New car

[miir]

So it's been about 17 years since I've owned a car.
Picked up a '09 Pontiac Vibe (aka Toyota Matrix) about a week and a half ago. I would have gone with the Matrix but I can get the GM family discount from my dad who retired from GM like 10 years ago so getting the Vibe was a no-brainer.

I'm really happy with it.
For all intents and purposes, it's a Toyota so the quality and fit and finish are top notch.
The thing has a fuckton of useful, useable space.
It's got an awesome stereo (380 watt, 7 speaker), 18" wheels and all the other external/visual goodies.

[Show]

[Aslanna]

You should blur out the license plate so the internet crazies dont track you down!

[Fash]

I used to make fun of a co-worker for driving one of these...

[miir]

I used to make fun of a co-worker for driving one of these...

The older model Vibes look pretty bad.
Not a big fan of the plastic cladding and other junky bits they stuck all over them.
I actually like the styling on the new Vibes better than the new Matrix.

[Funkmasterr]

Grats on the new car sir!

I have been meaning to take some pics of mine too, maybe I'll go do that now.

[Noysyrump]

You should blur out the license plate so the internet crazies dont track you down!

Bah it's in canada, I cant be bothered.

[Chidoro]

Grats. My sister purchased a 2003 used about 2 years ago. As you said, a very useful car. She doesn't drive too much but she does like it a lot.

[miir]

Just got back from a trip down east (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Maine, etc) and put about 6000 km on the car.

I'm really quite pleased with it.
Seats are very comfortable even when driving for extended periods of time.
Gas mileage is exceptional. I averaged around 7.5l/km (31 mpg) for the whole trip. On the straight/level highway runs it was getting under 7 l/km (34+ mpg).

A friend had mentioned that the (previous generation) vibe/matrix was very noisy at highway speeds. I guess they must have beefed up the sound deadening/damping on the new model as I didn't find it particularly loud.

It handled great on the twisties on the Cabot Trail and in the mountains in VT/NH. It's not exactly a high performance sports car but it maintained it's composure under some very spirited driving.

On bumpy and ill maintained roads it was a bit of a brain rattler. Low profile tires and stiff suspension are the reason for that I guess.

I just love the stereo and XM radio.

There's ample cup holders and pockets, bins, nooks and crannies to hold all the shit that collects in the car over the course of a two week road trip.

[Truant]

Glad you're enjoying the car. Long road trips are a lot of fun imo, and the creature comforts (and ride) of a car make a big difference in the enjoyment of that. (good fuel economy is always a huge plus on those too!)