Checking out an 04 today- what to look for?

[Hughlysses]

Hi- I just joined the forum. I'm looking to buy a Vibe for my 21-year-old son and I'm going to check out an ~85k mile 2004 base model later today. 2WD and automatic.

Anything peculiar to the Vibe that I should be sure and check?

Thanks!

Hugh

[Nasmfell]

Hi

Yes, check to make sure it is not an oil burner (some 2003-2004 models have had excessive oil use issues). Check to see if recalls for the power window (if it has one) and air bags have been done. The power window issue, an item in the door can crack the glass, causing it to shatter when the window would be raised or lowered. The Air bag, could inadvertently deploy without being in an accident, due to a messed up air bag control module, if I'm not mistaken.


Other than those issues, check to see if it has been in an accident, if the owner has maintenance records and such. Good luck.

[hotbug1776]

Hi

Yes, check to make sure it is not an oil burner (some 2003-2004 models have had excessive oil use issues). Check to see if recalls for the power window (if it has one) and air bags have been done. The power window issue, an item in the door can crack the glass, causing it to shatter when the window would be raised or lowered. The Air bag, could inadvertently deploy without being in an accident, due to a messed up air bag control module, if I'm not mistaken.


Other than those issues, check to see if it has been in an accident, if the owner has maintenance records and such. Good luck.

Don't for get to listen to the transmission if it's a manual. the 2004's were in that bad transmission period.

[Hughlysses]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. The car looked good and drove well. It was an auto so no worries about the transmission. Carfax was clean (no open recalls unlike at least one other I found on the internet), so I went ahead and bought it. Car still had to be prepped (it was at a Mazda dealership) so they're delivering it tomorrow.

[vibenvy]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. The car looked good and drove well. It was an auto so no worries about the transmission. Carfax was clean (no open recalls unlike at least one other I found on the internet), so I went ahead and bought it. Car still had to be prepped (it was at a Mazda dealership) so they're delivering it tomorrow.

Welcome to GenVibe! Be sure and post some pictures of your "new" Vibe once you get it home !