Looking to take the plunge for real :)

Steve34 · Post by **Steve34** » Thu Jan 12, 2012 12:51 am

Hello all!My wife, and I are looking really hard at vibes. The utility of it, the look, and style is really agreeing with us. I was hoping I could pick the brain of all you Genvibe peeps out there.Longevity. Generally speaking anyone have experience with these Cars past say 100K miles and beyond? Anything to look out for like for instance the wheel bearings on the front wheels on my dodge durango are prone to go bad etc etc. (I understand it's all about the owner maintenance just looking for anything that sticks out with these.)Basically are they lasting well past 100K ? Thanks for taking the time to look at this! Really hoping to land one of these soon!Steve

Wolfman213 · Post by **Wolfman213** » Thu Jan 12, 2012 1:13 am

Mine is at 160K and still running strong and I DO NOT baby it either. There are SEVERAL who have reach the odometer limit of 299,999. Just a rough guess, but I'd be willing to bet there are at least 50% of us that has surpassed 100K miles. I know there have been some that have replaced the wheel bearing(s), but I don't know if that would be the biggest issue. Truthfully, don't know what the biggest issue would be as these are pretty damn reliable. We aren't being biased here, but the Vibes are very good overall in about every aspect except power.... but we do have a few members who are now FI.

09vGT · Post by **09vGT** » Thu Jan 12, 2012 1:15 am

I'm guessing you are looking for a 1st generation (03-08). A couple of members here are past 299,999 miles, since thats when the odometer stops reading. I have a second generation (09-10) and I'm at 86,000 miles with no major issues happening! BTW welcome to genvibe!

Steve34 · Post by **Steve34** » Thu Jan 12, 2012 1:29 am

Thanks for the insights so far, good stuff.We were looking at a 06 manual trans, with about 58k on it.Power wise I read the vibe is "sluggish". I wonder though how it really feels, we haven't test drive any, but I know my wife.. She is in looove.

Brandort3 · Post by **Brandort3** » Thu Jan 12, 2012 1:52 am

I have an '03 Vibe GT and it has 148,000 and running like a sewing machine. I don't baby mine to much and she'll take anything i throw at her. As for the "sluggish" parts of the Vibes, keep in mind, its not meant to go super fast. It's more meant for practicality. My sister also has an '06 Vibe base and she absolutely loves it. As for mileage and reliability, i'm sure you figured out they are just amazing when it comes to it. I just talked to a guy who had an '06 Vibe like the one you were looking at and after the odometer stopped working at 299,999, he set his trip meter to go the rest of the way and he's all the way up to over 500,000 miles and has done just normal regular maintenance. Good luck with your Vibe search and I hope to see you around here again soon!

bull77 · Post by **bull77** » Thu Jan 12, 2012 1:57 am

in my 06a with 170000kms+ (105) - no major issues, runs fine and still fun to drive

trb · Post by **trb** » Thu Jan 12, 2012 2:00 am

That one is barely broken in! Based on what I've seen, they can last a good while, well past 100K. Afterall, what is the Toyota advertising saying now, that like 80% of all Toyotas made in the last 20 years are still on the road? I would conside the Vibe to be in that class too. That is the main reason we bought our first Vibe. I know my son will have it for a good long time after he graduates.As for power, it is OK for most everything except if you are expecting a sports car. Off the line it is a bit slower than most, and the top end is sluggish, but in the middle where you drive most of the time it peforms well enough. I've driven my son's 06 hard before, chirped the tires off the start a few times, and it runs pretty well when I need it to. I much prefer the control of a manual especially in spirited driving vs the auto, but my family overruled me on both Vibes. It is not a Mustang, but it does well for a 4cyl.

knightrace · Post by **knightrace** » Thu Jan 12, 2012 2:35 am

i bought my 05 with about 95,000 miles on it and now I think I have about 115,XXX miles. I have done some maintenance things and mods, but no major repairs. I do think my water pump is slowly going out. The only thing that I can think of is to check and see if the PCM/ECM was replaced. Pontiac/Toyota had a recall on some of the 1st Gen vibes and they replaced the unit for free.The only other consistant thing that seems to pop-up on the forum is a rough idle at stoplights/stop signs (i have an automatic). Sometimes, i will just put it in nuetral, if i get real annoyed, until the stoplight changes to green.

knightrace · Post by **knightrace** » Thu Jan 12, 2012 2:38 am

Oh also forgot to mention that we really enjoy this vehicle...the moon and tunes package is great we are getting about 29MPG

jake75 · Post by **jake75** » Thu Jan 12, 2012 3:55 am

Used car prices are almost unreal these days. Don't forget to run the numbers vs. a new Matrix. If you are financing, rates on new cars are lower than on used. Factor in the value of those first 58,000 miles (5 cents a mile is very conservative value), the value of a 36 month warranty, and the value of few wear parts to replace for at least 3 years (tires, battery, plugs, fluids, headlights, brakes etc. etc. etc.). Also the '09 and later have a lot of standard safety features - 4 wheel disk antilock brakes, 6 airbags, and stability control. And there is some value to the peace of mind that comes with a new vehicle. That said, the lower mileage used cars are generally a better value that those with over 100,000 miles. 58,000 in 6 years is lightly used. And unless you have a good deal from a private individual, don't forget that a used car depreciates quite a bit when you drive it off the lot, just like a new car. Dealers are lucky to make $500 on a new car sale - on a used car it is more like at least $2,000.

vibenvy · Post by **vibenvy** » Thu Jan 12, 2012 7:56 am

Welcome to GenVibe! As others have already said, there are many members who have 100,000, 200,000, 300,000, even 400,000+ miles with no major issues. Here's a member who, at last check-in, had 500,000+ miles on his 2004 Vibe.Quote, originally posted by joejoev Â»when I lock up instrument panel #2. But I have another 83k to think aboot it. (That's right, kids! Do the math and you'll note I'm overdue to post the half million mile thread.)

star_deceiver · Post by **star_deceiver** » Thu Jan 12, 2012 8:54 am

'09 Vibe, 5 speed, loss leader. 114000kms.Quote, originally posted by Steve34 Â»Power wise I read the vibe is "sluggish". I wonder though how it really feels?I don't read car reviews other then for mechanical info, specs, and mechanical history of the previous generation. Car reviewers are used to driving the best in the car world and when it comes to anything under $20000, it's always "spend more, buy plush, get all the options!" Needless to say, I don't even have A/C......

Salsa Guy · Post by **Salsa Guy** » Thu Jan 12, 2012 9:55 am

The first gen 03-08 1zz Auto Vibe/Matrix are a bit sluggish (the AWD is really painful). The 2zz (GT/XRS) should pack plenty of punch . The only real complaint is the 03-04 manual Trannys had a few issues. But over-all they are really solid cars. If you get 1st Gen 05+ be sure the ECU has been changed out.

Looking to take the plunge for real :)

Looking to take the plunge for real :)

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