Anybody else having second thoughts

[VibeBear]

With the recent recalls on our cars, and the power steering issues that are popping up on the Corolla (and Matrix & Vibe I'm sure) Is anyone else having second thoughts on their purchase?My car isn't even a year & a half old yet & it's already got 2 recall notices... now with the steering investigation, I'm thinking that maybe it's already trade in time.

[Haze]

I've got an '07 and I was thinking the same thing. Who knows where this will end up. Plus I have an extended warrantee.....guess it depends on what they give you.

[midnighthunder89]

a few recalls that are not that big of a deal, i will not be trading mine in.

[Zimm]

as cheaply as i got mine, i don't really have many alternatives. i paid less out of pocket for my '10 than folks around here are paying for used Vibes.but yeah, i hope they get things straightened out safety-wise. i'm going to be paying close attention to how this shakes out.btw, here's a great WSJ about the recalls and Toyota's denial of problems.http://online.wsj.com/article/...oo_hs

[star_deceiver]

Quote, originally posted by VibeBear »Is anyone else having second thoughts on their purchase?Nope!!! Quite happy with what I've got! We'll see how the recalls play themselves out.

[Airmack]

I got my Pontiac because I knew it was a Toyota & I thought I was getting Toyota build quality with a GM price. I am still happy with the car & I am sure they will get every thing fixed. If your peddle gets stuck, put it into N & turn the motor off. I have heard that 911 call from the family who said the car won't stop & they all died. It baffles my mind why he did not put it into N. In fact, as I heard the call & the drive said "the car wont stop" I said outlet talking to the tv. Put it in N. But give it time, if you trade it in, you wont get KBB value because of the problems.

[kowell]

All cars have recalls. If you buy a late model you can usually avoid them since the modifications have already been made in the previous years but it's the price we pay for buying a brand new model.Didn't the old vibe get a recall at some point because there was a danger the rear winshield could shatter while driving?My subaru legacy had a recall since there was a risk of the gear lever slipping from P to N if the car was parked in a slope.My Grand Caravan burned trough 5 transmissions and for some reason never got a recall on it.My father-in-law's Pontiac Bonneville 97 had its engine freaking caught fire yet GM only announced the recall last year.3 of my friend's cobalt all had their power steering unit fail while driving.Honda just announced a recall for the Fit since a kid died when the car caught fire because of a faulty window switch.The list goes on and on.

[mikellini]

You need to realize that even 10 years ago, the likelihood of these issues leading to a massive recall and shutdown of Toyota production would have been very slim... this is 100% due to media coverage, which has taken an extreme shift to doom and gloom in the last decade. Fear mongering is worth tons of money, and has been perfected in a very short time by the U.S. government and media... Cars are much safer now than they used to be, even with the occasional defect. And I must say occasional, because what percentage of the entire recall of vehicles has actually malfunctioned? It's like the H1N1 fiasco... it killed less than 10% of the amount of people that the regular seasonal flu did in 2009, but because of all of the hype, drug companies made billions on vaccines. I'm not saying it wasn't serious, but we were taken advantage of because others made us believe that it was worse than reality

[09vGT]

Steering issue? What is this you speak of?

[Kincaid]

I love my Vibe. I enjoy seeing it waiting for me. I like just looking at it - I think it's a beautiful, purposeful design. I enjoy driving it around and shifting that manual transmission (I like it better than our '01 Accord stick shift). I like flooring it in 2nd gear and then putting directly into 4th.So far, it has less recalls than my '97 Civic and the same recalls as the Accord - that is, if the Accord gets the recall for air bags.The only thing I am sad about is not being able to mod it more (half money shortage, half aftermarket part scarcity).

[lowincash]

I don't regret getting this car at all. I still love every minute of it even with these recalls. It's a nice car so a few recalls won't send me away lol No car's perfect.

[vibenvy]

I pretty much agree with what everyone else has said so far. I do not regret buying my '09 GT one bit. Everytime I see it it makes me smile. It's a great car and I couldn't be happier with it. The recalls don't really bother me. The chances of anything happening pertaining to the gas pedal sticking are slim. I am smart enough to throw it into neutral if anything does happen. My mom feels the same way about her '09 GT as well.

