regarding "Subaru commercials" remark...it is still the cheapest AWD wagon out there (impreza 2.5 TS) - EXCEPT for the Matrix AWD, which in absolute base form is $95 cheaper, without any options at all.
Of course, at base price, the Subaru has a bunch of things the Matrix doesn't have, like power windows, locks, A/C, keyless entry...
I love my Matrix, but I should also mention to anyone coming out of an SUV that is less than 5-7 years old, that the Matrix will be slower at highway speed than their old SUV. In return for this slower performance, it will give you SIGNIFICANTLY better gas mileage (almost 30), not to mention ULEV low smog emissions.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
for Vibe AWD is $20,295, according to the Pontiac website, which is far above the base price of Matrix AWD, and also far above the price of several Subaru AWD wagon models. BUT Pontiac has cash incentives to buy the Vibe, so it is possible that real world sale prices for all four (Subaru Impreza and Legacy, Matrix AWD, and Vibe AWD) are fairly similar.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I sympathize. I wanted a VUE. drove the 6cyl and the 4 cyl, standard and auto. Still like its looks and love that nice blue colour. As with others, found the thing too "plasticky" and, this is just me, noisy. Then the VIBE caught my eye, specifically one with virtually everything I wanted except for the colour and monotone. I didn't feel like waiting 6 months as my GM points would have started dwindling away. So I went for it, going from a '96 Voyageur. I have really enjoyed this base 5spd with (moonroof/abs/side impact airbags) and now have put about 9000 miles on it since August. As I have noted in previous posts, i have complaints about the quality of the battery for our severe winter conditions, the Continental tires (I put winter ones on), and this week the cd player problems and the crack in the liftgate plastic. The mileage is fantastic (though I haven't matched the supposed advertised levels) especially considering the increase in fuel this winter. I hope, over the long haul, that the Toyota qualities of this car supercedes the GM qualities and thus, maintains its reputation.
I really like Subarus (their wagons are also very good looking) but I'd personally choose the Vibe.
But I do think the Subaru has one major advantage. I'm pretty sure they all have AWD all the time. I think it's a 60/40 f/r split and I'm not sure of the max to one axle. Drawback is the mileage is significantly lower than the Vibe
Does the AWD Vibe have that? or does it have the usual config. where it's all in the front until slippage and then some power transferrred to the rear?
Base Vibe/auto is: Loud. Active ride. Good mpg. Good through 90mph, then starts to feel weak. $2000 off if you are paying by cash, otherwise 0% for 60 months. Use GM Card incentive (if applicable)
Efficiency - about 27mpg vs 20mpg. Using less gas than my Van. Van is now limited to weekend use.
Power - Van (99 Sienna) goes 95mph and I do not notice. In the Vibe, around 85 mph, I feel like the engine is starting to be taxed.
For now, I'm slowing to 70mph due to rising gas cost.
I own a Matrix XRS and drive a 2002 Aztek (company issued). The Matrix is an amazing value. I traded a 1998 Cadillac Catera (I am 25, bought the caddy 2 years ago, thought I was ready....I wasn't). Everytime I drive my car it bring a smile to my face. The versatility is awesome. I have seen some reviews saying the plastic on the back of the seats is annoying as items can slide around. One can simply tie down whatever they are carrying to the built in tie-downs. Also the plastic is VERY easy to wash off when carrying dirty items. The only problems I have had have been with the 6 speed. The clutch is very unforgiving. If I don't launch with enough rev's it stalls. My girlfriend has an 01 Corolla 5 speed that is much easier to drive. I have gotten used to the 6 speed, but was annoying for a while. Onto the Aztek....the reliability and quailty are the best of any American car I have seen. I use mine for computer repair carrying hundreds of pounds of equipment (rear seats removed). I idle alot and drive at least 900 miles a week. After 41000 miles in 11 months it hasn't broken. The same can be said for the other 35 Azteks in duty in the Dallas area. The only problems I know of are getting parts when involved in accidents (I have been lucky so far). I would buy one if I need a vehicle this big. The looks of it have grown on me.
don't know about the Pontiac version, but for the Toyota version you can get a mat for the trunk area, which stops things from sliding around. Or you can use the cargo nets to hold things in place, or you can tie stuff down as mentioned previously.
One thing that is undeniable about the Vibe/Matrix: it is enormously versatile.
