What Model/Year Should I Get?

[notlo3]

Howdy guys, I'm a new member who is interested in getting a Vibe GT. I've decided I want something that is simple, cheap, reliable, and gets good gas milage. I am mainly looking at the 1.8L base models, but I was looking into the GT with the 2ZZ engine at first. I decided that while the GT would be a blast to drive and mod, I don't think it is worth the price jump in purchasing, the bad mpg, and the premium gas. My main questions about the base model are as follows.
Is the 1.8L engine on the 09-10 base model different from the 1.8L corolla engine? And if so, is it less reliable?
Also, are there any years that I should keep an eye out for, or any red flags when buying an old Vibe?
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[lynthow2009]

Welcome

[joatmon]

Is the 1.8L engine on the 09-10 base model different from the 1.8L corolla engine? And if so, is it less reliable?

For the 1.8L option, looks like 09-10 corolla and vibe both use 2ZR-FE engines. I haven't paid much attention to the reliability of those, so can't say. I seem to remember seeing a number of threads about oil consumption in the 09-10's but don't know how common that really is. Based only on what gets posted here, any Vibe engine failure is uncommon.

One token thing, the 03-08's have hatch glass that can open without opening the whole hatch, the 09-10s didn't. I didn't use it often, but appreciated it when I did.

Probably good to avoid the early first gen 5 speed manual trannies.

when checking out a potential purchase, take along an OBDII scanner to check for codes. If the reader says Not Ready, then there is a good chance the codes were reset and the car hasn't been driven enough to run through all the test cycles. Its a warning sign that there may be an issue deliberately or inadvertently hidden.

As these cars continue to age, where the car has lived is increasingly important. Seeing more rust issues here than we used to.

[andrewclaus]

Carcomplaints.com is a tool I like to use when shopping for a used car.

[tpollauf]

09-10 Vibe GT's are strictly a cosmetic thing only, when it comes to engine performance. Nothing special at all about the plain 2.4L engine. Now the 03-04 Vibe GT's are the ones you want to grab, as they are becoming more scarce due to their age. The GT engine has 11.6:1 compression ratio, a shorter stroke, runs on premium fuel, and love to run upwards to 8000rpm with no problems! You even hit "lift" at 6200 rpm thanks to the special Yamaha head bolted onto the Toyota block.

[SSizler]

Vibe GTs with the Yamaha head were produced from 2003-2006.
Just correcting a small discrepancy that tpollauf stated in the previous post.

[SlammedNiss]

Vibe GTs with the Yamaha head were produced from 2003-2006.
Just correcting a small discrepancy that tpollauf stated in the previous post.

Was there no 2ZZ Vibe's in 2007-2008?

[ColonelPanic]

Vibe GTs with the Yamaha head were produced from 2003-2006.
Just correcting a small discrepancy that tpollauf stated in the previous post.

IIRC, the earlier GT's was generally regarded as the most desirable as the 2ZZ was detuned toward the end.

Was there no 2ZZ Vibe's in 2007-2008?

Nope, GT went away after 2006. AWD as well.

If I were to buy another one today, I'd try to find the best 2008 I could. Though at this point, what's another year or two?

[SlammedNiss]

Nope, GT went away after 2006.

Was there any particular reason why? Considering the Matrix had an Xrs 2003-08, seems really odd they didn't produce the VGT through those same years.

[2003Vibeyota]

1st Gen Vibe looks the best in my opinion.
I feel like you can't be too picky with trim levels and specific year when looking for an older used car on a budget. You get whatever is in the best shape from whats available.
Lower tune engines last longer in general and are usually driven by people who are less likely to race around in it, both important factors in cars that age. Premium fuel costs and worse gas mileage would put me off from getting a GT version. Chasing the 8K redline in a 13yr+ old car is asking for trouble in my opinion, and if you don't rev the life out of it, you won't get any of the extra power as its all higher up in the rev range. Even in perfect shape with a brand new engine, there are better choices than the Vibe if you're looking for performance. Having said that, they are fun cars that handle pretty well and last forever. Ive never tried the auto version, but with manual transmission, they are great. Its surprisingly big inside and can fit a lot of gear.