Search found 4753 matches

by jake75
Sun Jul 13, 2014 3:43 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: What tires Y'all like?
Replies: 30
Views: 6183

Re: What tires Y'all like?

Trying to decide on a tire to buy is confusing. I got a set of Yokohama YK580's at Discount Tire about a year ago. Better ride and less road noise than the OEM Goodyears. Only had 30,000 miles on those but had a minor sidewall leak in one and decided to just get an entire new set of tires as it will...
by jake75
Sat Jul 12, 2014 7:12 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: !
Replies: 4
Views: 929

Re: !

Or it could be that your battery is on its last legs.
by jake75
Sat Jul 12, 2014 7:07 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Hatch opening rubber gasket
Replies: 5
Views: 1313

Re: Hatch opening rubber gasket

It just gets pushed into place, but you need to make sure it is on the car's pinch, and the gasket's groove is the thing it's going over. I've done this to my own car a few times when pulling parts off. Try checking the other areas of the gasket to make sure it is all in there properly, as it may n...
by jake75
Fri Jul 11, 2014 1:32 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Vibe is stuck at the mall! HELP!
Replies: 16
Views: 3087

Re: Vibe is stuck at the mall! HELP!

ken99287 wrote:
The only issue now is my wife refuses to drive me back to the mall to get the car.
I never have any trouble getting my wife to go to the mall.
by jake75
Tue Jul 08, 2014 1:38 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Hail damage
Replies: 7
Views: 1482

Re: Hail damage

Fortunately never carried a credit card balance - grin. 1977 - No car payment - big grin. 1993 - no car payment and no mortgage payment - big f-ing grin. Enjoy it!
by jake75
Sun Jul 06, 2014 6:57 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: HIT A DEER :(
Replies: 22
Views: 3366

Re: HIT A DEER :(

I take it they gave you a check for $5.100 and let you keep the Vibe.
by jake75
Sat Jul 05, 2014 11:04 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Got hit :(
Replies: 47
Views: 7358

Re: Got hit :(

Sounds like you may fit this exception - "unless you happen upon a good one for sale by owner at a price no more than $500 over Black Book".
by jake75
Fri Jul 04, 2014 1:22 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Got hit :(
Replies: 47
Views: 7358

Re: Got hit :(

My used vs. new sermon. Dealers are lucky to make $500 gross on a new car; they make $2,000 + on a used car. In 2004 CarMax offered me $8,000 for my 2004 T&C. I sold it privately for $11,500. Prices on CarMax lot were $13-14,000 for comparable. A couple years ago I had a low mileage Buick Centur...
by jake75
Thu Jul 03, 2014 8:22 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Got hit :(
Replies: 47
Views: 7358

Re: Got hit :(

Subaru Forrester or Imprezna; Chevy Equinox; Toyota Rav4; Ford Escape; Honda Civic; Honda Fit
by jake75
Wed Jul 02, 2014 12:59 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Got hit :(
Replies: 47
Views: 7358

Re: Got hit :(

DeClercq wrote:It's official - totaled. Getting $7925.25 from insurance, which honestly is a lot more than I had expected. This was primarily my wife's car, so I'm leaving the choice of replacement vehicle up to her.
Your insurance or the other driver's insurance?
by jake75
Tue Jun 24, 2014 9:37 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: 2006 reliability vs other years?
Replies: 33
Views: 7118

Re: 2006 reliability vs other years?

In many respects for some the 2008 might have been the best Vibe/Matrix year. Everything is negotiable. For what a 2008 would have cost me I think I would looked elsewhere but I really had no compelling reason to replace my low mileage 2003 Vibe anyway. In 2009 the numbers made it a no brainer. Saw ...
by jake75
Mon Jun 23, 2014 8:52 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: I think the GT is toast :(
Replies: 31
Views: 5559

Re: I think the GT is toast :(

Since when is h e double hockey sticks considered essential to "remove". What the f I can understand. What the h seems obsessive. I guess it is part of the program
by jake75
Mon Jun 23, 2014 8:36 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: I think the GT is toast :(
Replies: 31
Views: 5559

Re: I think the GT is toast :(

This may not be the case with newer cars, but in my lifetime my sons totaled two older cars- a 1976 Chevette and a 1993 Plymouth Colt Vista Wagon. In both cases the money offered by the insurance co. exceeded my expectations. There are no parents in hell!
by jake75
Mon Jun 23, 2014 6:57 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: 2006 reliability vs other years?
Replies: 33
Views: 7118

Re: 2006 reliability vs other years?

