Search found 411 matches

by Cougar Vibe
Wed Mar 31, 2010 11:10 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Anyone doing/done an extended drain w/M1 EP or Amsoil SSO?
Replies: 4
Views: 1677

Anyone doing/done an extended drain w/M1 EP or Amsoil SSO?

I've been busy lately picking through the 1.8l UOA's at BITOG, trying to find info/reports on extended drains using M1EP & Amsoil SSO. Unfortunately, BITOG's search function sucks the big one (and yes, I've done advanced searches using Google)...so either there isn't a lot of data concerning our...
by Cougar Vibe
Wed Mar 31, 2010 10:57 am
Forum: Off Topic
Topic: So am I the last schmuck to get his tax refund?
Replies: 18
Views: 3405

So am I the last schmuck to get his tax refund?

Anybody else waiting on their $$$? I've got $5 large comin'...and it's been burning a hole in my pocket for awhile now.BTW: No, I will not be putting it down on a new car (though I really do like the new Sonata SE).
by Cougar Vibe
Fri Mar 12, 2010 8:15 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: tinting $
Replies: 29
Views: 6035

I made the mistake of going to Car Toys recently to get a quote on a tint. To do only the rear door glass and that little 3/4 window in the back they wanted $170+tax; insane. Guess I'll keep looking...
by Cougar Vibe
Fri Mar 12, 2010 8:08 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Great Deal on Castrol EDGE + Bosch DP Filters
Replies: 1
Views: 1133

I'm curious to try out both Edge and the new Pennzoil Ultra; unfortunately, I've got 20 qts of Platinum, 10 qts of M1 & 4 qts of QS Q-Torque left on the shelf.Hopefully some UOA's for Edge & Ultra will pop up on BITOG soon.BTW: I've read about the new Purolator filter, but I've yet to see on...
by Cougar Vibe
Fri Mar 05, 2010 11:52 pm
Forum: Off Topic
Topic: Looking for a vacuum cleaner that doesn't..
Replies: 26
Views: 5512

I'm a polar opposite when it comes to vacuum cleaners: I buy a new one (cheap one) every 6-months. As I've got two little kids...two little kids that like to throw food, occasionally puke chunks and launch Play Dough about...I find it easier (and more sanitary) to just rotate through a vacuum period...
by Cougar Vibe
Sat Feb 13, 2010 12:42 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Anybody else having second thoughts
Replies: 56
Views: 14895

Nope. I know the "media" is making a big deal about these Toyota/Honda recalls, but in all honesty I'm far more worried about the tens of millions of neglected cars with worn-out brake pads and tens of millions of drivers with poor driving habits. Consider alcohol-related crashes: Many mor...
by Cougar Vibe
Tue Feb 09, 2010 11:04 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: New Member, Oil change question
Replies: 17
Views: 4420

OEM/Toyota/DensoPurolator PureOneBosch PremiumWixIf you're not doing extended drain intervals, just about any name-brand filter will suit your needs...even Frams w/the "evil" cardboard endcaps.BTW: If you want to kill hours of your precious freetime, visit the oil forums over at http://www...
by Cougar Vibe
Tue Feb 09, 2010 10:55 am
Forum: Latest News
Topic: ANOTHER Toyota investigation
Replies: 19
Views: 7726

More innocent people got killed over Superbowl weekend due to alcohol-related accidents than have ever been killed (or even injured) by these Toyota "safety" problems. Do we close bars and ban alcohol sales over that weekend? No. But we turn into FOX/MSNBC/CNN and get all excited about the...
by Cougar Vibe
Tue Feb 09, 2010 10:51 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: New Member, Oil change question
Replies: 17
Views: 4420

Any SM-rated 5W30 dino oil if you're doing less than 5K OCI's. If you get worried about leaks and want a bit more additive, you could go with Maxlife or similar high-mileage oil; but at $16.50 for a 5qt jug, and you have no leaks, I'd just use whatever SM-dino is on sale at Wally-World. Note: This i...
by Cougar Vibe
Tue Feb 09, 2010 10:43 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Gutting antilock braking system? Anyone done it?
Replies: 12
Views: 2765

