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Pontiac Vibe 2009+

24

Comments

  • jstant1jstant1 Member Posts: 14
    Hmmm...I still saw five of them listed on the site this morning. Here's a direct link to the page - maybe that will work: http://www.sawyerspontiac.com/VehicleSearchResults?search=new&location=&bodyType- =&make=Pontiac&model=Vibe&trim=&minYear=&maxYear=&maxPrice=&engine=&transmission- =&transmissionSpeeds=&drivetrain=&colorOEM=&colorExterior=&colorInterior=&fuelTy- pe=&cylinders=

    Yuck - now that's a messy link! :-)

    I understand your point about fuel economy and because of my circumstances, I would most likely go with a 1.8, even though I do like the idea of more power and the 5-speed auto. I wish the 5-speed auto was available with the 1.8.

    Fuel economy is my first consideration in a vehicle because I commute about 70 miles each day. It's the main reason I bought my 2005 Vibe - my previous car was a V-6 that required premium. It returned around 30mpg too, but I wanted to get more than 30 and not have to pay premium prices.
  • aa9zzaa9zz Member Posts: 6
    An interesting note on signing up for information; I signed up in December, received my first note yesterday and it was on the 2008 Vibe. What's up with GM? Have they not stepped into the Internet and the use of their web yet?

    I would have though I would have received information immediately upon signing up and then at frequent intervals thereafter.

    Maybe one of us could apply to run their website so they could get proper promotional value from the net.

    Is the 2009 out yet? Not according to their web or any information I have asked for.
  • jstant1jstant1 Member Posts: 14
    I'm a manual junkie also, although I'm thinking I'll go automatic the next time around since most of them now get better or the same gas mileage. I like the performance and "fun" of a manual, except when I'm caught in traffic jams commuting to work, which seems to happen more often anymore than not - thus the switch to auto.

    I'm impressed with the Honda Fit also. It will definitely be on my list. It's comfy and has a great interior. The exterior doesn't excite me quite as much as the Vibe.

    Based on the quick time I had in an '09, I actually like the interior of the '08 and prior model Vibes better. I especially don't like how tiny the rear side-windows are now, and the cargo area has also shrunk. The back seat isn't nearly as roomy either, in my opinion. If I were in the market for a Vibe right now, I'd probably go for the 2008. Of course, AWD is also on my short list due to the crappy winter we've had this year.

    Couldn't agree with you more about Ford. Have you seen the "new" Focus? Talk about UGLY. I hate the silver thing they slapped on between the front doors and fender. The back end is ugly as all get out too. Not to mention the "new" car is really the old one with slightly different sheet metal and some interior upgrades. I see Ford is already offering rebates on them. When will they get their act together? I saw the Focus "concept" in Detroit - based on the European version. Now that was a nice, small car. Ford is doomed if they don't start making smarter decisions and giving the consumer what they want. Heck, build a Focus based on the Mazda 3 - now that's a nice car!
  • zombietom3zombietom3 Member Posts: 74
    Thanks for the link. My eyes must have been in sleep mode when I went to their Vibe inventory page yesterday, or i just didn't see the 9's above the 8's. I'm encouraged that there is such faith by the car maker in models with manual transmissions. That has been my choice all my life, but I will have to buy automatic in next car, to suit wife. I'll probably be needing a dead pedal to give my left foot a place to go. I wish I had a video of the break dance my wife's girlfriend did when imitating the foot-hand motions of an MT driver. They are not going to get it, sigh.

    My choices are narrowed to the Honda Fit Sport, also waiting for the '09 details, and the Vibe. The Focus ZX5 would be a strong candidate if *^%#*^#%^Ford hadn't dropped it. I'll be staying tuned to this forum, plus Edmunds new car pages plus looking for email from GM.
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    It looks like you can't get the Monsoon stereo on a base 1.8.
  • plektoplekto Member Posts: 3,738
    Gas mileage may be the same or s,lightly better on the automatic, but the performance is shockingly different.