Yes to your question about years better than others. Answer 2005 and later ones, not only for the DBW, which did away with hoses and cables for cruise and throttle, but also the chance to get Electronic Stability Control (ESC) which was not offered on the 2003-2004 models. What also goes in favor o...
by jake75
Fri Jun 20, 2014 7:45 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: 2006 reliability vs other years?
Replies: 33
Views: 7118

Re: 2006 reliability vs other years?

ABS was an option on the 05-08 Vibes also. My son's 06 does not have it, but a lady I know does have it on her 05. Not until 2009 were ABS Brakes, traction control and additional airbags made standard. I almost bought a 2008 but the numbers didn't work for me and my 2003 Vibe only had about 27,000 ...
by jake75
Wed Jun 18, 2014 5:05 pm
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: Excessive Brake Pad/Rotor Failure 2009 Vibe GT FWD
Replies: 14
Views: 4315

Re: Excessive Brake Pad/Rotor Failure 2009 Vibe GT FWD

My 2009 Vibe is a little over 5 years old. Only about 32,000 miles. 4 wheel disk brakes. I wonder if I should replace the front pads as it only is a $99 job at the dealer.
by jake75
Fri Jun 13, 2014 2:03 pm
Forum: For Sale/Wanted
Topic: 2009 VIBE GT RED FOR SALE or 2007 BLACK VIBE
Replies: 3
Views: 789

Re: 2009 VIBE GT RED FOR SALE or 2007 BLACK VIBE

In today's mail was a letter from a local Chevy dealer purporting to offer $7,220 for my 2009 Pontiac Vibe "in clean condition, under mileage and at the highest trim level based on Black Book value. A certified inspection and appraisal are required to determine actual amount.' I wonder why they...
by jake75
Fri Jun 06, 2014 7:21 am
Forum: Off Topic
Topic: Motorcylcle rear ends Vibe
Replies: 5
Views: 3234

Motorcylcle rear ends Vibe

Wonder if Vibe owner was anyone here. Operating a motorcycle while intoxicated is really really really stupid. COLUMBUS, Ohio - A motorcyclist was killed in a crash in the northbound lanes of state Route 315 early Friday morning. Columbus police officers responded to the northbound lanes of S.R. 315...
by jake75
Wed Jun 04, 2014 7:52 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Finally! :D
Replies: 7
Views: 1325

Re: Finally! :D

My question - how does water get into the tank?
by jake75
Wed Jun 04, 2014 7:00 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: A dealer offer you can/should refuse
Replies: 18
Views: 4268

Re: A dealer offer you can/should refuse

The business model for car dealerships is a lot like our parish bingo game. We lose money on the game - the receipts for sale of bingo cards is almost always less than the total game payouts. But we make it up and more on the instant bingo cards - often called "rip-offs: because the player rips...
by jake75
Wed Jun 04, 2014 6:56 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: A dealer offer you can/should refuse
Replies: 18
Views: 4268

Re: A dealer offer you can/should refuse

GM let Mr. GoodWrench go several years ago, and hired Mr. MBA-Wrench in his place. Mr. MBA-Wrench quickly instituted higher parts pricing and service fees designed to enhance dealership profitability, in part to offset the fact that most dealerships lose money on every new car sold, and (attempt to...
by jake75
Tue Jun 03, 2014 6:09 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Drain & refill vs. Flush & Fill
Replies: 9
Views: 1823

Re: Drain & refill vs. Flush & Fill

30000 miles in 7 years. Even my wife drives more. My '05 Vibe has "lifetime" transmission fluid. It should last ......until it dies?......until the warranty is up? After a downsizing at the end of 1995 I worked out of a home office which in part explains the few miles - but even prior to ...
by jake75
Tue Jun 03, 2014 3:58 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: A dealer offer you can/should refuse
Replies: 18
Views: 4268

A dealer offer you can/should refuse

Got a mailing from GM dealer - they will install a new ACDELCO Professional Silver Battery having a 30 month replacement guarantee in my Vibe for $129.95 plus $24.95 installation. That is $154.90. Last November a Duracell 36 month replacement battery at Sam's Club cost me $86.23 with free installati...
by jake75
Mon Jun 02, 2014 8:17 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Maybe buying a 09' GT any advise..
Replies: 9
Views: 2083

Re: Maybe buying a 09' GT any advise..