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by Zimm »as cheaply as i got mine, i don't really have many alternatives. i paid less out of pocket for my '10 than folks around here are paying for used Vibes.but yeah, i hope they get things straightened out safety-wise. i'm going to be paying close attention to how this shakes out.btw, here's a great WSJ about the recalls and Toyota's denial of problems.http://online.wsj.com/article/...oo_hsDitto for me - about $11,900 plus tax with all the deals for a new '09 AT Power Package. I'm hoping to keep this one for 10 years minimum @ about 4,500 mi a year. With all the stuff on this thing I might change my mind about the extended warranty.Also, at this point I think it is difficult to discern what is real and what is Memorex (for those who remember those old commercials).Congress wasting time on holding hearings is just grandstanding on the part of those useless morons.I do not really like drive by wire or electric power steering but that is the way the industry is going. I've gotten used to the difference in the steering feel. I've not noticed any real unwanted acceleration.

[jimincalif]

Quote, originally posted by jake75 »Congress wasting time on holding hearings is just grandstanding on the part of those useless morons.+1

[ponta2147]

I am currently driving a little Kia Spectra as a rental car on a business trip to LA. It makes me appreciate my 2.4L Vibe back at home very much. I am too proud and happy about my car to have regrets!

[bikeman1]

Quote, originally posted by ponta2147 »I am currently driving a little Kia Spectra as a rental car on a business trip to LA. It makes me appreciate my 2.4L Vibe back at home very much. I am too proud and happy about my car to have regrets! pont, kowell, and others are right on. if you test drive or rent other compact units and compare it to the vibes (new or old), it is a step down in quality of build. The surprising thing is not a few recalls every 5 years but that GM opted to dispose of the line. Cars are mass produced and when a mistake is made, it can take a few years to catch it. Since Toyota works so many common parts into its product lines, this particular recall is a large one. No worries. It would be great if American made vehicles were as reliable (oops the Vibe was American made....)

[vibedrivermatt]

I pretty much agree with everyone else who is happy with their vibes, just wish I went for the GT model because I'm a bit bothered knowing there's a nicer version with better rear suspension that what I bought. Other than that I super happy with it. Also happy about the fact it was built in an American factory.As far as the pedal is concerned I've just been watching it really closely and will wait patiently for the recall notice. So far the car hasn't exhibited any of the sticky pedal symptoms which puts me at ease about it.

[Old Tele man]

...we bought our 2009 Vibe 1.8L on Friday, that next Monday, GM announced that Pontiac was being axed....yes, we had a moment or two of trepidation, but it went away after owning the car for awhile.

[kowell]

The best recall so far goes to Tata for their work on the Nano (cheapest car in the world to buy). The steering column may catch fire... A steering wheel made of FIRE!... how cool is that!

[Cougar Vibe]

Nope. I know the "media" is making a big deal about these Toyota/Honda recalls, but in all honesty I'm far more worried about the tens of millions of neglected cars with worn-out brake pads and tens of millions of drivers with poor driving habits. Consider alcohol-related crashes: Many more innocent people get killed per day by that than have ever been killed or injured by the Toyota accelerator pedal problem. Yet we don't get 'em in a twist over that sort of real data, which makes me wonder if all this Toyota stuff isn't just sour grapes enjoyed by a certain demographic of our society. Honestly, do you think Ford or GM would be trying so hard to build "quality" vehicles if the public didn't have the perception that Japanese imports were of a higher quality? Heck no! The evidence is clear from the garbage they built in the 70's, 80's and 90's. But now Ford builds great cars...cars that people are finally interested in. Why? Because they have to to compete with the imports, because they have to the exceed the bar that was set by Toyota and Honda. All that said, no Toyota for me. If the new Taurus wasn't so dang expensive, I'd be there; that said, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata SE is looking pretty good...

