Trading in the Vibe - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

trikkonceptz · 01-30-2009, 07:02 PM

Thats right, I am trading the Vibe in for something that will get me just as good mpg's without all the heavy modifications, a Scion xD, Manual.

In doing so I will have to revert the Vibe back to stock form. That will include replacing my front bumper.

Therefore, is there anyone on our boards that would like the bumper I made? All it needs is final paint work, which I never got around to doing. It is as strong as an ox and has held up well to the Florida weather.

As you know this bumper comes apart as an upper and lower piece, therefore if you are only interested in one piece or the other let me know. I feel guilty charging for my unfinished masterpiece, so the new owner will only have to pay to ship the beast if not local.

PM me with any questions or post them here. I will not be able to give shipping costs until I replace the bumper, weigh it boxed, etc...

Here are the best pics I have of it do date.

Daox · 01-30-2009, 07:30 PM

Awww, sorry to see the Vibe go, but you in a manual trans will be good to see. Good luck with the xD!

trikkonceptz · 01-30-2009, 07:36 PM

You should have seen the test drive, when I tried out the EOC to see how the electronic steering behaved and then the subsequent bump start.

You'd think I was barreling down the road @ 90mph !! People get so uncomfortable when they see a ton of steel rolling with no engine behind it .. LOL

Tango Charlie · 02-05-2009, 02:12 PM

Trik, I'm also sorry to see your Mule replaced. I would be very interested in the upper grille. The mandibles not so much, but if you can give me a ballpark price for the shipping, I'll start saving my pennies.

trikkonceptz · 02-06-2009, 03:47 PM

Yeah .... it will be going to a good home after all ... give me a zip code and I will weigh it next week when I take it off and give you the shipping costs.

Thanks for saving my hard work ...

On another note, the wifey doesn't like the xD so as part of the compromise I am getting a used tC. Yeah not my first choice within the Scion line, but it'll do. At least I negociated my way into a hybrid once she gets tired of the 4-runner.

Daox · 02-06-2009, 03:54 PM

Well, that kinda sucks to see you going backwards in FE vehicles, but you do what you gotta do. What didn't she like about the xD?

cfg83 · 02-06-2009, 04:12 PM

trikkonceptz -

Quote:

Originally Posted by trikkonceptz

Yeah .... it will be going to a good home after all ... give me a zip code and I will weigh it next week when I take it off and give you the shipping costs.

Thanks for saving my hard work ...

On another note, the wifey doesn't like the xD so as part of the compromise I am getting a used tC. Yeah not my first choice within the Scion line, but it'll do. At least I negociated my way into a hybrid once she gets tired of the 4-runner.

Ooooooooh, a new(ish?) drivetrain to learn from. The tC is a very nice design. I always wish the tC came with an xA drivetrain, but you can't have it all. Maybe you can "downgrade" the engine someday. There are some tCs in the EM Garage, but I can't tell how active the members are. You already have a great pedigree, so I'll bet you can get some good MPG "Vibes" out of the tC in due time.

CarloSW2

trikkonceptz · 02-06-2009, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daox

Well, that kinda sucks to see you going backwards in FE vehicles, but you do what you gotta do. What didn't she like about the xD?

The size, she still is convinced that size matters when it comes to safety. It doesn't help that the local news keep emphasizing accidents with fatalities related to small cars in this area.

Only until you read about it in the paper do you get the part where the driver was doing 90mph in a 40 and not wearing a seatbelt.

Anyhow, although this vehicle will be driven by me, it is for her. Once she gets tired of the 4-runner, that will be traded in for some type of high mileage hybrid, which will revert to me ....

Anyhow, my new driving philosophy will transfer to my new ride and I too am curious to see how far I can push the Scion ...

MetroMPG · 02-06-2009, 06:01 PM

Adios Vibe. I'll miss its mandibles.

When's the big day?

trikkonceptz · 02-06-2009, 06:10 PM

Well I started putting parts back on the vibe yesterday. The rack went back on, the mirror went back on the handles went back on and so did the wiper.

And as an unofficial report I already saw a 4mpg drop in avg over my 50 mile commute. I guess the long term tank will tell.

I went from 41mpg to 37.6mpg on todays run ...