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Comments
hud
She gave me a time frame of 6-10 weeks if I order today. Ugg!
20 Vibes on the lot hudrahead? That is a lot of vehicles. I went past a Pontiac dealer last night an they had lots of Asswrecks. Apparently it is still a total dog even though they put some perfume on the pig. I gues there is only some much cosmetic stuff you can do on a vehicle that starts out so intinsicly ugly.
hud
Vibe GT w/ moons and tunes, MSRP @ $21,300
GM Employee discount and $2000 down......
36mo ..... 36,000mi.
The payment would be $260/mo. +tax
Not too bad... but considering the MSRP on the Grand AM GT's is around $22,000 and those go for around $200/mo. I know that Pontiac/GM can do better.
As for the price alone, 18 - 21 is quite high for an entry level (small) car. The Corolla can be had for 18k with leather (minus the 180 hp engine, of course) - too bad they don't offer a wagon in NA.
hud
http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/columnists/chi-0203030089mar03.column
I want the AWD, but there were none in the area. Also no monotone paint jobs. I'm either going black monotone or silver with the standard cladding (I only like the cladding with the silver). I'm having a tough time between the Vibe and the AWD V6 Vue. I've been driving a Pathfinder for 10 years now. And I've only ever had black cars, so if anyone can give me any reasons why silver is better (resale, durability, etc.), fire away!
The interior is really nice. Feels tight, with good quality. The cupholders are too small. I do feel that the steering wheel is tough to reach absolutely comfortably, as it is way too close tto the dash. That makes the dead pedal too close unless you want to reach for the wheel - I'm 5'9" 155 lbs. pretty average. I'm hoping that it's just because I'm used to my nissan, and I'll get over it.
I folded the rear seats, but I forgot to ask - do both front seats need to be pushed all the way forward to get the flat floor? The salesman sat behind me, so I never got that one all the way down.
Visibility was a little worse than I expected, but not too bad. I was a little nervous backing up and turning at first.
I'm used to using the center console as an arm rest, along with the door. I don't think that would happen in the Vibe.
I don't like sunroofs, but I'd make that sacrifice to get that sweet monsoon amp/speakers, since you can get it separately.
Power was OK, but I didn't get to go on the highway. Engine is really quiet at idle. I rode with the stereo off for most of the drive.
Dealer was wanting MSRP if I were to order. I said I was going to drive the Vue. My local dealer seems to not like that I get all my info from the net - it seems like they want to see how much I REALLY know by acting like the don't know too much. How can they act all dumb about the Toyota being cheaper? I would at least want something off the MSRP.
The Saturn was really nice - the dealership of course is way more friendly and relaxed. The V6 is really quick, but much more noisy. But it's a "nice" noisy. No rear liftglass, which is something I really want if possible. Can an aftermarket place convert it? The seating position is really nice. Interior is good, just not as nice as the Vibe. The Tires/Wheels are way cooler looking. They don't have a true black.
The Vibe is cheaper for me with the GM card. The Saturn is fixed, with no card use available. So both are great, the Saturn is more powerful/roomy, the Vibe is more nimble/hip, and has the liftglass. For the models I'm looking at, the difference would be like $3300 less for the vibe, all thing considered. But the Saturn may have better resale/trade-in if I ever need to get out of it to buy a Chevy Borrego...
So I guess they fought to a draw. Anyone else cross-shopping these?
****Any model Vibe runs about $1,000 more than a Matrix because it has more standard content--roof rack, power mirrors, CD player (cassette not offered), rear-window wiper, rear-seat air ducts, intermittent wipers and body cladding.****
Of course, whether that cladding is a plus or not is another story. Find it interesting that even Pontiac realises some would pay $500 NOT to get it. Doesn't sound like a plus to me!
Biggest news in the article, to me at least, is that a supercharger is being considered. I also liked the line about a better navigation system coming from the ceiling being used to entertain DOGS!
I have owned the Infiniti QX4 for the last five years and it was a pure beast with a kitten of a drive for the first three years. I'm in Upstate NY where it's nothing to get four feet of snow in 24 hours and the QX4 has been a life saver on more than one occasion but I've tired of its sluggishness (the 1997 had the underpowered 165 hp engine in it) around town and the fuel mileage is deplorable. A job change for me necessitates a lot more driving but I still need the reliability of at least AWD if not 4WD. The Vibe impresses me with its array of safety features and flexibility seating. I like the 9" clearance and great MPG. I only wish they had put the supercharged engine in it from the start as they are reportedly considering for this summer. Other than that I think this is a match made in heaven for me and should be a great vehicle to pass down to my 14 year old when she's ready to drive. I, too, am a GM car holder with over $4500 in credits to use up by next February but I'm thinking with the rebates currently available, this is a great time to trade before the QX4 starts eating a bigger maintenance hole in my pocket. Did you look at the Chevy Tracker at all?
zircon : Resale is not an issue for me as I plan on keeping my car for at least 8 years. Also keep in mind you probably paid close to list for your Accord and I was discounted about $3000 off list before incentives. Oldsmobile being discontinued is not helping either. The Intrigue has been a superb car and the 3.5L is a gem. No regrets at all as I almost got a Maxima till I realized it sucked premium gas.
3.8L is older technology but you know what, it works really well and if you plan on keeping a car for 8-10 years, you will save lots of money if you need engine repairs as they are much cheaper to repair than the newer engines. I think the 3.8L should continue to be made, but a 3.5L replacement is needed for the GM midsize cars as another option.
