Why should I buy the 2009 Matrix vs Vibe

[punvin]

Just like to get fellow RFDers to comment on this one. I was in the market for a Matrix/Civic. Just went to test drive an AWD Matrix over at Don Valley North Toyota yesterday. It was a nice ride. Powerful with the Camry engine(for AWD) and the nice foldable backseats is good. Sales person only gave me $500 off MSRP because I was an "internet" customer. He tried to get his inventory manager twice and came up empty and offered no further discounts (he said anything from $500-$1000 more was possible depending on what is in stock).

Then I went to GM's Vibe website today and saw this 0% for 60 months offer on the Vibe. I believe the Vibe is the same car as the Matrix, so why in the spirit of RFD'ers would I get a Matrix? Especially if I have some credit on my GM Card!

Does anyone know when the 0% financing deal will last till?

[hagbard]

It has the Corolla engine, not the Camry. The base Vibe is a better deal than the base Matrix as it has Stability Control ,and at the moment, a large discount (if you finance over 72 months).

A review of both:

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/mc/vibe-versus-matrix.php

[punvin]

I meant to say the AWD version which is the Camry engine according to the sales guy a Toyota yesterday.

[gman]

Just like to get fellow RFDers to comment on this one. I was in the market for a Matrix/Civic. Just went to test drive an AWD Matrix over at Don Valley North Toyota yesterday. It was a nice ride. Powerful with the Camry engine(for AWD) and the nice foldable backseats is good. Sales person only gave me $500 off MSRP because I was an "internet" customer. He tried to get his inventory manager twice and came up empty and offered no further discounts (he said anything from $500-$1000 more was possible depending on what is in stock).

Then I went to GM's Vibe website today and saw this 0% for 60 months offer on the Vibe. I believe the Vibe is the same car as the Matrix, so why in the spirit of RFD'ers would I get a Matrix? Especially if I have some credit on my GM Card!

Does anyone know when the 0% financing deal will last till?

No good reason at all. And, many people do not even know Vibe has better resell value than Matrix. Check the black book and Auto-Trader.

[new_vr]

If you are springing for the AWD version, I would strongly consider the impreza.
If you were going with the FWD, I would stay with the vibe, to get the stabiltrack

[jkyc]

It has the Corolla engine, not the Camry. The base Vibe is a better deal than the base Matrix as it has Stability Control ,and at the moment, a large discount (if you finance over 72 months).

A review of both:

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/mc/vibe-versus-matrix.php

How could you get a larger discount w/72 months?

[B0000rt]

I would hold off for this year.
I would wait for the 2.5L to become available on the vehicle, the 2.4L is old and is going to be gone soon, like in the RAV4.

[hagbard]

How could you get a larger discount w/72 months?

You finance outside of GMAC. The dealers recommended you finance for 72 months then pay off after three and pocket the $2500 discount.

[manho]

Toyota, generally, is more reliable.

[Maxspeed]

Toyota, generally, is more reliable.

isnt the vibe built in the same factory as the matrix?

[new_vr]

isnt the vibe built in the same factory as the matrix?

Not sure about the 2009, but the 08's were built in different factories. the vibe in california, and matrix in cambridge.
They are twins though, so I wouldn't expect one to outlast the other.

[OldFortYork]

Toyota, generally, is more reliable.

In any other case, but in this case they're really two identical cars.

[cq358]

I am thinking about buying the cheapest AWD vibe which is around 21300 (with value package come standard) +destination+ Tax. I might be able to talk down to 20500 and OTD around 22800-23450

BTW what is the CCC price for the vibe AWD in Saskatchewan (Saskatoon)?

[hagbard]

I am thinking about buying the cheapest AWD vibe which is around 21300 (with value package come standard) +destination+ Tax. I might be able to talk down to 20500 and OTD around 22800-23450

BTW what is the CCC price for the vibe AWD in Saskatchewan (Saskatoon)?

Good luck finding an AWD Vibe without waiting for it to be delivered. None of the dealers in SW Ontario have them. Wouldn't expect Sask would be any better.

