Going to look at a 2004 Vibe tomorrow!

General discussions about the Pontiac Vibe & Toyota Matrix. New members, introduce yourself here!
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thomaswilson12
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed Mar 13, 2013 3:19 pm
Location: Jackson, MI

Going to look at a 2004 Vibe tomorrow!

Post by thomaswilson12 »

Tomorrow I am going to look at a 2004 Vibe Base, Orange, Automatic, Sunroof, Power Windows 47,000 miles. I had a Jeep but after an instant oil change mishap my engine seized. Looking for something more fuel efficient, that I could still haul a couple toolboxes around in, this fit the bill perfectly. We had one at work as a company car that I loved driving, so I am looking forward to getting back into a Vibe. It has a rebuilt title from rear end damage, and I am taking it to a mechanic to be checked out first. I hope this works out because I'm really excited to get behind the wheel of my new car. And if I do buy it tomorrow... YES I will post pictures :D
vibolista
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Location: "Glacial", Maine!

Re: Going to look at a 2004 Vibe tomorrow!

Post by vibolista »

Check it out closely and make sure they did the work right. You have prior Vibe experience, so you know what a Vibe is supposed to drive like. Look under the back covers and under the spare tire itself just to make sure everything is there, with no rust. On a road test, don't turn the radio on, drive it and listen to the suspension.

Look closely at all the door gaps and that all doors/hatch open and close easily. Hopefully your mechanic will be thorough. Hopefully the Vibe will check out OK and drive straight. Orange is one of the more rare colors and looks really good on the Vibe.

Definitely a useful, tough car that can get great MPG, too.

Good Luck!! Definitely put some pictures up when you get the chance!
'08 Manual, Sun&Sound, 17" Borbet Type CA wheels, 215/50 Summer Tires... 16" OE steel, 215/55 Snow Tires
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vibenvy
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Re: Going to look at a 2004 Vibe tomorrow!

Post by vibenvy »

Welcome to GenVibe! I hope everything works out for you. It sounds like a great little Vibe, mainly the color and mileage! Looking forward to seeing pictures, assuming you get it ;)!
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tpollauf
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Re: Going to look at a 2004 Vibe tomorrow!

Post by tpollauf »

Welcome to GenVibe :D I too hope you get this Vibe. The Orange metallic is a rare color and VERY SHARP !!! Sunroof too ..... NICE Looking forward to what happens next 8-)
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2009 Vibe GT (manual), 2009 G8Gt, 2009 Vibe GT (auto)
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"everything is modifiable"
lannvouivre
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Re: Going to look at a 2004 Vibe tomorrow!

Post by lannvouivre »

thomaswilson12 wrote: that I could still haul a couple toolboxes around in, this fit the bill perfectly
Mine's probably waaay smaller than the boxes you've got, but I picked up one of these http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/203206053?catalogId=10053" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and it fits without sliding around behind the driver's seat. (I'm little, so my seat's pretty far forward).
"If you don't love me at my diddliest, you don't deserve me at my doodliest." - User ktluvscricket of reddit
09SnowyVibe
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Re: Going to look at a 2004 Vibe tomorrow!

Post by 09SnowyVibe »

Its pet friendly I find as well. That plastic trunk might seem cheap-o, but I like the easiness of just wiping it down, and pet hair don't stick to it either! Did the older ones have the rubber lines in the trunk like the 09's? I like the rubber tracks in mine, keeps things from sliding around.

Good luck, and yes, have a mechanic thoroughly check it over!!
2009 Vibe AWD
2001 Sunfire GTX
1993 Buick Park Ave
1984 Chevrolet Citation
lannvouivre
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Re: Going to look at a 2004 Vibe tomorrow!

Post by lannvouivre »

09SnowyVibe wrote:Did the older ones have the rubber lines in the trunk like the 09's? I like the rubber tracks in mine, keeps things from sliding around.
I'm pretty sure my 06 doesn't, things (cargo mat included) tend to get flung around in a storm of slippery death in the back of my car. I need to fix that with some self liner...
"If you don't love me at my diddliest, you don't deserve me at my doodliest." - User ktluvscricket of reddit
thomaswilson12
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed Mar 13, 2013 3:19 pm
Location: Jackson, MI

Re: Going to look at a 2004 Vibe tomorrow!

Post by thomaswilson12 »

Well I'm glad I had it checked out first. I didn't end up getting the car. I loved the color, but too many things threw up red flags. I knew it had had light rear end damage, and during the inspection found very slight front end damage... but the big red flag we spotted was the very wet carpets. We pulled the drain plugs out from under the car and felt inside and all of them were quite wet and had a mildew smell underneath The paint on the radio buttons was peeled off and bubbly, probably from the water and humidity, and I noticed on the drive back to his house the condensation in the interior lights. Everything else was pretty minor... brakes, trans flush, coolant flush. But the water scared me because of the potential for electrical problems. I have a couple more Vibe's I am hoping to look at this weekend, 2004-2006 range with 100,000-130,000 miles. If I get one I will be sure to post pictures and details!
Doug14
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Location: London, Ontario

Re: Going to look at a 2004 Vibe tomorrow!

Post by Doug14 »

Welcome! sad to hear about the water damage on that vibe, best of luck looking at more!
ramenboy...
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Re: Going to look at a 2004 Vibe tomorrow!

Post by ramenboy... »

Welcome to the family

The o4 smashing pumpkin fusion is a great color. But glad you did some diggin and didn't get a lemon. Good luck on your search!
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