As luzer was saying, the engine does feel pretty taxed at 80 mph. Acceleration above 65 mph is a leisurely affair. (base engine)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Well folks, after much thought I have finally made my decision. I've chosen the Vibe over the Equinox. Heres why: - I don't want to wait until next year to buy. - Vibe more compact compared to Equinox. (Very important in the DC Metro area) - Fuel efficiency. - Just as versatile as the Equinox. - Most importantly, price. I love everything about the Vibe and am even more excited that I can get a monotone package.
Well im planning to make my purchase in September, however if I decide not to go on vacation this year I will get it earlier.
If you are planning this far in advance, two things you may want to look into. 1) Upromise. A college savings plan. GM gives $150 to members when they purchase a GM car. Have to be a member for 30 days. If you have no need for future college savings, I think you can give the money to someone else. Check it out http://www.upromise.com . 2) The GM Card. http://www.thegmcard.com can save you money on the purchase. Check the site to see what the Vibe amount is.
actually, I can do much better than that. NPGMBR, do you belong to a credit union? If so, please check out http://www.ubs4cars.com UBS is a buying service which averages about $160 over dealer's cost; $100 goes to UBS; $60 goes to the dealer. If you need more info, contact me. UBS is only available in the DC/Balt area. There is no better way to buy a car. All incentives go in your pocket, and UBS will even do an audit to ensure quality. Check the webpage out, or contact me for futher info. I wish I knew about UBS a long time ago; all my friends and neighbors now do and all use it.
Anyone know when the 2004 model will be coming out and if there will be any significant changes?
I'm going to be buying a new car this summer and and am interested in the AWD, mainly b/c of the price...I've got one of the old blue GM Cards with $3,500 built up that is starting to expire, and I believe I can use all of that money towards the purchase (there's no limit like the "new" card.) This combined with the current $2,000 rebate and what looks to be about an average of about $1,000 off MSRP makes the Vibe quite a deal.
Also, anyone have the nav system? Is it any good? I wouldn't normally consider it, but given the level of discount I might have to throw in this toy.
Vibe has the corolla powertrain. It is built at the NUMMI plant in Fremont, California, which is a jointly operated factory between GM and Toyota. It is also where Toyota builds its pick-up trucks.
The reason the parts content is tilted towards U.S. content is because only the transmissions come over from Japan. Most other stuff, including the engine, is sourced in the U.S.
The only thing that differs between Matrix and Vibe is that Matrix is built at Toyota's solely owned Ontario, Canada factory, along with the corollas. (well, that and visual exterior design cues obviously)
jthorsen: it just came out last year, I doubt there will be revisions for the '04 MY except for ironing out one or two of the quirks of the first-year version, like the twilight sensor.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I was referring there to base Vibe, which I assumed you meant. If you get the GT, it has the Toyota celica GTS powertrain, imported in its entirety from Japan.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
i actually read the manual again last evening for my GT and saw the manufacturer DOES INDEED recommend premium gas for the DOHC GT engine. someone had asked about that in a post awhile back. i too had been interested to find out, so thought i'd pass along info for those interested. premium here in dayton, ohio is about 1.75/gal. (today anyhow!) i guess we're doing well in comparison with most of you.
The 1.8L is either built in Cali (nummi.com) or the Ontario plant (Matrix/Corolla)
Nummi (Vibe and Corolla) Ontario, Ca (Matrix and Corolla)
Got closer to 28mpg by slowing down a little bit.
27.2 mog, most of highway travel at 75 to 80mph 27.9 mpg, trying for mostly 70 to 75mph when I remember. This last fillup also had more traffic than usual.
Still trying for the 28/33 mix which should get me closer to 30mpg (Base -Auto T)
I bought a Matrix XRS 6 speed with the Sunroof and dealer installed Leather/Suede. I wanted the Nav system but neither Pontiac or Toyota offer a sunroof AND Nav. I assume because a totally loaded Matrix/Vibe would cost $24K+ way out of the $14K base models. I did source a factory Nav system on ebay for just $750. I installed it very easily and it works wonderfully. The only downside is that it's not a touchscreen. Everything is controlled via a "joystick". This was hard to get used to but myself and my spouse quickly got used to it. You can buy a new nav system from the dealer or www.radiosandmore.com for $1500. I like the factory look so aftermarket systems never entered my mind.
Vibe is built in the same assembly line as Matrix, that Vibe's engine is the same as Matrix/Corolla's engine, that, however, Matrix/Corolla's engine is sourced from a American non-Toyota manufacture so all of Vibe/Martix/Corolla are 80% American car except the transmission part is from Toyota?
