GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Well, I'm new here and this will probably be my only post. (Or maybe not.) I love the Vibe. I had a 2009 Vibe named Fenris. I was never really "into cars" as one might say. My ex-boyfriend was a car guy, and my husband has an interest. I had zero. That is until I got Fenris. He was my first car financed completely on my own, and a decision that I rushed into because I desperately needed something reliable and new for my first day of my dream job.

No matter the weather I had to be in to work, and for someone who had crippling driving anxiety driving into work was a chore. Everything changed driving Fen. I gained confidence, and while driving is still a chore I am not terrified. I learned about every little strange sound, bump, and buzz and fixed what I could when I could. I watched videos to learn how to do things on my own. I didn't know how to repair a loose bumper edge until I accidentally pulled a little too far forward onto a curb. Blower motor? Had no idea how to do that until Fen needed his diagnosed.



And well, I did my best to keep him clean. But work is many miles away, and at the end of a dark and lonely dirt road. Baths were at the end of every work week, but come that Monday Fen was just dirty all over again.

This past Thursday Fen got into a head on collision with a Versa. I don't even remember much from the accident, and I had no idea we had been hit. I just barely remember the light being green, my husband taking off and then suddenly a boom and everything being briefly red just after the airbags deployed. Someone approached us and urged us out of the car because Fen was smoking dangerously. I did as I was told, and tumbled out of the passenger seat and joined my husband where he stood. Seeing my Husband okay and coherent, I turned around and said, "Oh my god, my car."

Fen was totaled. Sitting mangled and broken in the middle of an intersection that by all means should have been a passenger side impact. By some strange reason the Versa hit us head on while we were in the middle of a left turn. I had a brief hope that it wasn't as bad as it had looked the night of the accident, but the pictures taken at the lot says it all.



I feel silly for having an emotional attachment to a tool, but you only get one first car. That one was Fenris. So in the company of hopefully some other folks who understand, I say goodbye to my buddy.

Yes they are like children...much like that commercial the baby that is a mustang that got damage. Glad everyone is all right! They are tough cars and it's amazing that people walk away from the accidents they get into.

Good Luck on the new car!

aggiechicken wrote:Well, I'm new here and this will probably be my only post. (Or maybe not.) I love the Vibe.

Thanks for sharing your story with us here @ GenVibe! Oh and WELCOME I'll assume you purchased your dear friend Fenris brand new? This means you've likly owned him close to five years. With that being said you have a VERY good reason to replace him with another Vibe. You know what to expect, you're familiar with the controls and how the car drives, your insurance check should come close to the cost of another 2009-10 Vibe. Don't give up. I'm sure there is another Fenris out there for you to acquire if you choose to do so. These cars are extremely reliable and worth every $$$ we put into them. Keep us posted as to what you end up getting and glad everyone is safe. Just another reason to consider getting another Vibe. Your dear friend Fenris protected you during the crash so you could safely walk away.

Welcome to GenVibe and thank you for the story. Cars can be truly great friends. It really is a tragedy when you have to give up your four-wheeled friend. Almost like a pet, just a little more so. I'm sure Fenris gladly gave his life so you could walk away without injury. One of his siblings would proudly take his duty and be your friend. I'm very glad to hear he helped you grow in how you drive. I guess you know you can safely drive a sibling and stay safe from an unfortunate experience. Even if it is occasional, we love any and all members. Let us know who will take Fenris' duty. And keep growing as a driver. Maybe take an advanced driving course to help. They will teach you car control and how your vehicle acts to different situations. Keep driving! And maybe keep Vibin'!

Welcome to another fellow Texan! So sorry to hear about your Vibe, but he served you well and saved you from harm like a good, safe car should. I bought my 2010 GT with the intention of giving it to my daughter when she needs a car (she's a sophomore at A&M!) and I know it will keep her safe if anything happens. There are many people on here that have their own Vibe survival stories, so it is obviously a safe car.

Good luck with your next car!

Thank you folks!

Yes, there was another 2009 Vibe GT in Kileen TX that I had my eyes on, but my husband wasn't too thrilled about driving 75 miles plus to see a car and then drive it home. Weh. I didn't get Fen brand new. I got him at an absolute steal for 11k at only 25,000 miles! The one in Kileen appears to be 12k at 68,000 miles, which ironically is around the same mileage that Fen got totaled at. At the end of the day my husband won the "let's go out of town" for a new car argument, and we came home with a little black Sonic hatchback. It's a cute little car. I named him Sebastian. He hit 150 miles yesterday and is already full of the white mud that surrounds my work place.