[djkeev]

Quote, originally posted by 09vGT »Steering issue? What is this you speak of?Nothing yet official but it has been noted that the 09/10 Corolla has a "wandering" problem and requires a bit of effort to maintain a straight line.Suspect problems with the electric Power Steering.You most likely know that if you remove the skin of the Vibe, you have a Toyota Corolla.Dave

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by Cougar Vibe »Nope. I know the "media" is making a big deal about these Toyota/Honda recalls, but in all honesty I'm far more worried about the tens of millions of neglected cars with worn-out brake pads and tens of millions of drivers with poor driving habits. Consider alcohol-related crashes: Many more innocent people get killed per day by that than have ever been killed or injured by the Toyota accelerator pedal problem. Yet we don't get 'em in a twist over that sort of real data, which makes me wonder if all this Toyota stuff isn't just sour grapes enjoyed by a certain demographic of our society. Honestly, do you think Ford or GM would be trying so hard to build "quality" vehicles if the public didn't have the perception that Japanese imports were of a higher quality? Heck no! The evidence is clear from the garbage they built in the 70's, 80's and 90's. But now Ford builds great cars...cars that people are finally interested in. Why? Because they have to to compete with the imports, because they have to the exceed the bar that was set by Toyota and Honda. All that said, no Toyota for me. If the new Taurus wasn't so dang expensive, I'd be there; that said, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata SE is looking pretty good...Ad in paper today - new 2010 Malibu 4 dr sedan msrp $22,725 for $15,995 for Saturn or Pontiac owners. That's 30% off list. Then if you have some GM Card earnings, even lower.

[Hutch7]

What amazes me about this whole issue is that Toyota got in to trouble by buying a part from an American supplier. The Japanese Denso part is fine it's the US/Canadian CTS part that's problematic. I bet the boys in Tokyo are regretting that decision. Of course they'd get crucified in the press if they mentioned the crappy American part they bought is the problem!

[09vGT]

So.. I could possibly lose control of steering while my car is speeding out of control? This doesn't sound very safe!

[csxt8058]

Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver »Nope!!! Quite happy with what I've got! We'll see how the recalls play themselves out.I agree!! I love my 2010 AWD, it's the best car I've owned, hands down! JR

[03vibedriver]

I like my 09 2.4 vibe but I'm searching for another monotone 03 vibe.I think I really messed up buy trading in my 03!

[djkeev]

Quote, originally posted by 09vGT »So.. I could possibly lose control of steering while my car is speeding out of control? This doesn't sound very safe! Well, if you condense it to the fewest possible words, Yes. It's early in the Toyota coverup on this issue though, I'm sure it'll get much worse!I no longer believe what Toyota says or does or if they mean well. For instance their big Super Bowl ad was complete BS. The only reason they stopped selling cars was because the US Gov't said on Feb 26 2010 they couldn't any longer. They didn't care a bit about the well being of the customers!! They were forced to close and that after a very long delay of action!http://www.thebostonchannel.co....htmlHere is what Toyota wants us to think....http://www.usatoday.com/money/...N.htmThis multi million dollar ad is a smoke screen to cover up their bad practices related to defects.Here is a link on the steering, you might want to do some searching on your own also.http://content.usatoday.com/co...ems/1Dave

[tpollauf]

Second thoughts??? NO WAY !!!! There's a thing called a "clutch" in the event of a runaway engine/acceleration which gets used several times a minute during normal city driving (manual tranny only). Also there have not been too many confirmed cases on the steering thing yet in relationship to how many Corrola/Matrix/Vibes that were manufactured. This is a great performing small car for what most of us paid for it. Good looking and they will be around for a long time (Just look at the guy with over 400K miles on his). No regrets yet and likely none in the future.

[JetBlack09VibeGT]

Quote, originally posted by VibeBear », I'm thinking that maybe it's already trade in time.Selling your "Toyota Product" is a knee jerk reaction that a lot of people are doing right now. Unfortunately two things are happening. 1) There is a rise of used Toyota products available in the open market.2) There is a drop in demand due to the recent recalls. These two things are causing the value of used Toyota products to plummet in value. My advise to you is to wait out the storm. It really could be a difference of $2K-$3K. And remember, the things that make the Vibe better than a Matrix... GM and the 5 Year-100K powertrain warranty, and currently the separation of identity from Toyota.

[Gandalf]

Definition of irony: at the bottom of the page for this thread, which includes links to articles about how Toyota repeated LIED about the on-going problems, is a banner advertisement: * Loading... * Toyota Recall Toyota takes care of its customers Read the FAQs at Toyota.com Toyota.com/Recall

[Aussie Vibe]

I agree Toyota must be kicking them self atm. And to make it worse North Am Toyota are really not doing the right thing by the brand name in both R&D and handling the current situation.At the same time the media are really pushing the story too. Which makes me wonder - what recalls, or for that matter what cover-ups, are out on locally produced manufactures that the media are choosing not to talk about.If Toyota can make these errors, imagine what errors the more sloppy GMs and Fords of the world are making?

