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Pontiac Vibe 2009+

158 messages,  Last post on Jul 28, 2009 at 8:34 AM

You are in the Pontiac Vibe Forum.

What is this discussion about? Pontiac Vibe, Toyota, Future Vehicle, Hatchback

Messages Page 9 of 17

#76 of 158 Drove the GT, but looking to buy AWD by wtd44

Apr 23, 2008 (2:44 pm)

I'm "standing on the brink" of trading into a 2009 AWD Vibe. I hope to trade in my 04 Jeep GC and keep the spread as low as possible. I drove the FWD GT model at one dealership, but they had no AWD models available. The other Pontiac dealer has several AWDs, so I am considering starting negotiations. Using Edmunds pricing and reviews has been more than helpful in this endeavor, let me tell you!

#77 of 158 2009 Vibe MPG by repoman1

Apr 24, 2008 (1:16 pm)

868 miles on my 2009 Vibe, 2.4l, automatic, 90% highway driving, most at 70-75MPH, just started to use the air conditioning the past week so most was with AC not running. Average to date: 30.65 MPG
 
Fuel regular unleaded with 10% ethanol. We can't buy real gas here. I would probably get 2-3 more miles per gallon if I didn't have to use ethanol. Ethanol is junk, it's just a filler that decreases gas mileage and performance and is causing the price of everthing we eat to increase. Ethanol is simply a useless government mandate.

#78 of 158 My 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT by raythegerman

Apr 24, 2008 (1:33 pm)

I read with interest the post #58 from vibeowner1. I too, have purchased a red hot metallic Vibe GT from my dealer in Amherst, New York. My wife and I drove it from Tonawanda, New York to Durham, North Carolina to visit her son, drove it around town, and drove back a week later. We averaged 30 miles a gallon on the nose, and that's with going 70-75 miles an hour and also driving in Durham, Cary & Raleigh city driving. Total miles approx 1800 miles. I traded in my 2005 Pontiac Vibe AWD for this. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!! My previous Vibe was excellent and I never had one problem with it, but the 2.4 engine and the upscale design, etc. is just fantastic. Before you buy a Vibe with the 1.8 motor just try one with the 2.4----it is a blast!!

#79 of 158 Almost Perfect by smokiescat

Apr 27, 2008 (7:26 pm)

During my first visit to the dealership, I had no idea I was going to buy a 2009 Vibe GT. Now I am a very happy owner and strong advocate. My minivan years are behind me. Like the minivan, my Vibe is practical and versatile. On a recent solo camping, hiking and photography trip, I slept in the vehicle on a custom mattress made to fit along the length of the right side when the front passenger seat and rear seats are folded down flat. Unlike the minivan, the Vibe is economical to run. On my trip, I averaged 9.5 mph over the Interstate speed limit, which in one long stretch through Kentucky is 70 mph, and still got an amazing 28.9 mpg. Also unlike the minivan, the Vibe is lots of fun to drive. However, from my perspective, my Vibe GT was a few details short of perfect. Two details I was able to address. First, I exchanged the 18-inch wheel standard on the GT for the 17-inch optional tire offered on other models. Without the lower profile tire, I lost a small percentage of tight cornering ability but gained a whole lot more in noise reduction and comfort. Second, over-the-shoulder blind spots force me to trust the mirrors more than I’d like. The view to the rear is limited, too, so I had aftermarket back-up sensors installed to allay fears that I would back into something or, worse, someone, such the grandchildren who live with me. Third, I would have greatly appreciated an in-dash compass, such as the one my wife has on her PT Cruiser. I like to drive backroads without a GPS but did not like the idea of sticking a compass on that great windshield view. Please note that these details did not keep me from making one of my most satisfying purchases in many years. This is the most I have smiled on the road since my motorcycle days of about 30 years ago. This is far, far safer.

#80 of 158 Re: Almost Perfect by wtd44

Apr 28, 2008 (9:02 am)

Replying to: smokiescat (Apr 27, 2008 7:26 pm)
I enjoyed your comments on the GT. I have noted that same "blind" area in the rear of the the Vibe AWD models, but the lack of competitive rebates is slowing my buying decision more than anything else. And the AWD model has significantly less mileage to offer, but I prefer the added traction. I may end up getting a "bigger bang for the buck" elsewhere.

#81 of 158 BIG & TALL IN A 2009 VIBE by crimar30

Apr 28, 2008 (11:00 pm)

Have any people over 6' bought, or test driven a new Vibe with the power sun roof? Is there still enough clearance for a comfortable seating position? I tried out one without a sunroof, and it seemed ok, but was not able to find one with the sunroof.

#82 of 158 Re: [crimar30] by wtd44

Apr 29, 2008 (6:34 am)

Replying to: crimar30 (Apr 28, 2008 11:00 pm)
I drove an AWD 2009 model just yesterday, but it did not have a sunroof. The seating was quite satisfactory for me, and I am 6' 1". I suspect the front seat comfort would likely prove quite adequate for long hauls, but only an all day trip would convince me. I am quite likely to purchase this vehicle today, provided the last moment negotiations go my way...

#83 of 158 Re: [wtd44] by smokiescat

Apr 29, 2008 (6:54 am)

Replying to: wtd44 (Apr 29, 2008 6:34 am)
My 6-foot son-in-law felt there was plenty of room in the passenger seat. At first on a recent daylong 600-mile trip, I thought the seat was a little firm. Either I adjusted or the foam padding "loosened up," but it felt most comfortable on the trip back. We don't know if was pyschological or what, but both my wife and I thought the seats on the GT were a little more comfortable than those on the regular model. We took test drives in both. However, we were lucky to be able to exchange the 18-inch GT wheels after we purchased the vehicle. A 2-hour trip on concrete highways with bad joints convinced us that the noise from the 18-inches was almost unbearable. The 17-inch replacement wheels don't let me corner as fast (which in some ways is better) but are a lot much quieter and less harsh. 2,300 miles in less than four weeks and still enamored.

#84 of 158 2008 Stick MPG and suggestion. by plowboy1

Apr 29, 2008 (3:26 pm)

Replying to: wtd44 (Apr 29, 2008 6:34 am)
I have an 08, manual transmission with 15K miles using pure synthetic and a K&N filter. With 85% highway driving 75-80 I get 32.8. IF I slow it down to where the engine likes to run (2500 RPM 65 MPH) I get 35-36.
 
These should have a six speed with Overdrive. I have no idea what Pontiac is thinking... mileage would bump up 1-3 MPG.
 
 

#85 of 158 I was thinking buy! by wtd44

Apr 30, 2008 (6:08 pm)

...so I did. I traded in my 2004 Jeep GC Laredo, paid cash for the spread, and now own an Ultra White AWD 2009 Pontiac Vibe. What have I done?

Messages Page 9 of 17

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