new to the forum

[the3carrs]

Hello, I am new to this forum, but owned a 2006 Toyota matrix for 5 years. had 135000 miles when we got it and had no probems. the clear coat started looking bad so we sold it with 174000 miles on it to a happy buyer.
Found a red 2009 vibe with 99000 miles and purchased it, but it has crank windows, no roof rack, manual door locks, and found out after driving a few days, NO CRUISE. my husband loved the cruise.
Decided we really are spoiled by all the above and found one with everything but it has 145000 mile bought it (a silver 2009 AWD) before selling red. so now we have 2. the AWD seems to get less gas mileage. Trying to figure out the engine sizes....how do I tell?

Is it hard to add power door locks and cruise? looks like the rack may switch over. We are trying to decide which one to keep.
Any insight from anyone. the red one cost 1000 dollars more but has new tires.

[vibrologist]

Welcome to GenVibe!

I cannot answer all your questions but I am sure your '09 AWD has the 2,4 L engine.

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=40003#p474445

The roof rack will switch over , no problem.

It is certainly possible to add power locks and power windows. But I don't know how involved it gets. It depends on how much of the wiring is already present in the base model.

I personally would drive both for some time to find out which engine is in better shape. Some 2.4 L engines use excessive amounts of oil. I would also compare other mechanical items.

AWD always uses more fuel because of added drag of drive components and added weight. AWD has independent rear suspension which is heavier than the FWD twist beam axle. The independent rear suspension provides a better ride.

[the3carrs]

thanks for the reply...trying to find the engine size of the red vibe. The silver is the 2.4L. found it by looking up the vin, but the vin on the red one doesn't say

[zbyers]

09-10 Base is typical 1.8L SOME are the 2.4L, but not too many
09-10 AWD/GT = 2.4L
03-08 AWD/Base = 1.8L (1ZZ engine)
03-06 GT = 1.8L (2ZZ engine)

And for easy reference on wheel bolt patterns should you need it.

ALL 1.8L (03-10) are 5x100.
ALL 2.4L (09-10) are 5x114.3

[vibrologist]

If the engine has a heat shield and the exhaust header up front it is a 2.4 l engine.
If the engine has a plastic intake manifold up front it is the 1.8 L engine.

Also the 8th character of the VIN is for the engine. You can use VIN decoder (Google it) to find out.

[ehoff121]

Welcome to genvibe!

[tpollauf]

We are trying to decide which one to keep.
Any insight from anyone.

Keep the AWD model ! It is hard to sacrifice those amenities that we've all come to love and the AWD has everything (assuming sunroof & roof rack too?) The mileage will be somewhat less BUT your acceleration, when needed, will be quicker than the 1.8l engine which likely is in the Red base model. Larger tires (17" were stock on AWD models vs 16" on the base) and the independent rear suspension as mentioned will offer a slightly smoother ride. Are you in a snow belt region? If so the AWD could be a safety insurance plus! Update profile please showing us where you're from. Pics of the two Vibes would be nice also. Welcome to GenVibe and visit often

[vibenvy]

Welcome to GenVibe! I guarantee the red Vibe has the 1.8L engine.