Vibe AWD

[cavasinj]

I am considering a used AWD Vibe as a cheaper alternative to a Subaru. Does anyone have any input on the AWD system for this car- ie its a p.o.s., don't buy it, or so far things have gone well and it seems decent. As for why-I live far out in the country, and winters here can leave us with un-plowed roads for days, it would be nice to have the AWD capability for those moments. Other comments on the car? I test drove one the other day and noted it handled well, but was a bit noisy inside... Any and all comments welcomed and appreciated.
Joe

[GTP Dad]

My son has one that I have driven on many occasions. I like the car a lot. It handles well, gets good fuel mileage and it runs very well. The awd has never failed my son on snowy mornings except when the stock tires were slightly worn. Didn't go too well then. We recently put a set of Goodyear triple treads on the car and it will go just about anywhere. The interior noise is a little high but no louder than the usual small car. I have a Ford Escort and the Pontiac is ten times quieter than the Escort at highway speeds.

I recommend the Vibe as an alternative to the Subaru. I think you will like it once you get it. Also, he won the sport compact champion trophy at the local dragway last summer with his Vibe. He beat out a lot of other cars just because the Vibe is so consistant. Just thought you might be interested.

Also, it has never been to the dealer in 24K miles for any service other than a loose wire on the Air Bag module, but he hit it with an ice scraper and knocked it loose.

[cavasinj]

Thanks. I have read a decent amount of good press on these, and was spurred on by the though of a Toyota motor/tranny for less than import prices. What year is your sons and did he get it new? I read JD Power reviews, and mechanical reliability was regarded well in the first two/three years, and fell off recently....

[GTP Dad]

He has a 2005 model. He bought it new and we run synthetic oil (Mobile 1) in it. No issues so far. It runs very well and he has been quite happy with it. He paid $25K for it new and generally it has all the bells and whistles. Sun roof, XM radio, Alloy wheels, side curtain airbags and etc.