Pontiac Vibe

amadeus131

Hi all, after a narrowing down process as to what to trade my tired Blazer toward, I think I'm inclining heavily to the Vibe AWD. I'd like to get the AWD model with Moons and Tunes (actually I have no choice on this, they all come in with this package here), Power Package, 16" aluminum wheels, and side air bags. I'd rather *not* have the Monotone Appearance Package, nor the security system. I can't find one exactly like this locally (haven't had a dealership try a dealer search yet, and gmbuypower.com seems like it isn't up to date), but similarly equipped ones have an MSRP of about $22500 or so. A few questions come to my mind....

1. Does any of you have the security system? If so, can it be turned *off* if I want? This would make me mind it much less.

2. Invoice price on units equipped something like I've mentioned, are a shade over $21000. I notice people saying to try for $1200 under MSRP, that is $300 over invoice (understanding that there is an additional $2000 rebate). Edmunds even seems to indicate a TMV of $200 over invoice. Is this realistic in anyone's experience? A salesman at my local dealership mentioned something about "not discounting much" due to it being an "import"; I assume I was right to be skeptical? He even started mentioning rough numbers (although I hadn't even test-driven the car); they started at "maybe $2-300 under sticker" to "well, maybe about $500" to "What is the sticker? $22600? Say about $21800 or so." Again, this was without my haggling at all, or even showing any interest in price. Would I be right in guessing that this indicates the presence of even more wiggle room still?

I'm sure I'll think of other questions later, but that should do it for now. Thanks in advance! By the way, call me Jack, I don't like my username and would change it if I could.

johnclineii

Import?

Tee hee. Har har har. Giggle!

The salesman's best interest is served by getting you to pay more. That salesman is already afraid you will walk out the door. This is the most powerful factor you have in this transaction. So, either try to deal with more than one dealership and do the following or just do the following.

Find the car you want. Try not to look too desperate or in love with it. Make an offer slightly below what you are willing to pay. Come up one time to what you WILL pay. When/if they reject it, walk out. Leave. Nicely. Make sure they already have your contact info.

Sit nicely at home. No more than a week later, you WILL get a call. If you haven't, call the sales manager and TELL him/her you are still willing to buy the car at the price you mentioned. If they tell you why they aren't selling the car at your price, consider the reasons. They may be legit. Your pricing could be incorrect, double check it. If you are still confident you aren't wrong and are being fair, thank the sales manager nicely and repeat the walk out process. Bet you end up with the car at a reasonable price this way!

Watch out for the finance and insurance people to make back any money you save. Watch out for junk fees and for junk options.

And do not begrudge the dealer his/her profit. They do have bills to pay, people, insurance and deserve to make an income. They just don't need to make it all at once on you!

Find a good dealer and a great service department? Give them your business. Good customers are appreciated.

Most of all, be civil, polite and nice. Put yourself in the sales people's shoes. They are there to do a job. So are you. It can work out. Just be aware constantly of what every party's role is!

maxx4me

Jack, do you live in the DC area? I know the odds are against it. But if you do, I can steer you towards the best buying serive in the USA. Let me know.

amadeus131

I'm in the frozen tundra of St. Paul, MN. Thanks, though.

Yes, I figured the rapidly shrinking number was a ploy. It is no matter because I hope to do it much like johnclineii says, figure out what I'm willing to pay and just make an out-the-door offer, including my trade-in (on which I already have a hopefully realistic, if depressing, figure). The only thing I have yet to figure out is whether I feel like driving all over creation to find "the perfect" one, or have my local dealer do a dealer search.

You have to admit the rapidly shrinking number was kind of funny, though, it's one I've never heard before.

nippononly

1. this means your car was improperly prepped by the dealer, as the rear-view mirror has two settings. When they move it over to the other one, the sun visor will not hit it any more.

2. This is normal for this car - it is to heat the catalytic converter up very quickly and thereby reduce emissions. The idle should drop several hundred rpm in the first couple of minutes of driving.

3. just the design I am afraid. However, I have found that as long as it is not in Park, it does not block anything, on the auto. For the 5-spd, I guess there are the 1-3-5 gears that might cause the stick to block stuff.

4. The cargo mat is really useful, and just rolls up out of the way if you want to put in something muddy, or whatever. But when it is down, it stops stuff from sliding around, without having to use the cargo nets.

clyde2000

Thanks for the info!

