Do I want a Vibe?

themrfreeze · Post by **themrfreeze** » Fri Mar 19, 2004 12:02 pm

Hi all.So I'm thinking of replacing my '98 VW Passat with something that's better on gas and offers more cargo carrying options. After comparing my list of the features I want to what's available these days, the Vibe seems like a perfect car for me. I do have a few questions that perhaps you folks might not mind answering.First, I see a lot of messages complaining about bad paint. Does anybody know if these problems have been rectified on the 2004 Vibes?Second, I see people complaining about weak batteries. Do the 2004 Vibes have larger CCA batteries?Third, are there any other known chronic problems with the Vibe? Being a VW owner (and a Ford owner before that), pretty much every car I've owned had one or two parts that were constantly causing people problems. Might be nice to avoid that this time around. :DFinally, are there any Vibe owners in Rochester NY who would like to comment on any of the local dealerships? In particular, I'm looking for one that has a halfway decent service department. Thanks much folks!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Mar 19, 2004 1:00 pm

Quote, originally posted by themrfreeze Â»First, I see a lot of messages complaining about bad paint. Does anybody know if these problems have been rectified on the 2004 Vibes?Nope. No resolution to date. Still a problem.Quote Â»Second, I see people complaining about weak batteries. Do the 2004 Vibes have larger CCA batteries?No. The 05 models will have the new battery. However, many people have successfully negotiated a new battery as a term-of-sale with their dealers.Quote Â»Third, are there any other known chronic problems with the Vibe? Being a VW owner (and a Ford owner before that), pretty much every car I've owned had one or two parts that were constantly causing people problems. Might be nice to avoid that this time around. :DMechanically, there seems to be SOME indication clutches are causing problems on GT models. Also, some Vibes come from the factory with Continentals, which seem to wear out for most in under 15,000 miles. Again, might wanna negotiate different tires as a term-of-sale.That's all the info I can provide. I'm sure others will add their opinions.

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Fri Mar 19, 2004 1:18 pm

Quote, originally posted by themrfreeze Â»Hi all.First, I see a lot of messages complaining about bad paint. Does anybody know if these problems have been rectified on the 2004 Vibes?Second, I see people complaining about weak batteries. Do the 2004 Vibes have larger CCA batteries?Third, are there any other known chronic problems with the Vibe? Being a VW owner (and a Ford owner before that), pretty much every car I've owned had one or two parts that were constantly causing people problems. Might be nice to avoid that this time around. :DWell the answer to the paint is keep as much distance away from the car ahead of you as possible. And get the paint protector package if your dealership offers it.Chronic probs? Well as a pontiac service advisor, so far the battery issue (which has never been brought up by all the happy Vibe owners I service) crappy conti tires... everything else is pretty good. I have not had any concerns for rattles, no recalls. Put a set of rear disc brakes on a 2003 Vibe GT today with 40,000km... his daughter sorta ate them up lol... no clutch probs though for him.I can't lie and say its a PERFECT car cause even though mine seems to be, others here will argue differently. But I have not met a single Vibe owner at the dealership that did not LOVE their Vibe.

goodvibe · Post by **goodvibe** » Fri Mar 19, 2004 8:36 pm

My paint seems OK. Not fabulous but no worse than the last 2 daily drivers I had. I currently have 25K mi on my GTs oem Conti tires and clutch. The tires only have a few more miles left but if you rotate and don't scrub them now and then like I do, I suspect they'll go close to 30K. I'm so ready to put the summer tires on. The clutch is still great but the GTs probably wear quicker than they should. Base doesn't seem to have this issue. Thes cars are hard to beat in the fun to drive plus hauling ability grouping and look OK doing it. The back holds more than other vehicles with higher storage number. Wide, tall and flat all the way to the front seatbacks. 2 Chicago winters and my battery is fine. Never started slow. Only economy car quiet. I love mine.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Fri Mar 19, 2004 9:06 pm

I had a problem with one of the door gaskets and when I took it into the dealer they told me that they never get Vibes in for service other than routine maintenance. That was good to hear.There is a very unscientific poll of paint problems vs. paint color that might be a factor in choosing a paint color. My paint is holding up pretty well. Others do have problems though.

cibomatto · Post by **cibomatto** » Fri Mar 19, 2004 9:14 pm

Woo Hoo Hello Rochester NY...Eastman School of Music Grad here.... Get a Vibe.. they are great...