[cq358]

Plan B, I guess the best time to buy it right before Christmas. When snow is high and Saskatchewan breeze is going strong, everybody is not in the mood for buying big item such as a car. However, the price is proportional to the mood of the sales manager/business manager in the dealership.

[hotweiss]

I don't want to repeat myself again, but the Impreza is a much better car for close to the same amount of money. If you don't believe me, test-drive an Impreza.

[mic2074]

try other dealerships... I was able to negotiate $1200 off an AWD model for my sister in the spring at Brimalea Toyota.

Haven't tried the vibe or impreza's... have driven the Matrix, and like all other Toyota's I've drive, am very pleased with it... very smooth ride... it could use a few more horses.

[maniacshopper]

US customers
the Vibe/Matrix is built/assembled in California

CDN customers
Matrix built in Cambridge, ON.
Vibe imported from states, same as US customers.

[new_vr]

Haven't tried the vibe or impreza's... have driven the Matrix, and like all other Toyota's I've drive, am very pleased with it... very smooth ride... it could use a few more horses.
I really thought it could use a lot better handling...
Horsepower was fine, but like most economy cars, it needs a lot more torque.

[jkyc]

You can also refer to this link for more info about the 09 VIBE
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=630695&highlight=vibe

[jj14]

I have just finished this analysis myself as we were looking at either an AWD Vibe with some options or an AWD XR Matrix. One is no better than the other, they are essentially the same interiors and exactly the same powertrain. MSRP when the specs are apples to apple is also pretty much the same (except for point 3 below).

Since both vehicle drive identically, it comes down to three things:

1. Options
- you can find Vibes with a number of different option, so you don't have to pay for stuff you don't want. Toyotas are only available in few trims. If you're looking at just the base model, the Vibe is the way to go for the Stability Control. The rear cargo system on the Vibe is also quite great.

FOR ME:
- Matrix had better seats.
- Matrix interior is lighter, which worked better for my shedding dogs.
- Matrix aluminum rims are much much nicer, the chrome rims on the Vibe just didn't do it for me (tried to upgrade the rims on the Vibe and they said no, they are serial numbered to the car, upgrading on my own would be extra $$).
- Bluetooth was only available on Matrix as an option, (without changing head unit--extra $$). I view this as a safety option, so it was important to me.
- there were a few other things that you pay a little for on the Matrix XR AWD, but that i also wanted (6 speakers, leather wrapped steering wheel, heated mirrors, rear spoiler).

2. Which Body Style You Prefer.
- people seem to be split about 50/50 on this. It's a matter of taste. More colour options on Matrix I think.

FOR ME:
- as my brother put it: there was nothing wrong with the Vibe except for the huge pontiac symbol on the hood. Sure, he's a car guy, but it's not a irrelevant point for everyone.
- the tiny window on the C pillar of the Matrix has been described as a huge waste, but it is VERY valuable for your blind spot--I understand why they put it in.
- with the body side panels and rear spoiler, the matrix more sporty looking. Strangely, the rear spoiler was not available as an option on the Vibe in blue (the colour we wanted).

3. How You're Paying
Depending on how you plan to pay, this is the MAIN area of difference between models
- 0% finance on the Vibe, and/or cashback. Lease not an option.
- 4.9% finance on Matrix (60 mths), 4.9% lease on Matrix (48 mths) (September 2008 #s for Alberta).

FOR ME:
- even though we liked the Matrix more, the cost of ownership worked out to about $3,500 more for the Matrix versus a similar equipped and priced Vibe (because of the cashback or financing on the Vibe.) You'll never get that back on resale (maybe $500-1,000 tops). So you have to REALLY put a lot of stock in the value of options 1 & 2.

- if you're looking to lease, then the Matrix is your option (and the current rate isn't too bad). However, if you're thinking of keeping it, you'll probably want to consider that the 0% on the Vibe, works out to almost the same monthly cost as the lease (5 years versus 4 years).

[Samir]

The cheapest AWD vehicle may be de Suzuki SX4 hatch (depending on options).

