Have the vibe to buy a Vibe!

[ibdilbert]

So here is my current situation.

I'm employed by a company who has provided me a take home vehicle and gas for the past 7 years. The company uses a mixed fleet of vehicles ranging from S10s to Nissan Cubes. I am also their mechanic and my obvious perk here is a free car and free gas. I have not owned a car for 6 years, other than a vintage electric car that I rebuilt, only good for short trips or around town.

Last week I was offered a new job with better benefits and some better pay, minus the fact that they will not be providing me a car. The issue with taking this job is I will need to purchase a vehicle. I will have what some would say is a far commute, about 120 miles round trip, all freeway miles, the same distance I travel now for my current job.

Doing some research on what to buy, I'm favoring the vibe. That being said I know nobody with a vibe, and am hoping to get some input from this forum on what to look for or not to buy when picking a vibe. To keep cost down, I think I need to look for an older one, early 2000s.

Obviously my two important factors are reliability and secondly gas millage. What engine size should I be looking for and what years if any were better built? What kind of miles can I expect before I have to start turning wrenches regularly? What can I expect on mpg, mainly highway miles? If I find a manual tranny, can I flat tow behind an RV? Any common problems I can expect? What should I look for when buying one? What engine size should I go after?

Thanks in advance!
-Bill

[MrHatchWagon]

Hi Bill,

Firstly, regarding engine size, all of the Vibes between 2003 and 2004 used a 1.8L engine. The base models have VVT-i, which is variable valve timing that helps with fuel economy and gives you more power in the high end. They were rated at about 130-135hp at the crank. The GT models also have a 1.8L engine, but have VVTL-i, which includes valve timing and lift, and gives a pretty nice kick around 6000rpm, they were built to rev high and put out about 175-180hp at the crank. If you're looking for a commuter and fuel economy, you'd probably be better with a base.

Now, for transmissions: The 2003-2004 base model manual transmissions were prone to premature failure. Other than that, you should be in the clear. Base models were equipped with a 5-speed manual and GT models with a 6-speed manual. This is the main issue with drivetrain components. Also, I would recommend the FWD model if you won't be doing much intense snow driving. The AWD models were prone to leaky rear differentials and could lead to a costly repair. You'd also lose some power and fuel economy, going with the AWD.

FWD models can be flat towed, but AWD models cannot.

Looking at gas mileage, many members regularly get about 30-35mpg highway. Of course, it depends on how you drive, but those are the kinds of numbers you could expect to see out of a base model. I have no idea what the GT would yield, though.

As for reliability, the Vibe is a great vehicle that, with regular maintenance, shouldn't give you many problems. I haven't had any with mine aside from routine brake / wheel bearing / oil change work. I drive an 04 base with the 5-speed manual, and love it. I'm going on 200 000 kilometers (about 120 000 miles) without any major issues. Many people have more mileage than that and their car is still reliable, that's the beauty of the Toyota engines.

All in all, I would highly recommend a Vibe. There's a ton of ressources on this site for do-it-yourself maintenance and a large community to back that up. It's a great, economical, practical (the rear seats fold flat down and give you massive storage capacity in the rear), reliable car. Just check the usual things you'd check on a used car and you should be happy with your purchase. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask them, and if I don't answer someone else will!

[joatmon]

Welcome to genvibe

Nissan Cubes

I know it's a matter of taste, but to me the lack of symmetry on the back end of the Cubes is an affront to all that is good in the universe.

Only the manual tranny Vibes can be flat towed, the FWD automatics are supposed to be dolly towed. AWDs have to be trailer towed.

I bought a base 5 speed for the gas mileage. The money I have had to put into replacement transmissions for the ultra craptastic Toyota 5 speeds has exceeded any fuel savings, even after 270K miles so far. Other than the devil spawn 5 speeds out of hell, the cars are quite reliable.

The instrument cluster in the 03's is all red, and a number of people complained about difficulty reading it, especially on a sunny day. 04+ use a read and white illuminated cluster which is much easier to read.

They introduced drive by wire/electronic throttle with the 05's I have never driven one of those, so I can't say personally, and most say its fine, but some say it's less responsive than the throttle cable of the 03/04's

Get one that has the power package: electric door and locks, remote entry, and cruise control. Not worth adding those later, and you'll want cruise for the highway. Don't bother looking for one with the built in GPS Nav unit, there haven't been any map updates available for many years.

[jake75]

For someone who has a 120 mile daily commute (about 30,000 miles a year for the commute alone) ) a free car, (including maintenance and repairs I assume) and gas by my calculation is worth about $7,500 a year. If that is a tax free perk (don't know how they could do that but . . .) gross that up for federal, state and ss tax - it is equal to about $12,000 a year if you are in the 25% federal tax bracket. That means you would have to earn nearly $12,000 to net $7,500 after 25% fed, 4% state and 7.65% soc sec taxes. I hope you have adequately considered that in your job change consideration.

[ibdilbert]

This is great, this is the feedback I was looking forward to reading and I can't thank you guys enough! This will truly help with my decision on what to and what not to purchase.

Jake, thanks for those numbers. You have a very good point! Current company is small town mom and pop company that in return for the vehicle maintenance, allows me to have a vehicle and lets me use their gas card. They pay for any parts that I need to maintenance them, but I do all repairs on my personal time. The new job is a government job, the retirement and health benefits compared to what I have now are rather impressive. I will surly keep your numbers in mind before accepting any pay offers.

