I just purchased a used 2003 Vibe AWD for $6000. Afterwards I noticed a noise that is caused by the Viscous Coupling that attaches to the differencial and drive shaft. The cost to purchase this part is a whopping $2,800. I am not really interested in spending this much money for this small part so I am wondering if the car can operate with the VC and drive shaft can be removed from the vehicle?
I'm posting here because I think more people visit here than the Vibe tire thread. I have one front tire (passenger side) that is down to the wear bars. Probably because of a low inflation problem I did not immediately spot. The driver side is still fine... probably half worn. Can I get away with replacing just one tire on the axle or will I have handling, etc problems? Also the tires I'm looking at have two narrow, solid center tread strips that circle the tire, then decent aggressive tread left and right. Tires are directional. Tires are from China (Haida?) but dealer says most tires are from China... like it or not. My question is... will the two center strips help with noise or create even more road noise. I test drove a 09 with GY RS-A's and they were unbelievably loud! What creates the noise... more tread (rubber) on the road?, more air space?, uninterrupted solid tread, or tread pattern that is less uniform with lots of direction changes? Thanks.
Yes of course you can just replace the one, as long as it is the same brand and type of tire you are taking off, so it will match the passenger side. Mixing treads is not a good idea. Assuming price is not a serious concern, I would recommend the Michelin Primacy MXV4 or the Michelin Pilot Exaltos. Both are great tires. Either way, you should go to tirerack.com and do your homework, for when you decide to purchase a pair or set. As for the Goodyear RS-A's, they are pretty good tires on dry pavement and I don't find them all that noisy after 5000 miles. However, they are pretty bad on snow and ice. I will be taking them off before winter next year. I took a chance this winter and seemed to have missed the bad weather.
Hi Gary, I was wondering what kind of noise you were hearing and how did you find out it was the viscous coupling? I recently purchased a 2004 AWD and I hear a whining noise coming from the back and recently discoverd the AWD isn't working.
I guess that the sound that I am hearing can be described as a whinning noise as well. My mechanic told me that he thinks the noise is coming from the coupling housing. I am also getting very poor gas mileage. I have two vibes one is AWD and the other is 2wd. My AWD is the one with the noise. The AWD gets 30% less gas mileage versus my 2wd so I am thinking that perhaps the noise problem is attributing to my poor gas mileage.
Pontiac wants $2800CAN for the viscous coupling for the Pontiac Vibe AWD 2003. This is a part that bolts to the differential and connects to the drive shaft. The Toyota Matrix AWD viscous coupling 2003 part cost $2000CAN from Toyota. Can anyone confirm that the Toyota part is the same as the Vibe part? If so I will save money by going to Toyota for this part.
other than the Delco radio and rotors, I don't think there are any GM parts on the car. Go to Toyota. Besides, have your local mechanic look it up. They will be able to tell the source from their data base.
My 2004 AWD gets bad mileade as well, about 21-22 in town, I am taking into the dealer that sold it to me, this Friday. I only bought it about 2 weeks ago, 2nd car from this dealer, expecting everything to be checked out on this used car. I guess it isn't an easy thing to look for. Luckily I bought an extended warranty. So you aren't planning on replacing your viscous coupler?
Well after taking my car to the Toyota dealer the determined that the differential is bad. I'm not so sure, would have had them replace it under extended warranty but the warranty company will only deal with the dealer who sold me the car. That is a Nissan dealer and they said it was working fine. Took it back to Nissan dealer, with Toyota diagnostic and they are now replacing the rear differential. They said it wasn't that loud when I first brought it in. It was that loud the second day I had it and the service guy said it was because they just change the diff fluid and it was cold out. Well so I am getting the diff. replaced for only $50, should be in about a week or two. Hope it fixes the AWD not working issue, probably won't snow now so will have to wait until next year. Hope it also fixes my poor mileage. Although on our first highway trip, we got 30mpg which is about what the epa says, but still get about 22-23 in town, with easy driving, it is cold so that will probably go up when it warms up.
I'd like to thank you (and others) for taking the time to post Vibe cap messages on Edmunds. The caps on my 2009 AWD Vibe had popped out in the first 7500 miles. When I presented the service bulletin number to the service manager at the time of oil change/tire rotation, they put in the improved caps at no cost to me, and refunded the cost of the two old-style ones I had ordered. Your bulletin number/Edmunds post saved me 60 bucks, and now my car looks better. Thanks, again!
I'm glad that our posts helped. These forums are excellent as we discover the real world of vehicle ownership from us, the owners themselves. They have helped me in the past as well, hence the reason I did my post. Good luck on your Vibe!
I was planning to buy a 2009 AWD Vibe. But with GM ending the Pontiac line, am concerned about the long term care of the car. If something goes wrong with the car, I fear no one will have any parts to replace the broken ones. So now I'm considering going with a Subaru Forester. Does anyone know something about the lopng term viability of car lines that are discontinued? Thanks!