[djkeev]

Quote, originally posted by Aussie Vibe ».....At the same time the media are really pushing the story too. Which makes me wonder - what recalls, or for that matter what cover-ups, are out on locally produced manufactures that the media are choosing not to talk about.If Toyota can make these errors, imagine what errors the more sloppy GMs and Fords of the world are making?Do I you remember ...... let's see.... Corvair. Pinto, Firestone, chevy pickups gas tank in cab ........I'm sure there are dozens of examples, old and newDave

[ou.grizzly]

I have received both letters as we have two (2) 2009 Vibes. Now, with that being said, I will be waiting to see the result of these recalls; specifically the one for the accelerator and driver's side floor mat. The reasons are; if the fix is to "trim the gas pedal" down; I paid for a full gas pedal when purchasing the vehicle, not to have it modified. Second, I also purchased GM All weather Floor Mats for the FWD 2.4L; now, will GM replace that mat with a new version? If any of my vehicle has to be removed one way or another, I want compensation This is why I wait....

[JetBlack09VibeGT]

Quote, originally posted by Aussie Vibe »If Toyota can make these errors, imagine what errors the more sloppy GMs and Fords of the world are making?I disagree with this statement regarding Ford and even GM lately. It seems that both of these companies have made great efforts towards quality and safety. Conversely Toyota has taken many pages out of Detroit's 1970's playbook which has resulted in their problems that are bubbling up today. Many admired Toyota for never having a loss until 2009 and for their outstanding quality and wondered how and why Detroit couldn't do the same. Now those of us are seeing that Toyota got too big too fast and in the name of market share, cut costs and cut corners. Meanwhile GM announced 5 months ago that they will be delaying the launch of the Chevy Cruze in order to assure that the vehicle delivered without any chance of tarnishing the The GM. Ford essentially did the same when they rolled out the Lincoln MKS before the higher volume Ford Taurus. So I believe what we are seeing is a role reversal. Detroit will most likely be producing fewer cars than the Asians for the US market, but the quality of the product from Detroit will become the next benchmark.

[Aussie Vibe]

Well 'Toyota USA' has has grown rapidly. At the same time it has also evolved the US motor industry, possibly being the motivator for efforts towards quality and safety of the other two. For this reason the other two car makers have also grown just as rapidly in the same period and for this reason, I am not convinced that they are any better. Where they might be better is that they have the home town advantage, they have a better 'keep it under your hat' department or simply havnt been caught out as yet.As for the Cruze (developed by the GM world group not Detroit). This current model has been made and sold around the world with different badgings since 2008 and was being road tested on 2007. So U.S. GM statement, I feel, may have an underling tone to it.Ill be honest the reason we bought the Vibe was due to it being a Toyota. As for the role reversal - why is more and more of the Ford & GM range becoming import engineered/rebadged US cars, rather than Detroit developed?Just my thoughts from my experience.

[JetBlack09VibeGT]

Quote, originally posted by Aussie Vibe »As for the role reversal - why is more and more of the Ford & GM range becoming import engineered/rebadged US cars, rather than Detroit developed?They are not rebadging, moreover, they platform sharing. I'll be the first to agree that most, if not all of the news cars (not trucks) available in the US are in fact Global Platforms. Since it is more costly to build a car in the US than it is to build a truck and the margins are so much lower on cars over trucks, it has become necessary for global engineering. A benefit of Global Engineering allows for manufacturers to get the most return on the investment of a vehicle without having to make the product life cycle 6 years or more. Case in point, the Ford Fushion is now on a 4 year life cycle, as is the Chevrolet Malibu, and the Toyota Camry. However, these aforementioned vehicles, including the new Cruze are quite different from their same named in the rest of the world. Simply because for some dumb reason NCAP safety standards which are used throughout Europe and recently adopted in Australia are significantly different from that of the USA's NHTSA. So you can't just ship one of those cars over here as is, they need to have different safety equipment and in some cases, engineering safety features in the entire substructure. So I think your rant about GM and Ford is unfounded. My point about the growth of Toyota implies that one can only build in quality within a certain quantity and when a factory begins to put pressure on increasing quantity, quality inevitably is the first to fall.