1. I'll have a look at the mirror, and have the dealer adjust it if I can't figure it out.

2. It does go down to around 1000rpm after a few minutes... nice to know that it's normal.

3. My mistake, I meant the hand brake, not the shifter is close to the center storage compartment. I know that a few people have complained about the shifter being to far forward, but I found it to be just right, although I admit that I'm only 5'8" so that might have something to do with it.

4. I got the cargo mat, it really helps. I would have been nice if GM included it. But maybe I should just be glad that they didn't charge extra for the floor mats.

nippononly

#4: yes, be thankful...Toyota DOES charge extra for the floor mats! :-(

centerfield

Anyone aware of the reasoning you can't get the 17" tires if you order the "Moon and Tunes" package? Thanks

malibu_jack

Nah...I live up in In Ontario. Too risky buying down in the states when you live in a different country!

jay108

No one is sure why GM packaged like this. Get moon and tunes and then buy the aftermarket wheels of your choice.
Mine came with 16" steel wheels and hubcaps, I bought American Racing wheels in 16" that look real sharp. I plan to use the steel wheels for winter tire when that time comes around

1coolvibe

My wife and I just picked up our brand new 2003 Vibe this past Thursday afternoon and we love it.

We bought the base Vibe 4-speed auto in monotone Neptune and Graphite, all power with Moon & Tunes, 4-wheel ABS, and 16" alum wheels. We got a good deal on this car as it was on the dealer lot and they are already starting to get in some 2004 cars and must need the room(they had a 2004 Grand Prix in the showroom).

We only paid $175.00 over dealer invoice for the car plus we got the $2000.00 cash back from GM to put towards the down payment. We already had a big cash down payment(about $9000) so once we added in the extra $2000.00 from GM are monthly payments are only $195.00 a month for this cool new Pontiac car/wagon/SUV mix,sweet!!!

Even though we only have our new Vibe for two days now we have already started to make a few small changes and improvements. The day we picked it up from the dealer we drove almost 100 miles just cruisin' and enjoying the ride. The next day we were off to a local shop to get an alarm installed and the windows tinted(20% tint). It might seem like a small change but it looks different already with just the windows tinted. We already have other modifications in mind including new rims & tires, new exhaust and cold air induction systems(for better performance & sound),etc...

This really is going to be "1 cool vibe" when we are done with it. Can't wait to get behind the wheel again and cruise.

maxx4me

congrats on your Vibe. When I bought my AWD a year ago, the first thing I did was rip out the stupid foot rest which impedes the driver from 2 inches of leg room. I cut out some stock carpeting and filled in the holes. It is bad enough that these car makers design cars for midgets, but then to put those rediculously large footrests in is beyond stupid.

honus

Hi, I purchased my Vibe back in December and am now using the A/C. However, I haven't been impressed with the cooling capacity of my system; it doesn't chill the interior like I would expect it should, given that the outside temperature has been in the mid to upper 70s - and I have the dial turned to the absolute coolest position. I am concerned how it will operate when the temps will rise to the upper 90s/low 100s. I should not have to use the "recirculate" mode for the current mild spring temps of Oklahoma.

I have had it inspected twice by the Pontiac dealer. The first time, they noticed that a "door" was not entirely closed, thereby allowing hot air to mix with the cool. About a week later, I took it in again b/c I noticed no real improvement, and this time, they discovered a slight leak where the hose connects to the compressor, refastened it, and recharged the freon. I am still not impressed with its performance.

Has anyone else been dissatisfied with their Vibe's A/C output? By the way, in case anyone is wondering, I drive a silver, 5-speed manual with 17" wheels, CD-changer, power windows/doors, and side air bags.

jay108

what you pay for window tinting? I want that on my new vibe as well as the factory spoiler package.
Jay

jay108

I think we are suppose to call midgets little people these days. Point of order.

nippononly

in my Matrix is better than I had before in my Subaru, and also my celica. It provides more output and colder air too.

Maybe yours is still messed up. BTW, they use R-134 now, not freon. You should get on them if it still is not cold.

centerfield

Was told the reason you cant get the 17" tires with the "Moon and Tunes" package is because of top heavy weight the sunroof adds. Anyone else heard this?

centerfield

Finally got my 03 Vibe GT. LOVE IT! Very fun to drive. Only 200mi so far, so good, perfect. Got "Moon and Tunes", 6cd changer, Power, Monotone package, stainless exhaust tip, and side impact bags, Black. And got it all for invoice price! My only very minor complaint would be visibility, but I guess that goes with the style. Just gotta make sure you have your mirrors well ajusted. Looking to maybe add some tinting and different wheels but other than that completly pleased with my purchase...so far.

montanafan

Have read that the sunroof/17" was a center of gravity issue. Correted with a tire change for 2004.