The Toyota dealer will have parts. I would not worry about parts it is based on the Corolla and that is the number one selling car of all time worldwide.
Take advantage of the fears of others and get a good price.
My goodness, you are definitely over thinking this one my friend. Think of it this way: the car is 100% Corolla, except for the outer skin. If you get in an accident and need body parts, they will be created for up to 10 years; the rest Toyota has covered. Now for the really good news: GM was stupid enough to come out with a 2010 Vibe model before ditching Pontiac. You now have two model years of the second generation Vibe. I own both generations, and the 09 is far superior to my 03. I'm simply salivating at the fact that the resale value of these Vibes is going to go down the toilet (I keep my cars forever), and that I'll be able to replace my 03 with a used 09 or 2010 model in the not to near future should my wife's 03 conk out. Get the Vibe, or wait for a great deal on a modestly used one of the second generation. Don't pay the extra money for a Subaru and then get lousy gas mileage.
One of the unfounded fears is parts and service of brands that will be discontinued. Only if GM itself goes under is that an issue. As for any current Pontiac, treat them as you would if just the model was being discontinued... e.g., there hasn't been a Pontiac Bonneville in years, but parts are certainly still available for them. And since almost all Pontiac dealers were folded into Buick-GMC-Pontiac dealers, most of the dealers will still be around as Buick-GMC stores in the future, so the people who are servicing your Pontiac now will still be in place.
I need a second car to use 3-4 times a week -- suburban and highway driving -- with occasional short trips (100miles or so). Looking for something reliable and fuel efficient. I'm considering a 2005 Vibe Man with 67k miles for $8900 and a 2004 Civic VP Man 72k miles for $8200. What do you think?
Also in the market for a newer, primary car. If we buy the civic, we may opt for small suv -- like Rav4 or Forester. Forester would be handy in our Michigan winters. If we buy vibe, we may opt for Camry. We'd like one car with hatchback versatility. It would be nice to have one with AWD, but we've done okay so far without that.
For your used car: 1. are you looking for good gas mileage since you are only using the car for short trips? 2. are you looking for a standard or automatic? 3. have you totally ruled out AWD?
I have both a 2003 AWD and 2009 Vibe. I think AWD is virtually a waste of money. I want to make sure that you know that the 2003-2010 models are all Corolla, with the exception of the 2009-2010 AWD model which has Rav4 components and Camry engine, or the GT which has a Camry engine. The newest generation Vibe is far superior to the old one, but again, the Camry engine or AWD with Rav4 components/engines will get you much worse gas mileage than the 2009-2010 base model Corolla engine. I mention this because I think you should also throw the newest generation Vibe into your "new" car mix. With Pontiac out of business and these cars being all Toyota, the values of them will soon tank, making it easy to get a used "virtually new" 2009-2010 model for a song, knowing your car is a reliable Toyota in a GM outer skin. The Camry is a great car, but just a grocery getter since you can't haul anything in it. The Forrester is a gas pig, and is not comfortable for rear passengers. Both the Camry and Forrester however are bullet proof and will last you a long time; but if gas goes back up...........you may regret that decision. Getting back to your 2005, the miles you site are low and of no concern since it is a Corolla engine and is a proven 200,000 mile engine. On cars.com, I did a nationwide search and found only about 5 2005 Vibes around your $8900 price or less; most were priced A LOT higher, so your price seems like a good deal, especially if you can talk them down a bit.
We'd like something smaller and fuel efficient and something larger.
The new Forester is bigger than the old, more comfortable in back, and fuel economy not bad. We're considering the manual version and many people get close to 30mpg with this on hwy, which is great for AWD SUV. Also looking at Rav4 but costs about $2k more (if 4wd, about same if 2wd). Forester drives better (unless v6 Rav4) but Rav4 a little more comfortable and not as cheap looking inside.
My wife really likes the Camry. So far we've only driven an 09 but willing to consider slightly older ones. This would be automatic. Manuals very hard to find. Most Hondas are uncomfortable for me -- bad lumbar that pushes into my back -- but I find that Civics and Fits are somehow better. Accords the worst, CR-V not great. I think Accords perform better than Camrys -- which are boring -- but I cannot sit in an Accord for a long drive. I can get a great deal here on a CR-V, but it's not comfortable for either of us. (Sigh.)
I've driven an 08 automatic Vibe that I liked -- although I'd prefer manual for this type of car. We're not interested in AWD Vibes.
AWD would be nice in winter, but we're in Southern MI. This winter, we got a lot of snow, and our Saturn had trouble with it. Some winters, we don't get much at all. Can we survive without AWD? Probably. But occasionally it would help.
If we rule out AWD, then we could go with Vibe + Civic/Corolla/Camry. Or maybe even two Vibes. We need to get two cars, and we need to get them soon. I don't really like the new Matrix/Vibe design. Do you really think it is better? Although I haven't driven one yet. So far I have not seen great deals on either one. Although I have seen a very low miles 08 for $13k.
