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New to me 03 GT

Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2016 3:00 pm
by RonB
Hello, all

I just purchased an 03 Vibe GT that I ran across locally that was too good a deal to pass up.

It is Salsa red with faded gray cladding. It had 99,000 miles on it. It was very dirty, but drove like a new car (at least, compared to my old one).

Once I get it cleaned up, I will take and post some pictures.

I have liked the Vibes since they were first introduced, but never actually bought one before.

Yes, lift is very much addictive :D

This was purchased to be my daily driver (80 miles round trip) and autocross vehicle.

Before you all jump on me for choosing a tall vehicle for autocrossing, it is replacing a 1st gen Scion xB. I had to lower it to be able to participate at all, and even then it felt like it was on the edge.

Re: New to me 03 GT

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2016 4:18 am
by vibenvy
Welcome to GenVibe Ron! 99,000 miles is nothing! Can't wait to see pictures!

Re: New to me 03 GT

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2016 6:40 am
by vibrologist
Wecome, RonB!
As far as I learned the 03 GT is the one to have for lift addicts. At that low mileage you have way to go. It sounds like you found some cheap thrills.

Re: New to me 03 GT

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2016 10:01 am
by runningslow
Sounds like you found yourself a good car!

Re: New to me 03 GT

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2016 12:03 pm
by tpollauf
Welcome to GenVibe. Looking forward to some pics. Visit often :)

Re: New to me 03 GT

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2016 4:38 pm
by ImUrOBGYN
Welcome!

Re: New to me 03 GT

Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2016 3:57 pm
by RonB
Thanks, all, for the welcome.

I really like the lift :D Not every commute has the chance, but it is welcome when it is possible.

I am pleasantly pleased with the fuel economy. My first tank returned 33 mpg, and my second is at 35 so far (compared to the EPA rating of 29 highway). If I had known that the GT could exceed its EPA rating by so much, I probably would have bought one years ago.

More later.

Re: New to me 03 GT

Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2016 8:03 pm
by tpollauf
RonB wrote: If I had known that the GT could exceed its EPA rating by so much, I probably would have bought one years ago.
It's the manual transmission AND smart shifting ;) My 2.4L manual is EPA rated at 21 city, 28 highway. I'm averaging over 29mpg combined and it's nothing for me to hit mid 30's when all highway driving. Love these cars 8-)

Re: New to me 03 GT

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2016 6:13 pm
by RonB
I owe you guys a picture.

It's not very good, but here's the first one:
Image

It is an 03 Vibe GT, Mica red, with sunroof and 16" wheels.

So far, I have caught up on maintenance, and added a trailer hitch (a Curt hitch specific to the GT). It hangs down a bit more than I like, but clears the exhaust without rubbing.

More to come (better pictures too, someday).

After 2100 miles, my average fuel economy is 30.9 mpg.

Re: New to me 03 GT

Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2016 5:17 pm
by trb
Nice! Love the red color. It was what I wanted when I was looking for my last GT, but had to settle for a Neptune one that was really nice. Welcome and it sounds like you are enjoying it a lot. I only got about 24mpg in mine, but I admit, I hit lift a lot! :D

Re: New to me 03 GT

Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2016 4:14 am
by vibenvy
Thanks for the picture! I am not typically a fan of red vehicles, but I do love Salsa (the "official" name for your Vibe's color)!

Re: New to me 03 GT

Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2016 2:00 pm
by LoneWolf
Welcome Ron...I purchased my first Vibe from a coaxing mechanic of mine, which of course he has a 5 speed himself...lol
When I saw mine for sale and it being the GT,(taking it to them to inspect before purchase) I think my mechanic was a little jealous...hahaha
I am not fond of red color either but nice color on yours :) I had a 99 civic which was that metallic maroon color..CHOICE!!!!!
As far as the plastic molding, which i think it should have been painted, but I use that Wipe New on the trim and what a big difference it makes :)
So far I have added new front speakers (component), new aftermarket radio, a 10" pioneer woofer/amp, tinted all windows, except for the two fronts,window vent shades, bug shield,replaced front brakes/rotors,PCV,spark plugs and coil packs...I love my car :D

Re: New to me 03 GT

Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2016 3:57 pm
by RonB
I'm still enjoying it, but it hasn't been all "wine and roses" due to some needed repairs.

During an autocross a couple months ago, the clutch started to slip. I was too busy at the time to deal with it, so I dropped it off at the dealer for a replacement.

Then, this past weekend, it wouldn't start in the cold. It would crank, but no attempt to fire. After a couple hours, I diagnosed a marginal battery and replaced it. Better that it happened on a weekend than when I was trying to go to work, but it cost me another autocross :-(