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Fri Mar 19, 2004 11:44 pm

I have to say, it's a great car. I'm coming from owning a Ford Probe GT, which was pretty sporty (and cargo holding) to begin with. So for me, the Vibe GT seemed like the best option, and I'm enjoying it a lot!I'll agree with everything said so far. I have a Lava two-tone, and the chips seem pretty frequent. I keep the bra on almost all the time until I can get it repainted. This, however, is a fairly minimal concern.Rattles seem touch-and-go as well, there're a few documented ones, such as the rings on the instrument cluster "squeeking", which is easily fixed. Any rattle seems to be coming from behind the dash, and is fairly minimal.The plastic in the cargo area seems to scratch fairly easily (I have a small rubbermade toolbox that's in and out constantly), but if you get the cargo cover, i'm sure it'll be fine.If you go for the GT, it handles beautifully. I'd reccomend going with the 17" wheel upgrade, unless you know you're going to get different wheels later. I wasn't going to at first, but I just like the look and handling of the larger tires. And yes, I test drove both.Depending on what you can afford, i'd also reccomend the NAV system. Once again, this depends on if you're going to upgrade stuff later. I find it's a wonderful addition, even if the map software is a little out of date on mine. Having the six disc changer is a bonus as well. You might end up adding an amplifier though, as it's a bit quiet at highway speeds with the windows open.Overall, depending on what you're after, the Vibe is one of the better cars out there. Styling, handling, speed, and cargo capacity. I looked at a few different cars in the price range, and the Vibe definitely won out.As for the number of issues. I wouldn't be concerned, my father-in-law's 2004 Malibu is having quite a few problems compared to mine. Considering the only thing really wrong with mine is the paint..Let us know what you decide, and if you go for it, welcome to the Vibe community!

themrfreeze · Post by **themrfreeze** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 5:33 am

Well, I went test driving today.The first dealership couldn't seem to get it into their brain that I wanted to test drive a base Vibe with a manual transmission. They first bring around one with an automatic, and then they bring around a GT with a manual. Allright, I decided to test drive the GT anyway (while planning on visiting other dealer to test drive a base Vibe later). The test drive didn't last long at all....I *hated* the 6-speed gearbox on the GT. I liked all other aspects of the car though...roomy, great cargo area, and a nicely layed out engine bay that'll be easy to work on. The second dealership had tons of Vibes in stock, and had a Neptune Vibe with an acceptable accessories list (not everything I wanted, but close enough). Took it for a test drive, and found the gearbox quite acceptable. Better pickup than I had expected too. Long story short, I pick up my new Vibe Monday.

cibomatto · Post by **cibomatto** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:08 am

Congrats Mr Freeze You must post pics of yourself with your newly purchased Vibe ok

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 1:17 pm

Just curious, what'd you find wrong with the GT gearbox? I realize there's probably a few things.- Reverse- The general "clunkiness"- Sometimes difficulty getting into gears.I noticed all of this on my test drive, but I wasn't willing to give up the engine, nor the sixth gear.Either way, congrats! Welcome to the Vibe community! If you ever need an alarm or remote-start installed, let me know.

cdFxer · Post by **cdFxer** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 2:32 pm

I noticed the other day my closest dealership had a Vibe (Silver color) in the showroom, in between their Corvette and Hummer.I kinda thought that was interesting

themrfreeze · Post by **themrfreeze** » Sat Mar 20, 2004 8:57 pm

I didn't care for where Reverse was placed....seems too easy to accidentally shift into Reverse instead of 1st. On our VW, Reverse is located in the same place, but you have to push down on the shifter to shift into it so you don't do it by accident. A nice feature that Pontiac/Toyota should copy.I also found the gearbox clunky and difficult to find the right gear during the ENTIRE test drive (no doubt due to the narrower gates). With the base Vibe's 5-speed, I had absolutely no problems driving it. That's fortunate, because if it had been as bad as the GTs gearbox, it would have been a dealbreaker.

