Wanted to say Hi

[Viberrrr]

I'm really like this forum been lurking for awhile and really like the Vibe. Don't have one yet but soon. Have been looking at many cars from the Matrix, Scion XA & XB, Yaris, Honda Fit, Nisson Versa, Masda3, and even the Golf TDI. But my wife and I have decided on the Pontiac Vibe for our next car. Were on the hunt for a gently used one and hope to be writting about our new-to-us car soon. I do have a couple questions: Does a Vibe that comes out of Californa have more smog equipment than the other Vibes out there?How does your FWD Vibe handles on the Minnesnowta roads?

[kostby]

Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Vibe!All Vibes are actually built in California, but I don't think there is a specific 'California Emissions' package that affects horsepower ratings. I bought a used (2003) Vibe in early 2004, after a 'vehicle price-range' search that took me about three months to ultimately decide on the Vibe, and then about a week more to select one of several available in my area. I"ve been very happy with my decision.I live in central Indiana, and we've had pretty mild winters since I bought mine. If you've read many threads about the factory Continentals that came on many Vibes, you know they wear fast, and don't have much winter traction. I replaced the Conti's at 32,000 miles with Barum Bravuris last summer. They have a more agressive tread pattern, and did well in the little bit of snow we had last winter.Many GenVibers in the northern US and Canada have winter tires (often on steel rims) and summer tires on alloys. Try SEARCH on 'winter tires' for more specifics.

[BlueCrush]

Welcome to GenVibe, fellow Minnesotan! Not sure about the Cali emissions question.I have the AWD and it handles great in the snow with all season tires.If I had the Base I would definitely get a set of cheap steelies with snow tires. You shouldn't have any problems in the winter with snow tires on.Good luck with your search!

[Viberrrr]

Thanks for the welcome. I look forward to learning more about the VIbe. I have already read much about how to squeeze alittle more out of the mileage and just how easy it is to install and wire a hitch. Snow tires on steel rims, all excellent info.It's funny how I have gone full circle with this car. I spotted one about 3-4 months ago and started looking into them. Then had to do research, look at, and test drive all the other cars I listed. But we always came back to the Vibe. We wrote down the top things that were most important to us in our next car: Gas Mileage reliability (cost to operate) cargo and back seat space Safety Styling WarrentyAnd I know that there is no perfect car but with all the others I would have to give too much of one of these. But the Vibe we can have the most of all of these listed. I do however wish the Vibe had the stabilation control like on the Golf or Scion XB, now that would really rock. And I can't foregt about purchase price. We have to limit our purchase to around 12k but I have time since my boy doesn't get his license till Oct and then he gets the Honda. So I think we can find one within that time frame. Tho I'd love to find one next week if I could.Anyway, thanks again and I look forward to learning much more about the Vibe on this forum and maybe even getting together at some of the rallies you folks have. Have a great weekend.