[pseudo]

In any other case, but in this case they're really two identical cars.

yes two identical cars,, but I guess different quality control. Toyota build vs. GM Build

I would take the Toyota bec its canadian made

[rfdrfd]

To the OP's question:

If you don't care about re-sale value and quality and service. Then yes, go buy a VIBE

[new_vr]

To the OP's question:

If you don't care about re-sale value and quality and service. Then yes, go buy a VIBE

Service depends on what dealership you go to...I certainly wouldn't expect good service at the Barrie Toyota dealer (based on prior experience)
What's the difference in quality? It's very easy to make a broad statement like that, much harder to actually back it up

[Coolme]

I don't think the AWD is worth the price toyota/gm is asking for it. Vibe/matrix AWD system is part-time and it can only transfer up to 10% of total power to the rear wheels when activated. Plus, at that price I'd seriously consider the RAV4 instead, it's built in japan (someone correct me if I am wrong), has more room, power (RAV4 engine is more effeicient than matrix/vibe so it has the same L/100km), features, awd is standard, traction control is also standard.

[gman]

To the OP's question:

If you don't care about re-sale value and quality and service. Then yes, go buy a VIBE

Again, check the black book and auto traders. The re-sale value of Vibe is higher than Matrix. You can check the black book through Toyota web site if you choose to.

[weedb0y]

yes two identical cars,, but I guess different quality control. Toyota build vs. GM Build

I would take the Toyota bec its canadian made

One of the most ignorant statements I've seen on the board lately. First of all, these both cars are identical with same parts. Secondly, outside of this, GM's new stuff is rock solid.

Get real, read the reports, reviews, test drive one, own one and then come back.

[wrcfocus]

I would go with the Vibe after having a Matrix as a rental. Refer to my post in this thread: http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=635914&highlight=matrix

For those that don't like linking, I'll give a short summary. The huge C-pillar on the Matrix which in turn created a huge blindspot would have me buying a Vibe just to avoid that whole issue. I had a lot of trouble backup from a parking spot and checking if there was anyone to the left and right of the car.

The 2.4L gave out pretty poor highway fuel economy although it was more than adequate for the vehicle. I was only able to get ~8.1L/100km mostly driving between 100-110km/h. I don't want to imagine what the fuel economy once AWD was hooked up to the drivetrain. My 2002 Focus gets 7L/100km on the highway just to put things in perspective.

Headlight beam pattern was weak at best. Not sure if it's the squinty design of the headlights, but it just doesn't throw a beam that is as far and as wide as my Focus. The Vibe may be different cuz it does have a different headlight design, not sure because I haven't driven one on a street without streetlights.

So I would go for the Vibe if I had to choose between these 2. But honestly, if it were my money I wouldn't choose either.

[i6s1]

yes two identical cars,, but I guess different quality control. Toyota build vs. GM Build

I would take the Toyota bec its canadian made

The factory builds Vibes, Tacomas, and Corollas. The Vibe is essentially built by Toyota.

[THINKPADT61]

yes two identical cars,, but I guess different quality control. Toyota build vs. GM Build

I would take the Toyota bec its canadian made

News for you, Toyota's quality is going down! Beside, both car comes out of the same assembly line ;)

[Karbaum]

Again, check the black book and auto traders. The re-sale value of Vibe is higher than Matrix. You can check the black book through Toyota web site if you choose to.

Not sure which black book you are looking at but if you take the two cars the balck book is higher on the toyota then the vibe. Do your homework a little bit better Toyota's resale value is second to only Porsche as far as percentages go so you can never say that a North American Product will be higher then Toyota

[fastlayne]

Just saw a new Vibe on the road yesterday. That rear window (on the hatch) is fugly.

Toyota for the win.

[Felks24]

News for you, Toyota's quality is going down! Beside, both car comes out of the same assembly line ;)

News for you, the Vibe is built in California. The Matrix is built in Cambridge, ON.

:cheesygri

[Felks24]

Just saw a new Vibe on the road yesterday. That rear window (on the hatch) is fugly.

Toyota for the win.

The rear window on the Vibe might be fugly, but at least you can see out of the c-pillar windows on the Vibe.....

[pseudo]

One of the most ignorant statements I've seen on the board lately. First of all, these both cars are identical with same parts. Secondly, outside of this, GM's new stuff is rock solid.

Get real, read the reports, reviews, test drive one, own one and then come back.

