@vibenvy: Thanks for the tip! Doing a search for a 2003 Vibe engine returns very little, but from what I've read on here, a search for a 2003 Corolla engine will work, correct? I did that and came up with an engine for sale at a local shop - the description reads "1.8L, VIN R 5TH DIG 1ZZFE ENG ...

So, about a month and a half ago I bought a 2003 base model Vibe that had 250k miles on it. Being just a "silly girl" :oops: , I brought my ex with me to check the car out, and with the most cursory of look-overs, he recommended I buy it. Two weeks ago, I'm driving on the freeway and there...