    One feels eager and wound up - ready to go. The other is pure mush and smoothed out until its soul is as bland as oatmeal. I test drove a Matrix and a Yaris with automatic and manual recently and it's literally four different cars it's such a huge difference.
  • vibeowner1vibeowner1 Member Posts: 1
    My husband and I just got a red hot metallic 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT and we love it! We traded a gas hog (15mpg) GMC Sierra for it and it was quite a change going from such a large V8 vehicle to a 4 cylinder, but this car is really quick and after filling the tank twice now, we are at approximetly 31 mpg. It has a tap shift mode as well, but my husband read that the manual gets 1 mpg less. It has bad blind spots in the back corners when backing out of a parking space, so am using my mirrors a lot just like my truck. The back seat could be a little bigger to make it comfortable for 3 people to sit, but for us with two kids it's perfect. We bought the Vibe GT right off the showroom floor. We went home to clean out our trade and came back and another one was in it's place. I think we are going to see a lot of these on the road this summer especially with gas over $3 a gallon. Love it!
  • onthefarmonthefarm Member Posts: 22
    Congrats on your new Vibe--hope you both enjoy it for a long time to come! :D
  • onthefarmonthefarm Member Posts: 22
    Fellow Vibe lovers...as of 11AM CST, Pontiac has updated it's website, and the 2009 Vibe is available to view (or drool over, take your pick) in all it's glory! I'm one happy camper at the moment--ENJOY! :shades:
  • caliberchiccaliberchic Member Posts: 402
    Thanks for the heads up!
  • onthefarmonthefarm Member Posts: 22
    You're welcome!

    As a side note, they may still be tweaking the site. I discovered options that I'm told would be available for select trim levels are missing under the 'Build & Price' section, for example. I'll cut 'em some slack for a couple of days given that most of the information seems intact. :shades:
  • griswaldgriswald Member Posts: 33
    Reading the forums, one of the major drawbacks of the previous generation Vibes was uneven tire wear due to lack of a front end camber adjustment. I also had this problem on an older Toyota Corolla and although I'm in the market for a vehicle like the new Vibe (wife actually), I will not knowingly buy another vehicle which does not have front end camber adjustment - due to alignment & tire wear problems I experienced first hand on the Corolla. So please, can anyone advise if this has been corrected on the new Vibe/Matrix's? :confuse:
  • orangelebaronorangelebaron Member Posts: 435
    Not only is the new Focus ugly, I'm pretty sure it's the only new car available in this country with NO REAR HEAD RESTRAINTS/SUPPORTS. But hey... a plastichrome doodad on the fenders is so much more important than rear passengers not getting whiplash is it?
  • vspvsp Member Posts: 3
    I am shopping for Vibe. But none of the dealerships in NC offering any discounts on 2009 and even on 2008 they are only offering pretty much what GM offering as rebate. I thought it is buyers market for cars, but some how I am not getting anywhere with vibe. Is it not the right time to get a deal?
  • pks222pks222 Member Posts: 12
    The answer to your question is gas prices at $3.25 a gallon or more. The smaller vehicles are in more demand because of their fuel economy.
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    The car is just in very low supply at the startup. Production of a new model always is a bit slow to ramp up, so the dealers may only get shipments of a few a time for several weeks. I have not even seen one 2009 Vibe on the road in my area yet.
    Since they have few to sell, and the car is a brand new model, there isn't much discounting.
  • repoman1repoman1 Member Posts: 64
    Test drove several 2009 Vibe’s today. Here are a few observations:

    There is a big difference in the gearing between the 1.8L 4 speed automatic and the 2.4L 5 speed automatic.

    The 2.4L turns approximately 2250RPM at 70 MPH and 2500 RPM at 75 MPH.

    The 1.8L is spinning 2950 RPM at 70 MPH and 3050 RPM at 75 MPH.

    Overall fit and finish is good. The paint seems much improved over previous Vibes. Prior Vibes had very thin paint and were extremely easy to scratch and ding. Mystic Blue is ugly, it has much more green than blue and should be called Pea Green.

