GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hello to all. I'm in the market for a car that will suit my needs. Current vehicle is Ford Ranger Edge with 171000 miles on it,I commute 65 miles a day round trip. It's still going strong. I want something that gets better MPG and has some style to it. I'll be getting married soon and will have ready made grandchildren. I've always like the Vibe/Matrix. What I would like to hear from GENVIBE is the pros and cons(if any) about these cars. I found 03 Vibe GT with 61000 miles . Dealer is asking 10995.I would also like to ask if any one would be kind enpough to look at this car on CARFAX. I don't want to pay for membership just look up 1 car.Thank youbest regards to allBidness

The dealer should be able to give you a CarFax. They probably pay a monthly fee to get unlimited reports. Either way they should give you one for free. Just ask for one, if they don't give you one, I would be wary to buy from them.I've had my Vibe since September 2007. The only problem with it has been a check engine light going on and off. I'm pretty sure it's the O2 sensor, but the car runs fine.Very impressed with the gas mileage. I usually get 27-28 around town, although in the winter I get less.Very comfortable car, even on long trips.

well welcome!I love the car for its spacious room! even the back seat is comfortable for adults. I got the car when I was in college and had to haul my stuff all over. I was getting 35mpg when driving nice on the hwy. cons...mmm the A pillars rattle, lots of road noise, when you have the front windows up but roll only the back window down it makes this thumping noise that hurts your ears when on the hwy. With the 2003 GT make sure it had the Cat converter replaced as those had a tsb on them for going bad. Also with the GT you have to use premium gas. Otherwise ive loved my car and its reliability.

i couldnt have bought a better car, it's great on gas, spacious enough to store alot of stuff in the back, it looks great, it's peppy, so far on my car i have no cons at all, probably wont

I heartily endorse the Vibe. I have an early GT, which I drove home on 15 March 2002 (The Ides of March!) with 8 miles on it. It is now coming up on 56000 miles.The only major problem was losing the 6 speed's clutch just over 35000 miles. It's my recollection that the early Vibes had some pretty characteristic clutch problems. A couple of weeks ago, I replaced the (original) battery.I have hauled large passengers, lumber, large TVs, moved furniture, and two generations of Labrador Retrievers. Bosco, the current lab (shown in my avatar) weighs in at 94 pounds and has plenty of room with the back seat folded down.I plan to replace the '03 with an '09 before long. Not because there's anything wrong with the '03 at present - it's just my habit to replace cars when the extended warranty runs out. In fact, I'm going to miss the 6 speed (the next one will be an automatic out of consideration for my wife). My only substantive advice is: if it's a manual transmission, check if the clutch has been replaced. If not, you might end up having that expense in the foreseeable future. If the clutch has been replaced, go for it - it'll probably be good for as long as you have the car.

Quote, originally posted by Gunner »I heartily endorse the Vibe. This sums it up. I drove my baby off the lot April 17th 2007 and have been impressed ever since.Gas mileage is wonderful. Shortly after I bought it, my wife and I took an 1800 mile road trip and averaged 35 mpg for the trip.Quote, originally posted by NibCrom »The dealer should be able to give you a CarFax. They probably pay a monthly fee to get unlimited reports. Either way they should give you one for free. Just ask for one, if they don't give you one, I would be wary to buy from them.I won't buy a car from a $tealer who won't give me a CARFAX. $10995 seems a little high IMO for the car. My best friend bought an '03 Matrix in August for $7000. Granted he did get a screamin deal on it.Quote, originally posted by Gunner »if it's a manual transmission, check if the clutch has been replaced. If not, you might end up having that expense in the foreseeable future. If the clutch has been replaced, go for it - it'll probably be good for as long as you have the car.Since you are looking at a GT model, check that clutch. Please please please check that clutch before you buy it.

If you are switching to save on gas then you should look at a Base model with standard or automatic. Those take regular grade fuel and will get better MPG than the AWD or GT. And, as has been noted, the GT requires premium grade, and can have clutch issues. You are likely to find a Base at a more reasonable price.The Vibe rates very high in its class for safety, reliability, economy, and space. I purchased my 04 Base used 13 months ago and have had no issues with it. Average 30 MPG city/suburb and 35-40 highway. Recently cleaned the fuel injectors and now getting 32. It has actually done better than I expected. It is versatile and has served me well after downsizing from a van.I'm grandfather age too and feel the Vibe is good looking, comfortable and fun to drive. I'm very happy with the choice.