And you're an expert?? would you buy a Sony LCD TV built in Japan or China ?
Stop taking weed for a moment will ya.

[tdott]

I don't want to repeat myself again, but the Impreza is a much better car for close to the same amount of money. If you don't believe me, test-drive an Impreza.

lol, no response still eh?

I've never been a fan of suby's, unless its an STi.

Plus how does the reliabilty compare? Parts? Gas Mileage etc?

[Felks24]

And you're an expert?? would you buy a Sony LCD TV built in Japan or China ?
Stop taking weed for a moment will ya.

I wouldn't buy a Sony LCD TV, but I digress....that's for another forum.

[SimSV]

And you're an expert?? would you buy a Sony LCD TV built in Japan or China ?
Stop taking weed for a moment will ya.

Going by that logic, why would you buy a North American built Toyota or Honda when you don't buy domestic?

[cq358]

I found the Vibe SE (1SB) prefer equipment group-
-inc: Power window , locks,mirror, Air Condition, cruise control
Add :5Spd Automatic +/- shfting
Add : 2.4 Liter Pkg, -inc: cargo organizer and folding front passenger Seat
Add : Block Heater
Std: ABS,VSC,TRACTION CONTROL and 115 v power outlet

On the ground: 23350

after settled the final price then I bring up the discount for new grad, 0% for 60 months Financing and 800 dollars rebate.

Total investment is around 22500 for a pretty good equipped Vibe.

Remember 4 years year ago, you can only get the base Corolla with 1.8 Liter engine and power package (C PKG) with this price.

[Engi-Nir]

Not sure which black book you are looking at but if you take the two cars the balck book is higher on the toyota then the vibe. Do your homework a little bit better Toyota's resale value is second to only Porsche as far as percentages go so you can never say that a North American Product will be higher then Toyota

This is just a quick black book value #'s

2007 Matrix Base, 4D Wagon FWD
low 12,701.00 and High 14,301
4 cyl, a/c, power steering, automatic with 40k km


2007 Pontiac Vibe
low 12,601 and High 14,851.00
4 cyl, a/c, power steering, automatic with 40k km

And you're an expert?? would you buy a Sony LCD TV built in Japan or China ?
Stop taking weed for a moment will ya.

All cars built in North America, by the same people, the quality across the board has gone down, YES INCLUDES HONDA and TOYOTA. 2007 Recall king was Toyota. There is no quality gap between the vibe and matrix, it is non-existent for you to think there is one given two different plants, you are dreaming. NUMMI plant is been the first joint venture before the two boys, and the oldest Toyota plant in North America(1984). Experience accounts for something right? Plus Toyota builds the corolla/Tacoma off the same line in NUMMI. Yes, Vibe shares the same platform with the corolla. This could only mean, Corolla made in states is CRAP and the Canadian version must be superb lol

And Ford/GM quality has gone up, takes time for perception to meet reality.

PS: The Cambridge plant is not the legendery Lexus’ Tahara plant ;)


Btw, if you are wondering why quality of Toyota vehicles have gone down, the boys at Toyota have a great explanation, The Toyota-way takes 15yrs to master for each employee, and now if they can only retain an engineer long enough ;), now a days, a typical worker switches employer every 3-5yrs. Also add in high volume manufacturing equates to quality out the door. Tundra plant's plant mgr was caught saying, mgmt kept pushing hence why they had all those quality issues with the Tundras.

[hotweiss]

lol, no response still eh?

I've never been a fan of suby's, unless its an STi.

Plus how does the reliabilty compare? Parts? Gas Mileage etc?

Reliability is second to none, that is one of the reasons I bought one. Parts, who cares the care will never break down - (joke). As far as gas mileage is concerned, I now get 7 L/100 km on the highway after putting in synthetic, and this figure was recorded with a passenger and the A/C on.

[tamper]

I recently rented a 2009 Matrix/Vibe for a trip. Good thing I did, I might have bought one in the spring.

I wouldn't recommend it if you're driving in a city where you have to change lanes or dodge a lot of cyclists etc. The shape of the pillars around back hatch window gives the car HUGE blindspots. I adjusted the side mirrors wider to compensate but it takes some time to get used to. Some folks might not have a problem with that, I didn't like it at all, my head was like in permanant shoulder check for every lane merge.