    Interior is nice. Seats are quality material. Dash has a nice layout. Rear seats fold almost entirely flat, there is around a 10 degree incline when they are folded down. The radio has good sound and nice layout, the Monsoon 7 speaker system will please all audiophiles.

    The 17 inch tires produce much more road noise at highway speeds and are noticeably rougher on a bumpy road. The 16 inch tires have a much better ride and have no road noise on the highway.
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    That's too bad. Those high revving engines with short gearing explains why the mpg is so much less than a Corolla with the 1.8 powertrain. I didn't think the extra weight would be enough for such a big difference in MPG.
    I guess the short gearing should make the performance peppier than a Corolla though.
    It really needs an extra gear or two.
  • cryspycryspy Member Posts: 5
    Thank you for your comments.
    How did you find the ride with the 1.8L Auto? Was it too noisy?
  • repoman1repoman1 Member Posts: 64
    Ride of the 1.8L automatic was good, no annoying road noise or wind noise. The 1.8 automatic in my opinion is too high reving. If you are cruising at 65 mph and accelerate the revs jump instantly up to 4000-5000. Even a light touch on the gas pedal seemed to send the revs jumping. The high reving engine makes the car feel "snappy", which is not acceptable from a $20,000 vehicle.
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    So how is the 2.4 with 5-speed automatic?

    One advantage of the Vibe vs the Matrix is that you can get the 2.4 with the Base model, so it will be less expensive and you don't need to get the super low-profile noisy and stiff-riding sport tires.

    I'm really disappointed in the rated mpg of the 2.4 though. You can get a V6 with the same mileage in other vehicles.
    Even the 1.8 mileage isn't all the great.
  • cryspycryspy Member Posts: 5
    Just too bad this high rev thing on the 1.8 Auto. That's the main reason why i can't settle on the Vibe. I find MPG of the 2.4 model too low.
  • commissioner1commissioner1 Member Posts: 1
    I am looking at a 2009 Vibe/Matrix with a 1.8 and a manual transmission. I enjoy driving a stick and if I am getting a little car, I want to have a little fun. First off Carmax has already discounted the Matrix and it works as a good club with the dealers. They dropped there price by $1,000 when they saw that there were legitimate competition. The next thing is that if you get the Vibe 1.8, the manual trans and the prefered option package, it does not come with power locks. Somehow though it does come with keyless entry. They dealer is going to get back to me on that. It also looks like the 2009's are cheaper than the 2008's. I am waiting for the dealer to figure that one out too. The front seats in the base model don't fold flat. Finally can anyone explain the difference between the base radio and the upgrade? Is it just two more speakers or is there some difference in the MP3 input
  • vibovibo Member Posts: 9
    I have owned my 2009 Vibe for almost 2 months now. My previous Vibe was a 2003 1.8L 5speed manual. I am a little better off now, so I splurged for the 2.4L, 158 horse, engine from the Camry. It also has the 5 speed automatic transmission.

    It is a blast to drive! I don't feel like I am driving an economy car with this one. Anyone out there thinking of buying a 1.8 because of mileage, please try out the 2.4 and see if the savings is worth giving up the fun and the ability to safely pass other people.

    I should mention that I live in the foothills of the Las Vegas valley so I do climb long hills everyday. With my 2003 1.8 I really had to downshift a lot and really had to work the engine hard especially in 105+ degree heat. With this Camry 2.4 engine its a breeze.

    Also, concerning pricing, I ordered the 2009 Vibe the first week of January and paid $500 over invoice. I did have to wait for it about 5 weeks.

    For all you that are looking for big rebates on this car, forget it. I watched for rebates and deals all the time from 2002-2008, because I had friends who liked my car, so I tried to help them find a good deal on a new one. The biggest rebate I found was $500 cash back. Out here in the west Vibe inventory is pretty limited.

    Now with the price of gas going through the roof, and the build quality of this car, your best bet is to negotiate hard with the dealer, and talk down the sticker price. There is not a lot of cushion in the sticker either.

