So I have an 03, 06, and 06 vibes. The 03 finally died. I’m looking to replace with an 09. Besides the body, what else has changed from 08 to 09 models. Motors, transmission, etc? Was it just cosmetic or did the mechanicals change too?
The 2010 Vibe base model I purchased has the 2.4L Toyota engine and the 5 speed automatic Toyota transmission. The window in the hatch does not open separately. Other than that, not much difference.
The 2009 1.8 Corolla engine got bored out a bit more and added a few horse power. The transmission uses World Standard fluid instead of the Toyota Type IV fluid in your first gen models. As mentioned in the last post, you have the option of a Camry or a Corolla engine. The radio is vastly improved, although there were problems with the new one to include the knobs losing their anchor clip inside. The seats are firmer and more supportive. The steering wheel telescopes. The car is slightly better insulated and quieter. No stupid cladding to fall off. The HVAC actuator door does not break and as a result, does not click-click-click. In short, having owned both, the second generation is better in every regard. More importantly, especially where winter is a factor, age kills cars; mileage doesn't. Buy as new a car as possible