Pontiac Vibe

montanafan

The GM Loyalty rebate program ended March 31, 2003. So current Vibe rebate is $2,000.

gwm2

Just purchased my Vibe. Base/Auto, Satellite/Charcoal, Monotone, Moon & Tunes, Power Group, ABS, Side Air Bags, 16"Alum. Whls. w/Contis. I read most of the posts(on the pertinent boards)before I made my final decision and they were very helpful! Hope to take part in future discussions.

usaf52

The rebate is 2K. No more GM loyalty, but this dealer is willing to go 3K off invoice. Pontiac in Michigan told me it is not uncommon for dealers to take some bucks from their profits to move stock out. Selling price for this base Vibe, auto would be $14,550. MSRP on this is $18,350.

genxorcist

I've seen a few postings about attaching bike racks to a Vibe, but does anyone know (from first hand experience and not from manufacturer hype) if bikes can actually fit INSIDE a Vibe? I'd appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

malibu_jack

Well judging from the brochure and sitting in one in the show room...I can honestly say you probably could. Heck I think it will hold an 8 foot ladder with the hatch closed!

susanjb

I am pregnant with twins (yikes) and need a new car. Is the Vibe a good choice? Can it accommodate 2 infant and, later, baby car seats? Will I be able to take my husband, 2 babies and dog (in the back) to the park in it?

Thanks!

dudleyr

Vibe would be a very good choice for your needs susanjb - should have plenty of room.

maxx4me

susanb: just make sure you test drive the car, because you'll own it for a long time!! It is a corolla after all, and should hold up for a long time. I would recommend the AWD version if there is any winter driving in your neck of the country. I have the AWD, and while the Vibe is not my perfect car, I think it is a great value for the money, and a very versatile automobile.

nippononly

fit your bike inside - I put mine in there quite a bit.

Luzer

The back seat is high, even if front seats are back a bit.

You can get three car seats in there okay - I got two in there and can squeeze a 140lb person into the back (but the third person is a little tight).

The back fits three adults okay - total 500 to 550 lbs okay.

How big is the dog?
Under 80 lbs should be okay for short trips.

Bike - no problem with back seats folded; don't know if the backseat is not folded tho.

I too get the sulphur smell now, or maybe just noticed - I use this as an excuse when I really do pass some gas.

Hankr

...like others here, I wanted a Matrix XR with 5 speed (with Alloy Wheels, ABS & Cruise). 2 local dealers zero 5-speeds in stock at all, never mind my preferred colors & equipment. But I needed a car soon and couldn't wait for an order.

And I didn't want to pay Toyota money for a Pontiac (shades of Corolla / Prizm... Prizms depreciated much faster).

So I looked out there again and bought a Suzuki Aerio SX. No, its not as nice as Matrix, but at nearly $4K less, comparably equipped, its pretty decent.

$12,500 plus tax with everything. Worth a look for anyone frustrated finding a Matrix 5 Speed.

maxx4me

I agree, the Aerio is a great car. I hope Suzuki does very well with the car. The problem I had with it is that I won't buy any car that I cannot change my own oil. I'm not rich, and refuse to pay $30 at Jiffy Lube to have my plug stripped and my oil changed. I put in Mobil 1 and do it myself. I'm sure you all have the same horror stories about repairs. I just don't trust anyone touching my car, so I try to do the simple maintenance myself. The Aerio is just too low to the ground for me to change the oil. The Vibe sits up much higher than the Aerio and Matrix. As for depreciation, I keep all my cars 10 years (or more) and don't care about that statistic. I am amazed that Americans will spend so much money on a car, and then get rid of it after 4 years. I wish there was a stock I could invest in which paid dividends on the foolishness of others. Cars are bad for resale; the sooner you get rid of it, the worse your investment. That's why I love having a Corolla under my feet. I'm a huge Toyota fanatic, but Toyota refuses to build something that fits an average sized human being (not to mention, their sales personnel treat customers like garbage).
I think the Vibe is a great choice for a young family. Hopefully someday soon, as your kids grow, you can change over to a larger hydrogen powered vehicle (something bigger than the Vibe) which will get your kids back and forth to soccer matches.

Hankr

that the Vibe was higher than the Matrix. And like you, I keep cars a long time (just traded a '95) so Suzuki's depreciation, even worse than Pontiac's, was a non-issue for me.

My first comment did not mention that I also looked for a stick-shift Vibe, and found only a few of the high-end models with the bigger engine and 6-Spd... more than I wanted to spend.

I find it interesting that when they were building Corollas & Prizms together, the Chevy was always notably less expensive than the comparably equipped Toyota. Am I right that now, the Vibe may be a bit more than the comparably equipped Toyota? Though Pontiac's rebates probably make them a bit less in real-world prices.