    Good Luck!!
  • wtd44wtd44 Member Posts: 1,208
    I'm "standing on the brink" of trading into a 2009 AWD Vibe. I hope to trade in my 04 Jeep GC and keep the spread as low as possible. I drove the FWD GT model at one dealership, but they had no AWD models available. The other Pontiac dealer has several AWDs, so I am considering starting negotiations. Using Edmunds pricing and reviews has been more than helpful in this endeavor, let me tell you! :shades:
  • repoman1repoman1 Member Posts: 64
    868 miles on my 2009 Vibe, 2.4l, automatic, 90% highway driving, most at 70-75MPH, just started to use the air conditioning the past week so most was with AC not running. Average to date: 30.65 MPG

    Fuel regular unleaded with 10% ethanol. We can't buy real gas here. I would probably get 2-3 more miles per gallon if I didn't have to use ethanol. Ethanol is junk, it's just a filler that decreases gas mileage and performance and is causing the price of everthing we eat to increase. Ethanol is simply a useless government mandate.
  • raythegermanraythegerman Member Posts: 27
    I read with interest the post #58 from vibeowner1. I too, have purchased a red hot metallic Vibe GT from my dealer in Amherst, New York. My wife and I drove it from Tonawanda, New York to Durham, North Carolina to visit her son, drove it around town, and drove back a week later. We averaged 30 miles a gallon on the nose, and that's with going 70-75 miles an hour and also driving in Durham, Cary & Raleigh city driving. Total miles approx 1800 miles. I traded in my 2005 Pontiac Vibe AWD for this. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!! My previous Vibe was excellent and I never had one problem with it, but the 2.4 engine and the upscale design, etc. is just fantastic. Before you buy a Vibe with the 1.8 motor just try one with the 2.4----it is a blast!!
  • smokiescatsmokiescat Member Posts: 7
    During my first visit to the dealership, I had no idea I was going to buy a 2009 Vibe GT. Now I am a very happy owner and strong advocate. My minivan years are behind me. Like the minivan, my Vibe is practical and versatile. On a recent solo camping, hiking and photography trip, I slept in the vehicle on a custom mattress made to fit along the length of the right side when the front passenger seat and rear seats are folded down flat. Unlike the minivan, the Vibe is economical to run. On my trip, I averaged 9.5 mph over the Interstate speed limit, which in one long stretch through Kentucky is 70 mph, and still got an amazing 28.9 mpg. Also unlike the minivan, the Vibe is lots of fun to drive. However, from my perspective, my Vibe GT was a few details short of perfect. Two details I was able to address. First, I exchanged the 18-inch wheel standard on the GT for the 17-inch optional tire offered on other models. Without the lower profile tire, I lost a small percentage of tight cornering ability but gained a whole lot more in noise reduction and comfort. Second, over-the-shoulder blind spots force me to trust the mirrors more than I’d like. The view to the rear is limited, too, so I had aftermarket back-up sensors installed to allay fears that I would back into something or, worse, someone, such the grandchildren who live with me. Third, I would have greatly appreciated an in-dash compass, such as the one my wife has on her PT Cruiser. I like to drive backroads without a GPS but did not like the idea of sticking a compass on that great windshield view. Please note that these details did not keep me from making one of my most satisfying purchases in many years. This is the most I have smiled on the road since my motorcycle days of about 30 years ago. This is far, far safer.
  • wtd44wtd44 Member Posts: 1,208
    I enjoyed your comments on the GT. I have noted that same "blind" area in the rear of the the Vibe AWD models, but the lack of competitive rebates is slowing my buying decision more than anything else. And the AWD model has significantly less mileage to offer, but I prefer the added traction. I may end up getting a "bigger bang for the buck" elsewhere. :confuse:
  • crimar30crimar30 Member Posts: 8
    Have any people over 6' bought, or test driven a new Vibe with the power sun roof? Is there still enough clearance for a comfortable seating position? I tried out one without a sunroof, and it seemed ok, but was not able to find one with the sunroof.
  • wtd44wtd44 Member Posts: 1,208
    I drove an AWD 2009 model just yesterday, but it did not have a sunroof. The seating was quite satisfactory for me, and I am 6' 1". I suspect the front seat comfort would likely prove quite adequate for long hauls, but only an all day trip would convince me. I am quite likely to purchase this vehicle today, provided the last moment negotiations go my way... :shades:
  • smokiescatsmokiescat Member Posts: 7
    My 6-foot son-in-law felt there was plenty of room in the passenger seat. At first on a recent daylong 600-mile trip, I thought the seat was a little firm. Either I adjusted or the foam padding "loosened up," but it felt most comfortable on the trip back. We don't know if was pyschological or what, but both my wife and I thought the seats on the GT were a little more comfortable than those on the regular model. We took test drives in both. However, we were lucky to be able to exchange the 18-inch GT wheels after we purchased the vehicle. A 2-hour trip on concrete highways with bad joints convinced us that the noise from the 18-inches was almost unbearable. The 17-inch replacement wheels don't let me corner as fast (which in some ways is better) but are a lot much quieter and less harsh. 2,300 miles in less than four weeks and still enamored.
  • plowboy1plowboy1 Member Posts: 3
    I have an 08, manual transmission with 15K miles using pure synthetic and a K&N filter. With 85% highway driving 75-80 I get 32.8. IF I slow it down to where the engine likes to run (2500 RPM@ 65 MPH) I get 35-36.

