Rayven01 wrote:Those with late 2009 models have reported they don't have the oil burn issue, so I would expect a 2010 to also not have the issue. If by chance it does, the general average seems to be about a quart every 3000 miles. $50 would more than cover that.
leemur wrote:my 2,4 was bought in June 09 so mine is most likely an official burner but in my experience with this car...
I had no oil issues until the car was 5 years old and my 19 year old son started driving it (him exclusively)
Then I had oil loss. When I took the car back one year later it was using oil but mostly quit within a month.
It looks like getting on it...heavy acceleration just pushes the oil through, small amount but adds up over a month.
It really depends on how bad the oil consumption will affect the vehicle. If it's around $50/month, I'm ok with that. But if it damages the engine over time, makes unreliable, or -5mpg from the gas mileage, I might just consider a 1.8L instead.tpollauf wrote:Welcome to GenVibe. Don't let the oil burning issue stop you from getting this car. Chances are it doesn't burn any. If it does you only notice it when checking the oil in the engine. In other words there is no smoke or nasty fumes present. Fuel economy is not affected by any excessive oil consumption. One of our Vibes consumes oil and the other does not. It's not a big deal. Keep us posted as to if you get this GT or not.
I have $2000 set aside for any immediate (within 2 months) maintenance/repairs in case I got unlucky.MacGyver wrote:Welcome to Genvibe!
Carproof can't be trusted since not all accidents may be reported, but the maintenance visits reported are a good sign this vehicle was well maintained.
As far as accidents go, $2500 isn't much damage today. Probably replaced the rear bumper, fixed rear fender panel, paint, and maybe a taillight. In my 2006 Matrix, I was rear ended square on by an inattentive driver. The rear bumper, hatch door, and more was replaced for over $5K and that was six years ago. Best thing to check is the trunk floor. If the trunk floor isn't tight, moves or lifts slightly when the knobs are set to lock, or doesn't open or close properly, there is probably frame damage in the rear that was missed and you should walk away. Also check the fit of interior panels in the trunk for other signs of unrepaired damage.
Can't recommend any inspection service. But check out this video and learn how to do it yourself! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDv5bUR_Plo
Of course if you don't have an OBD scanner, then paying for an inspection service would probably be worth it.
As far as the 2.4L engine, it's notorious for problems. Older versions the head bolts would strip, rendering the engine a writeoff, and on newer versions there is a defect in the pistons which cause the engine to eat oil at alarming rates. Sometimes. There are millions of these engines on the road and not every one is affected. It just seems that way because Internet. Unfortunately there is no way to tell without dismantling the engine. Toyota/GM don't even know what pistons the engine was assembled with, so they have to pull the engine apart and then wait for parts. I will let other 2.4L owners chime in with their experience; I only have experience with the 1.8L engines which in my experience never burn oil.
My 1.8L gets 7.6-7.8L/100km. So I can go about 500km on $40 of gas. 2.4L economy is slightly worse but not by much. Insurance is a biggie since you're in the GTA and it's your first car - that's an entirely new topic on its own. For maintenance, I put away $100 a month for maintenance of each of my vehicles and keep the fund topped up at $1000 per vehicle, which should cover any huge unexpected repair, new tires, winter tires, brakes, oil changes, etc. These cars don't require much maintenance.
Other things:
Check the radio knobs, they break and are a pain to fix. If they are already broken, ask for a discount.
OnStar can be upgraded in the car to 4G LTE WiFi - it may have already been done by the dealer if the previous owner subbed to Onstar. If so you are entitled to a free trial!
Check the tranny fluid, the 100k service interval is coming soon. Expect $80 for that service.
There may be an open recall on your car for power window switch, get that fixed for free at a GM dealer.
Do those increase performance or gas mileage or both?vibenvy wrote:Note, my Vibe has a K&N short ram air intake with an AEM Dryflow air filter and a Magnaflow catback exhaust.
Check the sticker on the driver's side door jamb. It will show the month and year the vehicle was built.chappy wrote:Also, any way I can figure out if this car is victim to the oil consumption?
