Hello from STL area: 2007 Vibe

[TheMarkofPolo]

OK, I've been lurking on this site for awhile. I've been watching Vibe threads by Markmysite and trikkonceptz with interest.

I'm an Environmental Science grad student just NE of St Louis. I own a 2007 Pontiac Vibe, auto. In mixed city/highway driving around the metro, I generally get 29-30mpg. After employing some of the hypermiling tips posted on this site, I'm up closer to 32-34 mpg, even in this blazing heat.

As far as mods go, I've only added a temporary upper grille block to monitor changes. (Took the grilles out, put clear plastic tape over them, and reinstalled) I've also tinted my windows (40%), to reduce A/C use...and because it looks awesome.

Things I'm considering:
Scangauge ($160, worth it)
Wheel Covers (moons or some sort of compromise)
Tire spats
Front air dam and/or belly pan
Sealing gaps around hood and headlights
Deleting Fog Light area (with something clear...I like my fog lights)
Deleting the roof rack ($160, worth it?)

I'm on a college budget, so I'd like to do things that are cheaper and/or have decent payback for the work since I plan to keep the Vibe for a few more years.

[Daox]

Welcome to the site. The Matrix/Vibe is a good car. I had one and did a few things. The wife (mainly) and I averaged 36 mpg over the lifetime we had the car. My build thread is here:

Daox's 2003 Matrix Build Thread

I didn't have too much done to the Matrix, but it still gave good mileage.

The grill block is a must. I kept my lower one open in summer, and closed it all up in winter. The scangauge is a great investment. The other things will yield less of a return.

[TheMarkofPolo]

Thanks! Yes, I've read over that thread a few times too. Quality work, o Master of Cloroplast.

Is there a major difference between the SG I and II? Functionality I suppose?

[Daox]

SG1 is very large and bulky compared to the SG2. The SG2 also has additional functionality, mainly the x-gauge feature which really is nice to have.

[cfg83]

TheMarkofPolo -

Welcome to EM! I have liked the Vibe since the first time I saw it with dealer plates in a parking lot near the Shrine auditorium in LA back in 2002.

CarloSW2

[TheMarkofPolo]

Thanks! Yeah, I first saw the Vibes/Matrices on the lots in 2003. I liked them, minus the view out of the rear window. This is my second wagons (love 'em), though this is slightly more efficient than the...86 Ford LTD wagon.

Anyway, SGII Ordered. About time to look for those sweet spots!