    These should have a six speed with Overdrive. I have no idea what Pontiac is thinking... mileage would bump up 1-3 MPG.

    :P
  • wtd44wtd44 Member Posts: 1,208
    ...so I did. I traded in my 2004 Jeep GC Laredo, paid cash for the spread, and now own an Ultra White AWD 2009 Pontiac Vibe. :confuse: What have I done?
  • gary_ggary_g Member Posts: 13
    I like the way the '09 white Vibe looks compared to the '08 white Vibe w/grey body molding on the lower half of the car.

    I just bought an '08 Moonstone (charcoal grey) which looks good with the grey body molding.

    Good luck!
  • wtd44wtd44 Member Posts: 1,208
    I looked long and hard at that darker grey metallic, and was headed into buying an 09 AWD that color. I then discovered my 09 AWD in ultra white and selected it. Good luck to you, and I suspect we will both enjoy these cars. I should admit that mine is really going to be my wife's regular ride. :(
  • crimar30crimar30 Member Posts: 8
    I just bought an '09 GT, the only thing I don't like about it, is the fact that there is no side molding, and as far as I can tell, you can't even get it as an accessory. Got 31 mpg with my first tank of gas!
  • ragu123ragu123 Member Posts: 5
    Has anyone been able to negotiate a price below MSRP for a Vibe GT or a Base 2.4L ? I have got a few quotes from dealers in my state (TN) but I feel they are too high. The lowest quote for Vibe GT w/auto trans was for $500.00 below MSRP and for the Base 2.4 w/ PCM pckg, auto trans and AC for $1000 below MSRP. Am I wrong to think that I should be able to get a better deal on the 2009 Vibes?

    I was going to post this message to the Vibe Price Paid & Buying Experience board but didn't see that many topics about the price of 2009 models there.
  • smokiescatsmokiescat Member Posts: 7
    I got only $700 off the MSRP. These cars are hot and wanted, and the dealers know that, so there is almost no wiggle room.
  • ragu123ragu123 Member Posts: 5
    Thanks Smokiescat.

    I guess they (dealers) have the upper hand right now. With the tax rebate checks being mailed out this month and the price of gasoline creeping up to $4, any small car with good gas mileage is going to be hot and wanted. Thats probably why they are not budging on the prices.
    Well, they better get as much as they can now because they will be marking them down to invoice or less when October/November rolls around. I just wish I could wait until then. :(
  • gary_ggary_g Member Posts: 13
    I just bought a new '08 Vibe for $3500 under sticker price. I understand that you are looking at an '09 but I would still do a few things that I did:

    - Solicit quotes from dealers using Edmunds.com
    - Don't act like you really want the Vibe. Tell them you are thinking about the Mazda 3, Nissan Versa, etc.
    - Start preliminary negotiations during the last 10 days of the month. Get into serious negotiating during the last 3 days of the month.

