Does the Vibe get progressively better with year? Which year is best?

[Emergo]

Hey guys, I'm new here. I'm in the market for a used Vibe, from 00-08. I was wondering if I should target a specific year or avoid a specific year. I'm really only looking for rare used cars with less than 100,000 miles in those years. (My max budget is 8k with finance, $5,500 upfront cash)

Please help me narrow it down. Thanks guys!

[joatmon]

Be sure to check out the Everything You Need To Know About The Vibe thread, it has a lot of information about the differences in the different years.

The 03 instrument cluster is all red, I prefer the red and white instrument cluster in the 04+
I also prefer the look fo the 03/04 recessed grill, but others prefer the flush grill in the 05-08s, and that's fine.
I've never driven an 05+ electronic throttle, so can't compare
Tire pressure monitoring systems seem to be a problem on any vehicle that has them.

Probably cost more for the name, but if you find a good deal, be open to a Toyota Matrix. Almost all the same car as a Vibe

Welcome to genvibe, good luck on the decision and search

[trb]

Welcome! The only real major thing to watch out for is the manual transmission 03-04 base models. The bearings in the transmissions are weak and there have been quite a few failures on them. Other than that, the autos are pretty good all around. Many people say the 08 is the best since it is the newest one and all of the bugs are worked out, but most any one will be a good car.

Good luck on your search!

[Nasmfell]

Hi: I'd look for an '08. Even though it has tire pressure monitoring, there will probably be more under the 100K miles you're looking for compared to earlier years. Good luck.

[runningslow]

I haven't had any issues with the TPS in my '06 having just passed 160K. In fact, they got tested last week when I got two nails in one of my tires (still trying to figure that one out) while pulling a trailer. The low pressure light kicked on like it was supposed to. Perhaps, the issues that people have with them are environmental? My Vibe lived most of its life in Florida, having only recently moved to Texas. It has seen very little snow and I don't think it has ever experienced road salt.

Regardless, I don't think you can go wrong with any 03-08 Vibe.

[bluneon]

there are 2 major tire sensor systems.

the first system is passive. it's less accurate, but less annoying and there isn't a single component that will wear out. the system is based on the wheel speed sensors. consider your tires are properly inflated, you're rolling down the road; your wheels and tires are spinning at the same rate of speed. now consider one of the tires is going flat or is close to flat. the rotation of the flat is now 'faster' than the rest of the 3 wheels because the diameter is now smaller due to being deflated. this difference in rational speed is what triggers the abs system to throw the tire light. this system will not detect a flat instantly, the vehicle must be moving before the system detects a flat.

the second system is active. the same system equipped in 2008+ vibes. it's more accurate but more annoying. and is also more costly in the long run. this system has a designated tpms module in the dash and 1 sensor installed into each wheel (total of 4 per vehicle). it will save your tires faster, but the tire sensors will die after a while. each sensor has internal batteries that will start to discharge after 5+ years. dead/dying sensors will cause the light to flash. sensors aren't cheap either. you have to consider that sooner or later you will have to replace every sensor if you wish to keep the system working properly. this system is also extremely touchy when it comes to ambient temperature changes, tire lights seems to pop up more frequently in the colder months. research the ideal gas law and put 2 and 2 together to see why this happens.

2007 and older vibes do not have active sensors, which is why none of them are flipping out about a flashing tire light.

[WestC4]

I wouldn't be concerned about getting an 08 even with the tpms. I have an 08 and have never had any issues with this system. works just fine. I do however wish Pontiac would have kept the 03-04 style front bumper/grill, as well as the 2 compartment center console. other than that, I love my 08!!

[ott]

This is kind of late , however ,i'm a new guy also ,user name ott and i bought a 2003 base vibe 2 months ago. It has 178000 miles on it but you would not be able to tell. The body is clean inside and out,engine is clean-no leaks-and it runs like new. The trans feels tight and shifts smooth. I live in Michigan and we have rough winters with lots of salt but body and undercarriage are pretty rust free.Maybe it's an out of state car,i don't know but after buying this i would not be leary of buying a first gen vibe.I know i got lucky because it was a shi**y day when i bought and i did not check it out very thoroughly. It has no power accept side mirrors but i like that. So, maybe it was repainted,maybe the trans was replaced, maybe the engine gaskets were replaced but i don't think so. Not when it sold for 2900 bucks. Good ones are out there 1st and second generation,i guess you just have to get lucky like i did. Good luck on what ever you decide. Ott

[ott]

I forgot to mention the 03base vibe is a 5 speed manual trans. Ott