Have also read that the temp cable can be adjusted to inprove ac performance. Although, that may be what the dealer was doing with the door adjustment.

regfootball

tested out a Matrix XRS 6 sp. today. May share some thoughts tomorrow, with more time.

maxx4me

"If the glare off of the rings around the gauges bothers you, here is a fix. Grab the black plastic rings around the speedometer/tachometer and pull straight out. Take a flat screwdriver and carefully lift each of the numerous tabs which hold the silver rings in place (you will understand when you see it). This removes the rings and I took a permanent black marker and blacked out the silver and snapped it back in. Looks great and no glare."
Yes: great instructions. The black panel pulled off easily (definitely pull it STRAIGHT OUT). The rings were easily removed once that part came off. I'm not sure I would like the all black look myself. I was thinking of spray painting the rings the same gray color found around the a/c vents. Do you think spray paint would adhere to the plastic rings OK?

Luzer

A/C was good for me at 75 to 80 deg F.

Only problem is that the AC fan blows in the rotten eggs when I go up a hill.

Maxx - let us know if the spray paint works and which spraypaint you used.

maxx4me

he, he,...my wife almost killed me when I brought the rings into the living room!! I told her that with them off, I was able to properly clean the plastic over the dials for the first time. Just think: we've created a new psychodelic option for the Vibe: paint your rings any weird color you want.

maxx4me

Well, I did it. I used a walmart "ColorPlace" rust control spray enamel #21018 silver. It seems to match the silver around the a/c pretty well. I tried it on the back side first. It seemed to dry on the plastic; we'll see if the stuff rubs off the moment I take some windex and clean the car's interior. Just take care in taking off the black dash panel. While it pulls off fairly easy, don't rip it off. Give it enough pressure to allow it to come off. Taking the rings off is the easy part. I just don't want anyone breaking the plastic anchor pins that hold the black dash panel on, so pull straight out towards you and it should come off.

centerfield

Contemplating a front end cover for my Vibe. Does anyone have one or have any opinion on them. I worry about moisture between the cover and the car, but I also know how beat up the front grill area can get from stones and bugs. Also just FYI, 27mpg on my first tank of gas. Mostly highway driving 70-80mph. I'm happy with it. Think it will improve a bit more as I get used to the car and manual transmission.

maxx4me

Pat Goss recommends against them. The covers (as you pointed out) trap moisture underneath, but also do not allow the same UV light in as the rest of the car is exposed to, inevitably causing a color difference in your hood. Goss has recommended the clear thin vinyl application. While this is great for protecting against chips, it does nothing for the grill (if that is also your concern).

Luzer

Who be this Pat Goss and where can I get info on the clear thin vinyl application?

montanafan

A) Believe Mr. Gross does a radio show in the Washington DC area.

Try http://www.autobahndint.com believe you can get it through some high end car dealers. And as I recall it is pricey but looks good and they say it is effective. May be other sources since it might be a 3M product.

maxx4me

Yes, I recall it being a 3M product as well. Pat Goss it the lead tech (and a genious in my opinion) for Motor Week, PBS' automotive magazine. Try the website our friend posted, or if no luck, try the Motor Week website and send Mr. Goss a question. He'll respond.

Luzer

Any idea of cost on this clear thin vinyl application?

Looks real neat - thx.

1coolvibe

I haven't been here for about a week, just read your question to me about the window tinting. I got all 7 windows tinted at 20% for $170 dollars.
I don't really know if that is a good price or not to be honest but it seemed reasonable.

centerfield

Checked the internet for the vinyl application and located it at the site in "Luzer's" post. However it is just explained there, can not find anywhere to get it done just yet. Looks like a great product, I'll keep looking.

hurler4

Does anyone have any updates on the headlights on the Vibe? I've heard from many people that they go on and off a lot, depending on shadows,, sunlight, etc. I've also heard that Pontiac may have a part that fixes this? Is it a recall, or just a replacement part that people can get?

Also, I read this on a website. Not sure I'd want to try this...

