Thinking about getting a Vibe, have a few concerns about ride quality...input appreciated

[tovibeornottovibe]

Been spending the past few weeks doing extensive car research, and, according to my lifestyle, I have narrowed it down to the Hyundai Santa Fe, older Lexus RX300 or the Vibe. Test drove the Santa Fe, was, as Consumer Reports put it, "secure", but not fun to drive.Being a teenager, having a vehicle that's fun (and safe) to drive is high on my priority list. I'm sure the Vibe is versatile enough to let me haul all my stuff, but I'm concerned about the ride quality. Haven't had a chance to test drive it yet (don't have a dealer nearby). I have been driving a Lexus ES300, and I absolutely love how fun it is to drive. I'm not a leadfoot, I don't accelerate that quickly, I just want a vehicle that's comfortable, smooth, quiet and somewhat fun to drive. I had been leaning strongly towards the Vibe until I started reading some not so positive comments about the ride quality. ( http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=4526 as one example)I'm sure, compared to most vehicles, the Vibe ride quality is excellent. My problem is that the only thing I have to compare it to is my mother's Lexus, which obviously is extremely quiet, comfortable and nimble.I would just like some second opinions on the ride quality of the Vibe. Specifically noise and the suspension (I drive on a lot of bumpy roads), my two bigger concerns.I have a rather well-paying job, and I can put on some aftermarket goodies if they will really make the car more comfortable/fun to have. I've been hearing about springs (TRD, was it?), but I have no idea what these are.Thanks for the help!

[tovibeornottovibe]

RX is in great shape, just has a lot of miles on it. (80k)

[tovibeornottovibe]

Could you give me your $0.02 on the ride quality of the Vibe compared to the RX? If you've driven them both, that is...I'm planning on buying them both used...but the vibe would only have maybe 10-20,000 miles, and it would be cheaper.

[Robert G]

I bought a new 2003 Vibe AWD in June, and have a 1999 Lexus RX 300. I find the ride quality of the Vibe to be fine. It is not as smooth as the Lexus, but it is somewhat smaller (which I like) and more "tossable" and responsive. The Lexus is a fine car, but doesn't seem to get going any faster with a 6 cylinder engine than the Vibe with a 4. The Vibe, being a 4 cylinder, can be abit buzzy, and the horn sucks, but otherwise, I am very satisfied with the Vibe. The interior is very comfortable, even for two adults in the back -- plenty of room, and the seats are very good. If you go with the Lexus, check out the prior maintenance history. With ours, we are constantly taking it in to the dealer for oil changes, etc. So the maintenance history should be available on the Lexus computer system through the dealer. On that point, note that the Lexus will likey cost more to maintain, is heavier and thus, gets worse gas mileage, and requires premium gas. Otherwise, I have found the Lexus RX300 to be a typical Japanese premium car -- smooth, quiet, runs well, trouble-free. The Vibe seems sportier.

[NSimkins]

No comparison that the Lexus would be more superior of a ride than the Vibe - obviously you have to consider the price range that these two vehicles fall.Personally, I was quite impressed by the stock ride of the Vibe when I took my test drive - I've improved the 'stiffness' of my Vibe drastically over the past year, all better (more firm).I can't stress enough for you to take the time and test drive a Vibe - it's hard to really tell you how it rides because everyone has their own taste and feel for what they think is a nice ride.. although I would say many are very satisfied by the Vibe's ride quality.Weigh what you want to spend and the quality of the RX once you take a test drive in the Vibe..

[joatmon]

I think it would be hard for anyone but you to be able to compare the ride of the two different vehicles well enough for you to make the decision. If you can't find a Vibe to test drive, try to find a Toyota Matrix, which should effectively be the same ride as a Vibe. It's likely to be too far to consider, but there's a meet this weekend in Dundee MI. If you had a way of getting there, there should be an assortment of Vibes and enthusiastic Vibe owners there. maps.yahoo.com says it's about 200 miles from laporte to dundee, so that may not be practical, but if you are interested in a Vibe, it would definitely be worth the trip.

[Triton]

Even before I put lowering springs on my Vibe, it was nowhere near the ride quality of a luxury car. I think the Vibe is awesome for the price range that it falls in and it is extremely fun to drive. There are so many modifications you can make to it, it's like an endless project. If you are young and like to play with cars, the Vibe is the way to go. joatmon is right about the meet. If you want to see some pretty cool Vibes, come up and check us out.

[esjones]

I'm 51 and have owned or leased Cadillacs, Corvettes, a Trans Am, a Chevy Vega (remember them?), Pontiac Sunbird (******* cousin to the Vega), Olds Intrigue, a couple of Safari minivans, and the Vibe. If you like driving a sofa, go with the RX. if you like to DRIVE, then go with the Vibe. It doesn't have the smooth ride of a Lexus, but it's FUN, and that is important at any age.

