Search found 39 matches

by RRich89
Thu Jul 25, 2019 6:09 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Vibe alternate history
Replies: 5
Views: 984

Vibe alternate history

Regular Car Reviews did a retrospective on the history of Pontiac. As I finished watching until the very end which covered GM's fateful decision to kill Pontiac I was struck by a quote from Bob Lutz. I'm paraphrasing him here: GM had plans to make Pontiac the excitement division again and have an al...
by RRich89
Thu Feb 14, 2019 5:17 am
Forum: The Others
Topic: 2019 Corolla Hatchback Thoughts? Opinions?
Replies: 11
Views: 4646

Re: 2019 Corolla Hatchback Thoughts? Opinions?

I sat in the 2019 Corolla Hatchback XSE last week at the Philadelphia Auto Show. I test drove an IM two years ago and I like the interior of the Corolla Hatchback better than the IM. I'm pretty tall (6'3") and had to crane my neck to get into the Corolla Hatchback, I don't have that problem wit...
by RRich89
Sun Apr 29, 2018 3:10 am
Forum: Humor
Topic: Honest Craigslist ad of a '99 Corolla
Replies: 1
Views: 2461

Honest Craigslist ad of a '99 Corolla

Saw this viral Craigslist ad for a '99 Corolla. I feel like we can relate with our Vibes and that's a good thing to me. :D

http://thechive.com/2018/04/25/guy-writ ... -3-photos/
by RRich89
Fri Mar 16, 2018 6:38 am
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Cheapest tires that are worth a damn?
Replies: 22
Views: 6835

Re: Cheapest tires that are worth a damn?

I've had Cooper CS3s on my '06 Vibe for over a year now. I highly recommend them; much quieter and more durable for the PA pothole season than the Definity tires they replaced. They do pretty decent in the snow for all season tires.
by RRich89
Tue Mar 14, 2017 4:16 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Strange noise on ignition
Replies: 11
Views: 2700

Re: Strange noise on ignition

Update on starter replacement. I'm at the tail end of winter in PA and have not heard the noise I first posted about. Thanks again to everyone for the quick and accurate information!
by RRich89
Sun Dec 18, 2016 7:18 am
Forum: Off Topic
Topic: Mechanics Fleeing in Droves
Replies: 3
Views: 4941

Re: Mechanics Fleeing in Droves

I've had terrible experiences with two local Pep Boys in the past few years. I'm a DIYer with most things and only used Pep Boys for tires. I had Pep Boys tires for the past four years and I've had to have them remounted multiple times due to their technicians doing a poor job causing them to have s...
by RRich89
Mon Jul 04, 2016 4:46 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Thermostat &/or Water Pump Replacement How-To
Replies: 20
Views: 16960

Re: Thermostat &/or Water Pump Replacement How-To

I don't know if you are an active member anymore but thank you for the excellent write up JohnC. I just changed my water pump at 144,000 on my '06 Vibe. It's been making that noise for about 10 months before I changed it. I never saw any coolant leakage and the sound never got worse until recently g...
by RRich89
Sat May 14, 2016 2:25 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Vibe is going through batteries
Replies: 10
Views: 3045

Re: Vibe is going through batteries

Beemerphile 1 I live in PA so it does get hot just not yet, usually don't make short trips (work commute is 22 miles each way 5x/week). I will go to a local parts store and have them test the charging system and report back. I had a AAA center test the charging system and they gave me a clean bill o...
by RRich89
Sat May 07, 2016 3:59 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Strange noise on ignition
Replies: 11
Views: 2700

Re: Strange noise on ignition

Update and silly question: Finally replaced my starter with a reman Denso unit. I will have to wait a few months for the cool weather to really make sure that fixed the noise. I've started the Vibe about a dozen times with the new starter, no issues, in fact overall quicker starts. I take it if ther...
by RRich89
Sat Apr 30, 2016 2:13 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Vibe is going through batteries
Replies: 10
Views: 3045

Re: Vibe is going through batteries

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have inspected and cleaned up the posts, alternator bolts and the body grounds. I have ordered the Voltmeter that you suggested Chiadog thanks for the link. I will wait to see what the voltmeter reads and report back with any issues.
by RRich89
Wed Apr 27, 2016 9:22 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Vibe is going through batteries
Replies: 10
Views: 3045

Vibe is going through batteries

I'm currently on my third new battery in two years on my 06 Vibe. I'm pretty sure I had the original battery until 2014, went to Pep Boys to get a Bosch battery. First one dies in about 18 months. I get a second Bosch free and this one made it only 6 months. I asked the service advisor if they've be...
by RRich89
Tue Mar 29, 2016 8:49 am
Forum: The Others
Topic: Toyota has secret weapon to combat Honda Civic!
Replies: 7
Views: 3432

Re: Toyota has secret weapon to combat Honda Civic!

