Looking at purchasing a Vibe

[tkrn]

My name is Patrick and I currently drive a vehicle that is not advantageous to driving in anything other than perfectly dry summer days. Due to an extremely mild winter I was gifted with more time to buy another car that is more versatile, economical on gas mileage and much cheaper to maintain. I have seriously been looking at the Vibes because I feel they fit everything I am looking for but I haven't driven one yet. I am afraid when I drive one, I'll make an offer and not know anything about what I should be looking for. Odds are I'll like it because I like my mother's Rav4 which by the looks of it has similar interior styling from the steering wheel and window controls.I am honestly trying to stay below $5500 which means it's probably a 2003-2004 with around 100k miles which I am okay with since it really is a Toyota underneath. I come from a very mechanically inclined family so repairs I am not seriously worried about assuming it is the normal brakes, struts, motor mounts, etc,etc. What should I be looking for between the years of 2003-2005? Recalls? Typical things that break? What should I be cautious for when I am at the dealer or private party selling the Vibe? Thanks all!

[ColonelPanic]

Welcome!5-speed transmissions had questionable reliability in the '03s. Automatics were OK (though I had one of the few that died.) GT models tended to eat up clutches. If AWD, make sure they've kept up with maintenance on the rear end/etc. The original batteries were inadequate bordering on garbage, but after 10 or so years they should hopefully be long gone.Power windows were problematic early on, there were issues with the window bolts backing out and the window could shatter. There was a recall issued for this, if it hasn't been done a GM dealer will be able to take care of it.All in all, if they did the usual maintenance on it, it should be a safe buy.Pretty great cars, sometimes I wish I had another one to use as my daily driver.

[journeyforce]

To be quite honest with you, the 2004 Manual trans were not that good ether.While the Vibe is a Toyota, you have to make sure that somebody did not abuse the crap out of it. Toyota quality/reliability is a double edged blade. On the one hand Toyota vehicles are very reliable and trouble free.BUT a lot of folks think Toyota reliability is a blank check to not do anything but put gas in the car so the car has no maintance done to it.Check for service recordsAlso look into a matrix also as it is the same as the VibeCheers

[jake75]

2003-2004. That's 8-9 years old. Finding one with less than 100,000 miles might take awhile. Used car prices are almost absurd these days, and with $4 going on $5 gasoline Vibes probably are more in demand. For a reality check, do a search on carmax.com for 2003, 2004, 2005 Vibes and see their no haggle pricing. But IMO carmax prices are a little high.

[tgferg67]

I don't think you will find a Vibe with 100k for $5500 unless it is fair/poor cosmetically. Thats the price and miles I had in mind and all the "nice" ones are going for 7500 - and thats private owner. I had to compromise after looking in craigslist for almost a year and ended up getting a 150k Vibe for $4300 -private owner sale. Used car prices are out of control, I sold my 97 Saturn for the same price I bought it for- after driving it for 8 years.Avoid the manual trans in the base Vibe to avoid a costly transmission repair.

[jkm311]

Quote, originally posted by jake75 »Used car prices are almost absurd these days, and with $4 going on $5 gasoline Vibes probably are more in demand.This is what's going to make it tough to stay under $5,500. Dealers are tacking on 15-20% higher prices on to used vehicles than they did 4-5 years ago. Sucks, but it's the truth. Hope you find something you like. I would keep trying with private sales.

[tkrn]

This is the kind of exact answer I was looking for! Anything else I should be aware of? I am looking to put a hitch on it to hold 3 bicycles, I was thinking of a transmission cooler when I need to tow a jet ski. If you were me, would you do the 5spd or auto? I'm inclined to do the 5spd. AWD would be nice but my odds of finding one in my price point is probably not there.

[trb]

Too bad you are not closer, but there is a gem of a Vibe close to me in your price range. They are out there, you just have to look and be patient and check them out completely.http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/2907091255.htmlEdit: I don't see the pics on the posting now, it may have sold, but it was a CLEAN 2003 with 116K miles for $5,750. Paint looked like new, deep gloss to it, and the interior looked great. I would have seriously looked at it if I was still in the market.

[sideshowalan]

The 5 speed is a gamble. Mine has been problem free at 142K miles but if it goes you're looking at $1500-$2000 for a replacement. AWD is not worth it IMO, takes a hit in power and gas mileage.At your price point, I'd recommend either a GT w/ the 6-speed or an auto FWD.Remember that service history is more important than age/mileage. A well maintained 9 year old 150K mile car is more valuable than a neglected 50K mile car.

[zaxellord]

Good luck. The Vibe can be a great buy if it has been maintained as has been mentioned. There are affordable Vibes, so keep searching

[cythraul]

In these years I'd definitely check for signs of rust just on top of the windshield. I've seen some pretty bad rust that's been creeping under the windshield.