This is coming up 6 years (2009-2015) so I don't know if $9,000 is reasonable or not. In the US I sold my 2003 base 1.8L AT privately in Feb. 2009 with 33,000 miles for $9.500, Orig MSRP was $18,690. I suspect the CDN price on a 2009 GT was closer to $24,000 so $9,000 is probably not unreasonable.
by jake75
Mon Jun 02, 2014 6:22 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Just Rambling
Replies: 35
Views: 8337

Re: Just Rambling

Of course the activity has slowed down. The stopping at 299,999 K/miles ODO issue in the 2003-2008 modles is a big disappointment. Owners who would want to share how many miles their cars have gone can only due so up to the mileage cut off. How many are going to switch out ODOs to continue to track...
by jake75
Sat May 31, 2014 8:36 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Vibe Coolant
Replies: 56
Views: 21945

Re: Vibe Coolant

I just did a coolant drain on the 2003 vibe GT this weekend. pulled almost all the coolant out of the system. and then refilled with Peak 50/50 Pre-Diluted... It took One Gallon at the time.. and then a 1/4 after the first drive.. now its all topped off :D From what iv been reading the dex-cool eat...
by jake75
Sat May 31, 2014 7:04 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Starting using a Battery Charger
Replies: 10
Views: 1760

Re: Starting using a Battery Charger

I put the new Costco Kirkland battery in yesterday - though the car sat idle for 9 months it started right up - no hesitation or unusual noises. I made sure the oil level was o.k. before I did that. Now going to try to sell this Kia Sportage 4 dr AT A/C with 80,900 miles for this 93 year old whose b...
by jake75
Sat May 24, 2014 9:40 am
Forum: The Others
Topic: Starting using a Battery Charger
Replies: 10
Views: 1760

Re: Starting using a Battery Charger

I got a 58 battery at Costco today for $66.99 + $9 core deposit. I am reasonably confident that is the problem.
by jake75
Fri May 23, 2014 7:51 am
Forum: The Others
Topic: Starting using a Battery Charger
Replies: 10
Views: 1760

Re: Starting using a Battery Charger

kumquat wrote:Yeah, try jumping it from a known good battery.
Where this car is I'd need 25 ft jumper cables. Don't want to push it out as the tags are long expired.
by jake75
Thu May 22, 2014 3:59 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Starting using a Battery Charger
Replies: 10
Views: 1760

Re: Starting using a Battery Charger

Come to think of it, a battery is about 600 cold cranking amps so maybe that is my answer. I don't know how many amps those units you can buy at Sam's Club put out. Guess I will check. At least I would have something I could use if the car won't start even with a fully charged battery.
by jake75
Thu May 22, 2014 3:57 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Starting using a Battery Charger
Replies: 10
Views: 1760

Starting using a Battery Charger

I am trying to sell a 2001 Kia Sportage for a 93 yr old woman. The battery is shot I am sure as it sat uncharged in a long cold winter here. My batter charger has a 50 amp setting - that is supposed to "start" a car - still resulted only in "clicks" when I tried to start it. I a ...
by jake75
Mon May 19, 2014 8:15 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Vibe Coolant
Replies: 56
Views: 21945

Re: Vibe Coolant

I think we may finally have a definite conclusion to the coolant questions.
by jake75
Mon May 19, 2014 10:36 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: A/C Recirculate button question
Replies: 7
Views: 1954

Re: A/C Recirculate button question

This is a "defect" that has been around since at least 2003 and never addressed. Maybe it is a way to assure that Toyota dealers get at least a little repair work. Or maybe it is just one small way they can get back at us for their defeat in WWII.
by jake75
Sun May 18, 2014 5:12 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Vibe Coolant
Replies: 56
Views: 21945

Re: Vibe Coolant

I checked my 2009 and the coolant is definitely pink. That indicates it is the Toyota Super Long Life Coolant. [The long life is red.] That is a 10 year 120,000 mile coolant. Here is something from a Toyota dealer wevbsite. Every 96 months/128,000 km ,replace Super Long Life Coolant initially therea...
by jake75
Wed May 14, 2014 10:20 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Vibe Coolant
Replies: 56
Views: 21945

Re: Vibe Coolant

I really appreciate the comments you've made in this thread. I just read somewhere (sure wish I'd saved the URL) that Dex-cool doesn't cause problems with GM vehicles unless it - the coolant - is in the system for two years or longer. He said the problems are caused by various components in Dex-coo...
by jake75
Tue May 13, 2014 12:41 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Vibe Coolant
Replies: 56
Views: 21945

Re: Vibe Coolant

My memory is that the dexcool litigation was over the stuff turning to sludge.
by jake75
Mon May 12, 2014 9:28 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Vibe Coolant
Replies: 56
Views: 21945

Re: Vibe Coolant

GM Dexcool is orange. Google "green color antifreeze" and you can learn what you need to know. I had a 2003 Vibe and it came with pink antifreeze. Thee was confusion as the owners manual said to replace coolant at 24,000 miles or 24 months which ever came first. But that pink stuff was pro...
by jake75
Sun May 11, 2014 7:56 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Headlight Restoration
Replies: 20
Views: 4952