Anyway, the Suzuki Aerio is so often dismissed without people giving it a real look-over (as I originally did). When I did look closer, I was quite pleasantly surprised... this is no cheapo Metro wagon.

dudleyr

The Vibe and Matrix have identical ride hights. The Vibe is taller because it has a roof rack.

jay108

The Vibe price includes GM typical rebates, thats why its higher than Matrix.

My Vibe came with $3000 off direct from GM, that makes it a deal. Vibe looks better than Matrix, including interior styling, I like the red gauges and faux chrome.

Getting a set of American Racing Alloys installed this day ($580 out the door pricing). Pontiac spoiler package and supercharger might be added depending on pricing one they are released.

maxx4me

The Vibe indeed does have a higher ground clearance than the Matrix. I think it is the skirts around the Matrix. Even the data on the Edmonds website has two different numbers. It must be right if Edmonds says so (8 ^ (l)

nippononly

Toyota makes a stripper version of the Matrix that eliminates lots of stuff including some of the fun things (115V outlet, driver's seat height adjuster, others) so that they can make their base price really low. But that base model would hav a lot less equipment than a base Vibe.

usaf52

Went on Autotrader and looked up used 2003 Vibes in a 100 miles radius here in rural Carolina. Came up with over over 50, some with just several thousand miles on it. Was really surprised to see so many, and the asking price for the used ones were almost the same as for the new ones. That's another effect of rebates.

nippononly

less than a year old are always almost the same price as the new ones, regardless of make and model. That is why it is a really bad idea to sell a car that is less than a year old. The depreciation is severe in the first 12 months, and discounts from the price of new cars consequently provide fierce competition.

toneetouch

has anyone here ever cross-shopped a base vibe to a jetta wagon? both have that cool, urban, functional look but with very different approaches. price difference is a little steep, tho.

toneetouch

any current news on the availability of the supercharger for the base engine?

dudleyr

Jetta has much more cargo space, and Vibe has much more rear passenger room. I am sure people shop both.

nippononly

go to TRD's website - they have had the supercharger available for the base engine for some months now.

Jetta is way way nicer inside than Vibe/Matrix, and I HAVE a Matrix! But Jetta is also a lot more expensive.

montanafan

Like the cars, I believe the supercharger is being jointly developed with Toyota & GM. http://www.trdusa.com or http://www.trdsportparts.com dosen't list a Matrix supercharger package as of yet.

nippononly

I was at trdusa.com about three months ago, because the folks over at genvibe were getting all excited about the new supercharger for the Matrix, and when I went over, sure enough there it was. It brought output up above 200 hp and cost about $3500, if memory serves. They also had a huge list of other things for the Matrix, including a brake kit.

Well, none of that stuff is there now - just the sway bar kit and one other thing. What could have happened to the rest of the stuff? maybe no-one was buying....

hurler4

Does anyone know why there are so few base Vibes with manual transmissions? I live near Boston, and did a search for a base Vibe with a sunroof and power package. I could only find 1 in all of New England, and the dealer is about 100 miles away! Yet there are hundreds of base Vibes with automatics sitting on lots. The same can be said of Toyota Matrix XR—I don’t think Toyota even ships 5-speed Matrix XRs to New England anymore.
Why is Pontiac/Toyota doing this? Aren’t they trying to sell these cars to young people as “sporty wagons”? I will only buy a car with a stick, but I don’t need the high-end engine in the Vibe GT/Matrix XRS. I really want to compare a base Vibe with a Mazda Protege5, but I don’t really want to drive 100 miles just for a test drive.

montanafan

nippononly, thanks for the info. The $3500 price is about where the GM SC for the Cavalier/Sunfire is at. Where I bet the Matrix/Vibe unit comes in at, above the "under $3,000" from the press releases last November.

hurler4, try your search of just the manual, so you can get the test drive in. If like, then call the 100 mile dealer and go out. Pontiac expected base Vibes with manuals to be less then 10% of production and with it really catching on (Pontiac's second best seller), dealers are most likely ordering the easier to sell automatics. Try the Watetown/Danvers/Woburn Group. http://www.woburnbpgmc.com or http://www.danverschevrolet.com they usually have 5-speeds and just got some new cars.

ab348

I have cross-shopped both, and both have their advantages. Vibe has a big price advantage, Jetta a big quality "feel" advantage (not saying it's more reliable, things just are a whole lot nicer onside on the Jetta). I haven't ruled out the Vibe, but I'd take the Jetta wagon if I could afford it (still haven't figured that part out).