Yes, for the smaller car, we'd prefer a manual. Rav4 would be auto, Camry auto, Forester manual. We'd be okay with two used cars, so long as is good for longer trips with a family of four.
I think you're off on the price. Fuel efficiency isn't that big a deal anymore, and last I looked -- about 4-6 months ago -- cars like my '07 Vibe 5sp with 18k miles would not bring $10 at the auction. So I think $9 for an '05 with ~ 70k is outrageous... $6 wholesale, $7.xxx retail would be nearer the mark. And at that point, the whole thing makes sense, and a Camry is in another league altogether.
Personally I'd take a 5sp Forester over an automatic Vibe AWD any day of the week, but that's me. In this economy, in this state, at this time, I'm glad to be driving a GM product, though.
Not deciding between Vibe and Forester. I need two cars. Deciding between Vibe and Civic for one, then Rav4, Forester, or Camry for the other. Yes, Camry is in different category. Need good family car for traveling. Need some kind of hatch for versatility.
I'm certainly not seeing Vibes at the prices you mention. In fact, used Vibes around here are pretty rare, and low miles ones are always $12 or higher. Not considering a new one because they're no cheaper than the Matrix, and the Toyota will hold value better. But I see even less of those used.
I did take a look at Ford. Tried to contact three different dealerships, even went to one and tested a Fusion. They only had souped up models with sunroofs, and those didn't give me enough headroom. No one would give me info on how to get one without. Kind of hard to sell a car when you don't even try. In this economy, I don't understand only stocking the higher priced trims and packages.
Good luck getting a used car at those prices Steine. The prices are all there on the web for everyone to see. What pilgrimjs has been quoted is very much lower than what is posted on the web. Pilgrimjs: as for the current generation Vibe, yes, it is far superior. Again I own the first and second generation. The only issue I have with the 2009 is that the Corolla engine has a horizontally positioned oil cannister covering a paper oil filter. I'd rather be changing my oil with a filter that is vertical and a hard/traditional screw on filter. Other than that, the car is far superior. I drive my Corolla-Vibes very hard, so in short: Electric steering, much better cornering, ABS, traction AND stabillity control standard, better seats and fabric, XM radio, dual level glove compartment, map lights in ceiling (not on the mirror), dual VVTi engine, better wipers, better and collapsable mirrors, better collapsable rear storage area cover, no more stupid body cladding, (and if you dare to go with the worse gas mileage) the choice of a Camry engine. Again, check on cars.com. There are a lot of good priced used 2009's out there already, and surely a lot more to come with Pontiac gone. As for the new Forrester, I'll have to take your word for it. I get 30 mpg in big city/suburban driving on my 2009 Corolla-Vibe automatic, so 30 on the highway would not sway me. Almost any sedan does that now. In fact, my old Malibu Maxx got 35 on the highway due to the old style GM pushrod engine and was a whole lot more roomy/functional than the Forrester. With gas prices heading back over $3 soon, I am not willling to get in a vehicle that only gets 20 mpg in town. Good luck with your choice. You have obviously done some homework since the models you are looking at are very reliable.
"Good luck getting a used car at those prices[..]"
I'm not looking to buy... I've got one of those, and a few months ago learned that that's what they're worth... that was Manheim information, so no, you can't buy a low-mile '07 $10, but you also can't trade it for more than $9.
$8.9 for a miley '04 is not good; I'd rather buy new. But that's me.
05 Vibe drives pretty well. No problems except needs new tires. Any recommendations for good All Season Treads. So far, dealer willing to sell for $7.9, and that's the best used car deal we've found so far. The cheaper stuff we've looked at is definitely cheaper -- worse than our 96 Saturn was before the engine blew. Toyotas or Hondas with comparable miles are $10k. We did find an 08 Vibe with 6000 miles for $13k. That seems like a good deal, but we don't really need -- nor can afford -- another car that new.
Now it is $7,900??? Wow, that's a great deal. As for tires, always go to tirerack.com and do your research. I always put H rated tires on my car. I currently have Michelin Pilot Exaltos on my 03 Vibe which are the highest rated High Performance All Season according to their survey results. They are great, but when my 09 OEM tires run down this fall, I'm going to go with the Michelin Primacy MXV4. They are a touch better in the snow and ice and will last longer since they are a Grand Touring All Season tire. Both are fantastic tires, but for the money, I'll go with the one that will give me more tread wear over time. Both tires are available at Costco or BJ's should you belong to one of those clubs. For less expensive tires, again, go to tirerack.com and hit the Survey Result link under the Shop By Vehicle section on the left hand side. Oh, and don't forget to take the car to your mechanic for a full inspection before buying the car.
Final price 7,740 and seems to check out well. Breaks 50% worn and needs new tires, but otherwise okay. Mechanic didn't think previous owner rotated tires, so wondering if they kept up with other maintenance. What would you recommend for a Vibe with 67k miles? I'm thinking change the transmission fluid and air filters. Anything else?
