GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hey All,I am looking at getting a vibe, and had a couple questions.Manual is the only option for me, I hate auto, and I wanted to get one that has a few extras, sunroof namely. The trouble comes in finding a 5spd manual that isn't just a base vibe, in the $10-12k range.There are some available in the 6 speed, but I am wondering how much of a hit you take on fuel economy when you get the higher powered motor.I have also heard rumours it takes higher grade gasoline, sort of negating the fuel efficiency of the car.True? Any 6spd vibers want to weigh in?Thx.

I had an 03 Vibe GT - it would get 32-33 mpg on the highway doing 75 - 80 mph. Around town I usually got about 24 mpg. I doubt the base vibes are much different, depends more how you drive it.GTs - yes supposed to use premium. I put regular in a couple times over the years when 91 wasn't available, didn't seem to bother it but don't suggest making a habit of it.Base Vibe w 5 spd has a bit more low end torque, so for just driving around it might be a bit better from what I've read. GT has to really rev to hit lift and have the real power kick in. But way cool when it did - 03s were best for this, hit 6250 rpm and whoosh. Top gear in the base I think is a bit taller than GT so turns a few revs less on the highway.6 spd was fun to drive, gears are fairly close. Stock clutch is a weak point on the GTs. Mine went about 52K miles.

Quote, originally posted by jimincalif »GTs - yes supposed to use premium. I put regular in a couple times over the years when 91 wasn't available, didn't seem to bother it but don't suggest making a habit of it.They've got a knock sensor, no? If so the worst thing that will happen is a recuction in power and gas mileage.

Quote, originally posted by jono.peters »There are some available in the 6 speed, but I am wondering how much of a hit you take on fuel economy when you get the higher powered motor.I have also heard rumours it takes higher grade gasoline, sort of negating the fuel efficiency of the car.True? Any 6spd vibers want to weigh in?Thx.yup, the rumors are true ..although generally speaking its' not a ton more $$ to fill up with premium so I go with it. 03 GT, btw. I monitor my fuel efficiency pretty closely (see the gassavers link below) and average 31-32mpg mixed driving. Best I ever did was 35.1 mpg on a long highway trip in upstate NY. My numbers have dipped somewhat lately because basically I'm tired of being all (removed) about it and I'm starting to enjoy actually driving my car more . The wife accidentally filled up with mid-grade once and I monitered the result. There actually was a dip in economy for that tank, slight, but it was there. The GT is definitely a high-revving motor. I've not driven a base to compare it to, but you can expect to be cruising on the highway at or just above 3000rpm most of the time. You'll hear and read a lot about the weak stock clutch but the longevity depends a lot on how you drive it i think. I'm at 63k miles and have no issues yet, some people blew through theirs in less than 30,000. All in all a fun car, but if you're looking for the most efficient option then I'd go with the 5-speed.

Cool, thanks guys.So the question really is, can I find a 5 speed with a sunroof.I do a lot of long haul trips, so while I do enjoy a zippy car (I am making the transition from a 2.0L VW GTI, sigh) the fuel economy is first thing for me.Well, have to keep looking.THX