Decided to buy, but what options?

[debi5475]

Debi sticks her head in. Ladies of a certian age welcome here? My husband said it is my car, so buy what I am happy with. But I hauled him to see a Maxx on Friday and he didn't like that. He likes the Vibe. I have been happily driving a 1993 Saturn SW1 without snow tires here in Connecticut for the past 11 years. It is probably time to turn it in. But no hurry. I can factory order a 2005.Yes, I admit it. I like the new front end (sorry). And I want leather. And AWD. I know it cut the hp. But how much hp did the saturn have? Will I notice a difference, an upgrade? I want the moon and tunes, since it is now Moonsoon, and xm radio. The power package. And the cargo mat. I am decadent and lazy in my middle age. I think Moonstone. Can you get the 2005 AWD without the painted cladding? The whole northeast seems to not have one. I have heard horror stories about paint chipping off the cladding, and I keep my cars a long time. Are there problems with these options? I will have a remote starter/alarm installed aftermarket. Should I wait for better discounts? I have a blue gm card with $2000 on it also. Are there any other discounts besides the $1000 cash right now? Any advice, help is appreciated.

[joatmon]

Hi Debi, welcome to genvibe. Sounds like a nice set of options

[NovaResource2]

Welcome! Great choice of car. While alot of us original Vibe buyers don't like the new front as much, I think Pontiac will sell more of of the '05 version. 2-tone is not available yet on the 2005 but it should be out soon. To be honest, more people have had trouble with the lower rockers of the 2-tone than the monotone. I think the options you picked are great. Good luck and enjoy.

[debi5475]

Should I order a monotone? Is the paint better now? I do not have a garage. Do I get a choice of tires? Can I request Goodyear or Conti? From what I read, the choice is not so good. If so, Goodyear? Is the battery in the 2005 bigger? Just bought a new one for the Saturn, dang it. I should get the bumper guard? Some people said the matrix one fits, other said it won't.See, I have been reading your forum today. Trying to learn.

[cohocarl]

Quote, originally posted by debi5475 »But how much hp did the saturn have? 85hp @5000rpm, 107ft/lbs torque @2400rpm, 2,367 lbsThe Vibe AWD has 123hp @6,000rpm, 118ft/lbs torque @4400rpm, 2975lbs.The Vibe has more hp, but you'll have to rev the motor a little more to get it than you did with the Saturn. The Saturn had decent low end torque, and it is consideribly lighter, so the Vibe may not feel that much quicker. The Vibe is a great car, and you won't be sorry if you order one, and welcome to the forum.

[joatmon]

It was the 03 two tone cladding that had a problem, fix was to replace it with o4 cladding, so I 'd bet the 05 cladding is ok too. The paint chip problem is unrelated to cladding, I have a couple of chips on the hood, but not bad, others have a serious problem. From what I've read here, I wouldn't expect any sweepiing changes in paint quality for the '05sIn gerneral I think car makers put crappy tires on cars, I had good luck with my Continentals, but enough others have had problems that the Goodyears are probably a better choice, maybe. Depending on how much it snows up tthere, how good the road crews are, and how much you MUST drive when the roads are bad, it might be worth thinking about getting another set of wheels at some point with some good snow tires on them.The 05 battery is bigger, so you're covered there.I got the bumper guard, but I don't drag lots of heavy stuff across the back bumper, so I can't say it has guarded my bumper from much potential damage.

