Buying Tomorrow: What To Look For?

[glasswave]

Hi all,

First post, in what I hope to be first of many.

I am having a mechanic do an evalution of a very low mile (around 30,000) 2003 Vibe AWD base, (also considering a 2004 w/about 25,000 miles.) If it is in supurb condition like the dealer has indicated, I intend to buy it and have it shipped to Utah. It will be a commuter and canyon ski car, hence the need for awd. I wanted the 2003-2006 models because I am seeking the extra economy of the 1.8L. (good idea or is the 2.4L just as effiecient?)

Tell me, are their specifics that I should have the mechanics look for or just the general stuff? Any buying advice would be appreciated.

thx

[kumquat]

FYI, all years were made with a 1.8L engine. Some had 2.4L as an option

[glasswave]

FYI, all years were made with a 1.8L engine. Some had 2.4L as an option

My understanding is that after 2006, the 1.8L was no longer available in the AWD models, only Fwd models. I am nearly certain of this.

[kumquat]

FYI, all years were made with a 1.8L engine. Some had 2.4L as an option

My understanding is that after 2006, the 1.8L was no longer available in the AWD models, only Fwd models. I am nearly certain of this.

Ah, I missed AWD. That'll teach me to read.

[Derf]

During the summer took a 1.8l FWD through the Ozarks, had plenty of power up and down the sloping hills at the 70 mph speed limit. This terrain was similar to West Yellowstone, if that helps your consideration. Someone else would need to comment on winter driving in that type of terrain.

Being that the car is shipped to Utah, I would be curious how its current configuration may change. Such as AZ car that has antifreeze flushed with 0 rated blend rather than -30 blend. All season tires vs more aggressive tire for travel to snow covered areas. I would also read over the posts in the maintenance and care section for common issues, ie. air recirculating blend motor clicking, gunk in the sunroof tracks, to give your mechanic a heads up.

[SeattleJeremy]

The 2003-2006 AWD Vibes only come with the 1.8L and 4-speed automatic 123HP-118TQ, 26/31mpg (2003 numbers).
The 2009-2010 AWD Vibes only come with the 2.4L and 4-speed automatic 158HP-162TQ, 20/26mpg.

The ratings changed after 2005, your mileage will vary.

The thing to watch out for on the 2003-06 is leaky half shaft seals on the rear differential. If they are leaking it's a red flag, and must be addressed immediately. If they are currently leaking have write it in to the purchase contract as something they have to pay to fix. It's expensive to replace the rear-diff. Changing them before hand is a good idea, or just something to keep an eye on every oil change.

When planning to drive on snow, winter tires are a must. Remember AWD doesn't help you stop.

[glasswave]

The thing to watch out for on the 2003-06 is leaky half shaft seals on the rear differential. If they are leaking it's a red flag, and must be addressed immediately. If they are currently leaking have write it in to the purchase contract as something they have to pay to fix. It's expensive to replace the rear-diff. Changing them before hand is a good idea, or just something to keep an eye on every oil change.

This is what I'm learning, Watch those seals and differential fluid. thx

When planning to drive on snow, winter tires are a must. Remember AWD doesn't help you stop.

And neither do Blizzaks really. Snow/Ice driving is more about driving with anticipation and lower speeds than it is about equipment. You just need to find the sweet spot of how your vehicle wants to handle the conditions.

It's the sheriffs at the Canyon mouth that require the awd placards to continue, otherwise a fdw matrix with good front tires is all I'd need. Most any carefully driven car can handle the Wasatch roads in the winter given a decent driver. That said, good tires make a huge difference. As do studs, ....or chains.

[glasswave]

During the summer took a 1.8l FWD through the Ozarks, had plenty of power up and down the sloping hills at the 70 mph speed limit. This terrain was similar to West Yellowstone, if that helps your consideration. Someone else would need to comment on winter driving in that type of terrain.

Yes, I know the w Yellowstone area well, TY.This is as I hoped, if I can stay at 60-65 up steep passes and be comfy shooting across the flats at 75 or 80, then the Vibe 1.8L/auto awd is all I need.

Being that the car is shipped to Utah, I would be curious how its current configuration may change. Such as AZ car that has antifreeze flushed with 0 rated blend rather than -30 blend. All season tires vs more aggressive tire for travel to snow covered areas. I would also read over the posts in the maintenance and care section for common issues, ie. air recirculating blend motor clicking, gunk in the sunroof tracks, to give your mechanic a heads up.

Yeah, I should check the anti-freeze and hopefully the tires will get me thru a season.

[Nasmfell]

During the summer took a 1.8l FWD through the Ozarks, had plenty of power up and down the sloping hills at the 70 mph speed limit. This terrain was similar to West Yellowstone, if that helps your consideration. Someone else would need to comment on winter driving in that type of terrain.

Yes, I know the w Yellowstone area well, TY.This is as I hoped, if I can stay at 60-65 up steep passes and be comfy shooting across the flats at 75 or 80, then the Vibe 1.8L/auto awd is all I need.

Being that the car is shipped to Utah, I would be curious how its current configuration may change. Such as AZ car that has antifreeze flushed with 0 rated blend rather than -30 blend. All season tires vs more aggressive tire for travel to snow covered areas. I would also read over the posts in the maintenance and care section for common issues, ie. air recirculating blend motor clicking, gunk in the sunroof tracks, to give your mechanic a heads up.

Yeah, I should check the anti-freeze and hopefully the tires will get me thru a season.

Remember that was with a FWD Vibe, AWD adds about 200-300 pounds and has slightly less power as well, (123 instead of 130) so it may not do as well on the hills as the FWD did.

[SeattleJeremy]

I'll just leave this here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfuE00qdhLA" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

edit: here not year...

[star_deceiver]

Oh, the winter tire game... I love this game!

[beemerphile1]

Keep in mind that although they are great cars, they only have around 6" ground clearance. Deep snow can lift a lightweight car on top of the snow taking away all traction.

[kumquat]

Just as a point of reference, we had our first snow day today. I can say with confidence that the Vibe has significantly less traction than my Grand Am did in similar conditions. I attribute that to the weight and wider tires.

[MetalFiend]

Definitely check the tire tread. When i bought mine the tread looked good till i did a tire rotation and found the inside treat was worn due to the tires never being rotated. I found out quick enough and had the dealership buy me a set of new one's. Also, the battery dies on me the day i drove it off the lot and the dealership picked up that cost as well. If you can, try to find a 2.4L, you wont be disappointed!

[vibolista]

Well, it's way after tomorrow. Did we buy the Vibe?