plus as well.What we have looked at so far:Civic--too underpowered and the EX with the options she wants is only around $1200 less than the RSX so it's not worth it.Accord--she says it looks like a man's carAny SUV--not yet, she says maybe when she's olderAny stationwagon or hatchback--absolutely out of the questionProtoge--not sporty enough (maybe this new package will appeal to her) and not enough powerMazda 6--she liked it but can only afford the 4 cylinder, which had no power when we test drove it on hills around her houseCorolla S--she considered one of these, but found that the seat doesn't move far enough back for her (she's tall and puts the seat ridiculously far back in any car anyways), also interior looked too cheap--too much plastic everywhere, also equipped as she wanted-price was close to the RSX againEcho/Prius--don't even askLancer--she likes the Ralliart model, we may look more into this, but it seems that the price is close to the RSX againSunfire/Cavalier--out of the questionGrand Am--too expensive for what you are gettingGrand Prix--too bigMalibu--too uglythere are more, I'm sure but I can't think of them right now. Any suggestions would be helpful, though. If she's already considered them, I'll be sure to let you know and tell you (in a censored version) of why she didn't like it. I am like "the car guy" around here and I can't manage to come up with anything she likes, but then there really isn't much out there right now that she does like. Most that she really likes are way too expensive right now. She saw the new Saab 9-3 convertible in the mall last week and has become quasi-obsessed with it, but the $43,000 price tag is just a bit too much right now. Will have to see how the new Mazdaspeed Protege idea sits with her.

Stang2Vibe · Post by **Stang2Vibe** » Sun Dec 07, 2003 7:46 am

Quote, originally posted by mu_ohio Â»The rebate is open to everyone and the dealers are looking to unload the rest of them. I have seen where people can get them at invoice plus the rebate. I have the employee discount so I didn't ask, but you may be able to buy one for $16,500 after rebate as well.Wow, that's great news! Thanks very much for the info! Now I have to see if she likes the car. I saw the website posted above and it was being advertised as "starting at $21,000". I didn't think they'd drop that low. Why are dealers trying so hard to dump them off? Is there something wrong with them? Just seems really unusual, especially for a car that hasn't been out long. This is kinda the opposite of what usually happens with cars.

mu_ohio · Post by **mu_ohio** » Sun Dec 07, 2003 8:02 am

Quote, originally posted by Stang2Vibe Â»Wow, that's great news! Thanks very much for the info! Now I have to see if she likes the car. I saw the website posted above and it was being advertised as "starting at $21,000". I didn't think they'd drop that low. Why are dealers trying so hard to dump them off? Is there something wrong with them? Just seems really unusual, especially for a car that hasn't been out long. This is kinda the opposite of what usually happens with cars.Well the car is only a manual, so that is not going to work. The model is 2003.5 so they aren't current model year especially when the Protege replacement, the Mazda 3 is out. On the other hand, the Mazda 3 may be perfect since it feels like the Mazda 6 but a little smaller. The 4door can come with an auto and the 160hp 4cyl. The price was around $18k with a lot of options like you mentioned that she wants. I would wait until spring to see if Mazda offers 0% APR or the $2500 rebate like they did on all vehicles last year.

Stang2Vibe · Post by **Stang2Vibe** » Sun Dec 07, 2003 10:51 am

Oh yeah, I forgot that the 3 was out. I'll have to check that one out. Too bad this one's only a manual (well for her, anyway). She will be borrowing the money she needs beyond what she has saved already from her family at 0% so if she gets the rebate, then really she is getting both. Wish I could do that. My mom would tell me "too bad. Pay for it yourself". LOL.Silver---I forgot about the WRX. Let me add the censored version.WRX--too ugly, the previous model had big bug-eyed looking headlights, insurance would be way too high and the car is priced out of her range. I think she's trying to stay under $20K. Last time I checked the WRX equipped as needed would be around $25K. Way too much. And her uncle bought a new '01 or '02 Outback VDC wagon loaded with leather and all for somewhere in the low $30K range and is disappointed with it. It's been back to the shop several times now, but I don't know what for. So as far as her family is concerned, now Subaru's are all junk. Also, my sister's b/f just bought a new WRX and my g/f hates him. The car reminds her of him so she probably wouldn't get one if they offered her half off on a new one.