I'm not sure about the legal ramifications of it, not to mention your luck in selling or trading your Vibe in in the future, but I can guarantee that your insurance company will void any claim you ever have if you get into an accident after you modified/removed the ABS. You'd be putting yourself out...
by Cougar Vibe
Sun Jan 31, 2010 6:03 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Brake Pad Replacement.
Replies: 4
Views: 2089

Re: Brake Pad Replacement. (djkeev)

Thanks guys!
by Cougar Vibe
Sun Jan 31, 2010 5:37 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Is there a Haynes or Chilton manual out for the Vibe yet??
Replies: 20
Views: 6045

Also found the Haynes manual too:Amazon: Chilton & Haynes Manuals
by Cougar Vibe
Sun Jan 31, 2010 5:12 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Brake Pad Replacement.
Replies: 4
Views: 2089

Brake Pad Replacement.

The front brakes on my '05 AWD have started squeaking...which is odd, as it only has 41K miles on it. That said, next month I'll be pulling off my snow tires and figured it's a good time to replace the pads with ceramics (probably Duralast...I've had good luck with them on other cars). Anyway, I cou...
by Cougar Vibe
Fri Jan 22, 2010 2:49 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: How often do you change your oil? POLL
Replies: 35
Views: 19245

One other thing, Dave...I had a 3.5l GSucks w/the GM oil life monitor; it was a real "eye opener" with regards to how much "life" was left in dino oil. Though I have to admit I was skeptical of it at first, I found that its estimates really did correlate with the actual TBN findi...
by Cougar Vibe
Fri Jan 22, 2010 2:32 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: How often do you change your oil? POLL
Replies: 35
Views: 19245

Re: (djkeev)

Quote, originally posted by djkeev »I'd rather spend $25 on oil and filters than at the lab checking my dirty oil.Sure, but then again, you'll never catch a coolant leak (high sodium) or an air filter problem (high silicon) in the early stages. Those are the sort of things a UOA can tell you and for...
by Cougar Vibe
Fri Jan 22, 2010 7:38 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: $ 44 - for Oil Change at Dealer !
Replies: 66
Views: 13911

Just a side note: If you don't feel like changing your own oil during this crappy time of year, Firestone is running their synth-blend oil change special again for $21.99. Here's a link to the coupon:Firestone Kendall GT1 Oil (5qts) & Filter ChangeGood until 01/31...though it seems that they run...
by Cougar Vibe
Fri Jan 22, 2010 7:13 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: How often do you change your oil? POLL
Replies: 35
Views: 19245

Re: (djkeev)

Quote, originally posted by djkeev »Why? Lubrication in an engine is of such vital importance and oil is so "cheap" why push that envelope to the point of possible harm?I know, it's your car, your money and your time but to my way of thinking it just seems that you might just be looking fo...
by Cougar Vibe
Wed Jan 20, 2010 11:54 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: How often do you change your oil? POLL
Replies: 35
Views: 19245

Every six months, which works out to about 4,500-5,500 miles, with regular old dino (Chevron Supreme 5w30). I've posted my last three reports from Blackstone Labs on BITOG...they've all been excellent and the last TBN on the Chevron showed 1.6 (which means I could have went another ~800 miles or so ...
by Cougar Vibe
Tue Jan 19, 2010 5:00 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: How many miles on your Vibes?
Replies: 1043
Views: 1421203

Re: Re: (joejoev)

joejoev,I'm really impressed with your mileage; if you didn't have the .jpg of the odometer, I'd have bet you were messing around.Anyway, what kind of oil have you been using and what sort of mileage intervals are you changing it at? I doubt I'll ever get to your level of mileage (my '05 has 41k mil...
by Cougar Vibe
Fri Jan 15, 2010 8:01 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Maintenance Certificate
Replies: 1
Views: 563

Re: Maintenance Certificate (MajorAD)