[drunkenmaxx]

the awd drive really smooth. it's even better since youre not concerned w/speed

[meathead333]

well in my opinion a 17 year old doesnt need a lexus. i think youd enjoy a vibe alot more anyways...

[AKLGT]

yes, would be difficult to compare the 2 vehicles. you are talking 2 very different classes. luxury suv vs economical wagon. are you looking at the awd, base, or gt? i have a gt and added TRD springs. ride is nice and smooth. no problems or complaints. i came out of my Toyota Tundra TRD in April to this and so far it's been a good change. except when i want to run over things or go thru large mud puddles. the ride isn't bad at all, pretty decent, but still no lexus (stock that is).

[NovaResource]

quote:a Chevy Vega (remember them?)Yes.quote:Pontiac Sunbird (******* cousin to the Vega)Actually, the early Sunbird (also the Oldsmobile Starfire and Buick Skyhawk) was the cousin of the Monza, not the Vega. However, the Monza was similar to the Vega built on the GM H-body platform. The Pontiac Astre was more similar to the Vega. Notice the different roof line and rear quarter windows of the Vega vs the Monza.Vega:Monza:Astre:Sunbird:

[philndz]

i posted my thoughts on the other thread....i got kinda mixed up there... http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=4526

[ragingfish]

You're comparing a Hyundai, a Pontiac, and a Lexus...Three completely different classes. Economy. Middle. Luxury.The only common thread is that the Vibe is a Toyota at heart, as is the Lexus...Still...no comparison IMHO. Never drove a Lexus. Never will. But we can't tell you how you will like the car. You need to drive it for yourself.And I agree with meathead -- 17 year old shouldn't be in a Lexus. But that's just my opinion.

[tovibeornottovibe]

Just a FYI: If I got a Vibe, it would be a base. Currently looking for a place where I can test drive a Vibe...I have two dealers close to me, but both of them, strangely, each only have GTs, and I haven't learned how to drive manual.Another question. A few of you have described the Vibe as fun to drive. What, in your opinion, makes the Vibe more fun to drive than say, a Lexus RX?I can definitely afford a Lexus, and I am a safe driver, but the fact that I am 17 is one of the major reasons I haven't already bought one. The Vibe looks like a fun car, and I've been impressed with most everything I've read about it besides the ride quality. (And that's why I started this thread.)I really appreciate all the input!

[ragingfish]

The one regret I have about my Vibe is that I bought an automatic...I learned to drive stick recently, and wish to hell I had a stick...That, in itself, boosts the fun factor exponentially!

[champcaracing]

if your really thinking about the rx better pull the front valve cover and see if has slugde in it. at the dealer we have done a few highlanders' , camrys' and seinia vans with the v6. might be worth spending some dough now and find out, instead of later and $5000- or more to repair it later.

[figment]

I'm actually considering both the Vibe and a used CPO Lexus RX. The RX is a much higher cost car, when it comes to oil changes, brake pads, etc, and a used one is going to require service quicker than a Vibe with no miles. They are probably about the same size inside, give or take a few inches.The ride is much smoother on the Lexus RX, it drives like a car (it's based on the Lexus ES 300, which is based on the Camry). The Vibe doesn't have the "go" of the RX, at least in automatic. You sit higher up in the Lexus, if that makes a difference.For a 17-year old, the Lexus has much more "bling bling" to it than a Pontiac, but it is sort of a Mom-mobile, when you look at who drives it.

[tovibeornottovibe]

figment, have you tested the RX300 aswell as the ES300? I know they're supposed to drive similar, but how different is the ride?The nearest Lexus dealership is a long way from me, so I can't exactly make a decision based upon experience with it, but I know exactly how the ES300 drives, and I love it. I would get it, but I think I need more room/versatility.Might as well ask this one again: A few of you have said the Vibe is really fun to drive. What, in your opinion, makes it more fun to drive than say, the RX300?This'd be much simpler if I could actually drive 'em myself, but since that's not an option at the moment, I've resorted to discussing it with knowledgeable strangers on the internet.

[AKLGT]

OK, as I can only attest to what I've driven and what is fun to drive:I for one, have a GT. definitely more fun than any auto tranny in my opinion. I test drove all 3 models and once I drove the GT, it was settled. even before the springs, i drove back and forth this summer from fairbanks to anchorage, 350 miles twisting and turning thru the denali natl forest/park/whatever. i can tell you, it was fun, hugging the curves and winding in and out, was exhilirating. in my tundra, it was a joy to drive too, but in a much different way. on the road it was boring. off road, well... that's a whole other story! i had a 00 Cougar v6 5-spd and it seemed ok, but this kicks it's a**! We have an 02 impala and GMC sierra. snooze. boring. SUV's are ok, even a lexus, but for sportier cars (and practical sport wagons) the Vibe handles fantastic. I've not driven an RX300, but I have driven a camry, tercel, avalon, tacoma, tundra, and every toyota vehicle made. This takes the cake. now, the RX is definitely a fine vehicle, no doubt. but... as long as you don't mind spending the extra $$$ for ANY repairs (lexus parts are MUCH more expensive) and don't mind the normal wear and replacement parts that come with a high mileage vehicle, then well... up to you. More practical: the Vibe by far. inexpensive, more bang for your buck, and will last longer than an older RX.

