Do I really want a Vibe?

[hjwii]

Back in March, I wanted to go buy a new Vibe. But, I wanted M/T and power package AND a manual transmission. But, there were none within the allotted distance from the dealership. So, I said order one; they said sure, 4-6 weeks. After 6 weeks, the dealership calls me (Rainbow CHevrolet and Pontiac, LaPlace, LA) and they tell me someone forgot to order the car, and 2004s are no longer available. I grumbled and they told me they would order a new 2005 at the same same price as the 2004, but that it would be another 6 weeks, therefore, delivery in June. Weeks go by, no response from Rainbow. I call back in mid June - they tell me that it was impossible for them to order a new Vibe with a manual until September; but, no one called to inform me of this. I said give me back my deposit - it took me 2 weeks and my attorney to get back my deposit.I go to another Pontiac dealership here in New Orleans. They tell me I can order a 2005 Vibe manual, and it would be here by September. Once again, fine, I order it. I call back the first week of August, and I get a VIN#. I call back 2 weeks later, and they tell me it' has left the factory on 18 August. I call last week, and told any day now. I call again today - apparently it's being "reshipped" on 11 September, a delivery date before 30 September.Do I really want to deal with this any longer? Is this car worth these headaches? Are manuals that rare that no dealership will carry them? I now fear that any problems I have with this car will not be resolved timely by any GM dealership or GM themselves; and if that's the case, why would I drive a car I am constanly worried about (even if it is a good car, that cloud is hovering over it).Convince me people, that this car is worth it. If there are any GM mgr types reading this, convince me GM is worthy over Toyota.hjwii

[Mavrik]

Well it all comes down to personal preference, to me my Vibe is worth that hassel but to others here maybe not... but manuals are common as rain around here and this summer has been WET! Is it possible to deal with someone else?

[SCTM]

Quote, originally posted by hjwii »Convince me people, that this car is worth it. hjwiiSad story, and difficult to say if it worth it but, correct me if I'm wrong, the 2005 are less expensive (base price) compared with 2004. Check for promo (0% and cash back... that you can't find at Toyota's)I've waited from july 22nd '02 til jan 14th '03 ( 6 months) to get my 2003 base satellite Vibe... and take my word, I still like it.You'll get monochrome, let say "for free" and few more items we still fight to get fixed on our 2003 models 560CCA battery and protected cladding, you.... lucky guy.

[hjwii]

One of my worries/gripes is that when I first ordered the car, I had the price $1500 below MSRP, plus 0% for 60 and anothe $1000 for the conquest. Now, I have no idea what will be offered, and they won;t commit either. And I'm not seeing that conquest rebate anymore... *grumble gripe grumble*hjwii

[joatmon]

Be glad it's being delayed, because maybe Ivan is gonna get you and you don't want to have just accepted delivery of a brand new car to have it trashed by a hurricane.Sounds like they are either not trying very hard to sell the car, or they are not afraid that you'll cancel . GM sales were down last month, I'd think they'd be all over trying to get the car to you, doing whatever they could to make the sale. Go figure.Hey GM, wake up, here's a customer! Sell him a car for crying out loud!

[AKLGT]

the vibe will be worth it. and all that mess to get it will just make you love it more!

[wicked1981]

Quote, originally posted by hjwii »Do I really want to deal with this any longer? Is this car worth these headaches? Are manuals that rare that no dealership will carry them? I now fear that any problems I have with this car will not be resolved timely by any GM dealership or GM themselves; and if that's the case, why would I drive a car I am constanly worried about (even if it is a good car, that cloud is hovering over it).Convince me people, that this car is worth it. If there are any GM mgr types reading this, convince me GM is worthy over Toyota.hjwii NO

[ColonelPanic]

Quote, originally posted by hjwii »Are manuals that rare that no dealership will carry them?The demand for the Vibe around here is so pitifully low, that's pretty much the case. The only manual equipped Vibe I've seen thus far at my dealer was a GT that was in the showroom when I bought mine. Don't think I've seen any other GT's on the lot, and have yet to see an AWD.Since nobody wants one, my dealer seems to order Vibes that would be easiest to sell, and would appeal to the most buyers. So, at any given time, they have under 5 Vibes on the lot and they are all equipped like my car - base/automatic, moon & tunes, power package, alloy wheels. Anyway, hate to hear you still aren't making any progress with the Vibe. Is it worth the wait? Could be. I definitely see your point - even if it turns out to be a great car, you will have what you went through in your mind.It really is a good car, but I imagine what you're going through is frustrating. Have they tried doing a dealer trade? Maybe someone out there has what you're looking for, so you don't have to wait for the one you ordered.I would say stick it out for just a little while longer. If nothing materializes, there are plenty of other nice cars out there for the same money.Good luck to you!

[SCTM]

Quote, originally posted by hjwii »Now, I have no idea what will be offered, and they won;t commit either. And I'm not seeing that conquest rebate anymore...Current incentives$2000 Cash Allowance or APR, take retail delivery by 9/30/2004http://www.gm.com/automotive/v....htmlSo, for now it's the only offer been made, until sept 30th... Remember for the last 2 years, the Ring&Win offer begun on Oct-Nov til Jan. And still at 0%-60m. also with GM/Visa card you can save few more $$ applicable.

[joatmon]

Quote, originally posted by SCTM »Remember for the last 2 years, the Ring&Win offer begun on Oct-Nov til Jan. I thought Ring in and win was a Canada only thing

[SCTM]

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »I thought Ring in and win was a Canada only thingDon't know.. may be because our Monopoly Cdn $$$ and need some compensation...