Re: Headlight Restoration

Or, I could just buy another kit for $21 and do it over, rather than peeing and moaning about who makes the kit and how well it's backed up or by whom. You should stick with the Meguiar kit I guess, if that's within your comfort zone. Sorry - that wasn't directed at you personally - just expressing...
by jake75
Thu May 08, 2014 6:58 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: This one has me drooling
Replies: 1
Views: 747

Re: This one has me drooling

Maybe you can see the photos with this link

https://www.facebook.com/groups/3081605 ... 702786571/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
by jake75
Thu May 08, 2014 6:56 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: This one has me drooling
Replies: 1
Views: 747

This one has me drooling

My Father is selling his 33 year-old old "Baby." Makes me sad, but with 3 cars in the lot already and 6 in the tribe, I can't buy it! This car is a gem and fun to drive! "Baby" is a 1981 Mercedes 380SL with around 80K miles on it. It is in great shape. Garaged its whole life and ...
by jake75
Thu May 08, 2014 8:15 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Headlight Restoration
Replies: 20
Views: 4952

Re: Headlight Restoration

So - if you save your receipt (better photocopy it as many receipts fade quick), and the carton, and ever have to redo it, assuming that company is still in business they will send you a new kit for $20 postage and handling? I suspect that the distributor of that product merely licenses the Sylvania...
by jake75
Sun May 04, 2014 6:06 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Hatch opening rubber gasket
Replies: 5
Views: 1313

Hatch opening rubber gasket

I was unloading bags of mulch and evidently dragged some over the bottom part of the hatch molding - pulled it out - is loose now. Is this a do it yourself job to fix - Do I need an adhesive? I tried to push it back but it isn't the same. Keeps coming out again.
by jake75
Sun May 04, 2014 4:57 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Headlight Restoration
Replies: 20
Views: 4952

Re: Headlight Restoration

For those of us who are not good at such chores (or just lazy, old or both) Sam's Club here has a headlight lens restoration service for I think $30.
Walmart online has the Meguiars Heavy Duty Restoration Kit for $25.
by jake75
Sat May 03, 2014 2:02 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: kostby's Ford C-Max thread
Replies: 45
Views: 21154

Re: kostby's Ford C-Max thread

We sometime go for a couple-three days without driving anywhere, and then maybe only a relatively short trip. I suspect we'd have a lot of dead battery issues with the C-Max.
by jake75
Thu May 01, 2014 11:00 am
Forum: The Others
Topic: Drain & refill vs. Flush & Fill
Replies: 9
Views: 1823

Re: Drain & refill vs. Flush & Fill

Oops - should have specified that this is for the COOLANT - not transmission fluid. I don't think I need to change the transmission fluid at 30,000 miles.
by jake75
Wed Apr 30, 2014 2:15 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Drain & refill vs. Flush & Fill
Replies: 9
Views: 1823

Drain & refill vs. Flush & Fill

For my T&C they charge $90 for drain and refill or $120 for flush & fill. It is almost 7 years old with 30,000 miles. I am inclined to just do the drain and refill. Any advice?
by jake75
Tue Apr 29, 2014 7:24 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Vibe emissions EVAP air pump turned on by itself
Replies: 6
Views: 1083

Re: Vibe emissions air pump turned on by itself

While working on the Vibe last night, taking off winter tires, heard a strange noise, almost like a small drill. Traced noise to the fuel tank area. Appears the Vibe's emissions air pump turned on aprox 3 plus hours after the car last ran. I was in and out of the car, so not sure when I last had on...
by jake75
Mon Apr 28, 2014 7:24 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Why can't Mazda sell the Mazda3?
Replies: 9
Views: 1888

Re: Why can't Mazda sell the Mazda3?

I'm sure a lot of it also has to do with their smaller dealer network. Within a 100 mile radius of my zip code, there are 16 Mazda dealers. Compare that to 24 for Toyota, 25 for Honda, 102 for both Ford and Chevy. I think most people tend to buy locally also. They may not even consider a Mazda if t...
by jake75
Mon Apr 28, 2014 2:33 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Why can't Mazda sell the Mazda3?
Replies: 9
Views: 1888

Re: Why can't Mazda sell the Mazda3?

You never know - I like the Subaru but would prefer just a 2 wheel drive.
by jake75
Mon Apr 28, 2014 12:40 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: The Official "What's Your Gas Mileage?" Thread
Replies: 634
Views: 925789

Re: The Official "What's Your Gas Mileage?" Thread

Vibenvy: Most of my driving is local. I am lucky if I get 24 mpg. Same 2009 2.4L Auto engine. FWD but have the roof racks. What do you keep your tire pressure at? My '09 is a 1.8L AT and that's all I usually get in mostly local driving - if I'm lucky. Just got back from a 1,300 mile RT Ohio-NC-Ohio...