Thanks again
-Bill

[ramenboy...]

I agree. The info from Jake75 is some important stuff to consider.

However if you do decide to change jobs and purchase a vibe, it's a great choice. My o4 base passed 200k miles recently and I'm still averaging around 30mpg, best was 34.

Great cars. Ponitac's best kept secret

[tpollauf]

If you are really getting a BIG increase in pay, then go for broke and spend a bit more for one of the 2nd gen 2009-10 Vibes. Lots of additional safety features on them which were not available on the older ones. Either way DEFINITELY get yourself a Vibe.

[zyzyix]

From what I've been reading and hearing the Vibe is a great car. One more thing to check out, there was an oil dipstick upgrade for the 2003-2005 models, that would raise the oil level capacity from 3.9 quarts to 4.4 qts. The 2006 and later Vibes had the upgraded dipstick. There may be oil issues ( burning use, etc)with the engine if it was run on the less amt for a long time. Also, there were recalls for the 2003-2004 power windows equipped models for possible door glass shattering, and the 2005-2008 for the PCM (some Vibes have not had these recalls done and are up for sale, Do a Carfax just to be sure). All, in all, like the members here have said it is a great fine car. Good luck in finding a nice one.

[jake75]

A key piece of info - "The new job is a government job, the retirement and health benefits compared to what I have now are rather impressive."
Of course with the structural changes in our economy govt. jobs aren't what they used to be in terms of job security and benefits, but they still are head and shoulders above what you find in the private sector. Knowing what I do now, if I had my life to live over again, I would have got a govt. job. [Long story - don't want to get off topic too much. ] I never had a long commute in my 27 years of working at a day job, 3 mi one way for first, 6 mi. and a direct bus line for 24.5 for next. In the last 15 have been working out of a home office. But if I had a 120 mile a day commute, especially today, I'd be looking for the best mpg and the Vibe isn't it. I also think used cars today are way overpriced and if you can swing it the overall economics favor something new. You do have appear to have the advantage of being your own mechanic.

[ibdilbert]

"I'd be looking for the best mpg and the Vibe isn't it."

I totally don't disagree, but 30 to 35mpg seems really good to me! Only thing I'm aware of thats better is a Prius, an Insight or a sub compact car like a Geo Metro. For the price difference of a Prius or an Insight, I can buy a lot of gas considering there is only a 15mpg difference. The Geos I've had in the past easily got 40 to 45, but they are also getting harder and harder to find since they stopped making them.

[journeyforce]

Welcome to Genvibe.

An electric car huh? Is it a Henney Kilowatt?

Anyway the folks that posted already have given some great info. Avoid the 03-04 manual trans as they suck and are prone to breaking(in fact the 2003-2004 Vibes and Toyota Matrix are the only two cars that the auto trans is more reliable then the manual trans(it is usually the other way around)

The Pontiac Vibe and the Toyota Matrix are the same car and you can get engine/trans/suspension parts for the Vibe from Toyota. The Vibe with its Toyota pedigree means many thousands of miles for just regular maintenance

The 2003-2008 Vibes can be had for between $3000 to $9000 depending upon miles. The 2009-2010 Vibes can not be had for less then $10,000 at the least.

Here are some cars you might look at also that are reliable and cheap to own and run

1. 1990-2002 Corolla
2. 1990-2002 Geo/Chevy Prizm ( a rebadged Corolla for a bargain price(most consumers were too stupid to be able to look past the Geo or Chevy badge and see that the car was really a cheaper Corolla)
3. Toyota Yaris/ Toyota Echo (good gas mileage and a cheap buying price
4. 2003-2007 Ford Focus (get one with a Zetec or Duratec engine in it and skip the SPFI(says SPFI on the valve cover) because those crap engines drop valves(I had a 2005 before I got my Sonata and I missed the Focus the whole time I owned the Hyundai)
5. Nissan Versa. Good gas mileage and not really a bad drive. You can save a bundle on one without the factory radio in it(the car comes with all the speakers and wires, just add the aftermarket radio)
6. Any Honda Civic(make sure the timing belt and water pump were changed)

The metro is a great for gas but the seats suck and it feel like you are dragging your @$$ on the road since it sits so low and has no noise proofing. Great gas mileage is cool BUT if you feel like you are 100 years old after a short trip in it then it is better off getting a bigger car

Good luck

[ibdilbert]

"An electric car huh? Is it a Henney Kilowatt?"

Actually a 1976 CitiCar, by Sebring-Vanguard, Inc. They are pretty dorky looking, but a lot of fun for in town commutes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citicar

So far the cheaper vibes I've been finding are 03s and 04s, can an 05 or newer 5 speed tranny be installed w/out much modifications? Found a few 03s with less than 100k on the odometer for less than 5k.

[journeyforce]

Ah I see, Smaller then a smart car.

Yes a 05-08 5spd trans can be fit in the 03-04.

However most folks look for the Vibe GT 6 spd manual trans. It is a direct bolt on to the 5spd Vibes. The only other thing you need to change(if you want to) is the shifter head(the thing that shows the gear direction) so that it reminds you that the car now has 6 forward gears. other then that nothing is needed and everything in your car can be reused. Search this forum and you should see posts that talk about this

[cptnsolo77]

Being that you will be driving mostly highway, have you considered a Civic? When I had mine i was driving all highway & getting 38-40 MPG. It was a 2001 LX 2 door auto. I would have bought another one but I needed a car more freindly to loading & unloading groceries LOL.