Raven wrote:Oh the joys of living in the rust belt of Quebec!
En effet! :)
tpollauf wrote:[...]unless you drive a Chrysler product :lol:
Or a f* Mazda. I owned a 98 MPV. I know rust.
tpollauf wrote:WOW ... and to think I thought our Vibes were one of the better protected (from corrosion that is) cars out there.
The Vibe/Matrix have very few problems indeed in term of rust -- and in most other areas. :) However, the only major one I know is very hard to fix. All Vibe/Matrix (at least here in Quebec where we use salt heavily) eventually rust on top of the windshield because small rocks hit it occasionally and salt gets in it and the cancer starts.
When maintained, it can be controlled but I've seen some bad ones that would require to remove the windshield, sand to the metal and repaint. Of course, there's a high risk of cracking the windshield in the process.
This problem is compounded by the fact that it can't be treated by rust prevention treatments because of it's location.
I saw some of the early models (2003-2005) that were rusting behind the door handles.. not a lot of it's another thing to look for when looking for an second hand Vibe.
However, I never saw another with the problem I have. Here's the pics. Not pretty and getting worse by the minute.
It's another spot quite hard to shoot some anti-rust oil and the two Krown techs who worked on my car never thought of, at least, shoot some of their stuff in two the small holes inside. Not sure how much if would have helped in my case, but it could certainly not have hurt.
I bought the car in 2011 and I'm pretty certain it never was rust treated. :(
I've been hunting for a 2008 Vibe with a 2.4L, a roof window and ABS in pristine condition/low mileage. Mine does not have these and I always felt it was lacking. Not to mention that mine is a 1.8L. I'd welcome the little boost. ;) Any why go with a 2007/2008? Because of the rear window that open without opening the whole door. It's awesome to haul 10'+ lumber. :)
cyth
2007 Vibe 1.8L Automatic 185K, B&M 70264 Transmission Cooler, Custom 2" hitch receiver.