    FYI, GM lost 2 billion dollars in the first quarter of this year. They lost 32 billion dollars in 2007. They have 2 parts factories currently on strike. They need your business. You are in the drivers seat when buying a GM car.

    Best to you.
  • wtd44wtd44 Member Posts: 1,208
    While it's true that GM is in serious negative money numbers, the dealers set the real prices and trade values as they pretty much see fit. They seem to tailor the deals to the local market, as we would expect. In my opinion, GM could stand to have a tighter hand on the dealerships and their procedures. I traded in a Jeep GC and got a deal I could live with. If times were better for new cars sales, I suspect the Vibe series would sell so high that I would not now own one!
  • zzsignupzzsignup Member Posts: 6
    Umm, not sure about that. Just got mine (GT) for about $150 under invoice. There seems to be a ton of inventory out here (SF Bay Area).

    Ditto what the other poster said, go with the invoice price in hand, and tell them you know about the $579 dealer hold-back (hidden profit), and ask for quotes from multiple dealers (this is probably the most important). Some dealers refuse to back down from their close-to-sticker price, while some will make a deal as long as they make a little profit.

    If you're in the Bay Area shoot me a msg and I'll refer you to my dealer.
  • bikerscumbikerscum Member Posts: 9
    I'm in Brentwood.... I'd appreciate the name of that dealer. I'm ready for a GT.

    Thanks!
  • ragu123ragu123 Member Posts: 5
    Thanks zzsignup. I am in Tennessee but I wish I was in the Bay Area, you got a great deal. Did it include any rebates or incentives?

    I am still negotiating with a couple of dealers down here...but I am nowhere close to your deal.

    BTW, how do you like the ride of the GT compared to the base model? Do you find the 18" wheels to be noisy?
  • wtd44wtd44 Member Posts: 1,208
    While staying away from the dealer for now, I can't find a source for information that will tell me which AC filter is appropriate for the 2009 Pontiac Vibe AWD (2.4 liter 4 cylinder Toyota engine). Any ideas?
  • crimar30crimar30 Member Posts: 8
    Yes, the 18" wheels are noisy, and much harder riding. Got mine last week, and just got the $500 rebate, not dealing here in NC, either!
  • exit123exit123 Member Posts: 136
    Does anyone know the brand and model of the factory tires on the GT model?
  • raythegermanraythegerman Member Posts: 27
    I have a 2009 Vibe GT and the factory tires are Goodyear Eagle F1 A/S-C P215/45R18 89W. I really don't find them to be overly noisy. My previous vehicle was a 2005 Vibe AWD and those 16 inch tires were more noisy than on my current vehicle. I feel the 18 inch wheels on the GT are very nice looking and one of the selling points of it. The back-up visibility is very limited and there should be some protection on both sides to protect the vehicle from other car doors, etc...These are minor points and I am very happy with my car (I love the 2.4 engine!).
  • zzsignupzzsignup Member Posts: 6
    Marina Pontiac in San Leandro. Ask for Luis. Tell him Jeff (red Vibe GT) sent you and you would like to get his price! :)

    Yeah the 18" tires are on the noisy side, however they really give the car a much sportier look (and handling). The price you pay for vanity I guess.

    ragu123 the price was before any kind of rebates/incentives. I made sure to negotiate pre-rebate/incentive price because some dealers are tricky and quote 'after rebate' prices, thus comparing apples and oranges. If the quotes are that high you may want to check dealers in neighboring states and see if they can send the car to you. One dealer mentioned selling a car online to a buyer in Oregon and shipped it for ~$600.

    Personally we also got $2900 in rebates ($500 'Conquest' and $2400 GM credit card) so our final out the door cost was $19,682. Not bad! Your mileage will probably vary. :)
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