We're also new to this area and not sure where to take it. There's a local mechanic that friends recommend. He's done a good job with their high mileage Camrys (200k+).
Definitely do the cabin filter. I believe the Transmissions are solid... I would probably have someone check the A/C... A/C problems are always expensive to repair. Also check for recalls not completed... A small thing... Get the NEW flexible wiper blades front & back. Vibes have a long front wiper stroke, good blades are critical. Another tip: Listen to the inside defrost fan... they can be NOISY at low speeds. Remember the Vibe is a Toyota Matrix in Pontiac clothing... I would look for a good local Toyota dealer.... especially with the Pontiac brand disappearing !
Establishing a relationship with a local mechanic is always better than going to dealerships. Dealerships don't hire the best and brightest. You already know that from walking into a showroom and knowing more about the cars than the salesperson. Well, guess what types of people they hire in their mechanics bays?? Stick to a local mechanic who has a vested interest in staying in business. As for the checkup, you are right on..........have your new mechanic do the tranny flush (BG machine). Replace the air filter and cabin filter yourself and change the oil yourself if you are so inclined. The cabin filters should be replaced twice a year if you live in a high pollen (lots of trees) area. The filter housing is behind the glove box (which you need to unhinge to get to the two plastic snaps that lower the cabin filter housing). I buy regular furnace filters at the hardware store and cut them to size; works great and saves you a ton of money. Don't worry about the color of your radiator fluid. It started out Toyota pink, and if a flush was done every 24,000 miles as scheduled, green fluid may have been used which then mixes in with the pink, turning it all kinds of merky colors. Nevertheless, I would suggest a radiator fluid flush/drain at the time you are getting the tranny flushed.
One final vibe question. We're paying $7.7 for 05 Vibe that needs new tires and a little maintenance. Ordinarily, we drive our cars into the ground, but it is possible that we will only need this one for a year or two. Will we be able to sell it, given Pontiac's demise? I keep reading about plummeting Pontiac values but have yet to really see it. What do you think?
good lord no. You can NEVER buy a car thinking you are going to sell it. I don't care what the economy is doing, it is NEVER a good idea to throw away money on the worst "investment" you will ever make. You've done the homework; you know the car is a Corolla. If you don't think you will need it in a few years, I'd seriously rethink the purchase altogether. The value of these Pontiacs will be in the sewer very soon. I'm banking on it, so I can buy another 2009 or 2010 from people who are nervously selling off "a Toyota Corolla" simply because the Pontiac badge is gone and that GM is in bankrupcy. You are smart to say you drive the cars into the ground. I do the same. The car has to be in flames before I get rid of it. Don't go back on your word now. It merely amounts to throwing valuable money away. Either buy and keep, or rethink the entire purchase, unless of course you are Donald Trump and can affort such extravagances. $7,700 is a steal for a car that will go 200,000 miles.
I mostly agree, but what do you do if you currently need two cars but may be moving back to the city where you only need one. Mind you, we don't know yet, and we won't be moving till next year at the earliest.
So how little will this car be worth in a year? Will I be able to get $5k for it?
In defense of the dealer mechanics I think 3 points need to be made. The cars and their electronics are often too sophisticated for your local mechanic. Without the pricey diagnostic equipment the local guy often becomes a part changer until he hits the right combo. Also, there are a number of recalls and service tech bulletins that the dealer has access to. Sometimes these can lead to a reduced price or even free repair, that your local mechanic would not have knowledge of. Plus the dealer repair leads to a 'reported' repair which can be important in finding patterns of part failures. After years of trusting my local mechanic I now use a 'chain' repair shop. They have about 10 service centers in my area and are a great compromise between the dealer shops and local mechanic. No more swearing, screaming, rude, and offensive locals for me. My turning point came when I was charged 3 times the retail price for an oxygen sensor... because it had to be delivered... about 1/2 mile ! :mad:
Understood. As one from NYC, it is crazy to own a car at all. The car could be worth $5,000 in the future but I wouldn't bet on it. There are already over 600 Vibes posted on cars.com in the nationwide inventory. That's a lot of used 2009-2010 Vibes. It will only get worse as the next year or two go buy and people feel the deadline of their bumper to bumper warranty slowly ticking away. You are getting a great price for a great car. I'm not sure you will be able to do any better at this point in time. If you need to buy it today, I think you are finished shopping. Take the deal and worry about the small stuff later.
Got the Vibe yesterday. Had to drive 70 miles to get it. Drives really nice. Nice car. Perfect size. Not that much smaller than the Forester actually. Nicer interior than the used Corollas we looked at, and much more functional.
congrats pilgrimjs. If you need technical advice don't forget the generation vibe website. Enjoy your Corolla-Vibe. I think you made the right decision, and I know you got a great price to say the least; just go to cars.com and check your price in comparison to what's out there in the US.