Glad you got your money's worth! BTW: There's another thread about this (maintenance certificate) floating around somewhere...
by Cougar Vibe
Tue Jan 05, 2010 1:13 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Got a certificate for 4 free oil changes from dealer!! :D
Replies: 22
Views: 4536

I got one too...but it's for the GSucks I got rid of in September. Nothing for my Vibe (yet?), but then I have 75qts of oil and six filters, so no biggie.
by Cougar Vibe
Tue Dec 22, 2009 6:08 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Car bra?
Replies: 33
Views: 11079

Re: (Kincaid)

Quote, originally posted by Kincaid »Why am I am reminded of...Hmmm...that would be a pretty cool vanity plate emblem; pretty sure people would get out of my way if they saw that in the rear view mirror.That said, the worst comment I ever got about my Vibe was when my neighbor asked me how much of ...
by Cougar Vibe
Tue Dec 22, 2009 6:04 am
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Testing out the Fully studded Firestone Winterforce (picture heavy)
Replies: 6
Views: 2581

I put a set of these on my ManVan in late November. Naturally, snow fall is now predicted to be way below normal levels (ie, we've had 3" so far this year, last year at this time we had 30+)...As such, I can't really review them, other than to say that the clicking of the studs is really going ...
by Cougar Vibe
Thu Dec 17, 2009 1:15 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Do you guys use Fuel System Treatment Additives?
Replies: 11
Views: 3161

Re: (Cougar Vibe)

Guess I should have read my own link:Top Tier...Chevron Canada Shell Canada Petro-Canada Sunoco Canada
by Cougar Vibe
Thu Dec 17, 2009 1:14 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Do you guys use Fuel System Treatment Additives?
Replies: 11
Views: 3161

For about the first 30K miles I used a 12oz bottle of Techron w/every oil change (ie, twice a year). But then I moved and there's a Chevron gas station up the street...so I just try to use that with every fill-up.There is also a website which talks about "Top Tier" gasolines and retailers....
by Cougar Vibe
Thu Dec 17, 2009 1:05 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Oil change - from traditional to synthetic
Replies: 11
Views: 3789

First off, Waterboy's suggestion about going to BITOG is spot-on; just be sure to look past the American-centric vibe of late.As for switching, it's never too early, never too late to switch from dino to synthetic. There's a lot of rumor and innuendo, but nobody ever posts real data or examples of &...
by Cougar Vibe
Sat Dec 12, 2009 12:29 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Car bra?
Replies: 33
Views: 11079

Re: (ou.grizzly)

Here are some pics of mine (not a LeBra, but CarBra):
by Cougar Vibe
Fri Dec 11, 2009 3:06 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Car bra?
Replies: 33
Views: 11079

Re: (ou.grizzly)

Quote, originally posted by ou.grizzly »Do you do anything special to maintain the paint?Not really...no clay bar, no bi-weekly detail with polish/wax/sealer, no obsessive/compulsive routine.Pretty much this is it, since new:1) Paste wax twice a year with "Mother's California Cleaner Wax"...
by Cougar Vibe
Mon Nov 30, 2009 3:25 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Dumb Question: Drain plug on A/T pan ('03-08)?
Replies: 5
Views: 1489

Thanks to everybody for the info (very happy about the drain plug confirmation!). I'm really trying to avoid dropping the pan at this point (42K miles), as my Vibe (AWD) shifts like new and has given me no reason for concern. That said, I'd like to be a bit proactive and start a gradual fluid change...
by Cougar Vibe
Mon Nov 30, 2009 1:03 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Dumb Question: Drain plug on A/T pan ('03-08)?
Replies: 5
Views: 1489

Re: Dumb Question: Drain plug on A/T pan ('03-08)? (Cougar Vibe)

One more thing: What's the difference between Toyota T-IV and AC Delco T-IV? Packaging?
by Cougar Vibe
Mon Nov 30, 2009 12:45 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Dumb Question: Drain plug on A/T pan ('03-08)?
Replies: 5
Views: 1489

Dumb Question: Drain plug on A/T pan ('03-08)?