NY Pete · Post by **NY Pete** » Wed Dec 10, 2003 10:33 am

Hey guy - have her look at used Jetta or GTI 1.8t's. They're a pretty good bargain right now, and anything '02 or newer is 180hp...Pete

Stang2Vibe · Post by **Stang2Vibe** » Wed Dec 10, 2003 7:24 pm

She hates VW's, too. I forgot to mention that earlier. Too many little prissy girls at school driving around in Jettas and Passats (we call Passat's "Pi$$-ants", LOL). She really hates with a passion the "euro-style" radio antenna on cars now that is attached at the rear of the roof (like on the Vibe and Jetta). She says that it makes a car look like (expletive--expletive--expletive....). I'm not really impressed with the look, either. And my antenna hits the garage door when I pull in and out of the garage every time. I'd like to remove mine, but until a suitable and functional way to replace it and relocate it can be found, I'm stuck with it (and her complaining about it). Thanks for the idea, though.Besides, VW's have been plagued with electrical problems for over a decade now (her sister's brand new Audi had to go back to the dealer for an electrical problem shortly after she bought it). And she won't really consider buying a used car unless it's an RSX. But a used RSX, if you can manage to find one, is going for only about $1K-$2K less than sticker on a new one around here, so again, you might as well just get a new one, ordered exactly how you want it, and not risk getting someone else's lemon.

VibeINC · Post by **VibeINC** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 12:49 pm

Stang2Vibe -- She should check out the Mazda3 sedan, to me it seems to fit her criteria perfectly, it's a very nice design, it's got sporty good looks, 148 or 160 hp available, nice interior, the cabin of the Mazda3 hatchback feels first-class. Fit and finish are excellent, rivaling that found in substantially larger and more expensive cars. The materials are high quality, soft plastics. This is no Civic. I love Vibes alot but the Mazda3 has me looking...and it's being built in Japan, so she can brag about that, along with showing off her Navigation system (yes it has one) along with HID, unheard of in this class of car, nothing can beat it in its class imo..(note I don't consider the Vibe in its class.) You have, have to, have to, check one out.

Stang2Vibe · Post by **Stang2Vibe** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 2:24 pm

Thanks, VibeINC. We were looking at these online the other night. Like I said in one of these posts before, for her, a hatchback is out of the question. The sedan seems pretty nice, though. I like the car and agree with everything you said about it so far, even though I haven't seen it in person yet. She hates that antenna, as I don't have to go on any more about, and she's not crazy about the looks of the back of the car. But that may change if she sees it in person.Anyone else notice how small import cars have gotten better by leaps and bounds in the past 2-3 years? I find this somewhat amazing. I mean, think of a mid-90's cheap entry level import car and compare it to the majority of them today. They are way different now, and that's all for the better. This Mazda is a perfect example. Compare this Mazda 3 to the old Mazda 323's. There's no comparison! They are pretty amazing for an entry level car. And I feel that the price is rather reasonable considering everything that you are getting.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 3:27 pm

wow! that's a great looking car! hmm.... of course i just bot my gt and paid full price back in april. it will be a while before i start vehicle trading again. this is car #6 already.

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 10:59 pm

cool, how much is one of those mazdas??

cibomatto · Post by **cibomatto** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 11:04 pm

they are looking pretty brillaint.. I am looling forward in seeing those and giving it a test drive... HMMMMMMMMM

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 11:18 pm

i hate to say it, but i need to ditch the vibe, im just afraid of being raped on my trade in. (no money down on vibe, owe a lot). i love my vibe and want to keep it till the wheels fall off, but my bills are kicking my (removed) and i need something for $250 a month or less. anyone have advice for me?

fuel4soul · Post by **fuel4soul** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 1:29 am

How much do you owe on your Vibe?

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 1:33 am

i'd say at least 17k or so

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 1:45 am

i don't really have a choice, it would be too hard to sell the vibe and get a new car, i only have the vibe to drive.

NY Pete · Post by **NY Pete** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 2:36 am

Stang2Vibe - your girlfriend seems very, very picky. She sounds so opinionated about hating this and hating that, if I were you I wouldn't help her "find" a car - cause later on, if she decides her new car looks like euro trash, or has the antenna in the wrong place (god forbid!!!) or makes her look like a prissy b!tch, then you're the one that's going to take the heat for it, because you talked her into a car that she hates. I'd tell her to if she really likes the Acura - buy a new stripped down RSX, or wait until the spring when dealers start to unload the '04's... just my opinion, of course...Pete