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by debi5475 »Should I order a monotone? Is the paint better now? I do not have a garage. Right now, you can only order a monotone in the 05 models. They haven't released the two tone models yet. The paint, well, honestly, we haven't been informed of any changes to the processes, so I'm assuming it is all the same. You may be able to stay ahead of the problem by putting on several coats of a strong durable wax. Might want to see if the dealer won't do it for you as a term of sale.Quote »Do I get a choice of tires? Can I request Goodyear or Conti? From what I read, the choice is not so good. If so, Goodyear? You rarely technically get a "choice" of tire, but again, you may be able to request them be changed as a term of sale. Between GY and Conti, you're far better off with the GY IMHO. The snow traction sucked in my opinion, but I didn't have to replace them until beyond 30k miles, and I only did it because two were punctured, so I had to buy a set of 4 for ideal handling. The other possibility is to go to a tire shop immediately from the lot, trade in the factory tires for money towards new tires.FWIW, I don't live too far from you, right down here in Jersey, so snow conditions are pretty similar...Quote »Is the battery in the 2005 bigger? Just bought a new one for the Saturn, dang it. I personally have not been able to look under the hood of an 05 yet, but we were informed the 05's were all supposed to be receiving 560 CCA batteries from the factory. You can pop the hood of one on the lot yourself and check to be sure.Quote »I should get the bumper guard? Some people said the matrix one fits, other said it won't.Up to you. Do you have dogs you may load into the back of the car? Do you find you may be putting lots of groceries or other items on the bumper? If so, it may be a worthy investment. I have a two-tone, so the bottom is unpainted plastic, and I bought a guard, but find it was a waste, I didn't need it. Also depends if you like the look of the lighter gray with the dark paint of the car. I personally can't attest to whether or not the matrix one will fit.

[debi5475]

My dealer has a moonstone 2005 AWD that we were looking at. It had just come in, so it was still encased in plastic. The seats and stuff. The seats were not leather. But he said they have an installer who would install leather for me. And it is monotone. Or he could try to find a car I want nearby. Or I could order. If the paint isn't going to be peeling off the cladding, I wouldn't mind the monotone. It had the fancy chrome tail piece, but it hadn't been installed yet. Why would I want that? I am turning 50 in 16 days. Not having a midlife crisis, here. Would I want leather installed by person, as compared to the factory? I don't think I want to wait to November to order the cladded model. Though I could start accummulating more GM dollars by then. If my Saturn gets it's pulley replaced Tuesday and gives me no problems after that, I might wait and do that. Since I have new brakes and battery, erg solenoid. Serp belt and soon, top pulley. I appreciate your advice. I will take it with me, ask about tire switching, extra wax, if I decide not to wait.I think I will go for the bumper guard. My saturn's bumper is scratched. 11 years old and all.

[cohocarl]

Quote, originally posted by debi5475 »Would I want leather installed by person, as compared to the factory? A couple years ago, we ordered a 2001 Dodge Stratus R/T for the wife. We ordered a graphite interior, and it came in with a tan interior. (Salesman error when ordering) The sales manager tried to talk us into letting them have a 3rd party install leather seats in it, but I said NO, and had them order me another Stratus (at a lower cost due to my inconvenience of course). I know there may be some installers who would do a decent job of installing a leather seat cover, but it wouldn't be stock from the factory, and may hurt resale if it isn't done correctly.

[debi5475]

That is a good point. I plan to keep the car 10 years, but something might happen. I see now that others introduced themselves. So here it is, late. I have been married 17 years, I am a scientist (immunologist) (work with mice, not people). Husband is a Network engineer. No kids. Then we took in a developmentally delayed foster son, 2.5 years ago. He is 15 now, 170 lbs. Running out of leg room in the Saturn. My husband has a Buick Regal. 2000, Leather, power everything, paid off. I said my next car would have all that too, but the Saturn has refused to die. And I hate to part with a good car. Now my Niece will be coming to live with us also. She is 13 and wears size 10 men's shoes, the same size as our son. Gonna get a bit cramped in the Saturn. We have a German Boxer, 65 lbs. And a Pomeranian. We would tend to use the Regal for long trips with just driving. The vibe if we needed to bring a suitcase, a dog, etc. If I was hauling the kids across town. That is my plan anyway. Workable? I see the blind spots on the vibe. I am used to them on the saturn wagon. It looks bigger, but I assume I will adjust? there is so much to think about. How do you decide? *Debi runs around pulliing out her hair*But it is July 4th, so no one notices. LOL. Sorry, should have said, dogs or luggage not both at the same time. We board the dogs when we go on trips. And anywhy, the boxer flunked out of Police Dog training school. She is VERY tolerant. That is why she flunked.