No, you can't say that. Well, not if you want to be right!
Vibes and Matrixes are NOT built on the same line anywhere. Vibe comes from NUMMI, Matrix from Cambridge, Ontario. Voltz (a Vibe in Toyota clothes) is made at NUMMI and exported to Japan.
And engines are Toyota design and manufacture except for the stronger 1.8, which is Yamaha, I believe, and comes from Japan
During a 2003 Corolla test drive, I noticed a strong rotten egg smell from the car. After browsing various newsboards, this seems to be common in the Corolla. Has anyone experienced this problem with the Vibe?
Has anyone noticed any other problems with the Vibe?
I live in N.Y. city and found the Vibe to perform beyond what I expected from it as a car in the snow with all wheel drive and being such a small vehicle. I am extremely happy but the rotten egg smell coming from the vents several times daily is leading me to take action against G.M.C. DUE TO THE DEALER CANNOT FIND IT. The dealer has even consulted with G.M. and still no answer. They stated that it will go away. Still there after 6000 miles!!!!!!!
Has anyone had this problem? please e-mail me at elev8taman@aol.com if you have this condition also if it has been resolved for you and what was done as I really do not want to get rid of the vehicle.
Not many Vibe owners have posted with this issue that I remember. Lots of Toyota Corolla posts and some Matrix posts. Check those Edmunds boards or search for individual sites elsewhere for Corolla or Matrix. But again, as I remember, Toyota calls the smell a normal operating chararistic.
You may want to check 'Rotten Egg smell exhaust' under Maintenance & Repair (if you have not done so already). It mentioned that the small may have something to do with certain gas you have used.
This is truly sad news for anyone to have a smelly vehicle that Pontiac or Toyota will not repair. I guess that I will look elsewhere. The Vibe was my first choice because it had all the features I am looking for. I would like to know if anyone has had this problem repaired.
To my knowledge, Pontiac and Toyota have maintained there is NO problem. They say that the gasoline used is a factor. Particularly interesting in those situations where older Corollas and new ones live in the same households and use the same gasoline purchased at the same stations about the same times and the old ones almost never have the problem and SOME of the new ones do.
It is funny; I have been behind several Toyotas which put out that odor during this harsh winter in the east. They were all different models. I was hoping eggs were not going to fly out of the tailpipe at my car!
The northeast finally has a thaw... and what do I get ... A leak somewhere in the roof / sunroof. After a moderate rain I had a visible wet spot on the roof liner just above the hard plastic column the goes up by the windshield- driver's side. As soon as I drove forward a steady stream of water came out. I took it to the Pontiac dealer. Of course he could find nothing ! this Thursday the car goes in for a shower bath to find the source of the leak... maybe. Does anyone have a suggestion??? The sunroof looked fine... no trace of leak. Seemed to be too high up to be windshield. I even considered condensation but it was a lot of water ! As per the rotten egg smell... I do get it, especially when car is idling high. I suspect it might go away with warmer weather. If the northeast ever gets warmer weather!
I just bought my vibe 2 days ago--I couldn't pass up $3000 off, plus I got the dealer to come down $1200 off the sticker price. I'm now wondering if I could've done better. I have moon and tunes, power package, alloy wheels, and automatic transmission for options. I love my car! I can't think of another car for around $15,000 with so much versatility and style. What do you all think?
and congrats on your new Pontiac Vibe! Sounds like you got a good deal. We look forward to hearing more about your ownership experience. Happy motoring! ;-)
After reading through all of the posting and doing my own research, I purchased a Vibe today. Lava, Base model, auto, power pkg and Nav system. The Nav system is very nice! I scaled down from a full size (Bonneville SLE) to the Vibe because of fuel mileage and functionality. Plus, I really did not want to pay $25000 for a gas-guzzling SUV. For a four-banger, the pickup is pretty good. I will other impressions later. One thing - my dealership misplaced the owners manual - is there anyplace on the net where I could download one or at least view one (the dealer is ordering a new manual in the meantime)?
If you register at http://www.mygmlink.com you will have online access to owners manuals. There are also other features. Make sure your dealer orders the Nav System Owners Manual also, it is a seperate book. Good luck with the Vibe and enjoy.