My goal tho is to find another 09 Vibe and hand Sebastian over to my husband, hehehe.

Sonics are a good little car. Good choice after Vibes, too. I know someone who went from an 03 Vibe to a Sonic RS and loves it (though she also misses her Vibe). Sebastian will get you around well. And maybe, hopefully, your plan will work to get another Vibe!

aggiechicken wrote: My goal tho is to find another 09 Vibe and hand Sebastian over to my husband, hehehe.

Keep hanging out here with us and we'll help you fulfill that dream Seriously, we'll do all the research for you to where all you have to do is go pick it up! Good luck with the new Sonic in the meantime!

KITT222 wrote:Welcome to GenVibe and thank you for the story. Cars can be truly great friends. It really is a tragedy when you have to give up your four-wheeled friend. Almost like a pet, just a little more so. I'm sure Fenris gladly gave his life so you could walk away without injury. One of his siblings would proudly take his duty and be your friend. I'm very glad to hear he helped you grow in how you drive. I guess you know you can safely drive a sibling and stay safe from an unfortunate experience. Even if it is occasional, we love any and all members. Let us know who will take Fenris' duty. And keep growing as a driver. Maybe take an advanced driving course to help. They will teach you car control and how your vehicle acts to different situations. Keep driving! And maybe keep Vibin'!

Not to be a d*** but how is a car more than a pet? A car is an emotionless machine, it is not comparable to a pet at all.

Nasmfell wrote:

KITT222 wrote:Welcome to GenVibe and thank you for the story. Cars can be truly great friends. It really is a tragedy when you have to give up your four-wheeled friend. Almost like a pet, just a little more so. I'm sure Fenris gladly gave his life so you could walk away without injury. One of his siblings would proudly take his duty and be your friend. I'm very glad to hear he helped you grow in how you drive. I guess you know you can safely drive a sibling and stay safe from an unfortunate experience. Even if it is occasional, we love any and all members. Let us know who will take Fenris' duty. And keep growing as a driver. Maybe take an advanced driving course to help. They will teach you car control and how your vehicle acts to different situations. Keep driving! And maybe keep Vibin'!

Not to be a d*** but how is a car more than a pet? A car is an emotionless machine, it is not comparable to a pet at all.

You just hurt my car's feelings!

Nasmfell you are being a d***. I compared them to children. We take care of them so they take care of us. And in some respects lay down their lives for us. The OP called it a "friend" and had name for it. We all have our attachments to inanimate objects. It maybe a car, home, doll, frying pan...etc.

Salsa Guy wrote:Nasmfell you are being a d***. I compared them to children. We take care of them so they take care of us. And in some respects lay down their lives for us. The OP called it a "friend" and had name for it. We all have our attachments to inanimate objects. It maybe a car, home, doll, frying pan...etc.

also, a car tends to be an extension of style...that's why most customize their rides. you put alot of time into it whether it be just driving it or doing repairs or customizing it. You get to know the car very well just like a family member, you know when something is wrong with your baby.

Salsa Guy wrote:Nasmfell you are being a d***. I compared them to children. We take care of them so they take care of us. And in some respects lay down their lives for us. The OP called it a "friend" and had name for it. We all have our attachments to inanimate objects. It maybe a car, home, doll, frying pan...etc.

You compared them to children? You mean living and breathing flesh children? Interesting,.

hoooboy wrote:

Nasmfell wrote:

KITT222 wrote:Welcome to GenVibe and thank you for the story. Cars can be truly great friends. It really is a tragedy when you have to give up your four-wheeled friend. Almost like a pet, just a little more so. I'm sure Fenris gladly gave his life so you could walk away without injury. One of his siblings would proudly take his duty and be your friend. I'm very glad to hear he helped you grow in how you drive. I guess you know you can safely drive a sibling and stay safe from an unfortunate experience. Even if it is occasional, we love any and all members. Let us know who will take Fenris' duty. And keep growing as a driver. Maybe take an advanced driving course to help. They will teach you car control and how your vehicle acts to different situations. Keep driving! And maybe keep Vibin'!

Not to be a d*** but how is a car more than a pet? A car is an emotionless machine, it is not comparable to a pet at all.

You just hurt my car's feelings!

Sorry you feel that way.

Stop. Just stop. There is no reason for you to be antagonizing like this. There is no point to it. We feel this way about something, you feel another way. There is just as much point convincing you how much we care for our cars as there is in you being all dismissive about it.

KITT222 wrote:Stop. Just stop. There is no reason for you to be antagonizing like this. There is no point to it. We feel this way about something, you feel another way. There is just as much point convincing you how much we care for our cars as there is in you being all dismissive about it.

