The Plunge

[scooter]

I finally pulled the trigger. After months of deliberation (and waiting for incentives that are apparently never gonna come), I bought an 09 GT today. Pick her up tomorrow. I'll be sad to see the 03 go - it's been a great car, but I'm excited to get the new one! Just wanted to say thanks to everyone out here that posts - you make this a very informative site! And yea, I'll post pics ASAP!

[lovemyraffe]

Congrats on the new ride!

[ramenboy...]

yeah! glad you're keeping it in the family! congrats on the new ride

[vhoward1122]

Awesome color choice. Give it a couple coats of Maguires when you get it home. That red will brighten and get deeper if that makes any sense. It also looks like it has highlights when the sun shines on it.I have an 09 Base Red Hot Metallic with 5 speed manual and a few options

[scooter]

Well, out with the old, in with the new! Picked up the 09 after work today. Had to share this little story. When I was filling out all the paper work, the sales rep dropped a bombshell on me.... my trade in (03 AWD Vibe) was ALREADY sold.... My plates weren't even off it yet! My immediate reaction was DAMMIT, I should have held out for more on the trade! Oh well, what are ya gonna do.... But just an amazing testament when the demand for used is so high that there is a waiting list for them!

[northvibe]

congrats! cant wait to see pics. Used vibes dont stay on the market long any more and their resale value has stayed high too!

[WaveAction]

congrats..and also thats awesome how they sold the 03 before you even got the paper work done on the 09 lol..vibes are popular though..at my work you never see a used one..and rarely see them in for repairs..only maintenence work

[farles]

Good trade up Scooter, good for you to stay in the family Welcome to the wonderful world of the '09 GT, you're gonna love it

[scooter]

The new: The departed: I'll post more/better in the garage forum soon.

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by scooter »Well, out with the old, in with the new! Picked up the 09 after work today. Had to share this little story. When I was filling out all the paper work, the sales rep dropped a bombshell on me.... my trade in (03 AWD Vibe) was ALREADY sold.... My plates weren't even off it yet! My immediate reaction was DAMMIT, I should have held out for more on the trade! Oh well, what are ya gonna do.... But just an amazing testament when the demand for used is so high that there is a waiting list for them!Any idea how much more they sold your '03 for than they gave you in trade? I've had good luck selling my used cars privately. On the last one I netted about $3,500 over what I would have received from a dealer.

[scooter]

Quote, originally posted by jake75 »Any idea how much more they sold your '03 for than they gave you in trade? I've had good luck selling my used cars privately. On the last one I netted about $3,500 over what I would have received from a dealer. No clue.... and frankly, I probably don't want to know.

[bull77]

congrats on the new GT!!

[scooter]

Thanks for all the congrats! Thought I would share a few first impressions - for comparison sake, it is against the 03 model, so some of these may have actually been on the 04-08:Definitely noticeable increase in power with the 2.4L over my previous Vibe. Since this is the break in period, not driving it hard at all, but still noticeable.Doesn't feel lower to the ground while driving, but when getting in and out of the car, it does feel lower.Cargo area is indeed smaller. A little puzzling, as I had read all the dimensions were within an inch of the old model. The difference I am referring to is depth. There is also some difference in width for me, as my previous was an 03 - no subwoofer, so on the passenger side the cutout behind the wheel well is gone. Depth wise, I used to be able to fit a 3 wheel golf push cart and a decent size golf bag in the back. I can no longer do that - either have to flip down one of the rear seats or just put the clubs in the back seat.Suspension is definitely tighter. I know on new cars they are always tighter, but with the GT I believe I can feel even more of a difference.Center console is a bit smaller than on the 03, but additional bottle holders everywhere. Can't call them cup holders - the ones in the doors anyway.Drivers seat adjustment is easier - a pump lever as opposed to the knob I used to have. Overall, the car feels bigger. Again, I know it is actually within an inch of the old in terms of it's dimensions, but for some reason it feels bigger to me...Lots of room in the engine compartment, even with the 2.4L engine.To early to talk mileage, but I am optimistic based on the the other reports out here.

[lowincash]

congrats on the car how is the rearview? i mean from inside blindspots and stuff...is it easy to get use to?i think when i get this car i am going to have rear parking sensors installed for the heck of it haha

[scooter]

Quote, originally posted by lowincash »congrats on the car how is the rearview? i mean from inside blindspots and stuff...is it easy to get use to?i think when i get this car i am going to have rear parking sensors installed for the heck of it hahaSlightly worse than the old one... which was a pretty good blind spot. But I believe the rearview mirrors are also a bit bigger, so that helps.

[TraySeeLea]

Quote, originally posted by scooter »I finally pulled the trigger. After months of deliberation (and waiting for incentives that are apparently never gonna come), I bought an 09 GT today. Pick her up tomorrow. I'll be sad to see the 03 go - it's been a great car, but I'm excited to get the new one! Just wanted to say thanks to everyone out here that posts - you make this a very informative site! And yea, I'll post pics ASAP! Yea, those incentives never did come....I waited....but went with the 08 Saturn Vue in the end....congrats on the purchase though

[808 Vibes]

Parted with a Neptune? Say it isn't so (j/k) Congrats...glad you kept it in the family.