kentb31 · Post by **kentb31** » Sun Mar 21, 2004 10:42 am

Quote, originally posted by themrfreeze Â»Hi all.Second, I see people complaining about weak batteries. Do the 2004 Vibes have larger CCA batteries?Tell me about it!!!...I travelled an hour outsidemy city to try the GT version of the Vibe ( local dealerdidn't have one) and they could not get the Vibe started...they were able to boost it, but even after 1/2 hour of charging,they stopped the motor and could not get it to start again...They wanted to boost it again for me...I said "No thanks"Then I headed down to the Toyota dealer to try the Matrix...The Matrix is looking better and better for me...(I had my heart set on buying the Vibe; I find that it has a betterlook than the Matrix with the rack and everything...too bad)

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Sun Mar 21, 2004 10:43 am

well, congrats on your new vibe. sorry you didn't like the gearbox on the gt. i love it! would like to get the quick shifter eventually, but all later on down the road!welcome to our club!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Mar 21, 2004 10:45 am

Quote, originally posted by kentb31 Â»Then I headed down to the Toyota dealer to try the Matrix...The Matrix is looking better and better for me...(I had my heart set on buying the Vibe; I find that it has a betterlook than the Matrix with the rack and everything...too bad)More likely than not you have the same battery under the hood of the Matrix as the Vibe.Pop the hood. Odds are it says 320 CCA on it.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Sun Mar 21, 2004 10:50 am

Quote, originally posted by kentb31 Â»Tell me about it!!!...I travelled an hour outsidemy city to try the GT version of the Vibe ( local dealerdidn't have one) and they could not get the Vibe started...they were able to boost it, but even after 1/2 hour of charging,they stopped the motor and could not get it to start again...They wanted to boost it again for me...I said "No thanks"Then I headed down to the Toyota dealer to try the Matrix...The Matrix is looking better and better for me...(I had my heart set on buying the Vibe; I find that it has a betterlook than the Matrix with the rack and everything...too bad)well, unfortunately, both cars have the same size battery if i'm not mistaken. someone correct me if i'm wrong.

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Sun Mar 21, 2004 10:54 am

2004 Vibe has the 320cca battery. Thats whats in mine and I won't change it till I get a CAI in there and see what sorta room is left.Price and gearbox turned me off the Vibe GT also...

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Mar 21, 2004 10:58 am

Got turned off by the GT because of price, premium fuel, and at the time, inability to drive stick.But be it known, my next car WILL BE a stick!

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Sun Mar 21, 2004 11:03 am

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»Got turned off by the GT because of price, premium fuel, and at the time, inability to drive stick.But be it known, my next car WILL BE a stick!I learned on a 5spd which was why I was so comfortable with it and decided on the base 5spd. Plus auto was like another $1000 and less fun to drive

trocar · Post by **trocar** » Sun Mar 21, 2004 12:35 pm

the stich has a narrow shift but after a few drives it is really easy to get used to. When you go from the narrow box like the GT back to a wide box like the base, it feels like the throws are twice as long.Just my opinion

MailGuy! · Post by **MailGuy!** » Sun Mar 21, 2004 11:50 pm

Congrats Man! Speaking as a guy that has a 98 VW in my household and an 04 Vibe, I can confidently say you will not be visiting the service department enough with the Vibe to be on a first name basis with the service writer. Also, since Pontiacs don't have nearly the amount of BS quality issues as VW's they are not overworked and are much more friendly. Every VW dealer I've had to go to was so overwelmed with warranty repairs that they barely got anything right.The Vibe may not have the feel of a German car but it is so much better knowing I won't be averaging $1000 a year in repairs. I love my wife's Vdub but name any part, it's been replaced or I've replaced it.

