09 awd vibe question

[futurevibeowner]

I'm looking into an 09 AWD Vibe to replace a subaru forester, it seems to fit the bill for everything I'm looking for and for a good price too. In searching online listings I'm finding a lot of AWD Vibes listed that lack the "AWD" insignia on the trunk and when I look up the VINs (when available) they are listed as front wheel drive. So I guess what I'm asking is do all AWD Vibes say so on rear of the vehicle? Are the ones I'm seeing listed online mislabeled and really front wheel?Thanks

[09vGT]

It will say AWD on the back if it is so. All will. Like the GT.Listed VIBE AWD or VIBE GT

[vibenvy]

Quote, originally posted by 09vGT »It will say AWD on the back if it is so. All will. Like the GT.Listed VIBE AWD or VIBE GT Yep. If it doesn't have the VIBE AWD badges on the lower right corner of the hatch, it's probably a typo and is more than likely a FWD.

[star_deceiver]

Those wheel covers are also only on AWD Vibes without a wheel option. AWD only come with the 2.4 engine and 4spd auto as well. AWD Vibes come stock with roof racks.

[csxt8058]

Hey...that Vibe looks familiar I echo all that has been mentioned JR

[trb]

In my recent search for my 2010, I've come to the conclusion that there are a lot of idiots creating the internet ads, that don't have a clue about the cars they are posting. I've seen so many mistakes, I've been tempted to call their managers and tell them how stupid it makes them look when they list a car as having a manual trans when it has an auto, etc. And it is not just one, I've seen like 5 cars at one dealer listed wrong!BTW, where are you looking up the VINs? Good luck on your search!

[j42.snyder]

Those wheels were also standard on any FWD base 1SA or 1SB Vibe with 2.4 and FWD (like mine). All AWD's had roof racks though - and A/C - although they were available without power windows or locks. I've only seen one like that though - not too common.I think the only other wheels the AWD's came with were the chrome ones - not the "standard" 17" alloy ones offered with the 1SC. This is based on Canadian packaging anyway - I'm really not sure what may have been offered differently in the U.S.Although the AWD's are notably thirstier than FWD equivalent, if it's something you NEED, then I think they're a good choice overall. So far I've been happy with just the winter tires on mine. Very rarely does the T/C or VSC ever try to intervene - unless I'm purposefully trying to induce it. Even in the wet, I've never had any issue with traction at any time of year. Only in the deep "slushy" stuff does traction ever become a temporary issue - or at least enough to make the car "think" there's an issue...John

[beemerphile1]

Keep in mind that the AWD letters may have been removed as many on here have debadged their cars. I wouldn't rely on an emblem one way or the other.I've never looked under an AWD but if I wanted to know, I would look for a driveshaft to the rear axle.

[NWEric]

Quote, originally posted by futurevibeowner »I'm looking into an 09 AWD Vibe to replace a subaru forester, it seems to fit the bill for everything I'm looking for and for a good price too. In searching online listings I'm finding a lot of AWD Vibes listed that lack the "AWD" insignia on the trunk and when I look up the VINs (when available) they are listed as front wheel drive. So I guess what I'm asking is do all AWD Vibes say so on rear of the vehicle? Are the ones I'm seeing listed online mislabeled and really front wheel?Thanks As a former Forester owner, I think you'll like the Vibe AWD. I've been very happy with my 09. Only negative for me is the smaller fuel tank and mileage is about the same (or a bit less), resulting in a shorter range between fuel stops. Just to confirm you are looking at the AWD model it is easy to look under the rear to see the drivetrain (or lack thereof).

[Kincaid]

Every AWD Vibe I ever saw in Portland, OR area has ALWAYS had the chrome 17" wheels. I've not seen one with hubcaps.

[csxt8058]

The first Vibe I looked at before getting my current one had the 17 inch chrome alloys. Long story short...dealer screw up, got the one I have and it came with the 16 inch steelies and hubcaps. I think it was mentioned that if alloys wheels were not specified by the dealer, the AWD Vibes came with the same style wheels/hubcaps as the base Vibes with the 2.4 engine. Wish my current one had the alloys though.... JR

[vibenvy]

The 2009-2010 AWD Vibes will have one of three wheel styles:AWD-specific 17" chrome clad wheel (only available on 2009-2010 AWD Vibes):17" alloy wheel (also an option on 2.4L Base):The 16" steel wheel with wheel cover (shown in the above picture of csxt8058's AWD). Coincidentally, 8 of these wheel covers magically appeared on my porch today and will be on our Vibes by this weekend . Every 2009-2010 AWD I've ever seen has indeed had roof racks. Although roof racks were also an available option on the 2009-2010 Base. As star_deceiver said, the 2009-2010 AWD only comes with the 2.4L engine and 4-speed auto trans. Quote, originally posted by beemerphile »Keep in mind that the AWD letters may have been removed as many on here have debadged their cars. I wouldn't rely on an emblem one way or the other.I thought of that, but I would bet most people probably wouldn't remove the badges. Obviously there are many other ways to tell for sure whether it's an AWD. I just figured I'd post the picture to show the badge it should have.