Worth trading up to a Vibe GT?

[Nucleotide]

Hey all,

I currently drive a 2006 vibe base model, with an automatic transmission. However, I want to get something a bit more peppy. Considering that the GT has around 50-60 more HP than the base model, is it really a noticeable difference? Would anybody recommend that trading up would be a good idea? I found a 03 vibe gt with a 6 speed transmission. I like the 03/04 front way more and I thought it would be a good way to get more power and start squeezing more from my car at a higher starting point.

Id love for anyone who has owned both/ or owns a vibe gt to chip in any thoughts/ opinions on the matter

Thanks!

[1gnvibe]

I like the 03/04 front way more and I thought it would be a good way to get more power and start squeezing more from my car at a higher starting point.

I am the exact opposite, give me an 05+ any day. If your car is Abyss black and the front is in great shape, I'll trade you.

As for the power, I owned a base 05 a few years ago and recently bought a 04 GT. Around town the only difference is a lot more shifting with the 6 speed. When you wind it up it sounds faster than it is, but its still way fun. Keep in mind you gotta pump premium into the GT ($).

[Salsa Guy]

For a 03 GT yes! 04+ Plus you have a smog pump that can be a hassle.

[ImUrOBGYN]

IMHO, yes. Absolutely, yes. Keep in mind, there's more to the GT than the drive train.

[Nucleotide]

I like the 03/04 front way more and I thought it would be a good way to get more power and start squeezing more from my car at a higher starting point.

I am the exact opposite, give me an 05+ any day. If your car is Abyss black and the front is in great shape, I'll trade you.

As for the power, I owned a base 05 a few years ago and recently bought a 04 GT. Around town the only difference is a lot more shifting with the 6 speed. When you wind it up it sounds faster than it is, but its still way fun. Keep in mind you gotta pump premium into the GT ($).

Mine is unfortunately a silver/ dark grey two tone trim. The front is in good shape, however she's got a lot of small stone chips from lots of highway driving. I take good care of her, and was starting to modify her before I figured out that spending $250+ on a 03/04 conversion would be going backwards, as I could also get more power from her if I just traded up to a GT.

Shifting is exactly what I want to be doing and premium is no biggie for me either, just something I don't mind paying out more cash for if she's got the driving pleasure to boot.

Let me know if you'd still be up for that trade though, I will start posting pictures of her so you can get a look!

[1gnvibe]

After finishing some mods and personalizing this 04, I've changed my mind. The GT is now way cooler and more fun to drive than my 05 base ever was. Trade up if its in your budget.

[Nucleotide]

okay awesome, thanks for all of your guys' input. My only issue now is finding any GT trim level with a 6 speed for sale at a decent price in central florida :c

[runningslow]

okay awesome, thanks for all of your guys' input. My only issue now is finding any GT trim level with a 6 speed for sale at a decent price in central florida :c

This is not going to be of any help to you, but a few years ago I had test driven an 06 Vibe GT at a dealer in Kissimmee, but it had sold before I could commit. So, I ended up with my 06 Vibe Base that I bought from Holler Hyundai in Winter Park.

Moral of the story, when you find it... pounce!

[1gnvibe]

Bought my current 04 GT with 59k on it in 2014. An older couple had traded it in for a boring Ford. I had the papers signed and they keys to the car before they even got it through detail. Keep an eye out and the right car will be out there for you.

[Nucleotide]

I found a 03 trix xrs with 129 on the odo for about $3.4k, but I just can't get with the styling of the trix. To me, it looks way too much like an actual wagon/van. Maybe its the fenders on the vibe that make it look that much more sporty?

[ImUrOBGYN]

Mind sharing where?

[Nucleotide]

I think it was in jacksonville somewhere. Im starting to warm up to them, mind. Especially the manual transmission and 180hp part.

[Psychobroker]

Add a TWM short shifter and brass shifter cable bushings (links below), and you've got two great DIY projects that really bring a noticable difference in shifting. No more slop and 40% shorter throws:

TWM short shifter: http://www.twmperformance.com/shortshif ... ifters.htm
brash shifter cable bushing: viewtopic.php?t=7300

if you can still find them.

EDIT: bah, just noticed TWM discontinued them... maybe give them to call to see if they have any still in mothballs.

EDIT2: www.monkeywrenchracing.com has a short shift kit that looks like a copy of TWM's! Nice http://www.monkeywrenchracing.com/produ ... ts_id=1195