If I read the CarProof correctly, it looks like it was purchased in September 2008. Seems like I have a good chance of getting an oil guzzler.
Do those increase performance or gas mileage or both?
Was it worth it? Cause the SRI seems to cost like 350-500 based on my very limited research.vibenvy wrote:I have seen a slight increase in power and a 1-2 MPG increase, so definitely both.
Assuming the bulbs are indeed just burnt out, you're looking at few bucks and few minutes for replacement. Very easy!chappy wrote:-Two lights werent working though. The rear left red light on the outside. And the front passenger dome light on the inside. Probably the bulbs burnt.
How much would the two lights cost to fix (part and labour, or just parts if I'm up for DIY)?
I'm not saying the 2.4 gets better mileage than the 1.8. What I am saying is, like with any other vehicle, as long as you don't drive like a racecar driver, you can easily surpass the EPA numbers. Again, I will mention the 40 MPG I got at 60 MPH with 100% highway. I average 27-28 MPG with my everyday 50/50 driving. 30-35 MPH in town, 55 MPH on country roads. It just ticks me off that everyone bashes the 2.4 for gas mileage. IMO, it's a great combination of a little more power and decent gas mileage.Caretaker wrote:I'll throw a bomb in here Chappy. The folks that keep saying that there is little difference between the 1.8 and 2.4 on gas mileage are either smoking something illegal or are never going over the 35 mph speed limit in town or 55 on the highway. It just doesn't seem credible to me with that big a displacement difference. If people are pushing 80 on the highway like we do here in SoCal, or driving in town like a normal person, you are looking at 22-24 mpg average with the Camry engine, not the 30 mpg I routinely get with my Corolla engine as I casually drive without looking at my speedometer every 5 seconds or throwing a bed sheet out the window so I can coast when the wind is favorable. The Camry engine is simply too much for a small car like the Vibe. Get it because you like the feel of spinning wheels under your feet and like keeping Exxon executive's kids in Ivy League schools. Just don't get the larger engine because some people keep repeating that there is not much of a drop in gas mileage. It just doesn't pass the common sense test. Oh and by the way, when I made a 400 mile highway trip on mostly flat roads going 55 mph the whole way, I got 43 mpg. I'll keep my Corolla engine.
If the headlights and taillights are still nice and clear, I would just put a coat of wax on them every so often to help keep them protected. I've been doing this with our Vibes since we got them in 2009 and they still look brand new.chappy wrote:And since I have the housing off, should I preemptively put on a protective layer on top of it now or deal with that when it starts to haze up?
2) Replace right map light (assuming it's bulb and not the wiring).
Similarly, I might as well replace all the interior dome and trunk lights to some LEDs that are brighter. But these, I would strongly prefer warm white instead of cool white. Where can I get them?
Also, how many courtesy lights are there? 2 or 4? Would like to order them sooner so I wait less for shipping.
4) Clean and wax car.
Can I use dish soap or I have to use car soap from those automotive stores?
Also, liquid wax vs paste wax?
6) I forgot to check, but do the 2009 Vibe GT have wheel lug nut keys?
Thanks!
Sounds WAY too expensive then. I paid less than half of that ($3600 USD last December) for my 2003 in way better condition.chappy wrote: A few noticeable cuts, dings, and scratches in the interior (front passenger, rear passenger, trunk). To me, it felt like the previous owner used it to haul stuff around. The rim of the spare tire had rust, the jack had rust, the metal part of the knobs that lock the trunk plastic parts had rust. From my understanding, those parts shouldnt have rust since it's inside and protected from the elements. CarProof didnt show many service records. Used car dealer also just replaced tires. Just didnt felt like the previous owner took care of the vehicle.
Fit, Mazda3, Forte5, Versa, iM, Focus hatch, Elantra GT doesnt allow me to sleep in the trunk when I go camping/road trip. It's too short. Only the Elantra Touring and Vibe/Matrix is long enough.jake75 wrote:I like my 2009 1.8L base Vibe; and I liked my 2003 1.8L base Vibe before that. But unlike my wife of 48 years I would not hesitate to get something different. Time marches on, and there is a lot to be said for something 6 or 7 years newer. A new car with 3 years warranty will cost you almost nothing for maintenance and repairs for maybe even 5 years. If you can't pay cash Interest rates on new cars are low. A Honda Fit or HRV, or a Mazda 3 might be a better choice in the long run. Explore the alternatives.