I'm looking to replace my "run into the ground" Subaru Justy with a AWD hatchback, which doesn't leave many choices. I looked at Subaru first(our other car is a Legacy) but the Vibe caught my attention at an Auto Show, particularly with its well thought out features. Especially the flat plastic loading area (I carry a lot of bulky and dirty stuff) reminiscent of my first - and still my most practical ever - car, a '73 SAAB wagon. Of Vibe vs Matrix the Pontiac looks to have the options I want so it's the choice to go up against the Impreza Wagon. Anyone with a Vibe driven a recent Impreza over a period of time? I'm looking for reasonable comfort and cruising, and the ability to negotiate the upstate NY winter rather than great performance. Which from reading the posts here seems to be what the vibe gives you. Thanks for your help!
I shopped the two cars against each other when I bought my Vibe last April. I only have the 2WD Base Vibe, but I'm very pleased with it compared to the Impreza. The Impreza felt very cramped inside, dark, and seemed to me to have a cheap feel to it overall, although the engine had a little bit of pep.
The Vibe was much more open feeling inside, with the high roofline and interior design. The Vibe won me over with being fairly nimble, excellent gas mileage (30+ mpg on the highway), and it's been decent this past winter in Buffalo. My biggest gripes are the instrument cluster in it's red backlighting (on all the time), the slippery load floor (easily fixed for $2.49 using that foam spongy stuff you use for cabinets), and not being able to get the little storage compartment under the shifter fixed by 4 different dealerships...no one has a clue how the spring goes in there.
I concur with the last comment. I think the Vibe has a roomier feel to it. Also, Subaru tends to do a very poor job on rear leg room and has very poor head clearance entering their vehicles. The Vibe is good in the back seat and great getting in and out of. I bought the Vibe AWD because I can fit in the driver's seat (I'm 6'1). The only Subaru model I fit in is the new Forrester (although the back seat room is awful). Subarus also have more horse power, but eat gas as a result. Despite these comments on Subaru, I am a big fan of their engines. However, knowing I am really driving a Corolla (the greatest working man's car in history) AND have AWD, makes the Vibe the best value on the market right now.
the seat material is way nicer in Matrix/Vibe than in Impreza - I had an impreza for years, have test-driven the new one (seat material about the same).
The cargo area of the Vibe can easily be made less slippery by adding the optional mat.
The red gauges are very Pontiac, so if you have ever driven a Pontiac there will be no surprises there.
You will do at least 5 mpg better in the Vibe, but have significantly less power as a result. If you really need the AWD (in the snow for months every year) the Subaru system is more sophisticated than the Vibe system, which allows more wheelspin.
Mainly the difference in interior room is ENORMOUS. You have to scrunch your head down to get in the back of the impreza and when you get in there you have no leg room. Both entirely opposite in the Vibe - lots of leg room and head room back there, and a way bigger cargo area if putting the back seats down and cramming stuff in is your thing.
More comfortable ride in the Vibe, especially on bad roads, but more body roll in turns too.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I usually buy American cars, but it seems like more and more of them are not American underneath. Is it really still "buying American"? I read a posting that said only the body is American made on the Vibe. Is that true?
built in the NUMMI factory in Fremont, California, which is joint-owned between Toyota and GM. Toyota also builds its pick-ups there.
As far as content, the Vibe is all Toyota Corolla mechanically, but GM had a heavy hand in the body and interior design, and the Pontiac version has a number of apparent design differences from the Toyota, especially on the outside. Check out the differences in the lights, front and rear, as well as the cladding on the Pontiac.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Read that GM will be doing away with GM Card rebates this June, including the $money I've built up over the last 5-6 years. Sounds like BS, anybody else heard anything like this?
Last July, GM announced a change in the GM Card program for those eligible for GM Employee Purchase Programs. Have heard nothing about any changes for regular purchasers. And they just updated the web site, and are now a sponsor on a Winston Cup car, and have plans for special promotions this fall with NASCAR (In October the car will be in GM Card colors at Atlanta). You must of caught wind of the Employee situation.
Under the hood - they're the same car. Interior - same, or similar. Exterior - Totally different.
Vibe MSRP is higher than the trix.
Pricing is getting to be the same since Toyota has a rebate as well.
quasi-optional cladding on the 'trix may defeat the purpose of AWD.
Toyota exhaust system replacements are 100% guaranteed for life. Buy one replacement muffler, and get as many as needed forever. Although I expect to need a replacement every 5 to 7 yrs because it S. Steel.
the AWD is not meant for offroad situations or even snow really, so the skirts will not defeat its functionality, which is intended to be wet weather and icy traction.