[joatmon]

Since your Saturn is still running fine it doesn't sound like you're in a hurry to replace it. My advice is to order one with what you want on it. You'll keep it long enough that you should get exactly what you want. Any car costs a lot of money, and for the time you plan to have it, you don't want to spend that much money and wish you hadn't compromised.My guess is that Since the '05's just came out, there's probably not a whole lot more negotiating room in buying one off the lot compared to ordering one.THe back seats in the VIbe are roomy, comfortable for tall people. Not sure about how comfortable four people, luggage and two dogs would be though, depends on how tolerant your boxer is.

[Jahntassa]

Welcome to GenVibe!I've been kinda skimming over things...but the general concensus seems to be that you know what you want! I agree, don't skimp out with what the dealer says they can do... Get it done from the factory..I would skip on the factory installed security. Save the money and go find a shop with the DEI Viper 791. I have the 790 (last year's model), and love it! The two-way features come in handy, and I yet to have a problem with it!XM is also awesome, as many can attest. I would go forth and say make sure the radio is what you want! There is NO reason to get M&T with the XM option if you decide you might want to change it out down the line. There is NO way to get that XM unit operating with anything but the factory style radio. Many people have changed out their radios for aftermarket.. And the '05 M&T system will probably be problematic to get an aftermarket radio from. I'm not trying to steer you away, but make sure you can live with that radio!The blindspots on the Vibe aren't so bad, and that's coming from a '93 Ford Probe. Only thing I miss are the longer windows on the 2 doors. And it's pretty nice compared to my Mom's (now traded in) '94 Honda Accord wagon.The Vibe, provided you don't put any extra subwoofers in it, will accomodate your space needs. The rear seats are quite spacious, and the rear "trunk" area will accomodate your puppy when you have everyone up front! Having the center seat shoulder-belt in the back is also quite handy.Just remember, the Vibe is a Toyota at heart, so it'll do even better than your Saturn! (which is GM at heart). Make sure you take a test drive to get what you want settled.Definitely power package, whichever seats you choose, again, be picky on the radio, if you think you'll -ever- want to change it later, be sure. You don't want to give up your XM! (Trust me, I have five of em!)Again, welcome to GenVibe, be sure to ask us anything!

[jake75]

You want you want you want Well, that is going to cost you. Only you can decide if it is worth it. For my money. I'd skip the 4wd and moon and tunes. Motor makes too much noise to enjoy a high tech sound system anyway. If you have been happy with a 2 wheel drive Saturn I suspect you will be happy with the two wheel drive Vibe. IMO the pwer package is worth the cost,and the mat is $50 when orderd with car, $70 aftermarket.

[MoonDogg]

Quote, originally posted by debi5475 » Should I wait for better discounts? I have a blue gm card with $2000 on it also. Are there any other discounts besides the $1000 cash right now? Any advice, help is appreciated. If you looking for discounts... I would go for the 04' I just bought one and I got $2000 off and $1000 conquest cash ( its for non GM owners ) But all I owned is GM ( 99' Tracker 02' Sunfire GT ) but we fudged and told them I lived somewhere else that had a ford registered to it ( the dealers Idea not mine but worked out for me.. ) so if you could do that you could get $5000 Off and brand new car... and personaly I like the 02-04 front ends.. but thats personal pref. Good Luck and I am sure you will love your new vibe if you buy one... I love mine and only had it a little over a week

[jake75]

Why would a dealer risk his franchise by participating in fraud? Shades of Martha Stewart. And then you rat him out on a public bb. Scares me to death!