[Kincaid]

Quote, originally posted by ou.grizzly »I have received both letters as we have two (2) 2009 Vibes. Now, with that being said, I will be waiting to see the result of these recalls; specifically the one for the accelerator and driver's side floor mat. The reasons are; if the fix is to "trim the gas pedal" down; I paid for a full gas pedal when purchasing the vehicle, not to have it modified. Second, I also purchased GM All weather Floor Mats for the FWD 2.4L; now, will GM replace that mat with a new version? If any of my vehicle has to be removed one way or another, I want compensation This is why I wait.... I looked at my factory floor mat the other day - it goes way up past the gas pedal. I can't conceive that it would cause any problem. Eventually, I'll probably go in for the shim - but only if they tell me they won't be hacksawing my gas pedal.

[09vGT]

Quote, originally posted by Kincaid »I looked at my factory floor mat the other day - it goes way up past the gas pedal. I can't conceive that it would cause any problem. Eventually, I'll probably go in for the shim - but only if they tell me they won't be hacksawing my gas pedal.Weird.. Mine doesn't even get close to the gas pedal..

[bigblunote]

Not sure yet, but I just saw a 2005 down the street with a For Sale sign! $8000.I think this is a bail out case!

[Aussie Vibe]

I feel that this is a bit of an off the thread topic and that this discussion is maybe better for another thread.- you are right I was only talking about car (not any other form of vehicle) testing. Thats another forum!!!- there are 5 dominate car crash testing systems globally and they all have there own strengths and weaknesses, but as for structural design I would work with the current US system any time. It is far easier to comply with.- The initial new Cruzes are all being stamped from the same dies using the same metal in the same plant and sold around the world. Structurally they are the same there may be differences in the plug in safety features.- The reason you cant just ship a car to the North Americas is that it was not a signer of the convention.- ANCAP system was developed separately, contributed separately and now aligning to the international convention.Chat more about this on another thread some time.I like my Vibe

[slmclarengt]

To qualify my upcoming statements: I intend to keep my 09 White Manual Vibe for 'as long as we both shall live.' My take on Floor Mats: Scapegoat for real underlying issue; see Accelerator Pedal and/or an electronic system (throttle control, Cruise Control, etc...)Accelerator pedal: Another placebo effect 'fix'Cruise/Throttle Control [among other electronic systems]: The real culprit [potentially], but opens Toyota to substantial liability beyond user error floor mat usage and inconvenient pedal design.*Prius Braking: Hardly worthy of a recall, but Toyota already in knee-deep in customer relations management, must continue issuing less than necessary recalls. Corolla Steering: See "Prius Braking"Toyota in general: I have respect for Toyota Engines & Transmissions, but not the brand itself and never have. Before these recalls, I felt their brand was very arrogant and almost 'elitist' but now they are pleading with customers to trust them. Oh how the tables have turned...*2003 Manual Honda Civic Hybrid - driving in Bay Area, CA on highway with cruise control. Suddenly attempt to disengage cruise control, car accelerates out of control, sideswiping two cars and finally stopping with intervention. Gas pedal was not manually depressed, floor mat irrelevant, and local dealer service manager verified many times. Car in shop for over 1 month, when returned with 'nothing done,' issue no longer present, manager mysteriously disappeared and no statement of any TSBs or Recalls. Hence my predisposition to believe this is mostly a bunch of political and media-sensationalized BS.

[2Dogs]

I just got an 03 - two recalls - one of which of not nevermind on my little one since she doesn't HAVE power windows LOL.

[vibolista]

