New owner of 03 vibe GT....pretty excited

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patmegkelly
Posts: 7
Joined: Wed Feb 20, 2013 7:53 pm

New owner of 03 vibe GT....pretty excited

Post by patmegkelly »

so i just picked up an 03 vibe GT last night. 155k miles on it for $2700. Thought it was a pretty good deal, considering vibes in that mileage range go for mid to upper $3k's. No rust, in great shape, one owner. I'm looking forward to taking care of it. Came here to look for tips and tricks to do so. Hopefully I can get another 150k miles out of it! Looking forward to getting to know the forum. thanks! have a good night.

-Patrick
patmegkelly
Posts: 7
Joined: Wed Feb 20, 2013 7:53 pm

Re: New owner of 03 vibe GT....pretty excited

Post by patmegkelly »

I know this isn't relevant to this topic, other than me being new and trying to find my way around, but now that I've purchased this, where could I find what kind of post purchase maintenance I should do? I want to make sure it's in sound shape and not take any chances. This is aside from an inspection. Thanks!
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Rayven01
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Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2013 12:07 pm

Re: New owner of 03 vibe GT....pretty excited

Post by Rayven01 »

Welcome to the site and enjoy your new Vibe! At 155k you're right at the end of the first maintenance cycle. Unless you know the maintenance history I personally would give it the works: flush or at least drain and replace coolant and transmission fluid, replace spark plugs, oil & filter, air filter, cabin filter. For your inspection ask them to take note of the wear on things like brakes, battery, belts & hoses, tires, underbody, suspension, etc, not just the required pass/fail. That way you can plan ahead and adjust your future maintenance appropriately.
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vibolista
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Re: New owner of 03 vibe GT....pretty excited

Post by vibolista »

Looks like you lucked out into a good Vibe GT! Good price for sure and if the original owner took care of the car and got the required maintenance done on it... you're in great shape.

Do everything that Rayven suggested.

One additional thing I would add, check the spark plug wires. They could be original, and after 155,000 miles, it might be a good idea to stick new ones in. Spark plugs that I would recommend are NGK Iridium. I've tried quite a few through the years and these seem to stand out in Toyota (and Honda) engines. Whichever plug you chose, make sure that they are properly gapped. New wires and new plugs will help you get better MPGs and smoother engine performance.

Note that after 155,000 miles, if the first owner did take good care of the car, that you should be able to add another 155,000 miles without much problem!!

Take some pictures of your new ride... we are a visual group here and enjoy seeing new Vibes! Well come to Vibedom!
'08 Manual, Sun&Sound, 17" Borbet Type CA wheels, 215/50 Summer Tires... 16" OE steel, 215/55 Snow Tires
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Chiadog
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Location: Abrams, wisconsin

Re: New owner of 03 vibe GT....pretty excited

Post by Chiadog »

Did your Mom do regular maintenance on it?
Seriously though, Awesome price on ANY Vibe with 155K! Private sale or dealer?
Flush the tranny if U want, Flush the radiator if U want, but Don't EVER flush an engine! Just my 2 cents.
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vibenvy
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Re: New owner of 03 vibe GT....pretty excited

Post by vibenvy »

Welcome to GenVibe Patrick! That's an excellent deal you got on your Vibe! Post some pictures of it when you get a chance ;)!
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thebarber
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Re: New owner of 03 vibe GT....pretty excited

Post by thebarber »

Rayven01 wrote:Welcome to the site and enjoy your new Vibe! At 155k you're right at the end of the first maintenance cycle. Unless you know the maintenance history I personally would give it the works: flush or at least drain and replace coolant and transmission fluid, replace spark plugs, oil & filter, air filter, cabin filter. For your inspection ask them to take note of the wear on things like brakes, battery, belts & hoses, tires, underbody, suspension, etc, not just the required pass/fail. That way you can plan ahead and adjust your future maintenance appropriately.
This.
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tpollauf
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Re: New owner of 03 vibe GT....pretty excited

Post by tpollauf »

Welcome to GenVibe Pat! Even though it's only been a couple of days, members here get impatient quickly! Post pics of the Vibe. Also did the early GT's come in both Manual & automatic transmissions ? I take it yours would be the 6-speed manual ? Looking forward to pics of your new ride REAL soon :D
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lannvouivre
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Re: New owner of 03 vibe GT....pretty excited

Post by lannvouivre »

tpollauf wrote:Welcome to GenVibe Pat! Even though it's only been a couple of days, members here get impatient quickly! Post pics of the Vibe. Also did the early GT's come in both Manual & automatic transmissions ? I take it yours would be the 6-speed manual ? Looking forward to pics of your new ride REAL soon :D
I'm excited for pics as well!
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