Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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I scare easily.
OTOH, you said "piqued my interest". So maybe you're not so scary.
Seriously, though, I can answer your question. I dunno about "regular adult bicycle" but my Cannondale touring bike, 23 in. (58.x cm) frame fits fine without removing the front wheel. I *do* have to move the front seat up quite a bit, though, so if I had a passenger and a long way to go, I'd remove it.
I don't have any other recommendation except maybe the 2003+ Ford Focus wagon. In either case, I'd recommend a stick shift. I'm on my second Vibe and really like 'em. The car also hauls two canoes if necessary, and a trailer hitch is easily attached.
-Mathias
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
Vibe 2003 is my first car that I bought a year ago, and it is literally falling apart. I hardly ever drive my car, and I am a very careful driver. This car has had problems ever since I came home with it. First the rear window stopped working. It is not functioning at all. Now the AC is giving me grief. The air is starting cold and then the air coming out of the vent starts to get warm within 3-5 mns of driving. It is crazy. It is like a nightmare. The only reliability is the Toyota engine but everything else is so cheap and falling apart so fast. There are weird rumbles coming from the car. This car has only 50000 miles on it. The rack up top has loosended up for some strange reason even though I have never used it. I am afraid that one day I will open the door and it will come off. This was not supposed to be such a terrible experience. I was always against people'e prejudices about American cars, but now I can't help agreeing with those people. My friend has a 1998 Toyota and the AC is working so well. I can't help being envious sitting in the car with all the heat in the car and the Toyota engine doesn't do much after all when your brain is boiling in the sun (I live in Florida BTW). If I buy a new car again, it will never ever be a Vibe or a Pontiac for that matter. Now if any of you out there could give me any feedback about my AC problem, I would really appreciate it. I already did the freon and got the AC checked for problems. Tires Plus told me that there was nothing wrong with it and I still have no air and the noises coming from the door (the door starts making strange noises as well BTW) and the rack up top are becoming more and more irritating.
There was a problem with early Vibes where the "flapper" that mixes hot & cold air would not go all the way to "cold," therefore always mixing hot air in. This is fairly simple to fix.
For details, go to genvibe -- website has the obvious name, but Edmunds does not allow links to competing websites -- and do a search.
"I already did the freon and got the AC checked for problems."
I have no idea what that means. Never mind, get the flapper fixed or do it yourself.
The Vibe is one of the least troubleprone model on the market today. Your mileage obviously varies. It happens, and I understand it's frustrating. At least you're bearing up under the strain...
Good luck,
-Mathias
Thank you so much for helping me understand the problem.
Yes, there "could" be a freon (Actually, R134a) leak somewhere, but on an '03 that would be very unusal, plus you apparently had that checked.
I would not want to make a dissertation out of this, it's a known problem on many '03's and it may very well be the problem on yours. The job requires no parts, just labor, and they'll know whether or not that was the problem.
Keep in mind, the first '03s were sold more than six years ago. Stuff like this happens. You are right, though, that a broken window regulator is unusual on a 50k car.
Nice userid. I would suggest not making yourself miserable over annoying but ultimately trivial failures on a car... it's not like the transmission failed or the car left you stranded...
Cheers -Mathias
All the best,
Berna
I am about to start a new job that requires a lot of travel and I need an inexpensive, good gas milage, low maintenance vehicle. The Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe is the vehicle at the top of my list right now, but I would like to see what others have experience while owning and driving their's.
So here are some questions and if you have an answer to any of them please let me know:
1. What is the average gas milage you have experienced both in town and while on the highway?
2. What is the maintenance record? What have been the common things to fail and at what milage did they fail? How much did it cost to repair?
3. What is the plausible service life of the vehicle? I am looking to get 200K of more and will that be fairly trouble free with routine maintanence?
4. Performance-wise how do the different motor options stack up? If you could would you recomend the AWD even though it has the lowest horsepower rating, or do you get the higher performance though front-wheel drive only engine?
5. Comfort-wise, how did you feel after a long trip? Did you long to get out of the car or was a long trip a fairly bearable experience.
6. Did you feel safe while driving the car? Meaning did you feel confident that you would be able to handle all types of weather conditions and or traffic conditions such as snow and or ice, and panic stops and manuvers? If not, in which conditons did you not feel comfortable with and would you attribute this to the car's inability or your inability to handle the condition? Example: would the car be able to handle an icy road, but you would not because you have never driven on one before?
7. And one last question. If you could, even though they are basically the same car, would you buy the Matrix, or would you buy the Vibe and why?
These are my basic questions and any advice is much appreciated. I am looking to do 2500-3000K miles a month and need to do so in fairly good comfort with out having to spend an arm and a leg at the gas pump and at the repair shop both before the 100K mile mark and after. I understand that there are parts that wear out and nothing lasts forever, but if I can get the car to go to 200K with out any major repairs, that is what I am looking for. And if I can get it to do that while maintaining some degree of comfort and style I will be happy. I just don't want to be stuck driving a fancy Geo Metro.
I will need to replace tires within 6 months (2nd set).
What other repairs should I expect in the next year ???
Usually there are repairs that commonly happen ???
I'm unsure whether to trade or go another year...
Gas mileage is excellent, reliable, but road noise is annoying!
BTW does the 2008/09 only come in AWD ???
Thanks,
As far as "should I go another year or trade??"" You are probably going to get next to nothing for trade...and to the other side of the coin....Will there be any major breakdowns on your present vehicle???...That is strictly YOUR decision to make.
The 2008's and 2009's come either way....FWD or AWD....your choice..
I had hoped the removal of cross bars and/or roof rack on newer
Vibes would help quiet the ride. The noise is not all tires.