[debi5475]

If I order one will there be another deal by time it comes in? I know you all are not mindreaders, but what are the chances? And if I do the 24hour test drive and turn it down, will I get a benefit from that potentially? Possible follow up call incentives? Do I want the side airbags? The guy next door says I do. I have had 3 back operations, if that makes a difference. Mostly my saturn was in accidents not moving. The poor baby was hit in a parking space once, by another car with no one it that car either. The other car was manual, parking brake not set, popped out of gear, rolled backward and rear ended mine, in the handicapped spot. 3rd back operation caused by 19yo running a red light, going around a car stopped for the light and front ending me (waiting to turn left). *Debi pats Saturn on head, good car* I am really glad I am not getting a car with even more options. This amount of options is confusing enough. I think I will order, but not wait until november. I will order the painted Cladding, just tell the salesman, if you want me to order before november, I want the heavy duty wax job for free. If he says no, I will wait. I suspect he will go for it, since I am not threatening but really mean it. The saturn is plenty noisy, so I am used to noisy engines. The road noise and what not the last few years has been bad. But it is still hard to part with a working car. The fact that Julie will be here in August, and Phillip is too big will make it easier. I mean we are talking me driving two kids that are bigger than many adults in the back seat of a 1993 SW1. There just isn't leg room. So I will do this.

[debi5475]

*Debi adds side airbags to her list*Good thing I asked Capital One for $7,500 loan. Actually that is the lowest amount. They replied that I qualified for the 3.85%, 36 months, which is what I wanted. Are they reputable? Then I can take the cash, which is a better deal, when you are financing such a small amount. Will they hold my loan, while they order my car? We do have perfect credit. Since we have direct withdrawl for our mortgage, and did for our car loan, when we had one. We owe nothing else. I pay off my GM card each month. So I look at the $2000 in GM dollars as a gift.

[Jahntassa]

It sounds like you'll be fine. The AWD is a pretty good car, and will definitely help with your handling on the road. Side-air bags are definitely a good idea, especially for you, with those surgeries. As for Capitol one, i'm not sure. I actually financed my '03 through GMAC when they were offering the 60 months with 0.0% interest..

[ragingfish]

GMAC here too...

[debi5475]

I did GMAC financing last time, for the Regal. Paid cash for the Saturn. I have like 15,000 cash for this car, so I think I am better off taking the cash this time. If by the time I get my car, after ordering it, they still have a cash rebate. Capital one offers 3.85 to qualified buyers, and gave it to me. *Made Debi feel good* Don't know why, they just want my dough?I am taking the 24 hour test drive tomorrow.I went in to the dealer through the service department today. Talked with a body man and two service quys, then the head of service. Asked for a CSI. He will print it and give it to my sales person. Nice neat shop. I also called the union buying group. Question, If I get a 3rd party alarm/remote starter, does that mean my programmable key thingy that comes with the power package won't work anymore? Do I have to get the car alarm from GM. My neighbor had problems with their add on remote starter and the auto gas shut off, also. More things I have to know. EEeechhh!!!I think I will know more than I want too about cars by next week, thanks to all your help. I would like to order it the end of next week or so. But I don't have too. I want to get it right.

[Jahntassa]

Quote, originally posted by debi5475 »Question, If I get a 3rd party alarm/remote starter, does that mean my programmable key thingy that comes with the power package won't work anymore? Do I have to get the car alarm from GM. My neighbor had problems with their add on remote starter and the auto gas shut off, also. More things I have to know. EEeechhh!!!I think I will know more than I want too about cars by next week, thanks to all your help. I would like to order it the end of next week or so. But I don't have too. I want to get it right. Answer: Uhhh... sorta. It will still work, but you can't use it unless the aftermarket alarm is already disarmed. If you just get a keyless entry / remote start with no security option, it's fine. You'l get used to using the new remote though. You still need the power package though, it's tough to convert the locks in the vibe to powerlocks.I have the factory security, and i'm not all pleased with it. $300 can buy you a great aftermarket system. The stock system will only go off if the doors are opened after the remote locks the door, or on glass breakage. A remote start/security system aftermarket can have glass breakage sensors, "radar" that'll detect someone reaching in if you have your window open, automatic windows with the alarm arming, a hood pin, to set off the alarm if someone opens the hood, etc...The Vibe is NOT hard to add a remote start/alarm to. Ask ragingfish! I gave him a walkthrough on installing a remote start/keyless system and he did it with very little issue. Because the Vibe wiring is basically Toyota, it's a lot simpler than most GM cars. Let me know if you have any specific questions about it.edit: I said $300 can buy a good aftermarket because on my invoice, the stock security system was that much.. I, however, was forced into it because it was one of the few 2003 GTs in New Jersey at the time..

