Need buying advice....

[scarps626]

Hello all,I've been in the used car market for a couple of months and I was looking at several different cars. Recently the opportunity to buy a 2008 Pontiac Vibe (base model, auto tran) for a great price came across. I was looking for something fun to drive, somewhat customizable (not all that important), and most importantly, reliable. Can you sell me on the Vibe? I need to make a decision on it fairly quickly and all I know is what I've read on sites like edmunds.com, and kbb.com. I'd like to get some more thoughts from owners. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

[PlatinumVibe08]

While I can't tell you what to buy, I would recommend the Vibe. The best way I know to convince you is to simply tell you why I bought mine.I have a 2008 Base, Auto that I purchased new in December, 2007. I found myself without wheels and, for the first time in my life, in the position of having to buy a car. Since I was replacing a 2003 Mustang GT Convertible 5-speed, I decided to pivot 180 degrees and replace it with something practical, economical, convenient, reliable, and yet still stylish. I drove a new Honda Civic and it was too small for my 6ft 2in, 265lb body. I drove a Mazda 3 Hatch and it rode too rough and had tons of road noise. When I drove the Vibe I realized that it fit me well (plenty headroom) and rode and drove to my liking. Knowing that I was actually buying a Toyota product, the fact it would get over 30 mpg, and I could buy it brand new for about $4,000 off sticker price sealed the deal. I've been happy with the Vibe so far as I close in on 30K miles. I get 27-28mpg in normal mixed driving and 33-35mpg on road trips. Finally, I'm barely ever tempted to drive my Vibe like a moonshine haulin' hillbilly as I did the 'Stang. That's a good thing at my age.Best of luck with your purchase.PlatinumVibe08

[lovemyraffe]

I too cannot tell you what to buy, but over 3 years of ownership I am still being amazed by what this car can do. It will do more than expected of a small car.

[808 Vibes]

^ ^ What they said We have two 2006 base autos; no problems whatsoever and the honeymoon is not over! Neptune just made 41,000 miles.

[scarps626]

I appreciate the responses. I did buy it tonight and I'm looking forward to driving it.

[lovemyraffe]

Congrats! Post up some pics when you can.

[scarps626]

Thanks. I definitely will. Here is a pic from the dealership for now (hope the images show up). [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] http://images.dealer123.com/eBay/1151/537684-3.jpg

[jake75]

You apparently decided to pull the trigger without waiting for the reassurance - but that is o.k. He who hesitates is lost as they say. Very few here are dissatisfied, particularly those among us that got a "great price", new or pre-owned. I had a new '03, then bought a new '09. Your '08 isn't involved in the latest "recall" but in my opinion we owners of 09-10 models should not be that concerned either. I think the incidence and safety risks are both way overblown. In many respects I think the '08 is a better design than the 09-10's. I looked at new '08's but the deals did not justify replacing my low mileage '03. Then there was a fire sale in Jan. '09 on the '09's that had the added safety features standard (antilock brakes, stability control and side airbags) that my wife was attracted to so that made our decision easy.

[PlatinumVibe08]

Looks great! Congrats and enjoy your new Vibe.

[808 Vibes]

Congrats!!

[captainblinski]

Nice choice, scarps626Having owned and known Toyota and Honda products, I would recommend a Pontiac Vibe wholeheartedly. Mine were bought when 1 - 2 years old and always gave satisfaction. I am now in the market for another car - my LeSabre was recently totaled in the parking lot at work. I drove a rental Vibe that wasn't too beat and really liked the car for it's intangible air of quality, and now have my sights set on buying one. Has anyone had difficulties finding one?

[NascarXprt]

used vibes are not too hard to come by, the ones that you will have trouble coming across are the GT's and AWD from 2003-2006/7.

[star_deceiver]

Welcome!!! Congrats on your purchace of Black!

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by captainblinski »Nice choice, scarps626Having owned and known Toyota and Honda products, I would recommend a Pontiac Vibe wholeheartedly. Mine were bought when 1 - 2 years old and always gave satisfaction. I am now in the market for another car - my LeSabre was recently totaled in the parking lot at work. I drove a rental Vibe that wasn't too beat and really liked the car for it's intangible air of quality, and now have my sights set on buying one. Has anyone had difficulties finding one?I upgraded my '03 Vibe to an'09 because the price was "very compelling"and I was also able to sell my low mileage '03 on my own for a good (for me) price.My next door neighbor just bought a new Kia Rondo - very nice!The Nissan Versa or Rouge also are good alternatives. I also like the Elantra Touring. Bottom line - I think the Vibes are an excellent choice if you can buy one right - but there are many alternatives.