Do you have power windows? If so, I would think that the wiring for power locks would automatically be harnessed together with the power windows. Talk to your mechanic. I'm sure they'll know.
Thanks to all who have posted in this forum. I learned a lot prior to making my purchase a few days ago. I appreciate all the advice, especially about the difference between the 1.8L and 2.4L engines and their relative MPG.
I bought a 2009 1.8L with the Preferred Package, A/C, A/T, and the sound system with the MP3 playback. I got the Steel Blue Metallic.
I am looking forwatd to contributing with future posts.
Vibe shouldn't really be that bad in the depreciation dept. GM is govt motors now. If really worried get quotes from many dealers for a Toyota matrix.
The "drive the thing into the ground" thing is really old school, especially if you are financing for 5 years. One really should try to expend as much as one can for 3 year loan. Obviouslly a 72 month loan, (unless a great otherwise unobtainable benefit) is moot.
Purchase the car properly, so one's 1st year depreciation for the avg car in this range is around $4000 or so (from previous years kbb trade in) and buy new cars every 5 years or 7 years, especially with cash or good credit. Nice new cars with new safety and convenience features, much of the ownership under warranty, especially if you can buy a factory 7/100kmi factory extended warranty for the $800 range or so. Not $2000 in the finance office. (shop around at dealerships)
The obsessive compulsive bit trying to squeeze the last few micro-ounces from the tube, hanging your dental floss on the shower rod to reuse, and squeezing the last 3 years out of a 10 or 13 year ownership is a loser, possibly putting 3000 or more in different repairs, or one big "clunk" at 130000 miles, learning that you sadly won't be driving your Toyota absolutely trouble free for 200000 miles like your wife's friend's Ex's cousin Milty did. You also get to drive a piece of crap an extra 3 years. I believe the average 35 year old has a 1 in 270 chance of not being with us in 3 years.
If you use it as a 3rd car beater to have around and junk when significant trouble arises that may be a winner. I guess if you have 3 dui's and your rates are through the roof would be a factor for holding onto an old car also.
Drove it over unplowed Narbona Pass on Navajo Reservation, when four wheel drive trucks made it over the AWD 2009 Pontiac Vibe did well with all season winter rate tires. All passed vehicles going over the snow covered rim going down to Phoenix. Noted and Toyota Matrix, felt it was two wheel drive of to the side of the snow covered road.
Slept in it with front passenger seat folded down it can even fit eight foot timbers. In remote areas OnStar will work off satellite where cell phones will not. Can buy minutes for voice activated internal cell. GM dealers are found in rural areas. If you are a cross country skier in remote areas as apposed to a downhill skied it is better to have an AWD Vibe than an AWD Subaru. Note I use a Nokian (made in Finland) all season with a symbol of a snowflake/mountain which shows a winter rating a tire.
If I understood what's going on with G.M., the last year of the Pontiac Vibe will be the 2009 model (including all Pontiac models). If I buy a 2009 Vibe and Pontiac doesn't build it anymore and I need a body or mechanical part, what will happen over the years? Will I be stuck with a car with no replacement parts? I always keep my cars 5 to 7 years before trading them.
What else should I buy that equals the Vibe. I'm not interested in the Toyota Matrix. I want to stay with G.M. because i've been with G.M. since 1977.
Mechanically the Matrix is the same and Toyota should go on producing alot of the mechanical parts, and GM could most likely still get them from them. On my AWD the body parts are to me the same as any 2009 vibe and I would guest 2010 are not much different, so there will be parts avaialble even if they are through GM. After all GM at first production of the 2009 Vibe was considered the largest company. Dealers still support the warranty 5 year 100,000 miles the best in the business.
yep, no worries; drive with confidence. The Vibe is a Matrix which is a Corolla. Toyota is destined to stop production of the Corolla in the year 2242. You'll have parts for a long time. If you get an AWD version, it is the Rav 4's AWD system. If you need body panels, you'll have to do the junk yard thing after a while, but that will be a long while. The 2010 model is the last year, and I for one (owning two Vibes right now) plan on buying a 2010 used model in the near future.
I work for a GM Tier-1 supplier and we are contractually obligated to maintain a supply of service parts for 15 years after the vehicle stops production. Even if we go bankrupt GM owns the tools that make the parts so they can start-up a new supplier. No worries.
I went to my dealer tonight and saw two 2009 Vibes. One with a 1.8 L. engine 132 h/p with 4 speed automatic transmission and one with a 2.4 L. engine 158 h/p with 5 speed automatic transmission with manual mode. What bothers me is that manual mode thing. What is it and really and how does it work? Is it really good or useful? If I decide on the automatic with manual mode can I only drive it like an ordinary automatic transmission?
The two vehicles I was interested in are the 1.8 L Manual and the 2.4 L four speed AWD.
Since 1974 I have been driving manuals. So I considered the base 1.8 L manual, it would have as much power an speed if shifted properly as my 2.4 L AWD, but and would get far better fuel economy.