If I had to, I'd buy the Toyota over GM to support Canadian jobs. (A different world these days LOL). The Pontiac is made by the GM/Toyota jointly-owned NUUMI plant in Fremont Cali. It's a plant managed by GM managers operating under the Toyota Production System. (Used to be a GM plant)

IIRC NUMMI is the only unionized Toyota Production System plant in North AMerica. Toyota does export NUMMI-made Matrix's to the Japanese market to sell as Toyotas.

[plymouthhater]

Service depends on what dealership you go to...I certainly wouldn't expect good service at the Barrie Toyota dealer (based on prior experience)


I was not impressed by Jacksons Toyota either. My beater 1990 Corolla - the light on the auto transmission selector burned out. I went to their parts dept - gave the parts guy the vehicle data (Toyota's use model/yr & engine code eg 4AFE)...he looks it up on the screen and tells me special order bulb $18. I tell him forget it and I live with the burned out light for a few months till I am tired of turning on the interior light every time I drive the vehicle at night. I disassembled the console and lo and behold the bulb was a 69 cent Crappy Tire peanut bulb. That was the last time I visited Jacksons Toyota.

[ES_Revenge]

I would hold off for this year.
I would wait for the 2.5L to become available on the vehicle, the 2.4L is old and is going to be gone soon, like in the RAV4.
Oh that's the engine in the AWD Matrix/Vibe? Yeah that engine is old-skool and outdated, I would wait for the new engine too in that case.

Toyota, generally, is more reliable.
:rolleyes:

Plan B, I guess the best time to buy it right before Christmas. When snow is high and Saskatchewan breeze is going strong, everybody is not in the mood for buying big item such as a car. However, the price is proportional to the mood of the sales manager/business manager in the dealership.
LOL, car sales are highest around Christmas and in the winter months. Well perhaps not in Saskatchewan (there I'm not sure about), but certainly here cars move like crazy from say November to March.

yes two identical cars,, but I guess different quality control. Toyota build vs. GM Build
:confused:

Do your homework a little bit better Toyota's resale value is second to only Porsche as far as percentages go so you can never say that a North American Product will be higher then Toyota
Using extreme language like "you can never say" is foolish. Do your homework. Just because Toyota as a whole may have the second highest resale value doesn't mean every individual instance would have them higher than anyone other than Porsche.

Personally I would buy the Vibe--better styling (IMO) and stability control is enough to take the Vibe over the Matrix.

[new_vr]

Reliability is second to none, that is one of the reasons I bought one. Parts, who cares the care will never break down - (joke). As far as gas mileage is concerned, I now get 7 L/100 km on the highway after putting in synthetic, and this figure was recorded with a passenger and the A/C on.

Initial quality studies suggest otherwise
http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pdf/2007088.pdf

[engmsf]

Personally I would buy the Vibe--better styling (IMO) and stability control is enough to take the Vibe over the Matrix.

I would second the comment about getting a Vibe over the Matrix.
1) The Vibe a better looking car!
2) More flexibility with options
3) Cheaper once options are placed
4) GM discounts - 0% financing, employee discounts, TD card, student
5) Longer powertrain warranty 5year/160000km - this is the same engine too.

Reliability talk between Vibe and Matrix is rubbish as the Vibes are built on the Toyota manufacturing system at NUMMI. Sure these USA employees are unionized, but they also build Corollas and Tacomas here as well. www.nummi.com

[B0000rt]

Toyota's offering 0% financing too, apparently..

Not sure if it applies in Canada though..
http://money.cnn.com/2008/10/03/autos/toyota_zero_percent/?postversion=2008100310

[Engi-Nir]

I will sum it up.

At the end of the day, VIBE is not reliable cause it is a bloody GM!!! Matrix is very reliable given it is a Toyota. Only an idiot would think Vibe is reliable.
Thank gud, some of the folks on RFD have a brain and know that Matrix is very reliable, and they will only recommend the Matrix to friends & Family. Vibe as reliable as a matrix, that is a good one!!!


