Considering joining, Q about gearshift position.

[profzombie]

Hi GenVibe! I'm considering buying an 03 Vibe and joining you as a happy owner, but I have a question. I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, so forgive the new guy if I'm in the wrong forum . I'm trying to decide between a manual and automatic. Normally this would be a no-brainer for me, I'd get the manual and have a blast driving it. But it seems like the gear shift is in a really weird location - quite a bit farther forward than in other cars. Has anyone found this to be really annoying/bothersome? I would go test drive one to answer this for myself, but there's not a manual Vibe or Matrix within 50 miles of me, and I don't want to drive 100 miles each way to the dealership if it's something that people find annoying. Thanks!

[Th17kit]

I have an 09 manual (the gear shift shouldn't have moved far btwn years) and I thought the position was strange when I first saw it as well. However, it's quite comfortable and I'm very happy with it. Much better than my previous Honda Accord mt.

[tpollauf]

First off if your considering a manual (kudos to you BTW) you may want to look into an 05 or newer UNLESS you go with the -6-speed GT model. Bearing failure on the 5-speed earlier models is the norm. Newer models have had the problem corrected. As far as shifting distance & location in the Vibe, it took me a while to adjust (used to driving Camaro & Firebird manuals) and now am very comfortable with it. Clutch/brake/gas pedals seem kind of close to each other but that too is no longer an issue as I've adjusted to the tighter spaces. Now go out & get one & join up with us here @ GenVibe

[Doug14]

I got used to the position very quickly and came to like it. I find there's almost some extra space with it up there instead of where the cup holders are.

[WhgVibe]

Where do you live? Theres a 04 Vibe GT 6 Spd right down the street from my work for sale. 99K miles...I think they are asking $6000.

[zythr]

Hi

if you can swing it, see if you could locate a 2009 or 2010. You'll be glad you did.

[creekhed1]

Ya but arent the 1st Gen GT's quicker?

[Rayven01]

Ya but arent the 1st Gen GT's quicker?

Yes, they're lighter and with more HP but you pay for it by having to buy 91 octane gas unlike 2nd gen GTs.

[creekhed1]

I have a 1st Gen GT and dont mind buying Premium for it...she's a rocket!

And the Gearshift is extremely comfy. That was NOT the case in my old Jetta....I had to REACH for it at a downward angle and it was uncomfortable compared to the Vibe. This car though is much better.... ergonomically speaking!