But I wanted to use it on snow for cross country skiing, and on gravel for the Navajo Nation, and also to sleep in at a trail head. The base model front passenger seat did not fold flat. Reading information from others the AWD would be better with a five speed auto, but someone came out with info the AWD may not have been able to fit the five speed auto.
Have tested the ABS (Automotive Braking System) it worked smoothly, the electronic steering adjustment system has work both on gravel and snow, and the AWD kicks in automatically something unique to smaller vehicle. The 2 wheel drive Vibe/Matrix is compared with a AWD Subaru in April 2009 Consumer reports. Though in the past when a Toyota is sister to a GM vehicle the Toyota is preferred, but in Consumer Reports it is the Vibe people are happier with over the Matrix.
Yes. I have a 2009 2.4 automatic and that's the way I drive. The slap-shift or whatever it's called is there if you want to use it, but you don't have to touch it at all if you don't want to. I love this Vibe, by the way.
Thank you for your reply "houstonmi" I appreciate it. I was more interested in the 2.4 L. than the 1.8 L. being afraid that it wouldn't be powerful enough. Since you told me that I could drive it like a regular automatic transmission it will probably be a 2.4 L. Thanks again.
I first had a 2003 Vibe with the 1.8 and loved it. I wanted a little more power, though, so prior to getting this 2009, drove both the 2009 Vibe 1.8 with the 4 speed automatic and the 2.4 with the 5 speed automatic. I preferred the 2.4, because it is quieter, the shifting points were smoother, and it's much quicker.
As mentioned by someone else, the GenVibe.com site is a great board for getting any info you want about Pontiac Vibes of all years.
Comments
I just purchased a used 2003 Vibe AWD for $6000. Afterwards I noticed a noise that is caused by the Viscous Coupling that attaches to the differencial and drive shaft. The cost to purchase this part is a whopping $2,800. I am not really interested in spending this much money for this small part so I am wondering if the car can operate with the VC and drive shaft can be removed from the vehicle?
Thanks!!1
Gary
I have one front tire (passenger side) that is down to the wear bars. Probably because of a low inflation problem I did not immediately spot. The driver side is still fine... probably half worn. Can I get away with replacing just one tire on the axle or will I have handling, etc problems? Also the tires I'm looking at have two narrow, solid center tread strips that circle the tire, then decent aggressive tread left and right. Tires are directional. Tires are from China (Haida?) but dealer says most tires are from China... like it or not. My question is... will the two center strips help with noise or create even more road noise. I test drove a 09 with GY RS-A's and they were unbelievably loud! What creates the noise... more tread (rubber) on the road?, more air space?, uninterrupted solid tread, or tread pattern that is less uniform with lots of direction changes? Thanks.
Brock
I guess that the sound that I am hearing can be described as a whinning noise as well. My mechanic told me that he thinks the noise is coming from the coupling housing. I am also getting very poor gas mileage. I have two vibes one is AWD and the other is 2wd. My AWD is the one with the noise. The AWD gets 30% less gas mileage versus my 2wd so I am thinking that perhaps the noise problem is attributing to my poor gas mileage.
Gary
Thanks,
Gary
Good luck on your Vibe!
Take advantage of the fears of others and get a good price.
kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host
Also in the market for a newer, primary car. If we buy the civic, we may opt for small suv -- like Rav4 or Forester. Forester would be handy in our Michigan winters. If we buy vibe, we may opt for Camry. We'd like one car with hatchback versatility. It would be nice to have one with AWD, but we've done okay so far without that.
What do you think?
1. are you looking for good gas mileage since you are only using the car for short trips?
2. are you looking for a standard or automatic?
3. have you totally ruled out AWD?
I have both a 2003 AWD and 2009 Vibe. I think AWD is virtually a waste of money.
I want to make sure that you know that the 2003-2010 models are all Corolla, with the exception of the 2009-2010 AWD model which has Rav4 components and Camry engine, or the GT which has a Camry engine. The newest generation Vibe is far superior to the old one, but again, the Camry engine or AWD with Rav4 components/engines will get you much worse gas mileage than the 2009-2010 base model Corolla engine. I mention this because I think you should also throw the newest generation Vibe into your "new" car mix. With Pontiac out of business and these cars being all Toyota, the values of them will soon tank, making it easy to get a used "virtually new" 2009-2010 model for a song, knowing your car is a reliable Toyota in a GM outer skin. The Camry is a great car, but just a grocery getter since you can't haul anything in it. The Forrester is a gas pig, and is not comfortable for rear passengers. Both the Camry and Forrester however are bullet proof and will last you a long time; but if gas goes back up...........you may regret that decision.
Getting back to your 2005, the miles you site are low and of no concern since it is a Corolla engine and is a proven 200,000 mile engine. On cars.com, I did a nationwide search and found only about 5 2005 Vibes around your $8900 price or less; most were priced A LOT higher, so your price seems like a good deal, especially if you can talk them down a bit.