Luzer

If I had an extra $3000 to $3500 to spend, I would have bought another car.

just my dime

jas9297

Sorry I can't answer your question about the lack of 5-speeds.

When the Vibe first came out, I test drove a 5-spd in the DC area. It handled very well, though the dash-mounted shifter took a little getting used to. I thought it had very good response, and not bad body-roll for its height. The clutch was reasonably light and responsive.

I actually ended up buying a Protege5 because it really handled more like a sports car and at the time I could get it for only $16000 with the S-plan (at the time Vibes were still at MSRP). I think the p5 handles noticably better, but the Vibe is pretty darn good.

I know you should test-drive a 5-spd before you buy, but I would recommend trying an automatic at first. That will give you some sense of the handling and visibility. My only gripe on the Vibe was the rear and rear-side visibility. I also don't know about long-drive seat comfort and shifter comfort with the dash-shifter. At this point in my life, I decided I didn't want such a high-riding car. But my overall impression is it would be a great getting around town car and very reliable. Of course, I loved the utility. Perhaps you could check out an automatic for the points I mentioned, and then see if you want to drive 100 miles.

johnclineii

A business executive?

What's wrong with a teenager? A housewife? A farmer? An author? An attorney? A skateboarder?

johnclineii, who found the business executive comment rubbed him the wrong way (and who is probably close to the demographic you seek, but would be very unlikely to talk to someone with such narrow goals)

oleterrywallac

If so, how is it? Do you need to use premium gas with it? How much do you expect it to effect engine life. I've ordered a vibe, so I like them well enough; I' satisfied with the performance around town, but would like a little better acceleration at 40-50 mph. Will this help at that speed range?

dindak

If there are no 5-speeds it means they are selling like hot cakes or there is no demand and the dealers don't carry them, My guess is the latter. I can easily count on my one hand the number of people I know who drive 5-speeds.

nippononly

among American brands, manuals are wildly unpopular. Hence, they do not stock them. I remember I ws looking once at Ford Mustangs, and ven among MUSTANGS I could only find automatics, mostly.

jay108

I checked with my dealer last week and they had no pricing for either the SC or the spoiler package; though both are shown in a recent Poniac flier in the waiting room at the dealership.

I am hoping the SC comes in under $2500 installed or I'll pass.

They should redo the GT trim package to include the SC with an auto tranny as an option. The GT high strung engine and 6 speed manual seem to be sitting on the dealers lots, according to the dealer.

kritta16

howdy, friends and neighbors. well my "honeymoon" was cut short by some moron who smashed in my back window in the parking garage i park in, and managed to take (are you ready for this?) 45 whole cents. obviously i got the window repaired the next day, but can't tell you how ticked i am. that was last week on friday. i'm still mad. i had to file a claim w/ insurance because i didn't happen to have the $$$ needed for a new window this week.

comments regarding the Vibe. I have a 6-sp Vibe GT. I am finding myself wishing i would have purchased a 6 cylinder vehicle because I miss the power of a 6 cyl. BUT the VIBE is a cool car, no doubt and i love the interior and exterior look of it. i cannot really think of anything (besides my gas mileage still sucking) that i do not like about the vehicle. i find myself missing a bigger vehicle however. not used to the smaller space as of yet. sure is fun to drive around tho and don't have those "big vehicle parking problems".

oh yes, one thing i'm not real happy about, but this is more of a dealership thing, they told me i have to get my car serviced there at that particular dealership (this included oil changes) or it voided my warranty. and of course, the dealership service is not open on SATURDAY/SUNDAY. i work 40 mins away from the dealer and no way i can be there before they close. some of you might say it is my problem and why didn't i think of that before i bought the car there? good question. i've mentally spanked myself for that quite a few times.

all in all, i'm happy with the car.

johnclineii

a. Sorry about the window breakage. That really is sad.

b. You can have your oil changed anywhere. There is NO requirement to do it at the dealer. In fact, if there were such a requirement, under US law, the dealership would have to provide the parts free of charge--oil and filter. I am SURE they are doing that, right?