2003 Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Matrix, Toyota Corolla Automatic headlight and DRL disable information. DRL module located above brake pedal. Remove module. Cut connecting legs to the board, pins 19 & 20, to kill auto lights. Kill DRL, cut legs 10 and 11, leave board side of 10 open, connect board end of 11 to ground (external switch or to leg 2), connect outgoing 10 and 11 to each other.
Method 2 Kill both DRL and auto lights, cut yellow wire (or leg 8 DRL relay),ground the module end of wire.

nippononly

a TSB for this, a new more sensitive light sensor for the system, that fixes the problem about 99%. If you have a Matrix, this fix is performed for free at dealers, but I do not know if Pontiac is offering this. If not, you could pay a Toyota dealer to do it for you...I can't imagine it would cost all that much. It only took my dealer about 20 minutes to perform.

maxx4me

yep, I just got off the phone with Pontiac HQ, and with my local service manager. Pontiac has not issued a TSB for the ambiant light sensor, like Toyota has (TSB # EL007-02). Now we know where we stand!!

nippononly

1/2 hour labor and about $20 or so for the part, the whole thing would cost you about $60 if you just took it to a Toyota dealer and paid for it yourself...

centerfield

Going on two weeks with my Vibe and no problem with the headlights or sensor

Luzer

Mr. C. Field

The headlights do not go on when you travel under the shadows of trees in bright daylight at noon?

Are your panel lights set to low when headlights are on so you realize they switch on?

Maybe they fixed it and haven't put out a TSB yet (I checked Mon 5/5/03 and no TSB yet...

Maybe there's hope.

spydermun

Anyone have a bike rack on their Vibe. I just tried the GM rack and it interferes with the rear hatch. Does anyone have a Thule or Yakima that does not come in contact when you open the rear hatch. Thanks

Luzer

I read somewhere that if you flip the bike - fork towards back, it would work.

Let us know if that's good info or not.

hurler4

...anyone hear if the 2004 Vibe is out, too? The Matrix has two new colors--the shadow gray that the Vibe already has and a bright yellow.

I'm interested to see what happens with those opitron gauges.

There are some crazy deals near where I live on 2003 Vibe GTs. One is $4200 off and another is $3300 off. I wonder if there will be any rebates on the 2004s, as I'd rather get a Vibe that has any 2003 bugs worked out.

Luzer

No info on the 2004 Vibe yet...maybe better package pricing ala Matrix? Tho GM has raise the Vibe's prices at least 3 times since Oct, 2002.

The following is from car and driver -

Toyota Prices 2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix
The Daily Auto Insider
Friday, May 9, 2003
May 2003
 
Toyota has announced its manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix models which go on sale beginning mid-May.

Toyota said in a press release that for 2004 the Corolla price remains relatively unchanged from the current model year and there is no price increase on the CE and S models, which carry an MSRP of $13,570 and $14,515 respectively. The Corolla LE models will receive a minimal price increase of $100, to $14,780 for the 2004 model year.

Pricing for the 2004 Toyota Matrix model lineup will remain unchanged and continue to carry a base MSRP of $14,670. For 2004 the Matrix will offer new extra value packages on standard and XR Grades, which combine popular options and amenities at substantial savings.

montanafan

2004 pricing info was posted over on GenVibe last week. No increase in base prices. Small increase in Auto Trans ($35ish), small increase in the 17" wheels and tires, $50 bucks on the Nav system, and increases in both Moon & Tunes ($325) and Power Package ($125). Security system and Side Bags are a new group with $100 discount over last year.

Luzer

That's GM for you.

I read that they raised prices 6 times last year, and have seen at least three increases since Oct, 2002 when I started looking at the Vibe.

They give you $2000 cash back, but by the time you figured it out to buy the car, they already nickeled and dime you another $100 to $150 back.

The base sticker goes up about $50, ok not bad right? THEN, they tack on $25 here and $50 here for the options. Not for naught, but the options are already high, especially the 6-CD change on top of the moons and toons. The "discount" they gave you on the moons and toons - they got some back on the $325 for the CD changer.

Their side airbags are $350 compared to the 'trix $250.

And that's why they can afford to give you $2000 back, just beware when the rebates stops.

Luzer

just letting off some steam on the General and their pricing policies. Must be the marketing guys...