____
this is a joke lol

[engmsf]

I will sum it up.
At the end of the day, VIBE is not reliable cause it is a bloody GM!!! Matrix is very reliable given it is a Toyota. Only an idiot would think Vibe is reliable.
Thank gud, some of the folks on RFD have a brain and know that Matrix is very reliable, and they will only recommend the Matrix to friends & Family. Vibe as reliable as a matrix, that is a good one!!!


Based your comments with facts. Analyze the older Vibe and Matrix reliability reports and they are essentially the same. By the same token, Canadian made Corollas are more reliable than NUMMI (unionized GM plant) made Corollas?

The expected reliability of both the Vibe and Matrix is the SAME. Do you even know the underpining Vibe and Matrix are essentially the same (with Corolla as well)?

[new_vr]

Based your comments with facts. Analyze the older Vibe and Matrix reliability reports and they are essentially the same. By the same token, Canadian made Corollas are more reliable than NUMMI (unionized GM plant) made Corollas?

The expected reliability of both the Vibe and Matrix is the SAME. Do you even know the underpining Vibe and Matrix are essentially the same (with Corolla as well)?

They didn't add <sarcasm> tags ;)

[Engi-Nir]

Based your comments with facts. Analyze the older Vibe and Matrix reliability reports and they are essentially the same. By the same token, Canadian made Corollas are more reliable than NUMMI (unionized GM plant) made Corollas?

The expected reliability of both the Vibe and Matrix is the SAME. Do you even know the underpining Vibe and Matrix are essentially the same (with Corolla as well)?

lolllllllllllllll dude, read what I typed below the paragraph in my original post, it was all a joke. I was just tired of the usual nonsense some people on this forum say!

[hagbard]

That its a GM still plays a role.

[cq358]

for
1SB (POWER PKG), 2.4 L ENGINE,5speed AUTO +/-,roof rack
IN YOUR OPINION ,

WHAT IS THE TARGET PRICE WITH ROOF RACK should I go to 23750 firm


24100 OTD, with 0% Financing he still make 513 dollars
and the dealer gross is 1529

or he make 302 dollars and dealer gross is 1029 in case if I don't join the 0 % deal

[jkyc]

U can email to all of the dealership and wait to see what they reply you.
To be honest I don't really care how much they would make on my sale, I would only concern how much I would need to pay.
Plus I got a quote for matrix from one of the toyota dealership ..it's just 2.5% above the invoice price.
if their price got make up so much compare to the Matrix then I would consider to get a Matrix instead.

[gman]

Not sure which black book you are looking at but if you take the two cars the balck book is higher on the toyota then the vibe. Do your homework a little bit better Toyota's resale value is second to only Porsche as far as percentages go so you can never say that a North American Product will be higher then Toyota

I did my homework and get that conclusion. You did not do yours.
Everybody knows 'in general' Japanese car has better resale value than American. This is an exception. I did my homework and found that out. The black book value of a Vibe is higher than a similar model of Matrix.

ES_Revenge checked the black book value of 2007 Vibe has higher value than a 2007 Matrix.
I checked even earlier year of these cars and Vibe still has higher black book value than a Matrix (of the same year) and the purchase price of a Vibe back then was lower than a Matrix.

Just in case you don't know what black book value is. It is "Appraise Trade-In Value". Toyota web site has a link to go there. That is if you trade in a Vibe to Toyota, (in general) they would offer you a better trade-in value than a similar model of Matrix of the same year.

[cq358]

The sexy sales woman in my local toyota dealership said

Parts source for electrical wiring is different between TOYOTA Sumitomo and PONTIAC Delphi

Body panel spec is different , PONTIAC allows higher manufacturing tolerance on their body parts.

Matrix's a$$ looks better than Vibe's ass ..vice visa for the front..

HOWEVER, I still haven't see many vibe breaks down or any nova/prizm break down . Matrix and Corolla still uses Delphi's ecu.