Caretaker wrote:Not only that Ben, buying a used car from a dealer is a dreadfully awful idea since they no nothing about a car's history. They know nothing about what conditions (where) it was driven, whether it was serviced, service intervals, whether it had ever been in an accident (unreported to worthless CarFax), whether bubba was mixing meth in the trunk, whether it was a smoker's car, whether skunks were transported to the local 4H contest...........and on and on and on. You will know when a used car for sale just happened to be one of the 1% that was serviced at that exact dealer when the price is marked up $4,000+ Stay away from dealers. Buy from an owner. If he is missing lots of teeth, then you may want to avoid the meth car.
The car was lowered to 8500 CAD last I check and has been sold. So I'm assuming someone probably haggled that down to like 7000 CAD and it was worth it to them.BenWA wrote:Sounds WAY too expensive then. I paid less than half of that ($3600 USD last December) for my 2003 in way better condition.
One problem with questionable cars from dealers if they have staff on hand to do what they can do hide defects. At least with a private party sale, they don't have a dozen or more people skilled at hiding problems.
I'm just concerned about the quality of the lights since I'll sometimes use the interior lights for an extend duration.vibenvy wrote:If the headlights and taillights are still nice and clear, I would just put a coat of wax on them every so often to help keep them protected. I've been doing this with our Vibes since we got them in 2009 and they still look brand new.
As others suggested on FB, SuperBrightLEDs sells warm white LED bulbs. There are also tons of places on eBay that sell them as well.
There are 2 map lights up front above the windshield that use #194 bulbs (assuming it has a sunroof). Than there is an overhead light between the front and rear seats and another overhead light over the rear cargo area. The latter 2 use #DE3175 (#31mm) bulbs.
Do not use dish soap. It will strip any wax on the paint. I personally use Mother's Caranuba Wash and Wax.
I personally use liquid wax because it's easier to work with. I use the complete Mother's Ultimate 3 Step Wax System twice a year and in between I use the pure caranuba wax (step 3).
I highly recommend clay barring the Vibe before waxing it. Clay barring will remove all the stuck on junk and will give you a nice smooth surface for the wax. I use Mother's California Gold Clay Bar System. It's a little time consuming, but the end results are well worth it. I do this twice a year, once in spring and once in fall.
For further information on detailing, check out the Mother's Detail Guide and Wax Forum.
2009-2010 Vibe GTs did not come standard with wheel locks. There are OEM and aftermarket ones that will work though.
Let me know if you have any other questions !
Thanks!Caretaker wrote:Well, if you still haven't made the transaction yet and you need any advice on the Vibe versus the HET, I'd be glad to help you out since I own both of them. Just let me know.
I have no idea how many lumens the stock bulbs put out. If you go LED, they will produce more lumens with little to no heat, so LED would be your best bet for long periods of use.chappy wrote:I'm just concerned about the quality of the lights since I'll sometimes use the interior lights for an extend duration.
Bright would be nice, but then I'm worried about it overheating so high lumens are a concern.
How many lumens are the stock interior lights?
Ah! Those links help a lot! Thanks!
I think I'll just get one type of car soap. The wash+wax two in ones for use throughout the year. Then use the same car soap for fall and spring when I'll clay bar and wax.
DIdnt know I can just wax the housing for the lights. I thought I need those spray can clear coat things.
I'm assuming the alloys will be the same (wash and wax)? Sans the clay bar?
Also, what kind of alloys do the GTs have? Brushed aluminum? Chrome? Just want to know how to clean and protect it.
Will using the same car soap as above be sufficient?
Get this. https://www.pepboys.com/product/details/523271/01036 Requires some modification of the dome light assembly with a hobby knife, which is easily removed. Many times brighter than stock.chappy wrote: I'm just concerned about the quality of the lights since I'll sometimes use the interior lights for an extend duration.