[ewakko]

I've been looking at buying a Vibe too. I hope to be able to do it by the end of the month. I'm getting a '04. At the end of last month they had $2K off, plus a bonus of an extra $500. I don't think they had the bonus for '05. I think I'll be able to sell my car, and get approved for a loan by the end of the month.I was able to talk myself out of getting the supercharger, but now I'm trying to figure out if I'll be able to hook up my Ipod or not. I don't need a new car, but with the financing this low, and the incentives (on top of employee discount) I couldn't pass it up.

[debi5475]

Well I have a moonstone AWD for the 24hour test drive. You mean I have to give it back? Good thing it doesn't have leather, or it would be staying in my driveway for more than overnight. I don't find it underpowered or noisy. But than my Saturn SW1 is 11. When my husband comes home, he is going to take it out. I will have him see if he can figure out how to hook up his ipod. Hehe, maybe I am having a mid-life crisis. What engine noise? Clay Aiken, Invisible, turn up the Monsoon system with subwoofer, put on cruise control. Moonroof. No wonder they lend you these things for 24 hours. *Debi wanders off, silly grin on her face* 50th birthday in 14 days. Huummm. Throws foster son in car, turns up the volume again, will be back.

[vibeman1]

buy the saturn if it's not to late

[Jahntassa]

Quote, originally posted by vibeman1 »buy the saturn if it's not to late She..owns the saturn. She's getting a new car...hence why she's so concerned.Glad you're enjoying the AWD! I would've gone for that if I didn't want the GT for the 6-speed and higher horsepower.. Let's hope the hubby finds it fun too, we'd love to have you around as a full-time Vibe owner!

[debi5475]

Husband loved it too, so I just have to get dealer to price it right. Since I am going to order it.Husband said he found it peppy compared to the Saturn. Course not compared to his Regal. He is a stereophile and found the sound system fine. ipod: there is a Belkin thingy that hook up to the ipod. Then you tune your radio to an unused station. He said he had to have the ipod up next to the radio to get it to work correctly. And it is not just the Vibe, the Regal also. And other brands of this type also. Even on the seat it gave static. Then there is the itrip. It is more software based. So you have to sync your ipod with musicmatch? But then it will work anywhere in the car. I love my Saturn too. If GM dollars were valid on them, I would have bought a LW300 and never have even found out about the Vibe. But they weren't so I went searching. It is raining, so I will find out about handling in the rain. But it has the contis. I see the 2005 radio doesn't have silver around edges. They don't want it flaking off? Having to replace it anymore. I must bring it back today. My groceries did slide all over, but I was smart. no eggs or tomatoes. Cargo mat on my list.

[ewakko]

I would like to hook my ipod up directly. All you need is an AUX in line. Usually, that would be in vehicles that have a 6-cd changer. There's a discussion about it in the Audio section, but it's about '03 or older vibes, the radios have changed in the later '04 and '05s. Review:http://www.ipodlounge.com/revi...6_0_MManufacturer site:http://densionusa.com/merchant...IA_GM Other options: http://www.pie.net/aux_gm.htm

[debi5475]

There is some sort of thingy that hooks to the antenna line that cruchfield sells, for $39.00? That is my total knowledge of that. Since I currently driving a Saturn again. I have an appt to talk terrms on Saturday.