Both cars is still the same..no mater what the salesperson said

[cq358]

There is one thing is very important. Try not lump the discounts and rebates before negotiating the best OTD cash deal price. What if your 0% financing is not approve due to bad credits etc.etc.?

your best OTD Cash deal price should be 25550 +/-$150

the $500 dollars thing you had mentioned is not applied directly to the customer. It is a factory to dealer rebate. It can assist your negotiation price but not 500 dollar discount for you.

with 0% financing your total capital cost with first 2 payments is around $24750

[cq358]

sorry

[tkyoshi]

There is one thing is very important. Try not lump the discounts and rebates before negotiating the best OTD cash deal price. What if your 0% financing is not approve due to bad credits etc.etc.?

your best OTD Cash deal price should be 25550 +/-$150

the $500 dollars thing you had mentioned is not applied directly to the customer. It is a factory to dealer rebate. It can assist your negotiation price but not 500 dollar discount for you.

with 0% financing your total capital cost with first 2 payments is around $24750

You can also fill out the GM Express Credit application which is valid for 90 days. That way as long as nothing signifigant has changed in your credit (bankruptcy, sudden drop in your credit rating, etc...) history you can just negotiate. Slap the pre-approval down the dealer staples it to the purchase form and you're on your way with 0%.

It will also state up to what (MSRP) price you are pre-approved for.

[joekdo]

LOL at another one of these typical Japanese vs. American Car debates... The bottom line is the Vibe (Built by Toyota Standards) and the Matrix (ironically built in the same plant that rolls out the cobalt, if i'm not mistaken, which I might be) are basically the same vehicle.

In terms of price, the Pontiac wins.

<RANT STARTS HERE>

And yes, if you care that some people will bad mouth you and say awmigad he bought a Pontiac over a Toyota... well.. that's just too bad I guess. FYI in terms of reliability, Toyota is still at the top BUT 4 US Brands (3 of them GM - Buick, Cadillac, Saturn?) and Ford round out the top 5... the Chev Malibu was also rated for highest initial quality. It pains me to see that GM, as well as the other US car makers, need to claw their way back into public favour. However, in the public eye, I guess something American will never be better than something Japanese for cars, even if they are essentially the same... No matter how many awards that Cadillac CTS or Chev Malibu or Saturn Aura or Astra or Vibe wins, it's still worse than an over priced non-Japanese built Toyota. Ugh. Last time I checked, awards were supposed to mean something. Too bad there's still people who refuse to look at how quality over at GM has improved significantly while Toyota starts to slide. Myself, I'd buy a NEW (designed in the past... 2-3 years) GM product over an expensive Toyota any day. A better equipped, better quality (to each their own), award winning Chevrolet Malibu, although it carries a Chevy badge, costs thousands less than a Toyota Camry... Which would you buy? To each their own I guess; but don't let other people - or a worry that others will look down at your choice of Pontiac - affect your decision that much.

</RANT>

I'd go for the better value. IMHO the Vibe looks better, + with 0% financing, it can't be beat. I believe US cars also have better bargaining power. Just my 2 cents.

EDIT: Forgot to mention that Benz doesn't even place in the top 10. So if you care about reliability, don't buy them Mercedes...

[jkyc]

which colour is the best for the VIBE?
White will get fade out...

[coriolis]

Red looks really nice but mainly on the GT trim. The AWD and base trim it looks tacky. The black paint looks nice, as does the white.

[rogeryen]

LOL at another one of these typical Japanese vs. American Car debates... The bottom line is the Vibe (Built by Toyota Standards) and the Matrix (ironically built in the same plant that rolls out the cobalt, if i'm not mistaken, which I might be) are basically the same vehicle.



I think you are mistaken, because last time I remember, the Matrix is built in the Toyota plant in Cambridge, where Lexus are also built at.

[Jon Lai]

I recently rented a 2009 Matrix/Vibe for a trip. Good thing I did, I might have bought one in the spring.

I wouldn't recommend it if you're driving in a city where you have to change lanes or dodge a lot of cyclists etc. The shape of the pillars around back hatch window gives the car HUGE blindspots. I adjusted the side mirrors wider to compensate but it takes some time to get used to. Some folks might not have a problem with that, I didn't like it at all, my head was like in permanant shoulder check for every lane merge.

You mean you don't normally do a shoulder blind spot check? Very bad.