Bright would be nice, but then I'm worried about it overheating so high lumens are a concern.
How many lumens are the stock interior lights?
Mine comes with an ash tray.BenWA wrote:I found it interesting that the Vibe has no ash trays. I'm not a smoker so I don't care, but yeah. I've never seen any car before without an ash tray at all.
Got the Vibe like 2 days ago.Caretaker wrote:The HET does fold "mostly" flat with just a slight incline up at the "head of the bed." Also, the front seats go almost all the way down and provide a nice comfy bed for sleeping as well. My HET also holds a lot more than my Vibe does and is much more versatile and much better appointed. The manual HET is a 5 speed vice the sometimes problematic 4 speed automatic. Hopefully my (now) second transmission will not give out now that Hyundai has a fully synthetic tranny fluid. Their OEM fluid, no longer used, was a good as water and caused lots of early transmission failures. Let us know what you end up with.
No haze. Replaced that burnt 7443 already and waxed all exterior light housing.vibenvy wrote:Waxing the lights will only work if the lights are still in good shape. If they have started to haze, waxing them will not reverse the hazing.
The OEM GT wheels have a polished face with gunmetal painted inserts. They have a clear coat on them. I clean them the same as the rest of the exterior, except I use a seperate sponge and I clean them last. Putting a coat of wax on them won't hurt them.
How do I access the bulbs? Too scared to forcefully explore the housings right now.MacGyver wrote:Get this. https://www.pepboys.com/product/details/523271/01036 Requires some modification of the dome light assembly with a hobby knife, which is easily removed. Many times brighter than stock.
As far as the throttle goes, I would contact a GM dealer and find out if any of the accelerator pedals recalls were done on it. Ours were both very touchy at first too, but the whole "unintended acceleration" debacle happened and we had the pedal "fix" followed by entirely new accelerator pedal assemblies which made a huge difference.chappy wrote:-sensitive throttle (compared to RAV4's eco mode)
-middle arm rest is lower than I'm used to, considering getting the higher one in a thread I saw
-ride is bumpier/harsher
-blind spot might be bigger than I'm used to
No haze. Replaced that burnt 7443 already and waxed all exterior light housing.
I havent cleaned the rims yet as there's quite a bit of curb rash. I only used the store bought spray-wait-rinse rim cleaner.
It'll probably require sanding down, polishing, clear coat to make it like-new condition. Will do that after I switch on winter tires+steel rims later in the year.
4am here.MacGyver wrote:Open the dome light by inserting a fine slotted screwdriver into each of two very small openings on one long edge of the lens. Pry the lens out. You can even remove the entire housing by moving tabs now visible in the corners, and unplug it so it can be modified to accept an LED array.
The throttle recall should have been completed. I'm just used to the Eco mode on the RAV4. Like I can floor it and it'll only give me 4000rpm kind of thing.vibenvy wrote:As far as the throttle goes, I would contact a GM dealer and find out if any of the accelerator pedals recalls were done on it. Ours were both very touchy at first too, but the whole "unintended acceleration" debacle happened and we had the pedal "fix" followed by entirely new accelerator pedal assemblies which made a huge difference.
The higher armrest is a 1st gen (2003-2008) thing. AFAIK, it won't work on the 2nd gens (2009-2010).
The "harsh" ride is due to the OEM sport suspension and 18" wheels and tires. Not much can be done to reduce the harshness other than switching to smaller wheels. Keep in mind though, 16" wheels are the absolute smallest that will fit over the huge front brakes. We switch to 16" wheels with 205/55/16 tires for the winter months and while they do make a difference in the ride, it's not a huge one.
Get yourself some small round stick-on blind spot mirrors to add to the side mirrors. These have made a huge in decreasing the blind spots for us.
Glad to hear the lights are still in good condition and you got the bulb replaced.
You may want to look into having the wheels powder coated. It's a very durable coating and pretty cheap.
I look forward to seeing pictures of the Vibe when the weather cools down a bit.