GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

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I bought a 1986 VW Golf new - nice car but anything that could go wrong with it did - fortunately I bought the extended warranty that at the time cost about $600 for 7 years. I got my money's worth out of that. Traded it in in 1994 - got about $700 for it as I remember. From what I read the VW Golf is now much more reliable - but I tend to hold a grudge. For about the same $$$ you could probably get a Mazda CX5, Toyota Rav4 or Subaru Forrester. Of course I think the TDI is a diesel. Just bought new shoes for my '09 Vibe so I guess I'm keeping that for awhile - only 27,000 miles.

Electronics have been fussy in them the recent years, but the TDIs should be excellent for fuel economy. They look decent, too. Not quite what I look for in a car, but you'll get loads of aftermarket, forum choices, and Golf brotherhood. It's a reasonable car, it's just fairly common. I think they're smaller than the Vibe, too.

Run away... just run...

The electronics nightmare you will find yourself in isn't worth the benefits of the TDI.

I've actually been wanting to wait for this car too, great looking hatch and I've always loved the golfs. Having followed this car in some forums, I've already read some reports of car issues. Since this car is already available in Europe, someone reported the car braked really hard on its own when driving on the hwy (has that front assist feature that avoids collision or something) when passing cars. Also some reporting electrical issues with their windows etc. It's a very nice car and I'm really tempted to wait for it but I don't know, not sure I can live worry free with this car It's now either get the golf tdi or the new mazda3 skyactiv.

i am pretty sure the Mazda3 is significantly smaller than the Vibe. That's why I gravitate towards the CX5, CRV, Rav4 or Forrester. But for the moment I am gravitating to the frugal choice of keeping my 27,000 mile 2009 Vibe. There was a possibility that I would give the Vibe to my son but I got him a 2000 Odyssey.

jake75 wrote:i am pretty sure the Mazda3 is significantly smaller than the Vibe. That's why I gravitate towards the CX5, CRV, Rav4 or Forrester. But for the moment I am gravitating to the frugal choice of keeping my 27,000 mile 2009 Vibe. There was a possibility that I would give the Vibe to my son but I got him a 2000 Odyssey.

I've had a mazda 3 sedan rental and it did feel roomier inside than my vibe. I don't mind the car being small tho, it's so much easier to park My previous car, 2002 maxima, even after 3 years of ownership I can't tell where the back end is when parking lol I've looked at the CX5 too but kind of want a sedan this time around. Looked at the new mazda 6 too and it's pretty fun to drive. I'm just glad all these cars are stepping away from the all plastic interiors now, my car's interior feels so cheap

It is overpriced for what it is and being German, it is going to nickel and dime you to death.

A good Vibe replacement might be a Kia Forte5 (aka the 5 door)

I'm thinking about a GTI after the Vibe. Should be looking for a new one in the next couple of years if everything goes according to plan.

I actually test drove a 2015 Golf TDI SE a little while ago (got a $25 gift card to do so!). I loved all the low end torque as my test route included a decent hill which it conquered with ease! As much as I love my Vibe I can't say the same thing about it. The interior seemed well thought out and very solid feeling though I didn't get too much time to really look it over as I had no interest in actually buying it. The thing that turned me off (besides the electrical issues) was the DSG transmission service which must be performed every 40,000 miles. Reading many Golf TDI forums dealers want anywhere from $500 to $800 for this service due to materials and labor. The DIY route usually runs a little over $100 for just materials not to mention a diagnostic program and cable you must buy (I saw one for around $100) and a special tool to add the transmission fluid (which runs over $100 or you can Macgyver one for a few dollars). So anywhere from a $200-300 initial investment and another $100 every 40,000 miles kind of turned me off to the Golf TDI. I also test drove a Kia Forte5 and while not as willing on that same hill was also pretty impressive inside and out to my tastes. This is all just my two cents though.