I'm sure this has been covered before, but I'm having issues with the search function right now. Anyway, is there a A/T pan drain plug on first generation Vibes? I sure hope so...I did drain & fill on my Ranger this weekend (no plug) and it was a mess. Luckily for me, Napa had a $6 drain plug th...
by Cougar Vibe
Fri Nov 06, 2009 11:32 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Buy a Vibe while you can...consumer reports says so :)
Replies: 38
Views: 7688

Re: Buy a Vibe while you can...consumer reports says so :) (iucu)

Quote, originally posted by iucu »T...Aura has Opel powertrain !Uh, don't get too crazy with that. My G6, which shares (well, shared) the same drive train and suspension as the Aura & Malibu, had a North American-only 3.5l V6, not to mention "unique" steering gear and front struts. In...
by Cougar Vibe
Wed Nov 04, 2009 7:50 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Buy a Vibe while you can...consumer reports says so :)
Replies: 38
Views: 7688

Re: Buy a Vibe while you can...consumer reports says so :) (star_deceiver)

Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver »A rebadged G6...Being a former GSucks owner, I don't know how they can recommend the Aura...Now my Vibe, that's another story. BTW S_D: Are you a Rockets or Blazers fan? I just bought four tickets this morning for Kamloops at Spokane...
by Cougar Vibe
Fri Oct 23, 2009 8:17 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: $ 44 - for Oil Change at Dealer !
Replies: 66
Views: 13911

Re: (jake75)

Nope...just checked Firestone's website and it's Kendall GT-1 (similar to Conoco-Phillips' synth-blend version of Motorcraft). At $25, which it's listed for now, it's not a bad deal...but for the same amount you could do Pennzoil Platinum or Castrol Edge w/a $5 filter (Bosch Premium, PureOne, Denso/...
by Cougar Vibe
Fri Oct 23, 2009 6:34 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: $ 44 - for Oil Change at Dealer !
Replies: 66
Views: 13911

If you have a Firestone nearby, they offer a standard 5qt and filter oil change for $25. Also, they run coupons from time to time and I've seen this as low as $15. BTW: The oil they use is Kendall GT, which is a good quality Connoco-Phillips synthetic blend. I'm not sure about the filter...may want ...
by Cougar Vibe
Sat Oct 03, 2009 5:42 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Anybody use a a trailer hitch/cargo basket combo on their Vibe?
Replies: 2
Views: 4664

Anybody use a a trailer hitch/cargo basket combo on their Vibe?

When we travel we use a Yakima cargo box, but I'd like to add a trailer hitch to my Vibe so I can put a rear-mount basket on it. The problem is that I've yet to see a Vibe (or any other small car) running around with one on there. I'm sort of afraid that four suitcases stuffed with crap will really ...
by Cougar Vibe
Mon Sep 28, 2009 10:58 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Which headlight restoration kit?
Replies: 7
Views: 1618

I used the 3M kit recently on some really bad Grand Caravan headlights and had great results. The 3M kit can be had for about $18 at WallyWorld; it comes with 3 types of buffing pads, a foam polishing pad and polish. After completing the lights on the ManVan, I had enough material (pads and polish) ...
by Cougar Vibe
Wed Sep 16, 2009 6:25 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: 2005 timing belt?
Replies: 6
Views: 2810

Darn it...I was just going to make him happy and say the same thing.
by Cougar Vibe
Sat Sep 12, 2009 5:21 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Question about the Matrix rear bumper protector for 03-08'.
Replies: 4
Views: 915

Thanks...guess I'll have to keep looking.
by Cougar Vibe
Sat Sep 12, 2009 5:11 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Question about the Matrix rear bumper protector for 03-08'.
Replies: 4
Views: 915

Re: Question about the Matrix rear bumper protector for 03-08'. (Cougar Vibe)

Oh, one other thing: It's doesn't say "MATRIX" on it, right?
by Cougar Vibe
Sat Sep 12, 2009 5:10 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Question about the Matrix rear bumper protector for 03-08'.
Replies: 4
Views: 915

Question about the Matrix rear bumper protector for 03-08'.

