Thinking of buying, what are typical problems?

[Fieromunk]

Well I don't know anything about the Vibe other than that its the same car as the Matrix. The deal is my girlfriend is looking into getting a 2003 Vibe and neither of us knows anything about the car. Personally I'm into Fieros (as should be obvious by the name, at least its still a Pontiac you know ) and I came here to see if I could uncover what major typical problems these cars have.I noticed that there's a major issue with the stock battery from snooping around, but what kind of things are good to look for also in buying a used Vibe? I realize 2003 was the intorductory year and personally I'd always stay away from the first year of production just because I worked in an auto parts supply plant and I know what some of the product can be like.. but its not my choice here Any and all advice is welcome, as I have just about zero knowledge at this point.Thanks in advance!!!

[northvibe]

I know the 2003's had a issue with the cat. converter and smelling like eggs, but thats a tsb or recall so that shouldnt be a issue and if its used it probably already had the fix. the stock battery isnt a big issue i still have it and i have a 2004 base vibe with 37000 miles on it with out issues. This vibe is a toyota corolla so its very reliable. check out consumer reports on the vibe/matrix and they are both reliable (should be they are the same car). I have not had 1 major issue with the car and love it. the 1 other major thing with the 2003 is that they do not have the rocker panels on the 2 tone ones and the guages are all red instead of the 04+ white/red. I bought mine used, and just brought it to my mechanic to have him look it over before I bought it, to make sure nothing was wrong. Just find one with the options you like and a decent price

[sbaker]

Bought my 2003 Vibe Base in January [of 2006] and almost immediately had to have the converters replaced. Fortunately they're covered for 8 years/ 80,000 mi . The one I purchased had just over 70,000 mi on it when I had those replaced; and I'm still running on the OEM battery. The only downside about getting the converters replaced is that I took it to a GM dealership for the repair and it took them almost a week to get the parts. Other than that I've had no complaints. There's plenty of cargo room and enough room for your friends, all with fuel economy in mind.

[ColonelPanic]

Welcome aboard!Make sure all of the windows roll up and down without any binding, popping, clicking, or any other sort of inappropriate noises... That is quite common, usually caused by bent door checks which if they are too far out of whack, can cause the glass to shatter.

[rubberman]

Watch for bad tranny in the 5spd cars

[scherry2]

I've had my 03 vibe since nov. 02 and I've just lately changed the battery after almost 4 years.the catalytic converter and pcm were replaced no problem by the dealer in 04 for the rotten egg smell and if I'm not mistaken 04 an 05 also had this problem. the side cladding on the 03 two tone were subject to a TSB for sand blasting around the front of the rear wheelhouse, and were changed to the 04 style. as ColonelPanic says some have a problem with the check strap. when I drove off the lot mine did make the noise but the dealer replaced the window regulator and I've had no problems since.I also complained of skipping CD's when the brakes were applied and the dealer replaced the radio.oh yea 1 other thing...........the paint sucks, chips easy. other than that I love my vibe!!

[badvibes2003]

I wouldn't buy this car again. I only have 51,000 miles on it and just had to replace the 5 speed transmission. Now my check engine light is coming on. Another problem? I'm thinking about trading it in for another Honda Civic (my previous car)Good luck

[CAN-AWD-VIBE]

thanks for coming out.please Fieromunk- understand that if you were to ask this in any automotive forum you will get someone like this.I have only had to replace a blower motor in my 03 awd. Pretty minor stuff with 75000 kms on it. Maybe the cats are coming but I'm not too worried... as long as the important stuff keeps going the way they have been, very Toyota.Quote, originally posted by badvibes2003 »I wouldn't buy this car again. I only have 51,000 miles on it and just had to replace the 5 speed transmission. Now my check engine light is coming on. Another problem? I'm thinking about trading it in for another Honda Civic (my previous car)Hope you have better luck with your Honda... btw i replaced my 5spd tranny in my 97 Prelude with about 62,000 miles. So please don't start in on how great they are cause ALL THE CAR MANUFACTURERS SUCK!!! I would buy another though as it was a great car.As someone in the "industry" there is a lot of money in the Service side. From Acura to Yugo... they all have their problems. Just how frequent make a difference.This car seems to be quite infrequent overall

[tcam]

overall, the car is incredibly reliable and is a classic example of a great Toyota product. However, there are many minor issues that can get on your nerves. Such as the clicking window, poor paint, and poor clutches that people have already described. But the truly important (major problems)seem to be just fine and no big deal. It's an awesome car, and I have no regrets to choosing it.