Toyota is doing 0% financing for three years on the Matrix right now. (at least on the west coast)
But GM has deep discounts on the Vibe, or did until recently, at least.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Comments
Of course, at base price, the Subaru has a bunch of things the Matrix doesn't have, like power windows, locks, A/C, keyless entry...
I love my Matrix, but I should also mention to anyone coming out of an SUV that is less than 5-7 years old, that the Matrix will be slower at highway speed than their old SUV. In return for this slower performance, it will give you SIGNIFICANTLY better gas mileage (almost 30), not to mention ULEV low smog emissions.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Then the VIBE caught my eye, specifically one with virtually everything I wanted except for the colour and monotone. I didn't feel like waiting 6 months as my GM points would have started dwindling away. So I went for it, going from a '96 Voyageur. I have really enjoyed this base 5spd with (moonroof/abs/side impact airbags) and now have put about 9000 miles on it since August. As I have noted in previous posts, i have complaints about the quality of the battery for our severe winter conditions, the Continental tires (I put winter ones on), and this week the cd player problems and the crack in the liftgate plastic. The mileage is fantastic (though I haven't matched the supposed advertised levels) especially considering the increase in fuel this winter.
I hope, over the long haul, that the Toyota qualities of this car supercedes the GM qualities and thus, maintains its reputation.
But I do think the Subaru has one major advantage. I'm pretty sure they all have AWD all the time. I think it's a 60/40 f/r split and I'm not sure of the max to one axle. Drawback is the mileage is significantly lower than the Vibe
Does the AWD Vibe have that? or does it have the usual config. where it's all in the front until slippage and then some power transferrred to the rear?
Steve
Base Vibe/auto is:
Loud.
Active ride.
Good mpg.
Good through 90mph, then starts to feel weak.
$2000 off if you are paying by cash, otherwise 0% for 60 months.
Use GM Card incentive (if applicable)
Efficiency - about 27mpg vs 20mpg.
Using less gas than my Van.
Van is now limited to weekend use.
Power -
Van (99 Sienna) goes 95mph and I do not notice.
In the Vibe, around 85 mph, I feel like the engine is starting to be taxed.
For now, I'm slowing to 70mph due to rising gas cost.
Back down = lots of room, otherwise, not too big.
This is one area you need to check if this is big enuf for you, other ppl, and stuff.
One thing that is undeniable about the Vibe/Matrix: it is enormously versatile.
As luzer was saying, the engine does feel pretty taxed at 80 mph. Acceleration above 65 mph is a leisurely affair. (base engine)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
- I don't want to wait until next year to buy.
- Vibe more compact compared to Equinox.
(Very important in the DC Metro area)
- Fuel efficiency.
- Just as versatile as the Equinox.
- Most importantly, price.
I love everything about the Vibe and am even more excited that I can get a monotone package.
Well im planning to make my purchase in September, however if I decide not to go on vacation this year I will get it earlier.
1) Upromise. A college savings plan. GM gives $150 to members when they purchase a GM car. Have to be a member for 30 days. If you have no need for future college savings, I think you can give the money to someone else. Check it out http://www.upromise.com .
2) The GM Card. http://www.thegmcard.com can save you money on the purchase. Check the site to see what the Vibe amount is.
maxx4me
GM Card would probably not help at this stage.
UBS I'll have to check out.
I do belong to a Credit Union and plan to purchse through them as banks and Automaker financing is a big ripoff.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I'm going to be buying a new car this summer and and am interested in the AWD, mainly b/c of the price...I've got one of the old blue GM Cards with $3,500 built up that is starting to expire, and I believe I can use all of that money towards the purchase (there's no limit like the "new" card.) This combined with the current $2,000 rebate and what looks to be about an average of about $1,000 off MSRP makes the Vibe quite a deal.
Also, anyone have the nav system? Is it any good? I wouldn't normally consider it, but given the level of discount I might have to throw in this toy.
Thanks!
U.S./Canadian parts content: 60%
Major Sources of Foreign Parts content: Japan 20%
Final Assembly point: Fremont, CA USA
Country of Origin:
Engin: United States
Transmission: Japan
Could anyone explain?
I was also told by dealer that VIBE = Matrix. Then above parts content information could be true to Matrix, too.
The reason the parts content is tilted towards U.S. content is because only the transmissions come over from Japan. Most other stuff, including the engine, is sourced in the U.S.