How many drivers actually read the vehicle operating manual? How many drivers ever take any driving lessons or really learn the proper rules of the road? How many drivers think about emergency situations that could pop up in any car at any time and how to deal with them? Knowing how to quickly and safely stop a car is something that anyone can and should learn. Knowing what to do when a car goes out of control is pretty important. Pilots are constantly trained to deal with emergencies. Drivers need to do the same. Any car can glitch. Mechanical and electronic devices are not perfect. So learn how to safely control and shut down a car in an emergency. It's not rocket science.So far, my Vibe has worked fine and I enjoy driving it. When reports of Prius problems came up, I thoroughly went through all the ways to shut down a Prius with my wife, should it ever decide to "accelerate uncontrolably". (Prius accelerating uncontrolably, is that an oxymoron?) Brakes, shifter to neutral and power button. If the brakes don't stop the car, then flick the shifter to neutral, stopping the engine and leaving electrical systems on. Pressing the power button for approx. 3 seconds will shut down everything. We practiced it a couple of times with the accelerator depressed to the floor. It's all simple and quick and safe. No drama. I've heard people say they are worried about driving their Toyotas. I would be really worried about not knowing how to shut down any car I was driving. The family that saddly died in the runaway Lexus a few weeks back, died of ignorance. That driver did not know how to shut down the car. He should not have been driving that car. Make sure you are all familiar with your car and have actually read the manual. Make sure your floor mats are hooked properly. Make sure you know how to turn the motor off if the car mechanically or electronically malfunctions. Anyone considering dumping their Toyota should get a grip.

[Aussie Vibe]

vibolista I agree on all points. And yeah you have hit on one of my fav gripes too.How many drivers actually read the vehicle operating manual? - very few, going by some of the questions on this forum. But then again how many second hand cars are sold here without a operating manual (many I would suggest from my experience).How many drivers ever take any driving lessons or really learn the proper rules of the road? - when states have such a low standard of driving test (eg NJ) why would you need to have proper driving tests. That is why there are so many really technically bad drivers around. Its made worse through the pathetic road designs too.As for these 'supposed' runaway cars. Where people have the where to all to make 'last phone calls' or 'call the police', yet they cant work out how to turn off the cruse control, turn off the engine or put the car in Neutral - to then steer it to a stop. Really!!!!!!Driving is one of the most deadly things we do in a day-to-day situation and yet people treat it with great disrespect.Sadly, driving it to much of a right, rather than a privilege. Driving tests - should be real tests like in other parts of the world.Thats my 5 cents.

[michaelgt]

Quote, originally posted by Aussie Vibe »Well 'Toyota USA' has has grown rapidly. At the same time it has also evolved the US motor industry, possibly being the motivator for efforts towards quality and safety of the other two. For this reason the other two car makers have also grown just as rapidly in the same period and for this reason, I am not convinced that they are any better. Where they might be better is that they have the home town advantage, they have a better 'keep it under your hat' department or simply havnt been caught out as yet.These two companies have not grown. Their sales have gone down. They have senior engineers. I heard that Toyota, in their quick growth, did not have senior engineers. Quote, originally posted by Aussie Vibe »Ill be honest the reason we bought the Vibe was due to it being a Toyota. Really? I could not tell by the support for Toyota and implied bashing of the others.

[Aussie Vibe]

When I said grown - I really should have said 'grown-up' or 'matured', in respect to their product quality and advancement.Toyota Australia - which is really what I am familiar with (and I am finding that its different to Toyota USA) puts out great value and quality for money product line with a good longevity - that is why I bought a "Toyota" here. Also the locally made cars that I had as rental cars, prior to buying a car in the US, were not impressive - sadly. I am not sure what you mean by "Toyota and implied bashing of the others". I see all the auto makers on TV, going out of their way to dump on the other guys all the time.Lets face it if it wanst for the Toyota's of this world we would all still be driving crappy, square box, poor handling cars!

[Mark]

Quote, originally posted by VibeBear »With the recent recalls on our cars, and the power steering issues that are popping up on the Corolla (and Matrix & Vibe I'm sure) Is anyone else having second thoughts on their purchase?My car isn't even a year & a half old yet & it's already got 2 recall notices... now with the steering investigation, I'm thinking that maybe it's already trade in time.I agree with you completely and I agree it would be terrible to be in your situation. A new car with two recall notices already. In fact, I feel so bad that I'm willing to offer you $4,000 cash to take this dangerous POS off your hands before it kills you or your loved ones.

[vibolista]

That's above and beyond the call of duty... to save him from that dangerous vehicle!

[Rob Chivers]

Let's not jump to conclusions. The North American parts were built to Toyota specs.....right? I think the problem is more likely to be electrical than mechanical.

[mistertwo]

im having second thoughts but it has nothing to do with the recall.. its because the vibes are slow as balls.. but i still love it and for now it has to do. thank God the salt is almost off the road.. supra time <3