Buying 2003 or 2004 Vibe, Questions

[Jmontigny]

My wife and I are going to be replacing our 2003 Odyssey with a 2003 or 2004 Vibe. We are looking at the 130hp automatic version. I expect to find one with 20,000-40,000 miles for $10,000-12,000. So what are the most important things to check for? TSB issues or common problems etc.Does a 2003 or 2004 with the 16" alloys wheels have any other options packaged with them?Is keyless entry standard with the power locks on the 2003 and 2004?

[joatmon]

hi Jmontigny and welcome to genvibe!I have a 2003 base vibe 5 speed, and it has been very trouble free for me so far. There were not many changes between the 2003 and 2004 Vibes, but they did change the color scheme of the gauges, and I like the 2004 gauges better, but not enough to spend money to have them changed.I don't know if the alloy wheels were part of a larger option package, I think they were an individual option by themselves, so seeing a Vibe with alloys doesn't necessarily mean that it will also have some other specific option. One with alloys probably has other options, but you can't tell from just the fact that it has the alloys.Keyless entry is standard with power locks. The power locks, power windows, keyless entry and cruise control were all part of the "Power Package", and none of those were available from the factory without the others.Check the tires, a lot of people had problems with the tires that came from the factory. Where you live you probably want to be sure to get a set of snow tires for the winter, In general the factory tires won't be much use in your winter road conditions up there.The battery in 2003/2004 was underrated, and may be a problem. Mine has been ok, other people have had troubles in the winter. I don't know if there was an actual TSB about it, but some people have had dealers replace the battery with a larger one for free.Some people have had problems with the paint chipping easily, so before you buy one look over the front of the car for stone chips and such.

[Jmontigny]

Thanks for the great reply. One more question what exactly does the upgraded sound system that comes with sunroof consist of? 6disc, cassette?

[damronjr]

200W amplifier with speakers in the front and rear doors and tweeters in the front doors by the sideview mirrors. My Moon & Tunes package came with a single cd player. I know a 6-disc is optional, but I don't know if it is with the M&T package.

[kostby]

Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Vibe!Yes, the 6-disc changer was available as an additional option with the 6-speaker Moon & Tunes package. (My 2003 has it.)Another common complaint on the 03's is the rotten-egg smell of the exhaust. It is apparently dependent upon the brand and formulation of the gasoline you use. More refining=less sulfur=less smell. There is a TSB for it on the '03's. Don't know if it was fixed on the 04's, or if the TSB applies.Minor things to look out for: Many early automatic Vibes are missing the black plastic Shift Lock cover (looks like a nickel-sized opening to the right of the shift handle.Some cars are missing some rubber plugs under the car. Apparently untrained dealers discarded them in the beginning.Dashboard rattles affect many Vibes.Weatherstrip (especially around the driver's door opening where your coat would rub getting in) is subject to quick wear, and will be replaced under 3/36 warranty.Some minor rust is appearing below the glass hatch opening weatherstrip on early Vibes. Again, should be repaired under the 3/36 warranty.