I think it looks like Toyota is trying to smooth out the Lexus grille. It still hurts my eyes though. Image
by RRich89
Tue Mar 08, 2016 6:32 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Strange noise on ignition
Replies: 11
Views: 2700

Re: Strange noise on ignition

Thanks for sharing your experience Caretaker I think I'm experiencing the exact same thing. It's warmed up a bit this week and I don't notice the noise at all. I'll definitely put a starter on my spring maintenance list!
by RRich89
Sat Mar 05, 2016 12:02 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Strange noise on ignition
Replies: 11
Views: 2700

Re: Strange noise on ignition

When it does happen it is immediately after releasing the key from start. What confuses me is it's inconsistently. From what I understand starter replacement isn't complicated on the Vibe so I'll begin to look into it soon. Thanks for all of the suggestions.
by RRich89
Thu Mar 03, 2016 1:52 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Strange noise on ignition
Replies: 11
Views: 2700

Re: Strange noise on ignition

I'll check the pulleys and just keep an ear out. It seems like most if issues I have with the Vibe magically go away in time. :D
by RRich89
Thu Mar 03, 2016 10:38 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Strange noise on ignition
Replies: 11
Views: 2700

Re: Strange noise on ignition

It sounds exactly like a bus releasing air from their brakes. It's loud enough sometimes to startle me on the morning. It definitely does not sound like metal on metal. I'm wondering if it's a sign of the intake manifold gasket starting to fail?
by RRich89
Wed Mar 02, 2016 5:36 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Strange noise on ignition
Replies: 11
Views: 2700

Strange noise on ignition

For the past few weeks when I first start my '06 Vibe I hear what I can describe as an air brake. This only when it's below 40 degress first thing in the morning or after work at night. It doesn't happen every time and I haven't noticed any difference in gas mileage, performance or idling. Any ideas...
by RRich89
Fri Feb 26, 2016 1:26 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Rough Idle
Replies: 14
Views: 3977

Re: Rough Idle

My car has a rough idle after I disconnect the battery. Usually takes a few days for the car to reset its settings in the engine to run well again. My car feels like it will stall at a stop light. I have put it in neutral to rev it up - its never actually stalled on me though. After a couple days i...
by RRich89
Fri Feb 26, 2016 1:19 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 5579381

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

I was informed by a local dealer while getting the airbag recall work done that my power steering fluid was durty (that's how it was printed on the work summary). I just did a drain and fill yesterday and I hate to say it but I agree with the dealer it was very durty. http://i12.photobucket.com/albu...
by RRich89
Mon Feb 15, 2016 8:09 am
Forum: Latest News
Topic: Toyota may kill the Matrix
Replies: 119
Views: 54436

Re: Toyota may kill the Matrix

Well for starters I really like the sunroof on my '06 Vibe and was disappointed that the iM didn't offer one also I'm not seeing foglights (maybe a dealer installed extra?) which for me are a necessity. I'm also thinking of treating myself to heated seats, remote ignition, leather/leatherette seats ...
by RRich89
Wed Feb 10, 2016 11:02 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Latest airbag recall is out
Replies: 74
Views: 19093

Re: Latest airbag recall is out

I received my the notice that the part is available for the airbag recall GM#14491 yesterday. I called my closest Buick/GMC dealer and set up an appointment for today. Took it in at 9:45 AM and had my Vibe back at 12:15 PM. Besides trying to be sold close to $500 of "recommended" maintenan...
by RRich89
Wed Feb 10, 2016 10:43 am
Forum: Latest News
Topic: Toyota may kill the Matrix
Replies: 119
Views: 54436

Re: Toyota may kill the Matrix

I wonder if under Toyota the iM will be offered in multiple trims? I think the iM is a decent car but its lack of options was a big negative in my book.
by RRich89
Wed Dec 09, 2015 4:55 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 5579381

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

Finally got new OEM floor mats; I'd say the old ones were well on their way out! Image
by RRich89
Tue Dec 08, 2015 6:22 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: High Mileage Synthetic
Replies: 8
Views: 2096

Re: High Mileage Synthetic

I actually just switched from Valvoline high mileage blend to Valvoline full synthetic high mileage on my '06 base with 133k miles. It's been about 1,500 miles with the full synthetic I can say there has been about a half an mpg gain in my average fuel economy and the cold weather valve chatter nois...
by RRich89
Mon Oct 05, 2015 7:18 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Something weird happened
Replies: 9
Views: 1918

Re: Something weird happened

I think I'm going to go down that route. I followed the negative cable and that seems easy as it is just grounded to metal in the engine bay. Positive cable seems a lot more complicated, any pointers vibrologist?
by RRich89
Sun Oct 04, 2015 3:32 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Something weird happened
Replies: 9
Views: 1918

Re: Something weird happened

New update: Running Sunday errands and got stranded in grocery store parking lot. :( All my lights and radio worked fine but it sounded like the starter wasn't turning. Called AAA; driver tests the battery and says it looks good. I mentioned I had a corrosion issue last week so before he goes to tes...
by RRich89
Sun Sep 27, 2015 9:17 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Something weird happened
Replies: 9
Views: 1918