You can even change your oil yourself and keep the receipts. Again, there is no requirement to have dealers do your service work in order to avoid voiding the warranty. If they are lying about that, why would they be honest about anything? I would find another dealer. Or at least talk to the service manager/general manager. Who fed you this line?

kritta16

the financial officer who was explaining parts of the warranty. i thought that was a bit odd myself, but figured, it was the closest pontiac dealer to me anyhow so no big deal there. i forget exactly which part of the warranty they said it would void, but i certainly do remember them saying that. oh yes and i also "loved" how the salespeople there on saturday treated me like crap when they found i was there for service and not to purchase a vehicle (they saw me drive in). hey maybe it's just me, but i swear i hate car salespeople. don't ask me what i was expecting, but would have been nice if they didn't give me attitude.

hurler4

I just received price quotes from dealers for both a 5-speed Vibe and a Matrix with identical options (power everything, moonroof, alloys). Both were quoted at $2000 off MSRP--about $17,000.
I figured a Vibe would go for less, as Pontics probably lose their value quicker just because it doesn't have the Toyota name. Other than liking one styling over the other, is there any reason for me to pick the Vibe over the Matrix?

stillageek

I also wanted a Vibe, but the shorter warranty (power train) and lowered perceived quality and resale (all by the public, I know they are identical) led me to my first Toyota. My Matrix is also the first Non-US nameplate vehicle to be owned in the history of my family. My father couldn't understand the whole, "its the same as a Pontiac" speech.

Luzer

Is that $2000 off before the $2000 cash back on the Vibe?

...unless you're financing, which moots this point.

dindak

Went to look at a 5-speed Accord the other day and they only had 10 automatics. No demand was the reason. It's not just US brands.

hurler4

...for the Vibe (well, maybe $100-200 off, according to the dealer), which isn't very good, in my opinion. The Toyota dealer was willing to take $2000 off the MSRP. It's be nice if the Pontiac dealer could take at least $1000 off.

Has anyone heard a rumor that Pontiac/Toyota may have white LED lights for the gauges next year, since the red ones are a pain to read at times?

jay108

gmbuypower.com lets you get no haggle best deal from dealers in your area, you can also check their inventory, thus saving wasted trips to some dealers.

I got my vibe (March 29)with $3000 rebate from GM plus $1020 off from the dealer. Also used my GM credit card rebate for an additional $2000. My Vibe had MSRP $19500 about, so I paid only $13500. With my trade I wrote a check for the balance due, no car payments.

I didn't consider the Matrix because GM bought my business with rebates.

Red gauges wash out some in sunlight and if you wear sun glasses; I can the speedometer well enough in this condition, but the outside temperature gauge is too small to read. I think the gauges are pretty cool overall.

hurler4

$13,500? You should have gotten 2 for that price! :-D

Can anyone get a GM credit card, or do you have to already own a GM car? I have a Nissan Altima...

$6000 off for a Vibe? And to think, I'd be happy with $3000 off if I could get that. I think the rebate is now back to $2000 for the Vibe, BTW.

clyde2000

Hi folks,

Just got my 5spd shadow Vibe, power, abs. It's great, everything I wanted and more. I'm amazed at how much room it has. Pontiac/Toyota did a great job with this car. However there are a few things that annoyed me... (they're all minor)

1) When putting the visor down, it either hits the rear-view mirror, or blocks some of the view
2) When I start the car, it revs around 2000 rpm for a few minutes? Is this normal? (My previous car idled around 1000rpm)
3) The shifter is awfully close to the center console
4) I'll have to spring for a cargo mat... things really move around on the plastic floor.

Luzer

hurler -
Get at least $1200 off MSRP, then subtract the $2000 back. Dealer's yanking ya chain and real good too.

$3000 cash back was $2000 off + extra $1000 for GM Loyalty customer - deal ended in March.

GM card - you get 5% back on purchases made with the credit card - sounds like it's too late for you. Also, new card has new rules and you can get back $1000 max.

Sign up with upromise.com - get back $150 for new GM card purchases; but have to sign up 30 days before the purchase.

Good Luck.

Oh yea, to close the deal, get them to throw in the cargo mat, and nets. Otherwise, it'll be an extra $50+$30.

rbarrit

Shock cords in the trunk to hold things down work for me.

revka

and congrats on your Pontiac Vibe! Glad to hear it finally arrived. You may also want to post any annoyances/concerns you have... in our Vibe and Matrix Maintenance & Repair Concerns discussion. Good luck, and please keep us posted on your Pontiac Vibe experience. ;-)

Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

kritta16

hey all. well i've posted before but just wanted to ask those of you who have a manual shift (please tell me i'm not the only one! lol). if i have the car off, but listening to the radio or something, and then have to start it, i find i have to turn the key completely off 2 x for the clutch to "work"??? and when it does, i practically have to slam it thru the floorboard??? unfortunately for me, i have a bad left knee (2 torn ligaments) from a chicken grease on the kitchen floor incident a few years back. LOL so this added stress w/ the clutch is not a good thing. but i have had a manual shift before and it was nowhere NEAR as hard to start. what's the deal? is this some pontiac/toyota safety feature?
just curious if someone else has had this problem?
thanks.