Antagonizing, how? I see cars as just a means to get from one place to another and nothing else, no emotional attachment,just what one would call and "appliance". That is my right and opinion, just like those who see cars as more than what they are. I thought this group was only to help and to share ideas about the Vibe and Matrix, but to offer opinions as well as long as they don't hurt other members. Is that about right, or are only positive views on these cars allowed? Please advice, so members know what to expect when posting in this group, Thank you.

Nasmfell wrote:

KITT222 wrote:Stop. Just stop. There is no reason for you to be antagonizing like this. There is no point to it. We feel this way about something, you feel another way. There is just as much point convincing you how much we care for our cars as there is in you being all dismissive about it.

Antagonizing, how? I see cars as just a means to get from one place to another and nothing else, no emotional attachment,just what one would call and "appliance". That is my right and opinion, just like those who see cars as more than what they are. I thought this group was only to help and to share ideas about the Vibe and Matrix, but to offer opinions as well as long as they don't hurt other members. Is that about right, or are only positive views on these cars allowed? Please advice, so members know what to expect when posting in this group, Thank you.

This group is indeed for Vibe/Matrix owners, to help etc etc... But some of us see our cars as more than an appliance, and you need to respect that. Putting us down because we view them differently is not supportive to anyone, and can alienate people with those views. And yes, you are putting us down, despite what you may think.

I apologize if my comments offended or hurt anyone

Nasmfell wrote:I apologize if my comments offended or hurt anyone

Thankyou. I definitely understand your viewpoint, as my dad and granddad share it. I may know in my head that a car is just a machine, but I spend a lot of time riding around in her and can't help but feel a bond, even if I know she's not alive. Plus there's all the engineering that goes into them, and the designers. Yeah, plain-Jane car, but I still think it's pretty cool to be riding in something that has a lot of really clever work...like how the VVT-i functions is pretty awesome. Maybe a lot of other cars have the same technology, but it's still really amazing to me.

If you think about it, they breath, eat, think, move, poop and make us feel secure. Now they aren't any smarter than the operator and that can be a problem.

Welcome to GenVibe! I totally understand your feelings for your beloved Fenris because I feel the same way about my Vibe. I hope I never have to experience losing my Vibe as you did yours, but as others pointed out, he gave his life to keep you safe and that says alot. I really like the looks of the Sonic, but I think it would be too small for me after driving the Vibe for the past (almost) 5 years. I hope you are able to get another Vibe someday. Definitely keep us posted if you do and don't be a stranger, even if you don't end up in another Vibe. Best of luck with Sebastian.

Nasmfell wrote:Not to be a d*** but how is a car more than a pet? A car is an emotionless machine, it is not comparable to a pet at all.

I have to agree here. I love my Vibe, but that love is not even in the same realm as the love I have for my three dogs. You can't compare something that is inanimate to something that is very much alive and has feelings, emotions, needs, etc.

lannvouivre wrote:

Nasmfell wrote:I apologize if my comments offended or hurt anyone

Thankyou. I definitely understand your viewpoint, as my dad and granddad share it. I may know in my head that a car is just a machine, but I spend a lot of time riding around in her and can't help but feel a bond, even if I know she's not alive. Plus there's all the engineering that goes into them, and the designers. Yeah, plain-Jane car, but I still think it's pretty cool to be riding in something that has a lot of really clever work...like how the VVT-i functions is pretty awesome. Maybe a lot of other cars have the same technology, but it's still really amazing to me.

You're welcome. Thank you for your comments.

vibenvy wrote:Welcome to GenVibe! I totally understand your feelings for your beloved Fenris because I feel the same way about my Vibe. I hope I never have to experience losing my Vibe as you did yours, but as others pointed out, he gave his life to keep you safe and that says alot. I really like the looks of the Sonic, but I think it would be too small for me after driving the Vibe for the past (almost) 5 years. I hope you are able to get another Vibe someday. Definitely keep us posted if you do and don't be a stranger, even if you don't end up in another Vibe. Best of luck with Sebastian.

Nasmfell wrote:Not to be a d*** but how is a car more than a pet? A car is an emotionless machine, it is not comparable to a pet at all.

I have to agree here. I love my Vibe, but that love is not even in the same realm as the love I have for my three dogs. You can't compare something that is inanimate to something that is very much alive and has feelings, emotions, needs, etc.

Thank you. That is so true. Pets are on another level (good level) as far as feelings and emotions are. They can bring out the best in some people (even prisoners) more than many humans can.