From the Ebay photos I've seen, the Matrix bumper protector folds over the edge of the rear bumper just a bit. Is the protector molded to do that or is it just a flat strip of rubber than you fold over the edge?The reason I ask is that I have a Grand Caravan and the rear bumper has some scratches th...
by Cougar Vibe
Tue Jul 28, 2009 2:40 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: new here and posting for my brother, is his vibe totalled?
Replies: 18
Views: 6269

If this was an insurance claim and the companies involved were either Safeco or The Hartford (they're the same company now), yes, it would be a total. I say that because I used to work claims for the former.Their criteria for totalling, and it's fairly similar among all the major companies (you'd be...
by Cougar Vibe
Fri Jul 24, 2009 6:28 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Car bra?
Replies: 33
Views: 11079

The class action lawsuits I mentioned, if I remember correctly, were for 3M products prior to 2002 (I was living in Las Vegas then and remember reading about it in the local paper). It had nothing to do with any car manufacturer, only 3M...and I suspect, though I have no proof, that it was sun/heat ...
by Cougar Vibe
Fri Jul 24, 2009 6:15 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Almost a "Perfect Storm."
Replies: 5
Views: 1419

Almost a "Perfect Storm."

I just get done yappin' on a thread about how perfect my front bumper cover is and alas, everything almost went down the crapper today. Not gonna get longwinded here, but it all came together: Walmart parking lot (ugh, hate Walmart), old lady in a Buick, disabled parking spot and a cell phone. The w...
by Cougar Vibe
Tue Jul 21, 2009 12:41 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Car bra?
Replies: 33
Views: 11079

I don't know if these photos are of much use, but there is not a single scratch or ding on the bumper cover. Still looks brand new, even with four years, 36k and a 4k road trip from Baltiwhore to Seattle on some very third-worldy highways. Oh yeah, the bra only cost me $60...http://img262.imageshack...
by Cougar Vibe
Tue Jul 21, 2009 12:19 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Car bra?
Replies: 33
Views: 11079

I've used a Perfect Fit car bra for four years now and I've had none of the bologna about scratching or peeling at all. In fact, I bet my front bumper cover looks better than 99% of '05 Vibes on the road. Now you do need to take it off when you wash the car and you do need to maintain the bumper cov...
by Cougar Vibe
Fri Jun 19, 2009 1:40 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: NUMMI News: Buh-bye Vibe, hello GM Prius model?
Replies: 9
Views: 2120

NUMMI News: Buh-bye Vibe, hello GM Prius model?

Story from TTAC...and it's all speculation, so take it for what it is.http://www.thetruthaboutcars.c...prius/That said, you guys at NUMMI build great cars...I hope you get to continue doing so, even if it's not the Vibe.
by Cougar Vibe
Mon Apr 27, 2009 9:41 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: is your Vibe ageing gracefully?
Replies: 43
Views: 12096

Oh, and one more thing: I have a G6 and it's a certifiable P.O.S. List of problems:1) Paints sucks.2) Brakes suck.3) Front end just started making a bad clunking noise when accelerating from a stop.4) The interior is the worst I've ever seen in a car...no soft-touch plastics, everything scratches ea...
by Cougar Vibe
Mon Apr 27, 2009 9:36 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: is your Vibe ageing gracefully?
Replies: 43
Views: 12096

I've got an '05 AWD w/36K on it.Basically, nothing is wrong with the car...the paint is about perfect, still on the original brakes & Goodyear tires, and it still smells new inside.The only gripe I have is so ultra-minor that it's silly to bring it up: The "No. 1" button on the factory...
by Cougar Vibe
Mon Nov 24, 2008 4:35 am
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Which winter tires do you have?
Replies: 121
Views: 47143

Re: (~MRVIBE2006~)

Quote »I got Dunlop Winter Sport M3 (215/55/16) on the stock alloys for winter and I thought they did rather well last year.I can second this recommendation: I've run the studless M3's on Toyota steelies for three years now and they've performed very well. Lots of ski trips and moutain passes...nev...