bought 2005 vibe this weekend

[truepath]

I was searching the net to find information on new owner used car maintenance I do when I get a new (to me) used car and I came across this site. I found some very good information on replacing the coolant, brakes, etc. My vibe is a 2005 with 84,000 miles. It is red which isn't what I would have picked if I had a choice, but after looking at it I think it will be fine. So far I have changed out the coolant and tomorrow I am changing the spark plugs (iridium tipped are specified--very spendy), changing the transmission filter and whatever fluid comes out of the transmission without flushing it and putting in new front brake pads. The left front door check is broken, so that will be a project for the end of the week if the salvage yard can find one, otherwise I'll have to order one from the dealer. Anyway, the car seems great and the above stuff is routine (except the door check) for a car with 84,000. BTY, the Vibe is a giant step up for me since it replaces a 22 year old Corolla wagon.Really happy to have this site available and I expect to be checking back often.

[keithvibe]

welcome... Hope the info you find here will provide years of service to your new ride.

[808 Vibes]

Welcome and congrats!

[TONY TAT2]

Hi !

[vibolista]

Wow, 22 year old Corolla. How long did you own it? Well, you now own a red 5 year old "Corolla Wagon"... so it will probably last you at least another 17 years!!! Which red did you get?... I think there's red and a darker metalic red. If it's the bright red, wax it so it doesn't turn too light from sun fade. Those new iridium tipped spark plugs will make it purr like a kitten. Check all the filters and make sure that the air run (plenum?) is clean.Another thing you may want to do, that most forget, check your tire pressure. 40 psi front and 37 rear if you can stand it. 38 psi front and 35 rear is Ok, but you'll get better gas mileage with the higher pressure. Check the tire's max inflation and never go over that number!!!!!!A Picture of your Vibe would be great! (Hint)And welcome to the Vibe farm. Probably already noticed that there's a great bunch of people on this forum.

[star_deceiver]

Welcome to GenVibe!!!Enjoy the ride!!!

[lovemyraffe]

Congrats and welcome!

[truepath]

I had that Corolla for 6 years and it was great. Unfortunately, the oil pump failed and trashed the engine. The Vibe is definitely an big upgrade. It is the bright red color. Good advice on waxing it. I will do that ASAP. I agree that tire pressure is a trade off as you suggest between mileage and ride. I think there is another trade off also between vehicle control and ride. The higher the tire pressure, the less tire patch is in contact with the road. I am thinking that a 60% aspect ratio tire might be preferable to the stock 55%. It would result in a higher profile tire that would give a better ride at any given tire pressure. It would change the speedometer reading, but typically speedometers over report speed and if that's the case, a larger tire could result in a more accurate reading. Thanks for your comments.

[vibolista]

Quote, originally posted by truepath » I agree that tire pressure is a trade off as you suggest between mileage and ride. I think there is another trade off also between vehicle control and ride. The higher the tire pressure, the less tire patch is in contact with the road. I am thinking that a 60% aspect ratio tire might be preferable to the stock 55%. It would result in a higher profile tire that would give a better ride at any given tire pressure. It would change the speedometer reading, but typically speedometers over report speed and if that's the case, a larger tire could result in a more accurate reading. Thanks for your comments.60 tire will also fill the wheel well better than 55. You can also go up a width as well if you want more contact patch. A 215 60/16 would look great on a Vibe. My summers are 225/50 17s, and I wish I had done a 55! Would have fit with no problems. Oh, well!

[Blueridge9]

Welcome to the Vibedom.