clutch issue

[jackw]

I am looking to get a '09 Vibe with a standard transmission. The salesperson (who tried to sell me an automatic) mentioned that the Vibes have a problem with their clutches wearing out prematurely. I did a search and found some old complaints. Is this still a problem with newer Vibes?Thanks.Jack

[keithvibe]

nor more than a problem than any other car... if you know how to drive standards you will be fine. Most get in the range of 50k-100k or more out of their clutch.the sales man was just trying to move a car already on the lot.. rather than order one for you.

[prathman]

Quote, originally posted by jackw »Is this still a problem with newer Vibes?I would doubt it. The problems were mainly with the old GT models which used an engine modified to get more power by going up to very high RPM levels. So to get the extra power required going into the 6500 -8200 rpm range. The combination of higher power and shifting at high rpms seems to have put a lot of stress on the clutch and led to quite a few failures at relatively low mileage.The '09 models use lower-reving engines and shouldn't have the same issue.

[DarkSpork]

Quote, originally posted by prathman »I would doubt it. The problems were mainly with the old GT models which used an engine modified to get more power by going up to very high RPM levels. So to get the extra power required going into the 6500 -8200 rpm range. The combination of higher power and shifting at high rpms seems to have put a lot of stress on the clutch and led to quite a few failures at relatively low mileage.The '09 models use lower-reving engines and shouldn't have the same issue.As prathman said the issue was mainly with the original GTs and largely due to the high revs you needed to hit to get the 180hp. It is incredibly difficult not to burn the clutch in my 2003 GT at 8000rpm unless I skip gears (i.e. 2nd to 4th), so I just generally don't hit lift.

[jackw]

thanks guys. i'll go get myself a standard.

[tx_wrx]

clutches are very sturdy these days. Vibe has very little torque which means very little wear. If i can get 97k mi and counting on a WRX clutch with agressive driving occasionally then you will most certainly get 100k on teh vibe. worst case i would say 75k, best case probably 150k. I got 155k on a 4cylinder altima once.