The new Forester is bigger than the old, more comfortable in back, and fuel economy not bad. We're considering the manual version and many people get close to 30mpg with this on hwy, which is great for AWD SUV. Also looking at Rav4 but costs about $2k more (if 4wd, about same if 2wd). Forester drives better (unless v6 Rav4) but Rav4 a little more comfortable and not as cheap looking inside.
My wife really likes the Camry. So far we've only driven an 09 but willing to consider slightly older ones. This would be automatic. Manuals very hard to find. Most Hondas are uncomfortable for me -- bad lumbar that pushes into my back -- but I find that Civics and Fits are somehow better. Accords the worst, CR-V not great. I think Accords perform better than Camrys -- which are boring -- but I cannot sit in an Accord for a long drive. I can get a great deal here on a CR-V, but it's not comfortable for either of us. (Sigh.)
I've driven an 08 automatic Vibe that I liked -- although I'd prefer manual for this type of car. We're not interested in AWD Vibes.
AWD would be nice in winter, but we're in Southern MI. This winter, we got a lot of snow, and our Saturn had trouble with it. Some winters, we don't get much at all. Can we survive without AWD? Probably. But occasionally it would help.
If we rule out AWD, then we could go with Vibe + Civic/Corolla/Camry. Or maybe even two Vibes. We need to get two cars, and we need to get them soon. I don't really like the new Matrix/Vibe design. Do you really think it is better? Although I haven't driven one yet. So far I have not seen great deals on either one. Although I have seen a very low miles 08 for $13k.
Personally I'd take a 5sp Forester over an automatic Vibe AWD any day of the week, but that's me. In this economy, in this state, at this time, I'm glad to be driving a GM product, though.
Cheers, -Mathias
I'm certainly not seeing Vibes at the prices you mention. In fact, used Vibes around here are pretty rare, and low miles ones are always $12 or higher. Not considering a new one because they're no cheaper than the Matrix, and the Toyota will hold value better. But I see even less of those used.
I did take a look at Ford. Tried to contact three different dealerships, even went to one and tested a Fusion. They only had souped up models with sunroofs, and those didn't give me enough headroom. No one would give me info on how to get one without. Kind of hard to sell a car when you don't even try. In this economy, I don't understand only stocking the higher priced trims and packages.
Pilgrimjs: as for the current generation Vibe, yes, it is far superior. Again I own the first and second generation. The only issue I have with the 2009 is that the Corolla engine has a horizontally positioned oil cannister covering a paper oil filter. I'd rather be changing my oil with a filter that is vertical and a hard/traditional screw on filter. Other than that, the car is far superior. I drive my Corolla-Vibes very hard, so in short: Electric steering, much better cornering, ABS, traction AND stabillity control standard, better seats and fabric, XM radio, dual level glove compartment, map lights in ceiling (not on the mirror), dual VVTi engine, better wipers, better and collapsable mirrors, better collapsable rear storage area cover, no more stupid body cladding, (and if you dare to go with the worse gas mileage) the choice of a Camry engine. Again, check on cars.com. There are a lot of good priced used 2009's out there already, and surely a lot more to come with Pontiac gone.
As for the new Forrester, I'll have to take your word for it. I get 30 mpg in big city/suburban driving on my 2009 Corolla-Vibe automatic, so 30 on the highway would not sway me. Almost any sedan does that now. In fact, my old Malibu Maxx got 35 on the highway due to the old style GM pushrod engine and was a whole lot more roomy/functional than the Forrester. With gas prices heading back over $3 soon, I am not willling to get in a vehicle that only gets 20 mpg in town. Good luck with your choice. You have obviously done some homework since the models you are looking at are very reliable.
I'm not looking to buy... I've got one of those, and a few months ago learned that that's what they're worth... that was Manheim information, so no, you can't buy a low-mile '07 $10, but you also can't trade it for more than $9.
$8.9 for a miley '04 is not good; I'd rather buy new. But that's me.
-Mathias
We're also new to this area and not sure where to take it. There's a local mechanic that friends recommend. He's done a good job with their high mileage Camrys (200k+).
I believe the Transmissions are solid...
I would probably have someone check the A/C...
A/C problems are always expensive to repair.
Also check for recalls not completed...
A small thing... Get the NEW flexible wiper blades front & back.
Vibes have a long front wiper stroke, good blades are critical.
Another tip: Listen to the inside defrost fan... they can be NOISY at low speeds.
Remember the Vibe is a Toyota Matrix in Pontiac clothing...
I would look for a good local Toyota dealer....
especially with the Pontiac brand disappearing !
As for the checkup, you are right on..........have your new mechanic do the tranny flush (BG machine). Replace the air filter and cabin filter yourself and change the oil yourself if you are so inclined. The cabin filters should be replaced twice a year if you live in a high pollen (lots of trees) area. The filter housing is behind the glove box (which you need to unhinge to get to the two plastic snaps that lower the cabin filter housing). I buy regular furnace filters at the hardware store and cut them to size; works great and saves you a ton of money.