Did a quick comparo on a Base Vibe auto tranny to the 'trix XR with auto tranny.
On Edmunds "Price with options"
VIBE MSRP/INVOICE/TMV
National Base Price $16,485 $15,413 $15,659
Optional Equipment $3,080 $2,741 $2,810
PDN Power Package info $625 $556 $570
PCR Moon & Tunes Package info $525 $467 $479
MX0 4 Speed Automatic Transmission info $815 $725 $743
QD2 16" Aluminum Wheels info $440 $392 $402
AJ7 Side Impact Airbags info $350 $312 $320
UC6 In-Dash 6-Disc Changer info $325 $289 $296
Destination Charge $560 $560 $560
Total $20,125 $18,714 $19,040

2004 TRIX
National Base Price $16,980 N/A $16,725
Optional Equipment $1,620 N/A $1,594
QP Extra Value Package #2 info $880 N/A $866
BE Side Airbags info $250 N/A $246
CL Cruise Control info $250 N/A $246
EJ Premium In-Dash 6-CD Changer info $240 N/A $236
Destination Charge $485 $485 $485
Total $19,085 N/A $18,796

2003 Trix
National Base Price $16,980 $15,365 $15,852
Optional Equipment $1,976 $1,523 $1,706
UP Sport Package info $1,160 $928 $997
BE Side Impact Airbags info $250 $215 $225
CL Cruise Control info $250 $200 $215
EJ Premium In-Dash 6-CD Changer info $240 $180 $198
CF Carpet Floor Mats info $76 N/A $71
Destination Charge $485 $485 $485
Total $19,441 $17,373 $18,060

2003 Vibe MSRP: $20,125
2004 Vibe MSRP: @20610 (+$485 from above post 1893)
2004 TRIX MSRP: $19,085
2003 TRIX MSRP: $19,441

Appears that Toyota prices are coming down due to package discounts and Vibe's going up. If these are real, then the 2004 Vibe will be over $1400 more than the TRIX. Both cars will cost the same if Toyota keeps the $500 rebate, and GM th e $2000.

If these are indeed the "given" (remember algebra), then the Trix wins big on the longer warranty, adding to the preception advantage.

nhfan

We intend to buy a 2004 AWD Satellite Vibe, loaded, including 16" cast aluminum wheels, monotone package, but not Navigation System, security system, or engine block heater. Last payment on our only vehicle, current SAAB lease, will be Oct 20. Opinions please on the following:
1. On the GM lease pull-ahead, what are maximum months available (3)?
2. In NH, what are our chances of getting above with side air bags?
3. We think we read 2nd quarter production will be reduced 10% from the average 5,000 per month, so if dealer can't locate our choice around END OF JULY (providing lease pull-ahead offered), should we order THEN, allowing 4 months for delivery?
I've been reading comments for months about the Vibe & some of Matrix. I'm concerned that Toyota has /will fix sensor/light problem, but GM so far won't.
Thank you all for past and future posts.

montanafan

The last pull ahead program, which my brother passed on, was Feb and Mar and was for leases ending April through August. So if GM/GMAC runs another one it should include your November ending lease.

Even in New Hampshire, dosen't your dealer think there will be less AWDs in inventory in the summer? Nationally AWD is 10-15% of production, maybe double that in the North? I think side bags would be no more the 25%. Factor in other options and colors variables, and bet you will be ordering. Think 4 months would be to long for a sold factory order but if that is what your dealer thinks.

Have read that there will be small changes to the gages, making the sunglass washout that some people have seen less of an issue with the 2004s.

If you are thinking Vibe, you should consider the GM Mastercard to attempt to earn some additional rebates.

Good luck.

5679

When I bought my vibe I redeemed $3500 in GM points. I then wanted to pay the balance with my Mastercard to obtain mega -Air Mile points on it but was only allowed to pay $2000 with the card. I stillthink I should have been able to do it but the dealer said it would lose too much.

astroman05

retailers don't get 100% of the money back from credit card companies - so if the dealership allowed payment of the entire car by credit card, they'd lose out on another small % of the purchase price. (That's why some retailers don't take Discover - they charge a higher percentage than Visa or MC.) Perhaps if that was negotiated in at the beginning, they'd do it. Yeah, you're paying more than you would if it were a regular check, but you're getting the miles or whatever.

mjg222

I almost purchased a Vibe today in Neptune w/graphite interior, but it was sold as I was making my deal. Dealer searched inventory, and there is another Neptune Vibe with the options I requested about 60 miles away, but with a different interior color (slate). Does anyone know if the seat colors are the only difference between the two interiors? I wasn't sure if the cargo area and dashboard would be of a lighter shade in the slate interior. They didn't have any Vibe's with the slate interior, so I really couldn't compare them. Thanks.