The only thing that differs between Matrix and Vibe is that Matrix is built at Toyota's solely owned Ontario, Canada factory, along with the corollas. (well, that and visual exterior design cues obviously)
jthorsen: it just came out last year, I doubt there will be revisions for the '04 MY except for ironing out one or two of the quirks of the first-year version, like the twilight sensor.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Nummi (Vibe and Corolla)
Ontario, Ca (Matrix and Corolla)
Got closer to 28mpg by slowing down a little bit.
27.2 mog, most of highway travel at 75 to 80mph
27.9 mpg, trying for mostly 70 to 75mph when I remember. This last fillup also had more traffic than usual.
Still trying for the 28/33 mix which should get me closer to 30mpg (Base -Auto T)
The Yamaha is sourced exclusively from Japan.
I don't think there are too many model changes expected. I believe there will be a new color added to the mix.
Vibes and Matrixes are NOT built on the same line anywhere. Vibe comes from NUMMI, Matrix from Cambridge, Ontario. Voltz (a Vibe in Toyota clothes) is made at NUMMI and exported to Japan.
And engines are Toyota design and manufacture except for the stronger 1.8, which is Yamaha, I believe, and comes from Japan
Has anyone noticed any other problems with the Vibe?
Thanks for your input.
Has anyone had this problem? please e-mail me at elev8taman@aol.com if you have this condition also if it has been resolved for you and what was done as I really do not want to get rid of the vehicle.
and what do I get ...
A leak somewhere in the roof / sunroof.
After a moderate rain I had a visible wet
spot on the roof liner just above the hard plastic
column the goes up by the windshield- driver's side.
As soon as I drove forward a steady stream
of water came out.
I took it to the Pontiac dealer.
Of course he could find nothing !
this Thursday the car goes in for a shower bath to find the source of the leak... maybe.
Does anyone have a suggestion???
The sunroof looked fine... no trace of leak.
Seemed to be too high up to be windshield.
I even considered condensation
but it was a lot of water !
As per the rotten egg smell...
I do get it, especially when car is idling high.
I suspect it might go away with warmer weather.
If the northeast ever gets warmer weather!
Has anybody noticed the tendency of the car to lean to the right on slippery roads when accelerating from stop?
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
The Vibe was much more open feeling inside, with the high roofline and interior design. The Vibe won me over with being fairly nimble, excellent gas mileage (30+ mpg on the highway), and it's been decent this past winter in Buffalo. My biggest gripes are the instrument cluster in it's red backlighting (on all the time), the slippery load floor (easily fixed for $2.49 using that foam spongy stuff you use for cabinets), and not being able to get the little storage compartment under the shifter fixed by 4 different dealerships...no one has a clue how the spring goes in there.
Hope that helps a little!
The cargo area of the Vibe can easily be made less slippery by adding the optional mat.
The red gauges are very Pontiac, so if you have ever driven a Pontiac there will be no surprises there.
You will do at least 5 mpg better in the Vibe, but have significantly less power as a result. If you really need the AWD (in the snow for months every year) the Subaru system is more sophisticated than the Vibe system, which allows more wheelspin.
Mainly the difference in interior room is ENORMOUS. You have to scrunch your head down to get in the back of the impreza and when you get in there you have no leg room. Both entirely opposite in the Vibe - lots of leg room and head room back there, and a way bigger cargo area if putting the back seats down and cramming stuff in is your thing.
More comfortable ride in the Vibe, especially on bad roads, but more body roll in turns too.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
As far as content, the Vibe is all Toyota Corolla mechanically, but GM had a heavy hand in the body and interior design, and the Pontiac version has a number of apparent design differences from the Toyota, especially on the outside. Check out the differences in the lights, front and rear, as well as the cladding on the Pontiac.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Interior - same, or similar.
Exterior - Totally different.
Vibe MSRP is higher than the trix.
Pricing is getting to be the same since Toyota has a rebate as well.
quasi-optional cladding on the 'trix may defeat the purpose of AWD.
Toyota exhaust system replacements are 100% guaranteed for life. Buy one replacement muffler, and get as many as needed forever. Although I expect to need a replacement every 5 to 7 yrs because it S. Steel.
and lastly, trix are for kids.
the AWD is not meant for offroad situations or even snow really, so the skirts will not defeat its functionality, which is intended to be wet weather and icy traction.
Toyota is doing 0% financing for three years on the Matrix right now. (at least on the west coast)
But GM has deep discounts on the Vibe, or did until recently, at least.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)