Used 2003 Pontiac Vibe GT for sale in Bellingham, WA

For sale is a 2003 Pontiac Vibe GT (alternatively badged and bodied Toyota Matrix XRS) with around 162k miles.

Those that know, know what is being sold here. But to re-cap:

Six speed manual transmission, 1.8 liter, 180hp 2ZZ-GE powerplant (you'll find this in the Lotus Elise and Celica GT-S of the same era). Variable valve timing and lift control (similar to Honda's VTEC), redline of 8400 rpm, the lift switch over is around 6200 rpm.

Very strong brakes, tight steering, stiff chassis, overall light weight, all in a package that is very unassuming, and my be an acquired taste for some. What does that mean for you? It means you can rip up a highway onramp on the lift cams and no one will be looking at the goofy looking plastic clad car as the culprit of the glorious intake growl and exhaust note. Less anonymity on a windy road out in the county, but it helps.

It can also be as docile as you want it to be (it is a Toyota after all), and pull down around 25-28mpg if driven calmly. If you trust your kid to be responsible and you actually want them to learn how to drive a stick shift, this is a great option. Or as how I used it, an economy car that you could occasionally put your foot into and scratch your high revving engine itch.

It handles far better than I ever imagined it to, especially with it being billed as a "utility" vehicle (check out the photo of all of the seats folded flat!), and being spacious enough to put a rear facing car seat behind the driver's seat. Lots of cool compartments and tie downs in this thing. It ticked a lot of boxes for me, but as a family we are looking to move into a Prius, as I have now satisfied my internal combustion obsession with a dirt bike and a very large and gas hungry 100 Series Lexus.

Bullet points:

New clutch/pressure plate/flywheel/throwout bearing less than 10k ago
New transmission fluid at time of clutch (MT90 and Syncromesh cocktail)
TRD air filter (believe this is made by K&N)
New water pump/thermostat 5k ago
Resealed front cover 5k ago (common failure, a huge pain in the rear)
Cleaned VVT and Lift screens
Spark plugs same time as clutch
Solid shifter bushings (bearings)
Factory all weather Pontiac floor mats
Aftermarket head unit with bluetooth
Replaced all factory speakers and bypassed factory amp (sounds okay for a lightweight car)
LED headlights with LED fog lights
1-1/4" trailer hitch added (used for bike rack)

Plenty of dents and dings, peeling clearcoat, etc. At some point someone smoked in this car, I did a lot of cleaning to get this smell out, but it isn't perfect. Some patches ironed on the front seats by me to cover up some damage, and a fair bit of use related cosmetic issues in the interior. It's just not a show car, but she's got it where it counts kid. Needs nothing, I would drive this any distance immediately.

I have thoroughly enjoyed owning this car, and it is a blast to drive, but as with all things, our needs evolve, and this one doesn't fit in my stable any longer.

Pricing is based on KBB rates with rarity factored in. Will modify pricing if it does not sell. Test drives for serious parties, bring a mask, expect to wear it, no exceptions, I have a toddler at home.