[jake75]

I don't have a copy now but I remember seeing withing the past couple of weeks a Pontiac dealer ad showing a conquest rebate on the Vibe.

[jmf2]

I got the conquest rebate when i bought my new vibe on aug 8th, and so did my dad when he bought his 2004 vibe on the same day.

[ToolGuy]

Do not let a dealer ordering experiance deter you from getting the Vibe. These headaches are not the cars fault. Unfortunately it happens a lot when someone tries to order a car now a days. Dealers prefer off their lot or they can do a dealer trade with another dealer. Seems you are getting the better deal if you ordered an 04 and now are getting an 05 for the same price. Also sounds like the deaer has no money of yours, just your time. If you are soured to the ordering idea then what else do you have in mind for the price?PS: I doubt GM types are reading this. They are too busy and there are lots of sites that they could visit like Corvette sites and the new 05 6th gen car if they visit at all.

[debi5475]

I was offered the conquest in Sept in the states, except I we owned a Saturn and a Regal. So it must still be on. I am quite happy with my Vibe. It has 114 miles so far. 6 days and counting. Getting the remote starter and alarm next saturday, the tinting after that. Then the tow thingy, so I can put a bike rack on. When I find out if the 04 ones fit. I am not a big mod person, I expect. So far I am afraid to put a flame sticker on the side. One thing I am happy about, the steering wheel position, which can only be moved up and down. I thought that might be uncomfortable. Well it turns out, when I adjusted the seat height, the steering wheel is quite comfortable now. It was holding my arms out and UP that was hard, I guess. Even an inch or two made a difference. I am 5'3" so a few pumps of the seat height thingy and life was good. Tooled in today with the moon and tunes running. Woohoo! Though I will say I am tending to listen to cnn on the way home on XM. And I NEVER watch CNN. Maybe I have had a nervous breakdown with my new car, or a personality transplant. ETA: ignore that NO up there. I love it, but then I am a 50yo lady. But most everyone else around here is younger. Or older and male. Go for it. Try again. The 2005s are great. I miss the pocket on the back of the drivers seat. and the socket in the armrest. But the kinks are out. The seat height is easy to adjust. Everything works nice. I am in love. The boy scouts are having a can drive tomorrow. I drove other years. NOT this year. NO beer smell in my new baby.

[goodvibe]

I can think of 2 reasoms to buy a Matrix instead. 60k warranty instesd of 36k and the mechanics familiarity with the product. My car hasn't quite been the same since my clutch replacement that took 2 tries and a loong time at the dealer. I really prefer the looks of the Vibe though and you can ussually buy it cheaper.

[goodvibe]

The dealer might also save you an extra grand or so to sell you a Gt instead of loosing a deal.

[AKLGT]

Quote, originally posted by goodvibe »I can think of 2 reasoms to buy a Matrix instead. 60k warranty instesd of 36k and the mechanics familiarity with the product. My car hasn't quite been the same since my clutch replacement that took 2 tries and a loong time at the dealer. I really prefer the looks of the Vibe though and you can ussually buy it cheaper.when did toyota start a 60K mile warranty??? my tundra was 36K just like the rest! lexus is 60K, acura is 50K i believe. hyndai and kia are 60K

[goodvibe]

Since about always I think. 60k on the drivetrain. The stuff that costs the big bucks.

[GMJAP]

When I went to by my 2005 Vibe or Matrix last month, I wanted a manual also, curtain aribags, & ABS. Toyota told me no such cars in the entire 5 states encompassed by Gulf States importer & Toyota doesn't allow dealer orders.Pontiac dealers were telling me none in 500 miles, but I could order one. I went to a dealer recommended by my credit union, and they found one, even with the color I wanted & power package, in Illinois (I'm in Dallas TX area.) They said 3 days to go get it, and they'd cover the cost with some special $500 rebate they carry. Also gave me another $2000 in incentives. In the time they said, I had my car and they had the windows tinted.So, I think it's all about the quality of the dealership, not necessarily GM. In the end, I like the styling of the Vibe over the Matrix and the guage are SIGNIFICANTLY better in my opinion. Depreciation isn't as good, but I plan on keeping it long enough for that not to matter.Good luck! If I couldn't find it, I would've gone through the hassle of ordering it. It's a great car.(For those in the area, it was Sewell. My first and only pleasant car buying experience.)

[jake75]

They should have just given you an airliine ticket to Illinois, some gas money, and let you drive it back ) [That's my double chin!]

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by trdvibe »when did toyota start a 60K mile warranty??? my tundra was 36K just like the rest! lexus is 60K, acura is 50K i believe. hyndai and kia are 60K I remember that my 96 Corolla had 5 yr/60M on the drivetrain. Made it an easier "sale by owner" at 49,000 miles. I think DC has the right idea with their 7 year/70M drivetrain warranty. If an engine or transmission goes bad before that they almost always are taking care of it anyway, or they have an extremely ticked off custiomer. What can that cost as so very few engines or transmissions are going to fail in that time/mileage.

[ctdet]

I just bought a 5 speed 2005 2 weeks ago (in the exact color and options I wanted - Salsa - Power Down Package - Monotone Appearance). No problem finding one in Wisconsin. I really like the 5 speed and would recommend it over the automatic. I hear complaints that the automatic does not have enough pick up. I find the 5 speed has plenty.