Looking to buy 2003 awd. Advice?

[GeekVibe]

Hello all, I am new here and I am looking at a 2003 vibe awd that a coworker is selling. She says it needs new tires and brakes, and the odometer stopped as it does at 299,999 kms its as-is and she is asking for $1200. Is there anything else I should be aware of with the auto awd? My boyfriend has a vibe but its a 5 speed manual, so he doesn't know what to look for in this trans/drivetrain. Any help for us is much appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[KITT222]

Welcome to GenVibe! I'm not the definitive expert on the AWDs, but I suggest making sure there is no noise coming from the rear differential, and asking last time the diff fluid has been replaced. if you do end up getting it, replace the diff fluid anyway. And NEVER put tires of different diameter on the rear axle. It will have less power than your boyfriends 5-speed, both for being an automatic, being heavier, and having 10hp less due to exhaust routing.

Good luck!

[Salsa Guy]

First thing check the rear differential seals and make sure there isn't any noise coming from the rear end. If the seals are seeping but no noise you need to get them replaced ASAP (about $200 to replace them and fluid)! Otherwise it's a $2K + repair. I'd suggest taking it to a local trusted Mechanic and have them look it over spending with special attention to transfer case and rear differential. Normally they will charge $100 for that but could save you $$$$ down the road.

The AWD isn't known for being quick. But they do get around ok. Hope this helps.

Good Luck

[thebarber]

Skip it.

The awd model sucks anyways (poor mileage, slow) but with an unkown mileage and that you're looking at at least $1000-1500 to safety it, its a big pass

[zythr]

^ +1 PASS PASS PASS. That the seller is selling it with the mileage stopped at 299,999 could mean maintenance has been skipped. There are other better maintained Vibes out there.

[SeattleJeremy]

$1200 is a tempting price for a functioning car. As others have said it's going to take some time and money to get it into good shape.
All of the fluids will need to be addressed: engine oil, transmission fluid, rear diff fluid, coolant, brake fluid.
Also make sure the steering, suspension, and tires are in proper working order.

Please watch this video on Pre Purchase Inpsection (PPI)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNVfJXWqYeg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[GeekVibe]

Thanks all! We might go and look at it anyways and maybe try and talk them down. If its not worth getting we plan to keep our eyes open for another vibe because I LOVE my boyfriends car. We would love to have a vibe family haha. I will keep posting updates on whether we jump on this or continue to look for other vibes, Thanks again for all your advice!

[thebarber]

See, one of the many issues is that you like the feel of a manual FWD model.

The awd is a D-O-G

[Salsa Guy]

Skip it.

The awd model sucks anyways (poor mileage, slow) but with an unkown mileage and that you're looking at at least $1000-1500 to safety it, its a big pass

The MPGs isn't that bad on the AWD. Before the SC I got 28-30 mixed driving and 34-36 Hwy. With the SC 24-27 MPG and 32-34 Hwy.

[creekhed1]

If it runs well doesnt burn oil and the rear end is holding up I'd hop on it...but of course I'd talk her down to a G!

A G for an 03 AWD is nothing!

Of course... if you can afford more I would DEFINITELY spend more and get into a lower mileage GT (my preference)... because with that high mileage its a... time bomb lol

[GeekVibe]

Decided not to jump on it, rough shape and not much maintenance info. Going to keep our eyes open for a base or gt, although if it's a gt monotone I'll probably end up with my boyfriend's vibe as he wants a gt, all first Gen we're looking at right now(03-08), unless it's an 09/10 gt but those are mostly out of our price range. I'll keep posting if we find one!