MrRich · Post by **MrRich** » Sat Dec 13, 2003 2:34 am

Quote, originally posted by NY Pete Â»Stang2Vibe - your girlfriend seems very, very picky. She sounds so opinionated about hating this and hating that, if I were you I wouldn't help her "find" a car - cause later on, if she decides her new car looks like euro trash, or has the antenna in the wrong place (god forbid!!!) or makes her look like a prissy b!tch, then you're the one that's going to take the heat for it, because you talked her into a car that she hates. I'd tell her to if she really likes the Acura - buy a new stripped down RSX, or wait until the spring when dealers start to unload the '04's... just my opinion, of course...PeteAmen to that!What a picky girlfriend.The only way for you man is get another chick

fuel4soul · Post by **fuel4soul** » Sat Dec 13, 2003 3:12 am

Stang2Vibe:There's nothing wrong with being picky, If I was going to spend a (removed) load of money on a car, I want to make sure I get what I want and how I want it. If I want to keep my car and like it for awhile, and if being picky is what I have to do to get it right, So be it.Just my opinion...

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Sat Dec 13, 2003 4:16 am

Quote, originally posted by fuel4soul Â»Stang2Vibe:There's nothing wrong with being picky, If I was going to spend a (removed) load of money on a car, I want to make sure I get what I want and how I want it. If I want to keep my car and like it for awhile, and if being picky is what I have to do to get it right, So be it.Just my opinion... i agree. obviously, that's why you're holding out for your vibe. this is my 6th vehicle and i am a picky person when it comes to buying vehicles. i'll search and do research to make sure i get something i really want. don't settle! that's a lot of money to spend on something you kinda like but don't love.

NY Pete · Post by **NY Pete** » Sat Dec 13, 2003 7:09 am

Quote, originally posted by trdvibe Â»i'll search and do research to make sure i get something i really want. don't settle! that's a lot of money to spend on something you kinda like but don't love. That's where I am with this car right now. I like it, but I certainly don't love it. I LOVED my bimmer. But the lease buyout was just too much, and having sold my truck as well (for an engagement ring!), I needed something with a bit more utility than my old 328is. Now I'm liking the utility and MPG of the Vibe, but sorely missing that sweet inline-6 torque and the gearing of the bimmer... Pete

Stang2Vibe · Post by **Stang2Vibe** » Sat Dec 13, 2003 5:28 pm

Quote, originally posted by NY Pete Â»Stang2Vibe - your girlfriend seems very, very picky. She sounds so opinionated about hating this and hating that, if I were you I wouldn't help her "find" a car - cause later on, if she decides her new car looks like euro trash, or has the antenna in the wrong place (god forbid!!!) or makes her look like a prissy b!tch, then you're the one that's going to take the heat for it, because you talked her into a car that she hates. I'd tell her to if she really likes the Acura - buy a new stripped down RSX, or wait until the spring when dealers start to unload the '04's... just my opinion, of course...PeteLOL! This is exactly why I'm letting her pick out her own car. I just suggest things for her to check out and then sit back and listen to everything she hates about it. I've already gotten grilled several times just for suggesting cars for her to look at. She doesn't hate every car out there, just the ones she can afford. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a "stripped down" Acura. They come standard with so much stuff that it raises the sticker price, but it's all stuff she insists on having on the car. She also is insisting on adding a full body kit and spoiler after buying it. And it has to be an automatic, which adds almost another $1000 to the cost. And she held out waiting for dealers to "blow-out" the '03 models, which never happened. We only have 2 Acura dealers around here, which makes it more difficult as well. When we went to see what end-of-the-year deals they were offering, we were surprised. They had a leftover '02 that was a demo and not anything exceptional and they wouldn't come down more than $1500 off the sticker and the car was almost 2 years old already! On the '03's the best we could do was $540 off the sticker price. They had 4 RSX's left on the Friday that we went and by the following Tuesday when she called back to see if anything had changed, they were all sold. They won't come down on price because they are selling them at about sticker price as fast as they come in around here. Honda/Acura are VERY difficult to deal with around here, that's what kept me from getting the Civic EX just before I got my Vibe. They were really raping me on my trade-in and wouldn't budge as well.And yes, she is extremely picky and opinionated about everything. I just ignore it most of the time and get what I want for myself anyway. But like some of the others here have said, I can't really blame her 'cause it is her money afterall. I'm picky about my cars as well and when I'm shelling out that much cash for something, I want it my way too.

