New '03 AWD Owner

[rhealey2]

Hi everyone,

Just bought an '03 Vibe AWD with 79,000 miles yesterday. I was really attracted by the fact that it's basically a Matrix/Corolla for the price of a defunct American brand. I bought it from a Nissan dealer where apparently it was a trade-in. My trusted mechanic just looked at it and says it's in good shape mechanically.

Here are my thoughts so far:

Pros-
-It's a essentially a Toyota, complete with Japanese characters on some of the labels under the hood.
-It runs really well and the mechanic says everything looks ok. Engine is smooth and I can't feel the automatic transmission doing anything unusual.
-It looks cool.
-It's loaded with options: moonroof, electric everything, cruise control, ABS. All of it appears to work except an interior light. The fob doesn't work but hopefully it's just a battery.
-AWD should be nice this winter.
-It's a HUGE step up to what I'm driving currently: a '99 Saturn base model with 160,000mi. It served me well but it's now on it's last legs.

Cons-
-There's lot's of nasty dings, even for an 10yo car.
-Needs new tires.
-The dealer did NOTHING to spruce up the interior. It needs a good scrubbing. The radio buttons all work but the paint is worn. The dirtiness of the interior makes me wonder about the previous owners. Then again, my mother's car is filthy inside but she does a good job keeping up with maintenance.
-The AWD is extremely expensive when it breaks.
-It has aftermarket wheels. They're pretty tasteful as far as aftermarket wheels go, but they're not really my thing.

My main concern is the AWD. Is there anything I should be doing to prolong the life of that rear differential for as long as possible? How long can I expect it to last? There's no sign of anything wrong at the moment. It seems that the rear differential and the a/c are the only recurring threads in the maintenance forum.

[zythr]

Hi

Keep up on your fluid changes and it should last a while. Since you say the mechanicals have checked out, on to cleaning the interior. Depending on how long you are going to keep it, know that the Odo is will probably top out at 299,999k/miles.

[vibenvy]

Welcome to GenVibe! I don't really know too much about the 1st gen (2003-2008) Vibes since I own a 2009, so I will leave the maintenance recommendations, etc. up to others. I would however love to see some pictures of your "new" Vibe though, so be sure and post some when you get a chance !

[tpollauf]

Welcome to GenVibe Yeah I can relate to a dealer doing very little to sprucing up a car before they put it on their lot for sale. Just wait till you remove some seats & panels ... there might be some gooey stuff down there Sounds like a nice ride you acquired there Clean it up & take good care of it! Post pics when you get a chance.

[creekhed1]

I used to have an '03 AWD and loved it! I had a rear bearing go and it made noise.... but my rear diff held up. Overall it was bulletproof!
Im moving to Colorado shortly and part of me wishes my current Vibe was AWD! (Except now that Ive owned a 6-Speed 2ZZ-GE Vibe I could never go back). Too bad Pontiac never designed an AWD system for the GT...now that wold be the best of both worlds!

[Salsa Guy]

Welcome! Yea keep an eye on the rear diff seals and of course the fluids in the Transfer case and rear diff. Most quick lube places don't even realize that it's an AWD and won't check them