Back to the VIBE..
Saw a trailer of them on the QEW last night. Still nothing here, but I understand they will be coming this week. I really want to test one and possibly get an order in if I can get my wife on board.
The Chicago times article was a little crummy. But then again, it make deciding even tougher, with the mention of superchargers and wheel flares and stuff I might also want...
Yanks, I drove the Tracker before the 155 hp engine. Didn't like it. Really noisy. I would consider a Chevy badged Vue, especially with a separate liftglass and metal panels. But I don't think that's happening anytime soon.
Saw the Subaru Baja in Philly yesterday. Kinda neat, but no GM midgate. Where the heck is my Borrego, so I can stop worrying about the Vibe???
hud
I'm leaning more and more towards the VIBE and away from the VUE, only because the VIBE will be much less expensive with similar equipment. Still waiting for a test to be more sure though.
I saw a Matrix on the road the other day in Ottawa and it looked pretty cool. It was a Cosmic Blue (apparently a rare colour) XR. Even though it was noticeably taller than my Grand Am, it didn't look as disproportionate as it did at the Auto Show. Still no Vibes on the road where I am.
Some dealers in Toronto are advertising Vibes, but the local dealer still has none in. Sales Lady said she would call me as soon as they arrive.
On another note, have people been following the adventures on www.drivethevibe.com ? Some neat stories....esp the Hotel made of Ice and snow....as if we need that stereotype in Canada!
These 3 teams of AWD vibes are crossing Canada...still lots of snow in places (not here). I did price the vibes they're driving...AWD with Nav and sunroof and alloy wheels. Get this....$31,000 Canadian!!!!!!!! before tax! I was shocked! The Nav alone is over $2000. Price it yourself at www.gmcanada.com
I think for that kind of money I'd wand more than 123HP!
My base system with power pkg and auto comes to about $21500 + freight ect. AWD is too pricey and not needed.
Still nothing today. All I want is a quick test. No dice here in southern Ontario.
I'm even thinking about whether the power package is required, since it will mainly be for my commuting. Power locks and RKE is nice with my wife and son along in our Saturn LW200 but with just me 99% of the time, do I need it? With AC the windows are mainly there for parking garage ticket dispensers. On the other hand, it helps resale... but there's more stuff to break...
What is the nav system anyway? Basically a map display? Is it tied to a GPS receiver or something to give you a "you are here"? For $2160 you can buy yourself a decent handheld unit and a laptop with a DVD or CDROM full of maps that you can also use outside of the car.
BTW, I test-drove the Suzuki Aerio SX the other week and while 141hp/135lb-ft in a 2600lb car feels nice, especially with the 5-speed, the engine is NOISY and vibrations go through the wheel, pedals, etc. and the radio (even the 6-speaker 'upscale' Clarion one) doesn't sound very good, even with the engine off. The boombox in the back seat of my Metro actually sounds better, which is very sad. It is less money than the Vibe but not THAT much less... Overall, it really feels like a slightly bigger, faster Metro/Swift which is what it really is. For first-time new-car buyers like I was when I bought the Metro it will probably be great but I'm hoping the Vibe's engine is much more refined and the stock stereo is decent, or perhaps with the premium speakers and amp. I've been in my friend's somewhat old (96 or 97) Corolla with the 120hp 1.8 and it felt pretty good so I'm hopeful that the newer 1.8 is also good.
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boaz47 : Up here a VUE will run me about C$2-3K more than a similar Vibe. I am leaning Vibe but I still need a good solid test drive and my wife's ok.
I still need to test drive a few more 5 doors, though I'm finding the styling of many of them really puts me off. P5, Elantra GT and ZX5 all turn me off in one way or another. I think I'll still test drive the P5 but the looks of the other two are too off-putting to get past in the eye of this beholder.
Btw, does anyone here have a Pontiac Vibe on order? We look forward to seeing your "Reviews and Ratings" in our New Vehicle Guide Consumer Opinions section. Thanks for your participation. ;-)
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Station Wagons Boards
One thing I do not understand - why is the 60/40 split on the wrong side? I mean, why not have split the seat having the larger section on the left - behind the driver. This way, one could seat 2 pax and carry long loads by folding the front pax seat down.
The way it is now, long loads, means only one passenger total as the 60 section needs to come down.
I test drove a PT also today, and they made the same error.(65/35) Stange.
The PT was a nice vehicle by the way. Nice ride, nice storage in the back, but not great in the front.
That's a good question about the split ratio in the seats. My current car has the 40 section on the passenger side, but doesn't have the front seat fold-down feature like the twins. Maybe it was to accomodate long tapered items (like step ladders) or something? For things like skis and snowboards (which the developers may be thinking would be the most popular activity these vehicles would be used for) I think they would fit comfortably on the driver side and this would allow you to carry 3 passengers since the front seat remains upright.
Guess they didn't intend it to be a family vehicle.
My Saturn LW200 does it 'properly' like it's SUV cousin, the VUE, with the rear passenger-side seat (35%) coming down, letting two people sit in the back. The VUE's front passenger seat also folds down flat for longer items, though the LW200 wagon is actually longer in the back overall so you don't lose much there by not having the seat down.
Of course, for really long items, there are good reasons why these vehicles have roof racks! A ladder is usually weatherproof so it is a very good candidate for the rack, as are skiis, boards, watercraft, etc. With furniture I prefer to have it inside if possible.