Don't worry about the color of your radiator fluid. It started out Toyota pink, and if a flush was done every 24,000 miles as scheduled, green fluid may have been used which then mixes in with the pink, turning it all kinds of merky colors. Nevertheless, I would suggest a radiator fluid flush/drain at the time you are getting the tranny flushed.
So how little will this car be worth in a year? Will I be able to get $5k for it?
Enjoy your Corolla-Vibe. I think you made the right decision, and I know you got a great price to say the least; just go to cars.com and check your price in comparison to what's out there in the US.
Thanks,
Bill
I appreciate all the advice, especially about the difference between the 1.8L and 2.4L engines and their relative MPG.
I bought a 2009 1.8L with the Preferred Package, A/C, A/T, and the sound system with the MP3 playback. I got the Steel Blue Metallic.
I am looking forwatd to contributing with future posts.
The "drive the thing into the ground" thing is really old school, especially if you are financing for 5 years. One really should try to expend as much as one can for 3 year loan. Obviouslly a 72 month loan, (unless a great otherwise unobtainable benefit) is moot.
Purchase the car properly, so one's 1st year depreciation for the avg car in this range is around $4000 or so (from previous years kbb trade in) and buy new cars every 5 years or 7 years, especially with cash or good credit. Nice new cars with new safety and convenience features, much of the ownership under warranty, especially if you can buy a factory 7/100kmi factory extended warranty for the $800 range or so. Not $2000 in the finance office. (shop around at dealerships)
The obsessive compulsive bit trying to squeeze the last few micro-ounces from the tube, hanging your dental floss on the shower rod to reuse, and squeezing the last 3 years out of a 10 or 13 year ownership is a loser, possibly putting 3000 or more in different repairs, or one big "clunk" at 130000 miles, learning that you sadly won't be driving your Toyota absolutely trouble free for 200000 miles like your wife's friend's Ex's cousin Milty did. You also get to drive a piece of crap an extra 3 years.
I believe the average 35 year old has a 1 in 270 chance of not being with us in 3 years.
If you use it as a 3rd car beater to have around and junk when significant trouble arises that may be a winner. I guess if you have 3 dui's and your rates are through the roof would be a factor for holding onto an old car also.
Good luck
--jjf
Noted and Toyota Matrix, felt it was two wheel drive of to the side of the snow covered road.
Slept in it with front passenger seat folded down it can even fit eight foot timbers.
In remote areas OnStar will work off satellite where cell phones will not. Can buy minutes for voice activated internal cell. GM dealers are found in rural areas. If you are a cross country skier in remote areas as apposed to a downhill skied it is better to have an AWD Vibe than an AWD Subaru. Note I use a Nokian (made in Finland) all season with a symbol of a snowflake/mountain which shows a winter rating a tire.
If I buy a 2009 Vibe and Pontiac doesn't build it anymore and I need a body or mechanical part, what will happen over the years?
Will I be stuck with a car with no replacement parts?
I always keep my cars 5 to 7 years before trading them.
What else should I buy that equals the Vibe.
I'm not interested in the Toyota Matrix. I want to stay with G.M. because i've been with G.M. since 1977.
One with a 1.8 L. engine 132 h/p with 4 speed automatic transmission and one with a 2.4 L. engine 158 h/p with 5 speed automatic transmission with manual mode.
What bothers me is that manual mode thing.
What is it and really and how does it work?
Is it really good or useful?
If I decide on the automatic with manual mode can I only drive it like an ordinary automatic transmission?
Since 1974 I have been driving manuals. So I considered the base 1.8 L manual, it would have as much power an speed if shifted properly as my 2.4 L AWD, but and would get far better fuel economy.
But I wanted to use it on snow for cross country skiing, and on gravel for the Navajo Nation, and also to sleep in at a trail head. The base model front passenger seat did not fold flat. Reading information from others the AWD would be better with a five speed auto, but someone came out with info the AWD may not have been able to fit the five speed auto.
Have tested the ABS (Automotive Braking System) it worked smoothly, the electronic steering adjustment system has work both on gravel and snow, and the AWD kicks in automatically something unique to smaller vehicle. The 2 wheel drive Vibe/Matrix is compared with a AWD Subaru in April 2009 Consumer reports.
Though in the past when a Toyota is sister to a GM vehicle the Toyota is preferred, but in Consumer Reports it is the Vibe people are happier with over the Matrix.
I hope this helps.
I was more interested in the 2.4 L. than the 1.8 L. being afraid that it wouldn't be powerful enough.
Since you told me that I could drive it like a regular automatic transmission it will probably be a 2.4 L.
Thanks again.
As mentioned by someone else, the GenVibe.com site is a great board for getting any info you want about Pontiac Vibes of all years.