GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I've had my Vibe GT for around two months now and I couldn't be happier with the purchase. I don't think it's for the typical reasons, but that doesn't really matter.This is what I came from. It was a 2004 Mazda RX-8. At time of trade-in it had 35,000 miles on it. In terms of '04 cars go, it was absolutely perfect inside and out. No scratches, no flaws, no anything. It was my baby. The problem? I never drove it. Why? A couple of reasons. To keep the car in perfect shape I didn't like risking damage out in public. If it rained, it stayed home. If it snowed? HAH, no chance. Going into a busy area? Take the other car. The other reason? Well, I compared it to a fighter jet. No it wasn't nearly as fast or cool, but it had a checklist for everything just like one. Every time I started the car I had to do it in a certain way. Maintenence had to be done at exact intervals with no exception, and NONE of it was cheap. The car had to be looked over all of the time as well, with no exception. Why? You treat it right, it treated you right. You ignored it for a second, you crashed and burned. In 35,000 miles I did more maintenance in that car than this Vibe will more than likely require in 150,000 miles. As you can see, owning an RX-8 is a full-time job and I was tired of it. As a result I surprised everyone at a car dealership and traded it in on a Pontiac Vibe. When the GM of the dealership gave me a little fluff about it, I told him to drive it for 10,000 miles and he'd understand why. I now own a car I can drive everywhere without worry. It starts every morning, and doesn't require every single noise it makes to be investigated out of fear. The best part is that while I lost the amazing feeling of driving a sportscar, the Vibe still puts a smile on my face every single time I put it through the paces. The 2ZZGE is a fantastic little engine! I'm hoping this car will be plenty reliable for the next 3 years and, with regular maintenance, I don't see why it won't be. I wanted a cheap thrill as I'm currently putting my wife through nursing school (and supporting us with my income in the meantime so it's stress-free for her), and for under $6,000 this car is delivering and then some! After the three years is up I want to keep the Vibe as a DD and pick up another sportscar. I plan on driving the wheels off of this thing!

Seems like a valid argument. I keep thinking that I want to get rid of my Vibe, but it is such a damn good car so why should I get rid of it.

I already told my wife I plan on driving the vibe till the doors fall off.

Quote, originally posted by keithvibe »I already told my wife I plan on driving the vibe till the doors fall off.Haha! I see Duct Tape in your future...

So do I... especially w/Pa weather, and winters.

Glad you're enjoying the Vibe!!!

Quote, originally posted by RWatters » I plan on driving the wheels off of this thing!I'm with you on that note My Vibe will very likely outlive me and that's a scary thought Driving a commercial vehicle all day keeps the Vibe garaged a lot, although the wife is putting a thousand or two miles on it this winter . Retirement is 13 years away and I know it will still be with me and have low mileage. It is stuck with me forever

Glad you are happy with your purchase! I didnt expect Mazda RX8 to be so high maintenance. Judging by what you went through the RX8, you will have no troubles with the Vibe, cheap & easy to maintain.

I keep thinking the same, cause gas mileage is (removed) poor on the AWD. In winter Im lucky to get 300 kms on a tank!!

Quote, originally posted by keithvibe »I already told my wife I plan on driving the vibe till the doors fall off.My wife has made peace with it as well

I can only imagine the neurosis you were forced to go through with the Mazda.I'm only left with MONTHS to pay for my 2006, NOT years. And for that, my wife and I are very thankful. We've never owned a car in full, and I am doing my damnedest to keep it tip-top (which doesn't require much with a Vibe) until the last payment has past. Just hit 59k on the way home from Christmas vacation, and look forward to the next 59k. And if we're lucky, another 59 after that. Fingers crossed.

HaHa the what makes the maintenance story funny is that is the reliable "trouble free" rotary car.Ive owned a 91 turbo II and a 89 n/a RX-7, while they were the funnest cars I have ever owned the maintenance costs will probably deter me from buying a rotary car again. Is it normal for a car to get better MPG then QPM (quarts per mile) synthetic is expensive!BTW welcome to genvibe!

AMEN to that ! I cant wait to say my car is paid off! Car payments are the biggest wastes of money. Every month paying into something that has ZERO potential to gain any value. I cant stand it.

Quote, originally posted by BlueCrush »Haha! I see Duct Tape in your future...Too late... there is already duct tape on the inner fender liner LOL