[scarps626]

Bad news...I purchased the car on ebay motors from Lipton Toyota in Florida. The car sold for $8k (well below book value), so they are reneging on the deal. I'm very disappointed. I spoke to ebay, but there is pretty much nothing I can do.

[houseofbugs]

That sounds familiar. Have a look here: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/0...nt-to/

[lovemyraffe]

Quote, originally posted by scarps626 »Bad news...I purchased the car on ebay motors from Lipton Toyota in Florida. The car sold for $8k (well below book value), so they are reneging on the deal. I'm very disappointed. I spoke to ebay, but there is pretty much nothing I can do.Sorry to hear. Even though these things happen, eBay doesn't like it when sellers back out on a deal. You can find another one.

[scarps626]

Yeah, but my budget is around $8k, so I won't find a 2008 with 40k miles. I knew it was too good to be true. Oh well...I do like the car from everything I've read so I'll look at some older models.

[DCViber]

For your comparison as you shop - I bought a 2003 with 75K for $7500 and it's excellent. I drove it 1100 miles for its inaugural trip and it's been a great city car ever since. But I think you will have to go higher mileage or older to stay in your price range. I remember looking within 100 miles of where I actually live (vs. where I bought it) and nothing reasonable for less than 10K showed up.

[DrunkenMonster]

http://newyork.craigslist.org/....html

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by scarps626 »Bad news...I purchased the car on ebay motors from Lipton Toyota in Florida. The car sold for $8k (well below book value), so they are reneging on the deal. I'm very disappointed. I spoke to ebay, but there is pretty much nothing I can do.Florida is a pretty good consumer protection state. I would contact the Florida Attorney General's office. At least make them sweat a little. Also file a compliant with Toyota - they do no like it when their franchised dealers act that way - and right now Toyota is trying hard to salvage their reputation.

[808 Vibes]

and the BBB! Good luck with this...they should not get away with this...deceptive sales practices...sleazy. In my pending case, I did contact both HI & CA State Attorney Generals; this was waaaaay back in October; and only *yesterday* I get a letter from the CA State Attorney General's office saying: "You should be aware that California state laws do not allow us to represent private individuals in personal civil matters. However, in cases of statewide significance, we can bring legal action against a company when substantive evidence is presented to us supporting allegations that a firm has violated California law." The Federal Trade Commission said that they only provide assistance to law enforcement when my case goes to court.

[Barrett]

Quote, originally posted by Scarps626: 8:29 AM 2/3/2010 » Yeah, but my budget is around $8k, so I won't find a 2008 with 40k miles. I knew it was too good to be true. Oh well...I do like the car from everything I've read so I'll look at some older models.I got my '03 Vibe (base) with 46,000 miles on it for $7995 including taxes and dealer fees. I thought it was a damn good deal.

[TONY TAT2]

http://southjersey.craigslist.....htmlIt begins with a V !sorry ya got beat on Evil-BayGood luck on your quest

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by HawaiiPontiacLover »and the BBB! Good luck with this...they should not get away with this...deceptive sales practices...sleazy. In my pending case, I did contact both HI & CA State Attorney Generals; this was waaaaay back in October; and only *yesterday* I get a letter from the CA State Attorney General's office saying: "You should be aware that California state laws do not allow us to represent private individuals in personal civil matters. However, in cases of statewide significance, we can bring legal action against a company when substantive evidence is presented to us supporting allegations that a firm has violated California law." The Federal Trade Commission said that they only provide assistance to law enforcement when my case goes to court. IMO the BBB is usually just a shill for the businesses that pay them dues.

[06pvibe]

That does suck.I would say just look for another that fits the bill.We just bought my wife a used '06 w/The Matrix holds its value even more but has a softer (Toyota) ride/sloppier handling. We chose the Vibe over a Matrix because of the suspension tuning that GM/Pontiac did to help call it their own. Plus it is a better looking car, imo.

[houseofbugs]

THey are out there! I picked up my '05 with 55K on it in June of 2009 for $7600.