What should I watch out for when buying a used Vibe?

Discuss any problems, warranty, repair, or replacement issues you are having with your Vibe & Matrix
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Davidjames
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Sep 02, 2007 6:38 pm

What should I watch out for when buying a used Vibe?

Post by Davidjames »

Im looking at an 03 gt with 60k and a navigation system.Aside from the obvious body damage problems is there anything specific to a Vibe to whatch out for.I noticed in one Gt I test drove that the shifting was really loose,almost sloppy,that was the first and only one Ive driven as a standard trans and it had over 80k on it ,is that normal ,or was that one just beaten?My last standard was a94 Rodeo not a fair comparison but still it was tight and went right into gear .

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02csnow
Posts: 1160
Joined: Wed Oct 18, 2006 9:50 am

Re: What should I whatch out for when buying a used Vibe? (Davidjames)

Post by 02csnow »

Is it a manual or auto? People have posted on here about the clutch going out early.
Bye Bye Vibe.............
RIT
Posts: 312
Joined: Mon May 06, 2002 9:58 am

Re: What should I whatch out for when buying a used Vibe? (02csnow)

Post by RIT »

He said he drove a GT - they only come in standard. The biggest problem with the GT is the clutch going at an early mileage. Others have complained about "lift" getting disabled from a broken bolt, i think. Doesn't seem like an expensive fix, though.
breezd
Posts: 402
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2007 5:30 am

Re: What should I watch out for when buying a used Vibe? (Davidjames)

Post by breezd »

I bought my 03GT about 5 months ago. Had about 63k on it when I got it, has 77k now. Haven't had any problems with it, only had to do routine maintenance. The clutch is a notorious problem with these. It is known to feel pretty soft, but I guess you could just use your best judgement on its quality. If possible, have a mechanic you trust look at it before buying it. And of course, as with any used car purchase, try to get a Carfax report to check out the history of the car!Good luck with finding your Vibe! GT is the way to go!!
THEN: 2003 Pontiac Vibe GT * Lowered * CAI * Sound SystemNOW: 2005 Infiniti FX35 RWD * Stock
mspalmer
Posts: 210
Joined: Mon Mar 07, 2005 8:16 am

Re: What should I watch out for when buying a used Vibe? (Davidjames)

Post by mspalmer »

The first thing I would look for?Did Colonel Panic used to own it? Mike
2005 Platinum AWDMoons and TunesXM RadioLLumar Window TintingWeathertech ventshauling my Taylor 410 w/Fishman pickup and Gibson SG guitars
Mavrik
Posts: 8072
Joined: Sat Jan 03, 2004 6:41 am

Re: What should I watch out for when buying a used Vibe? (mspalmer)

Post by Mavrik »

the shifter has always felt loose when it comes to the Vibe. However its how the clutch feels that I'd worry about. A good or bad clutch will not change that loose feeling in the shifter. Since there isn't a whole lot that can be done to a Vibe as far as mods, just check the MAF screws to see if they are stripped. thats a sign a cold air intake was probably installed. Other then that... I'd make sure all the under engine/front bumper and inner wheel well trim has all the fasteners. My Vibe liked to spit those out...
2007 stage 2 Satin White Pearl Subaru STi 2008 stage 2 Subaru STi hatch See my car at: Mavrik's car page
kevera
Posts: 3127
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2003 8:30 pm

Re: What should I watch out for when buying a used Vibe? (Davidjames)

Post by kevera »

What's up with your screen name.Are you a footy fan?
June '07 VOTM Sept '07 MOTM HCVO /HCMO The Red Devil
tnpartsguy
Posts: 1590
Joined: Thu Dec 30, 2004 1:22 pm

Post by tnpartsguy »

Look for rust under the rear hatch window and both the hatch and the window weatherstrip. Both areas are prone to rust, and GM has a bulliten about rear at the bottom of the rear window under the weatherstrip.
Current Ride 2015 GMC Terrain SLT
2nd Vibe 2006 Vibe AWD Stealth Monotone "Recon" December 2005 MOTM
Original Vibe: 2003 AWD Abyss Monotone "Darth"
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