[esjones]

quote:Actually, the early Sunbird (also the Oldsmobile Starfire and Buick Skyhawk) was the cousin of the Monza, not the Vega. Astre? Now THERE'S a name I had long since forgotten!!! Did they even sell them in the US or was that a Canadian-only model? My Vega was a 74 GT. By the time I got my Sunbird wagon (a 78) I believe the Vega had been dropped, so you are correct that it was more closely related, platform-wise, to the Monza. Everyone referred to my Sunbird as a Vega, anyway..

[jimincalif]

I'm 45. I bought my 92 Lexus ES 300 brand new in 1992, drove it 11 years until I got a Vibe GT this summer. They are totally different cars. I could have bought another Lexus, or maybe a Murano, but I liked the Vibe, plus I had $3500 in rebate points on my GM card. The Vibe is no Lexus, it is not a smooth overall, and of course a bit noisier. Frankly I think the ride quality of the Vibe is excellent for the size and price. And is it fun to drive and I was ready for a change, I don't buy cars all that often and I like to switch around the type of car I'm driving. Prior to the Lexus I drove an 85 S-10 Blazer. I'd love a two seater sports car, but with 4 kids it is not realistic.My Lexus blew a head gasket at 104K miles ($1800) Prior to that no major problems. You should get more trouble free miles out of a brand new Vibe than a used anything with 80K. But if you are going to buy used a used Lexus is still a nice ride.I would not rule out the Vibe for ride quality, it just comes down to personal preference and budget.

[Faultline]

I modded my vibe by putting a turbocharger on it, I did that because it was so much fun to drive, I have the 5 spd,. On a note of interest , the man who installed the turbo, and other guys at his shop, have commented to me how much fun the vibe is to drive...one of their favorites of the cars they have turboed...for what it is worth....I dont think you will be dissapointed!

[Hot Vibe]

Since you live in or near Laporte I understand the roads there. I used to work for National Steel right on the port. The roads are not too bad there and are comparable to the ones near detroit. They stink and should be better and for you even as far as Michigan city is no relief. The bumpy roads you just get used to even if you drive a Lexus or a Caddie(me). The vibe has a good enough ride for you. You are young and will enjoy the ride and feel for the road better than a luxury vehicle. The lexus is a wonderful car but save your money for now since you have earned it and spend it on other things besides insurance. The Vibe is more versitile for a young persons needs and wants. Are you going to college? It will be better to haul things with. The RIDE and handling characteristics should mean less than you think. You have been spoiled by the Lexus and you need to understand that the time for the Lexus has ended and it is time to step into something more practical for your needs. If you want a nice riding car then buy an old Cadillac. Much cheaper on maintenence and parts/plus you can easily find a mechanic. The initial cost of a caddie is cheaper. I could even sell you mine if you want. The motor city is flooded with them. The cost of mine would be less than 1/3 the cost of the Lexus/Vibe. It seams to me that you might want to look a little more and drive a few things. Even for the hell of it go and drive a Jeep wrangler. A Lexus vs. Wrangler. Now you will understand why will not want a Jeep. Literally if you are a female driving a jeep a long distance will make your top hurt. If you are a male then you (removed) will hurt after a long drive. Make a list of what is important to you that a car must have from 1-10 and go from there. I bet you will find out that vehicles like the Vibe will have more of what you want and maybe even more of what you thought you might have not wanted or needed.Just my .02 plus $1.50. Take it from an old fart that works for GM and has been around vehicles for over 30 years.

[Robert G]

We have an RX300. We received a letter last year which indicated that Toyota was aware of the problem and was extending the warranty (to, I believe, 10 years) to cover the issue.

[figment]

I've only driven the RX, because I want a car with utility, and the ES isn't really that much cheaper than an RX anyway. I think the RX is more fun, the Vibe has a smaller engine and has to work harder to move itself. The RX is very smooth, and you just cruise around in it.

[drunkenmaxx]

yeah, i would buy a lexus to just cruise around in...why not?

[Robert G]

I find the RX underpowered. The Vibe feels more fun to drive -- closer to the road, more road feedback (the whole silence is golden in a Lexus doesn't move me much, but it is more luxurious), more fun in the corners, tighter handling. One real serious problem with the RX300 is the turning radius. It is bigger than a Mack truck. Really, really bad. The Vibe is fine on that score. Overall, I find the Lexus to be a nice, smooth, unexciting ride.