Re: Something weird happened

Update and it's good news :D Taking the Vibe out on Sunday errands and everything works like nothing happened. Only casulty was that the clock needed to be reset. I think I must've misread the instructions for the terminal spray and maybe was a bit too heavy handed with it. Thanks for the quick resp...
by RRich89
Sat Sep 26, 2015 4:55 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Something weird happened
Replies: 9
Views: 1918

Something weird happened

So I popped open the hood of my '06 Vibe to do a quick check of the fluids and hoses (something I do about every 3-4 weeks) and noticed some blue powdery substance around my battery terminals. Figured it was corrosion which was surprising as the battery is about a year and a half old and the last ti...
by RRich89
Sat Sep 05, 2015 3:47 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Scion Im
Replies: 12
Views: 3962

Re: Scion Im

So I test drove the Im today and I have overall mixed feelings about it. I know the body kit is bolted on (very Corolla S) but it does add an aggressive look to the car. It was a blizzard white with black trim pieces that made the car look very sharp in my opinion. The inside of the car was inoffens...
by RRich89
Fri Aug 21, 2015 8:04 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: 2016 Buick Cascadia Convertible
Replies: 2
Views: 1309

Re: 2016 Buick Cascadia Convertible

I saw this as a pre-production at this year's Philadelphia Auto Show. I'm thinking about getting a convertible a few years down the road. It'll either be this or a used Chrysler 200.
by RRich89
Sun Aug 02, 2015 9:19 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Transmission Fluid Change at 133k Miles?
Replies: 16
Views: 6632

Re: Transmission Fluid Change at 133k Miles?

I did a pan drop, changed the filter and cleaned the magnets three months ago on my '06 Vibe with 122k miles at the time. I used Type-IV fluid ($5.30/qt at local Toyota dealership). Going to do just a simple drain and fill very shortly and make the call after that if I'll drain and fill a third time...
by RRich89
Tue Jul 21, 2015 5:09 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Scion Im
Replies: 12
Views: 3962

Re: Scion Im

I too want to test out the Im even though a purchase is far off me me as well. I know I'm in the minority here but I test drove a 2014 Mazda3 hatchback and really didn't like it. I thought the fixed navigation screen on the dash looked out of place and the steering felt a bit numb to me. I'd give th...
by RRich89
Fri Jul 17, 2015 6:52 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Scion Im
Replies: 12
Views: 3962

Re: Scion Im

I get the feeling that both Toyota and Honda are in the resting on our laurels state of business. Kia and Hyundai have put some really nice looking cars out there and Ford has been in a renaissance mode, heck even GM is trying. I don't really think the Im is going to do much to rescue Scion. Toyota ...
by RRich89
Sun Jul 12, 2015 10:39 am
Forum: The Others
Topic: Scion Im
Replies: 12
Views: 3962

Scion Im

I've seen the Scion iM discussed in other topics on this board and I wanted to give it its own dedicated topic. Had my eye on it for a few months and now there are a few early reviews coming in. Car and Driver calls it the IMeh (http://www.caranddriver.com/scion/im), Motor Trend is more positive (ht...
by RRich89
Fri Jun 26, 2015 12:51 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: 2015 VW Golf TDI - good Vibe replacement?
Replies: 9
Views: 3061

Re: 2015 VW Golf TDI - good Vibe replacement?

I actually test drove a 2015 Golf TDI SE a little while ago (got a $25 gift card to do so!). I loved all the low end torque as my test route included a decent hill which it conquered with ease! As much as I love my Vibe I can't say the same thing about it. The interior seemed well thought out and ve...
by RRich89
Sun May 10, 2015 9:12 pm
Forum: US - Mid-Atlantic
Topic: PA ...roll call
Replies: 33
Views: 30531

Re: PA ...roll call

Morrisville, PA about an hour outside of Philly and right across the river from Trenton, NJ. I see a lot of Vibes around here (more so than Matrix's I would say almost a 3:1 ratio). I would like to do a meet if this topic is still alive.
by RRich89
Sun May 10, 2015 8:22 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Engine cover bolt
Replies: 1
Views: 718

Engine cover bolt

I don't remember if I did it or the previous owner was the culprit but the passenger side engine cover bolt (not the crappy plastic clips) is missing from my '06 Vibe base FWD. Does anyone know what size bolt I can use to replace it? Thanks in advance!
by RRich89
Sat May 09, 2015 8:23 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New Member long time owner
Replies: 8
Views: 1535

Re: New Member long time owner

I agree with you nerdydaddyo! I have absolutely no interest in getting a new car anytime soon. Too many new things to go wrong, electric power steering, CVT's everywhere and just some really alien looking interiors (went to the 2015 Philadelphia Car Show, wasn't really impressed with anything). I ha...
by RRich89
Thu May 07, 2015 9:09 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New Member long time owner
Replies: 8
Views: 1535

New Member long time owner

Hey all new member located near Philadelphia officially joining after three and a half years of owning an '06 Vibe. I've been reading this website for a while now and finally wanted to make myself official! I have no complaints at all about my Vibe and the only real issue is the clicking noise from ...