Kissfan79 · Post by **Kissfan79** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 12:54 am

The 6 speed gearbox being "clunky" was one of the first things I noticed about my GT. It took awhile to get used to it.....but now I LOVE my 6 speed.Jim

themrfreeze · Post by **themrfreeze** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 11:06 am

>Congrats Man! Speaking as a guy that has a 98 VW in my household and an 04 Vibe, I can>confidently say you will not be visiting the service department enough with the Vibe to be on a>first name basis with the service writer. Also, since Pontiacs don't have nearly the amount of BS>quality issues as VW's they are not overworked and are much more friendly. Every VW dealer >I've had to go to was so overwelmed with warranty repairs that they barely got anything right.No kidding. The VW dealership I go to sells something like 9 or 10 different brands. Every brand has one service manager....except for VW, they need two of them. My wife has an '02 New Beetle, so we'll still have to deal with good old John the service manager from time to time. In reading posting here, I found it amusing that somebody had a catalytic converter go bad on their Vibe, and they mentioned that it costs something like $400 to replace. I had two of them go bad on my Passat (both replaced under warranty), but they cost a cool $1000 each (and the car has two of them). I most certainly will not miss the cost of VW replacement parts!I gotta say, my first evening with the Vibe has been great. Drove it around this evening, enjoyed the drive, came home, and was stunned to find that ALL of the extra stuff I used to carry around in a bin in the Passat fits in the cubbyholes under the Vibe's cargo deck. Fire extinguisher, jumper cables, blanket, tools, big honkin' Maglight flashlight, etc. Out-friggin'-standing! Out of curiosity, does anybody know how easy it is to add the factory 6-disc CD changer to the base radio (and where does it go)? Is the wiring already there, or do you have to run a harness from the radio to the changer?

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:49 pm

Quote, originally posted by kentb31 Â»Tell me about it!!!...I travelled an hour outsidemy city to try the GT version of the Vibe ( local dealerdidn't have one) and they could not get the Vibe started...they were able to boost it, but even after 1/2 hour of charging,they stopped the motor and could not get it to start again...They wanted to boost it again for me...I said "No thanks"Then I headed down to the Toyota dealer to try the Matrix...The Matrix is looking better and better for me...(I had my heart set on buying the Vibe; I find that it has a betterlook than the Matrix with the rack and everything...too bad)First of all, welcome to genvibe!Vibe and Matrix have the exact same batteries in them, so if it is a problem for Vibe, it is a problem for Matrix also. GM has supposedly put out some word to dealers about the battery,. There have been some members who have been able to get a free battery upgrade form the dealer, some for slow starting probs, others as part of the new vehicle purchase. Vibes will come with a better battery in the 05 models, but that doesn't really help you if your car shopping now. Haven't heard of any Toyota plans to address weak puny batteries at all. That doesn't mean that they're not doing anything about it, just that we haven't heard about it.So, don't let the battery be a factor in your Vibe vs. Matrix decision, good luck with the decision and let us know what you decide.get a vibe!

MailGuy! · Post by **MailGuy!** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 10:50 pm

Quote, originally posted by themrfreeze Â»>I gotta say, my first evening with the Vibe has been great. Drove it around this evening, enjoyed the drive, came home, and was stunned to find that ALL of the extra stuff I used to carry around in a bin in the Passat fits in the cubbyholes under the Vibe's cargo deck. Fire extinguisher, jumper cables, blanket, tools, big honkin' Maglight flashlight, etc. Out-friggin'-standing! Beats the hell out of trying to use cupholders to hold all your stuff like in the beetle doesn't it?

Do I want a Vibe?

Do I want a Vibe?

Re: Do I want a Vibe? (themrfreeze)

Re: Do I want a Vibe? (themrfreeze)

Re: Do I want a Vibe? (Mavrik)

Re: Do I want a Vibe? (themrfreeze)

Re: (Jahntassa)

Re: (themrfreeze)

Re: (Jahntassa)

Re: Do I want a Vibe? (themrfreeze)

Re: (themrfreeze)

Re: Do I want a Vibe? (kentb31)

Re: Do I want a Vibe? (kentb31)

Re: Do I want a Vibe? (trdvibe)

Re: Do I want a Vibe? (Mavrik)

Re: Do I want a Vibe? (ragingfish)

Re: Do I want a Vibe? (Mavrik)

Re: (themrfreeze)

Re: (themrfreeze)

Re: (MailGuy!)

Re: Do I want a Vibe? (kentb31)

Re: (themrfreeze)