My wife just bought a new Vibe as described in this thread:

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1886052

We brought it home tonight so here's some neat features that I felt to be picture worthy:


AC power outlet, only 1A so 115W but still pretty cool.


Factory bling. =)


Ruggedized plastic cargo area (like a truck bedliner) with tie-down rails


Separate hatch window, not a big deal in SUV's but cool to find in a compact


Secret cubby under the shifter


Secret cubby in the cargo floor


Instructions for using the passenger seatback as a table


Tons of tie-downs

BTW, the car weighs 2700 lb (about the same as my loaded MCS) and cost $11732 after discounts and rebates (MSRP $18980) ... quite different from the straight MSRP I paid for the MCS.

 

Yeah but how fast in the slalom?

just kiddin.

 

Probably way slow.

As long as it's better than an SUV or minivan, I think we're coming out ahead.

 

:smile: I think it's a pretty cool rig, Andy! Hope she has lots of fun with it!


Clover

 

SHOW US THE NUMBERS!

Not a bad little car, definitely one that can do some hauling for it's size. Hope you both enjoy it.

 

Considering her last car was a Tercel bought new in 1993 that currently has 131k miles, she's in heaven. :smile:

 

Definitely a good deal for the money! A friend at work has the Matrix...she loves it. Not my taste though.


What good is an ungrounded outlet? Won't work for most laptops. Cell phones have car chargers...planning on shaving? lol

 

There are some pretty amusing threads on www.genvibe.com about people's uses for the outlet ... ranging from a blender for tailgate parties to ... ahem ... adult electronic toys.

Even though you're not supposed to use one, most Vibe owners use one of these:

 

Nice!


That rear cargo area with the plastic floors and plastic seatbacks is a
very good idea! :smile:

 

Yeah, it's the opposite of the MINI in cargo carrying. The Vibe has a LARGE space covered in DURABLE materials and has a FLAT load floor with the seats up or down.

 

Very good choice! My girlfriend and I are thinking of getting one. We are looking at the AWD model. Love my mini, but the Vibe in AWD would be so much better in the winter.

Enjoy!

Exposed

 

Nice car! I really like the cargo area. When I was considering selling my MINI, the Matrix was at the top of my list. I didn't consider the Vibe because I didn't like the styling and my impression was that it was $1500 or so more expensive for the same car, but you guys got a phenomenal price!Enjoy.

 

Be aware that the AWD model is only available with a detuned version (123 hp) of the base engine coupled to an automatic transmission. If you want a manual, it will be FWD.

 

Yep, the base Matrix is about $2200 cheaper with very similar specs and equipment. Styling on the Vibe has been freshened for '05 with a GTO-style nose:

 

Here's Atticus in "the trip is over but I don't want to get out of the car" mode:


Here he is in travelling mode (chest harness secured to lower rear tie-downs via his leash):

 

Lay off the tire shine!

 

Great color choice! I did not know it had gotten a facelift. Perhaps that has happened to the Matrix too. I had considered buying one, but the old design was too rakish for me. The new version looks much improved. Darn. I will have to make do with that MINI I ordered instead.

 

The Matrix still looks goofy, no update, AFAIK.

 

We have a 2003 Matrix XRS with the 180 HP engine / 6 speed manual. It currently has 48,000 miles on the clock and has not experienced a single problem. All it's needed so far has been wiper blades, oil, and I just this weekend replaced the Firestone Firehawks with Avon Tech M 500's. It's been bulletproof, and the storage capacity has allowed us to haul everything from 12' long 1"x6"'s to our greyhounds. If your Vibe is as sturdy as our Matrix I think you'll be very happy!

A_Sr.

 

Since the MINI is my all-purpose vehicle and it also has to make trips to places like Home Depot, etc. I wish the front passenger seat could do the forward-fold thing. I would really help in a pinch. I don't know what other trade-offs there would be to that. ...I guess it's really not feasible with the sport seats.

I could be reading between the lines a little too much - but it seems like your wife and mine might be on a similar wavelength with regard to vehicles - they should be as inexpensive to own/operate as possible and still get you from point A to B reliably. Who am I to try and change her mind? What money I save on her car can go to mine! (Yeah, right - I wish!)

Anyhow, good luck the the new vehicle!