[Jahntassa]

I beleive right now the best option is the FM modulator if you don't get the Nav system.In my personal opinion, i'd fight to get the XM option and be done with it! MP3's are SOOOO last year...

[debi5475]

Ok, unless someone tells me I am wrong for a reason, before Saturday. This is my list.AWD Moonstone, Monotone.I will ask for a good wax job, unless they want me to wait till November 4th, when the Cladded models become available, to order it. I will ask for the Goodyear tires to be exchanged onto it from one on their lot. I will get both in WRITING. Moon and TunesPower GroupXM radioLeatherAirbagsRear Cargo matBumper protectionSplash GuardsThose window guard thingies. To keep the rain out. Seatback storage? 3rd party car starter/alarm.Either by the dealer or the guy who did my husband's Regal when we bought it. His ad says he does Viper and Clifford. Any good? With a few clips my saturn cargo net will work just fine. My husband can use one of the fm modulators. He has the Belkin and the iTrip. He hardly drives my car, only when his is in for service or what not. I don't have an ipod, unless you count the fact that I bought him his for a present. I just looked at that list. I am a spoiled brat. Oh well. could be buying a Cadilac

[Jahntassa]

I'd say it's pretty good. The seatback storage is up to you... I don't think i'd personally need it..and it'd just be a place to packrat away more stuff i'd never see again unless I cleaned!I'd DEFINITELY get the XM. Anyone can tell you, and if you couldn't tell from my Avatar, i'm an XM nut. If you like music..you won't regret it..Quote, originally posted by debi5475 »Either by the dealer or the guy who did my husband's Regal when we bought it. His ad says he does Viper and Clifford. Any good? Viper and Clifford are actually made by the same company now, DEI (Directed Electronics). In my opinion, these are still the BEST alarms offered. There're a few other systems with similar features, and i've installed a few different ones.. (Omega Max-E system, Code Alarm systems, Alpine, Audiovox), and the Viper/Cliffords are still the best and easiest to work with. I have the 790 on mine, which gives me a two-way remote, which reports the status of the car, remote start, doorlocks, shock sensor, and a hoodpin. I've also added the "radar" module for people reaching into my open windows.Mine is setup so I still have the "Unlock once for driver, twice for all" setup, but you can have it setup so it'll unlock all the doors at once, if you want.The newest model out is the 791, they changed the form factor of the alarm brain itself, and the remote now comes with a beltclip, plus it's a pretty blue color!I give you the go-ahead! Let me know if you need any help with that alarm!

[debi5475]

I thought the seatback storage for the two teenagers. Maybe the backpac or the one for behind the seat. Otherwise they will have stuff everywhere. There is like no place in the back seat for stuff for them when we drive, like cd players. They aren't going to listen to my music. Or books, etc. Just thinking. Or just a milk crate. But that is so tacky. I will call albino's and see about the remote system them. Let him do it. We have never had problems with the Regal's system that he put in. Until last week when Midas turned it on. And they didn't have the remote. Must have been another customer or something? The car wouldn't go anywhere. Kind of funny actually.

[huskerpt]

Debi, About a cargo mat, I went to home depot and found a floor mat that I could cut fit in the back of the Vibe. It almost exactly matches the interior and when cut with a razor knife fits into the spot nice and tight. It cost me less than $15 and 20 minutes of install time, compared to the dealer mat. Other than that the options are the ones we would have had in an 05 if we liked the front end. Someone mentioned an 04, but that doesn't come with a leather option and it sounded like you were set on that.

[kostby]

Since you're new to genvibe, if you haven't yet read 'Confessions of a Car Salesman' on Edmunds.com, be sure you read this thread and follow the link: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=7032The Edmunds article is a long read. If you're pressed for time, skip to the end and read the five or six points in the 'Advice' section.

[debi5475]

Thanks I read it. It helped. They were just like it said in the article. Icluding the slicked back hair. Really. Gold, white shirts.