'09 Vibe 1.8L winter tires and rim

[jackw]

I am looking to buy winter tires and rims for my 1.8L '09 Vibe. I have done some research and want to go with 15" rims with 195/65R15 tires. Can someone confirm this? Are '09 Vibe rims any different from previous years? Can I use rims that fit 03-08 Vibe or Matrix?Thanks.Jack

[kowell]

The bolt pattern of the 1.8L model is 5x100 which is the same as the old model. You should just validate first that the brake disk isn't too big and that a 15 inch will fit on your 1.8L. They don't fit on 2.4L model but the brake disks are bigger than the 1.8L model. The size looks right for a 15 inch replacement.I remember the dealer telling me that they install the same wheels on 1.8L model than they did on the old one but with these guys, you keep some and leave some.

[jackw]

I'm going to try some 06' Corolla 15" rims on my 09' Vibe base. I believe they fit.Jack

[mygsds]

I'm in the same position. I have the 2.4 l engine with the 16" wheels. I have snow tires from my 2004 Grand Am but I think the bolt pattern on them is 5x115 so they won;t fit. I have a chance to get a set of used winter tires on rims - they are bolt pattern to fit up to the 08 vibe and have the tire size I have 205x55R16.So I am assuming these will fit?Pat

[redhot09]

from my understanding the 15" will not fit no matter what you do. It has to do with the caliper part of the brake. Just be careful, I had a similar problem with my celica 16" stock and I tried to bolt on some 15" they bolted up correct so I tightened all the bolts down and tried to drive it..... No go I tightened the wheel to the outside brake caliper. My advise do not go lower than the stock wheel they went 16" for a reason. I'm sure 15" wheels are a lot cheaper if they could they would. my 2cents

[jackw]

redhot09:You're right. I put one 15" rim on and I could see that the caliper is very close to the rim. I then went to the dealer where I bought the car and talked to the parts manager. He told me that either the bearing or the caliper is different from previous models so no 15" rims. I will be buying 16" rims.jack

[Sublimewind]

Quote, originally posted by jackw »redhot09:You're right. I put one 15" rim on and I could see that the caliper is very close to the rim. I then went to the dealer where I bought the car and talked to the parts manager. He told me that either the bearing or the caliper is different from previous models so no 15" rims. I will be buying 16" rims.jackHow close? if you have over 5mm of room, it should be fine.. should be.. don't quote me..

[jackw]

I didn't measure it but it was so close that I was uncomfortable.