Stang2Vibe · Post by **Stang2Vibe** » Sat Dec 13, 2003 5:52 pm

Quote, originally posted by drunkenvibe Â»i hate to say it, but i need to ditch the vibe, im just afraid of being raped on my trade in. (no money down on vibe, owe a lot). i love my vibe and want to keep it till the wheels fall off, but my bills are kicking my (removed) and i need something for $250 a month or less. anyone have advice for me?Well, general rule of thumb is that your payments will be about $20 per month per thousand dollars borrowed at 0% for a 60 month loan, so if you can get 0% for 60 months then with $0 down you can only borrow about $12,500 for a monthly payment of $250. Not many new cars that you can get for that much and you'll never get 0% financing on a used car. Also, if you trade in the Vibe, you're definately going to end up owing money, which is only going to put you in the hole even further. Let's say the dealer is generous and gives you $13,500 for your Vibe. If you finance the loss (they call this "negative equity")into the new car loan (which you are allowed to do), then to stay at a monthly payment of $250 you can buy a new car that costs no more than about $9,000. So it looks like you would have to buy a less expensive, older used car to be in your price range after taking your loss. You won't get 0% financing on a used car like I said, so you will have even less than $9,000 to spend on the car you are buying. You're kind of in a bad spot to be getting out of the deal right now. I'm guessing that your current monthly payment is currently around $370 per month. For that, at least you are getting a new car, that is under warrany, and you don't have to worry about anything other than gas, insurance, and the monthly payment on it. You might want to really look harder at cutting money out of your budget somewhere else for now.

jake75 · Post by **jake75** » Sun Dec 14, 2003 11:00 am

EXACT rule of thumb = 16.67 per thousand x 60 months if 0% apr as 60 x 16.67 = 1,000.20. That is $208.38 for a $12,500 loan. A $250 payment would cover a $15,000 loan.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Sun Dec 14, 2003 12:25 pm

well, certainly, pete, the vibe is no bmw! i'd love to have a 328, but the price tag i don't want! i also really like my car, but i wouldn't say that i completely love it. it's growing on me. i went from a huge (removed) v8 truck that could haul, drive over, and thru just about anything to my vibe gt. altho i miss my truck, and lemme tell ya i do, i don't miss the huge (removed) payments, insurance, gas expenses, etc. i too leased it and just couldn't really justify all the expenses. my vibe it's great mpg, it's more affordable, still reliable, and also very useful for many things. it's in no way a tundra or a beamer or a mercedes, etc. it is what it is. you can't compare the two because they're in a different class of vehicle. you're trying to compare an apple to an orange. yes, they are both fruit, but they don't taste or feel the same.

Stang2Vibe · Post by **Stang2Vibe** » Sun Dec 14, 2003 6:10 pm

Thanks for doing the math and making the clarification.

Post by **NSimkins** » Sun Dec 14, 2003 9:18 pm

Quote, originally posted by mu_ohio Â»I will post some pics when I get a chance.Phew.. back on topic.mu_ohio - get any pics snapped yet?

mu_ohio · Post by **mu_ohio** » Mon Dec 15, 2003 7:36 am

Quote, originally posted by NSimkins Â»Phew.. back on topic.mu_ohio - get any pics snapped yet? Sorry, I was letting the thread go, but here are the pics.

Post by **NSimkins** » Mon Dec 15, 2003 7:56 am

Quote Â»Sorry, I was letting the thread goNot your fault! Quote Â»but here are the pics.Wow, that looks great! I love that shade of blue along with the chromed rims. Thanks for posting the pics. ... and sorry to see the Vibe go at the same time. You know you're still welcomed here!

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Dec 15, 2003 10:40 am

that's what i was thinking. i like it! what're the specs for the mazda speed. I'm not so familiar with them.

NY Pete · Post by **NY Pete** » Tue Dec 16, 2003 1:25 am

I remember when those first came out, the dealers were asking $2k-$5k over sticker for them around here. Anybody dumb enough to spend $2k OVER sticker on a $20k car gets what they got coming... And thank god they started making them in normal colors - di any of you guys ever see the metallic orange ones? It looked like a big friggin traffic barrel on wheels!!!Pete

mu_ohio · Post by **mu_ohio** » Tue Dec 16, 2003 6:42 am

Quote, originally posted by NY Pete Â»I remember when those first came out, the dealers were asking $2k-$5k over sticker for them around here. Anybody dumb enough to spend $2k OVER sticker on a $20k car gets what they got coming... And thank god they started making them in normal colors - di any of you guys ever see the metallic orange ones? It looked like a big friggin traffic barrel on wheels!!!PeteThe color was no worse than the pumpkin Vibes I've seen at the dealers

4X4CHICHI · Post by **4X4CHICHI** » Tue Dec 16, 2003 10:40 am

don't mess with my fusion