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Toyota Matrix vs. Pontiac Vibe - Compare Notes

285 messages,  Last post on Nov 12, 2010 at 7:29 PM

You are in the Pontiac Vibe Forum.

What is this discussion about? Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Matrix, Wagon

Messages Page 3 of 29

#21 of 285 Price Guides for Vibe/Matrix by beater

Apr 24, 2002 (7:20 pm)

As somebody who would like to buy either vehicle, I'm curious to know if dealers are
discounting below MSRP? If so, is there a rule-of-thumb like 5%,10%,etc? I'd appreciate
hearing from those who may have already purchased. Having a trade-in as I do, makes it
hard to know just what kind of deal I'm being offered unless I can take something off list price
and go to the used-car guides to get an idea of what mine is worth.

#22 of 285 Hi beater- by revka

Apr 25, 2002 (6:16 am)

Have you had a chance to check out Edmunds' TMV (True Market Value) New Vehicle Pricing Calculator? This will give you the average cost in your region. Others here may have more to add.... Good luck, and please keep us posted on your purchase.
 
Revka
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#23 of 285 Thanks Revka by beater

Apr 26, 2002 (5:52 pm)

Followed your suggestion: checked TMV (same as msrp for my area). Also checked kelly for
trade-in value. Local dealer was about 250 above "average trade in" for my car so I bought a Vibe today. Still trying to decipher the instructions on the high tech radio but so far so good.
Thanks for your timely response.
 
Beater

#24 of 285 Hi beater- You're welcome. ;-) by revka

Apr 27, 2002 (4:14 am)

And congrats on your new Vibe! Also, here's a direct link to our ongoing Pontiac Vibe discussion where you can compare notes with other owners and enthusiasts. We look forward to hearing more about your ownership experience.... Happy motoring!
 
Revka
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#25 of 285 Vibe: First Impressions by beater

May 06, 2002 (7:37 pm)

I've had the Vibe for a little over a week and have driven about 650 miles. So far, so good. I bought it as primarily an in-town vehicle. I have a Mercury Marquis which we use for long trips. That said, I'm not really as concerned about acceleration or long-haul riding comfort as much as economy, reliability, and utility. I'm getting about 28 miles/gal in city driving and averaged 34 miles/gal on a short trip we took in it. That's in line with expectations based on epa estimates for the Vibe. It's utility is plain to see for stowage. There's plenty of room for us and the kind of gear we haul. Reliability is the biggest unanswered question. I'm hoping that the partnership with Toyota will help in that department. The real answer will only come after the warranty expires in 36,000 miles or 3 years. My previous vehicle was a '95 Taurus wagon. That should explain why reliability is a worrisome issue. I have had some trouble finding accessories for the Vibe. We have 3 Pontiac dealers in this area and their inventory is pretty limited. I was looking for the visor-mounted cd holder, the cargo area mat, and front and rear splash guards. I was only able to locate the cd holder. All promised to have supplies in stock in the near future. The same problem when I went to locate a trailer hitch. I want a hitch to mount a bike carrier. None of the usual outlets have any hitches to fit Vibe/Matrix; even U-Haul. All promised to have them in stock soon. Other than that, I'm satisfied with the vehicle.

#26 of 285 discounting by dindak

May 07, 2002 (7:21 am)

I was offered $400 off a Vibe and MSRP on the Matrix when we shopped. It depends on the area and car availability though.

#27 of 285 vibe vs. matrix by mic5000

May 08, 2002 (9:04 am)

I went to toyota and had a heck of a time. Toyota is just not nice, and does not listen to me. I also knew more than the salesman. Also, when greated, the salesmen (more than one toyota from Calif. to Texas) assumed the man new more.
 
this weekend I will check out pontiac's vibe. Since the vehicles are essentially the same, Pontiac maybe the winner. Just thinking about buying from toyota makes me cringe.

#28 of 285 Shifter by yamahar6

May 08, 2002 (9:23 am)

I have heard bad things about the shifter (6 spd.) of the Matrix/Vibe from the auto. press and was wondering if it was true. (I thot. that the Maxima's shifter was crap also, as the press said it was, - until I drove it an liked it).
 
The reason I am asking is b/c I am planning to test drive it just for fun, and if the shifter is *&^t, i couldn't be bothered.
 
Also, any recommendations on which dealer to visit, Toyota or GM?
 
I was thinking GM, because perhaps they might be happy to have a young customer come in the door, and since there is less people traffic, they might be less reluctant to let me take a drive.
Thanks, Aroon

#29 of 285 by dindak

May 08, 2002 (12:59 pm)

I was treated well at both dealers. Pontiac dealer was a little more aggressive, but not to a point where they were pushy. Go for the car you like best and the dealer you feel best about.

#30 of 285 go with toyota by nippononly

May 09, 2002 (3:43 pm)

They give you the longer warranty, and generally better service IMO, but this probably varies from dealer to dealer.
 
While the design is identical for both, the Vibe is built in the U.S., while the Toyota is built in Ontario, Canada. A lot of the parts they are using are from different suppliers consequently, and the Ontario factory is Toyota-owned and run, while the U.S. factory is all GM. In my experience in the past, that has led to a large gap in build quality and reliability down the line. Maybe I have had very good luck, but I have never had a Toyota break down or have parts fall off or stop working. That DID happen with a Pontiac I owned - I would never own Pontiac again. I have known too many people who have had crappy Pontiacs in the last decade or two, who always had problems with their cars.
 
By the way, as far as driveline design, I believe the XRS driveline is lifted directly out of the celica GTS, and I am pretty sure that means the engine is designed and built by Yamaha.

Messages Page 3 of 29

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