I will check Genvibe.com for quiet recommendations.
Probably one more year will not change Trade-in value much.
Therefore I could get another year of use for $400 in tires...
I was worried about front axles, etc...
Thank you.
The 400 dollars in tires is probably the way to go, as long as you do not incur any major costly breakdowns. Good luck on whatever you decide.
I've always suspected noise was from top of windshield or sunroof.
BTW I keep trying the Genvibe forums but always get error code...
Turned off firewall... still got error code.
Maybe an issue with Vista ???
I can view the site fine, just can not view forums ???
I have an 03 with 113,000miles and honestly I haven't had any problems, except my a/c isn't getting cold. Last year paid 1500 to replace the condensor and clutch and they want me to pay the labor cost 800 to install the warrantied one now. Was seriouly considering getting something newer. Still trying to decide. Never had anything done to it prior except tune up at 80,000, a couple of sets of tires, and consistant oil changes.
Not having other issues, just replaced the battery this morning and start up is fine.
My grip is the a/c really doesn't run cold, and I have to pay for someone to look at it again.
I don't understand fast idle, I don't get vibration noise at going fast.Took the car to the Rockies and New Mexico the year before last and the Smokies and Myrtle Beach last year. Ran smooth as I first got it.
took my Vibe in today and had them check the AC. I showed them the report from abelj and they looked it up. The ID 841682 isn't the bulletin number but the repair manual page for the temp cable. The mechanic was able to look up the bulletins and find it. He found the same problem on my Vibe, it was set incorrectly and allowed for warm air to mix in with the AC. My receipt reads "Adjust air/mix cable per bulletin 02-01-37-006 Cools to 43 degrees on Road"
THIS VME STATES IF HVAC SYSTEM IS NOT GETTING COOL ENOUGH TO REFER TO SERVICE BULLETIN 02-01-37-006. ( NHTSA ITEM NUMBER - 10003884 )
HVAC SYSTEM (HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING) SYSTEM DOES NOT GET COLD ENOUGH. ( NHTSA ITEM NUMBER - 10000188 )
This board just saved me 800.00.
THANKS FOR BEING HERE !!!!!
I know I am not getting the AWD so I have to be a bit careful about getting stuck, but wanted the better MPG's. I've travelled all over the world and find alot of regular cars do just fine on dirt roads. Any suggested modifications? Problems with ground clearance?
thanks,
kim
Thanks for your consideration,
Jonathan Wahl
Corporate Communications
Edmunds Inc.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
They are absolutely wonderful in the snow.
But you need to change them for the summer.
You can find excellent tire ratings on www.tirerack.com.
They are VERY reliable and give pro and user ratings...
They actually helped him re-size the tire for the winter.
Many 55profile tires do not come in snow tread...
He re-sized to a 15 steel wheel to get snows.
All figured out for him by tirerack.com... Wonderful site.
Even if you decide to buy your tires locally....
Tire Rack has ratings for all kinds of tires. For me, Tire Rack's ratings have guaranteed that I will buy Michelin Primacy MXV4 tires for my '09 Vibe. I have heard that the OEM Goodyear tires are garbage in the snow. So far, on dry and wet pavement they have been excellent when cornering at high speeds; but one false slip and hello Michelin.
Three years ago I picked up 4 new cheapie Al wheels and 4 Semperit Ice Grip II tires. The original Goodyear RS-As went onto the Al and the snows onto the original steelies. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! My 2005 AWD now feels like it can climb vertical walls of ice. The Goodyears, IMO, even with full tread were UNSAFE on the roads here in Western NY where we get loads of snow. Not as much as Cleveland, but still a lot.
Each winter tire has its own strenghts and weaknesses. The best tire in deep snow may only be OK on ice. Unless you live in the boonies, I'd guess that stopping at an icy intersection is more important than a little extra off the line traction in deep snow.
And yes, the Tire Rack ratings and reviews are the way to shop.
Good luck.
I wish I had never gotten the GT version. I love the shape and utility of the car. People have been amazed when I can slide a washer or drier right in the back and close the hatch. But it needs premium gas, the wide flat tires suck in snow, and the parts all seem less available and more expensive.
My clutch is now starting to slip regularly and the dealer says $1300 to replace it. I'm not sure I'm up for a job that big but I also hate putting big chunks of money into a car when I have heard the clutches are prone to give out prematurely.
Other complaints are ,as I have heard from others, the wind noise and also the blind spots.
Does anyone have any advice on the clutch or the exhaust gasket?
Thanks,
Jim
Last spring I had it alligned at a highly reputable place. The report showed the right rear camber to be slightly out of range. They told me it was not a problem. My mechanic suggested I first put some weight in the back of the car (salt bags) and see what happens. I filled the gas tank and same problem but am yet to put in more weight.
Can anyone tell me if they've had this problem or what might be causing it? Could it be a differential problem? The car does fine other than in slightly slippery conditions. Frankly, at this point my two wheel drive windstar van is much better to drive in these conditions. I had hoped AWD would give me better traction
Thank you.
Also does Pontiac equip with any other tires other than GY RS-A's ???
If you find out something, please let me know. I will do the same. Thanks.
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
The NHTSA website http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/tsbs/ does not list any service bulletins for a 2009 Vibe. Raythegerman if you could get the number from the service rep and post it we would all appreciate it.
08-03-10-011: Loose orMissing Wheel Cap Repair Procedure - (Aug 22, 2008)
Because I had the same issue some thousand miles after the change. I've now got 103k on the vehicle ('03 Sienna, 4sp auto) and it's absolutely fine.
On my Vibe, it's a non-issue 'cuz it's a stick... like everyone should get when it's available ;->
-Mathias