FYI, the job is not nearly this simple on the 2zz. I created another post to indicate that this should not be attempted on a 2zz without knowing beforehand.

Hey folks, I'm in the middle of a FUBAR situation with trying to replace the timing chain tensioner on my 2zz vibe. Lots of links suggest that the 2zz is a similar task to swapping the 1zz. If I had googled it harder before trying the job, I would have known that it wasn't worth trying to fix this o...

Indeed, my timing belt tensioner is leaking. I ordered the part and hope that completes the fix. Reselling the oil pan was fun.

Hi folks, I just spent the afternoon swapping an alternator into my old Nissan truck (which didn't fix the problem, which holds off posting it for sale even more...), only to look over to the parking spot for my 03 GT and see a 2 inch oil puddle on the pavement. Car was almost half a quart low and I...

In the cold weather the last few days, my 2003 GT is making a significant "clunk" at cold startup. I had the clutch done about a month ago when I was too busy to even research the DIY itself. Perhaps there is something they might have done that needs adjustment? A motoro mount, transmissio...

I don't have a front strut bar. I've only had this car for a few months and have steadily been making improvements while trying not to spend much money (then my wife blew the clutch). I have limited time to work on the car myself so I've focused on quick and easy improvements. A big time-suck right ...

OK, the mike00 brace is on my GT. Pre-impression: the OEM brace is a joke. When I took it off I decided to see if it is as flimsy as it looks. I could easily twist-flex it in my hands. I figured it was meant to resist bending (so chassis rails stay vertically parallel), so I decided to put it on my ...

Well, instead of the Ultra Racing brace I was thinking about this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/151414789395?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; at half the price and only a few days away from me by mail. Based on this...

Has anyone upgraded the small hourglass-shaped OEM mid-chassis brace under the Vibe to an aftermarket unit? It looks like there are several options available, and they are cheap, but little info on whether they work. All I've found in googling Matrix/Vibe/Corolla lead me to some discussions on Prius...

Late this afternoon while trying to get my Xterra running again (been dormant, now has intermittent electrical issue) my wife calls with "bad news...car has been acting funny for a few days and now I can't get it up the hill to our driveway." Yeah, looks like she TORCHED the clutch, drivin...

A belated update: Well, I'm not driving the Vibe anymore. We played musical jobs and now my wife is using it for her 30-mile commute each way. She calls it "MY car" and I'm stuck driving her hand-me-down CUV appliance (from her parents) with a valve cover gasket leak and nearly bald tires....

Hmm, didn't realize I had replies until I logged in again. I don't think this car was listed anywhere but my local Craigslist. First full tank of gas got me 29.8 mpgs. Not bad considering I haven't been modest with the throttle in stoplight conditions. I have gotten it into lift a few times...but th...

Hey folks, I joined and posted when I was thinking about buying this car. And then about 2.5 weeks ago I did. 2003 GT moons/tunes w/ 17" Enkais and Conti Extremes in great shape. Low-ish miles (993xx when I bought it) and mechanically clean it seems. Shift linkage bushings were rough, and I alr...

Bought it. First things on list are DMV visit, oil change/fluids check, and then ordering an extra key fob and brass steering bushings. Good cleaning will come ASAP, probably starting during oil change.

Mmmkay, test drive in the rain was fun. Took a mechanic buddy along. He said one dent is no biggie and he can pop it out in a few minutes. A poor repair on a door will be more work. Might leave it alone if I get the car. We think it might have a wheel bearing going on the passenger side. The shifter...

Hi folks! Thanks for adding me. I've been interested in finding a Vibe GT or Matrix XRS for a while. 30+ mpg in a fun-to-drive, RELIABLE wagohatch would be a great addition to our stable. A 2003 popped up recently with a high asking price and some cosmetic flaws, but less than 100k miles, so it has ...