get 2009 Vibe, or 2010 Vibe?

[canadave]

Just curious...all things being equal (and ignoring the obvious fact that a 2009 has one extra year of wear and tear on it), if I had an opportunity to get either one, is there a consensus as to which of these 2nd gen models is a better pick in terms of reliability? Or is it pretty much a tossup?

Reason I ask is because I can indeed buy either one, and I'm wrestling with whether to spend the extra money and get the 2010, or pay a little less and get the 2009.

[lannvouivre]

I think it's a tossup. There was an oil consumption issue with the 2AZ-FE 2.4L engine, but I dunno if they ever fixed it. The 1.8L is a 2ZR-FE and I think it has no issues.

[vibenvy]

There are really no differences between the two as far as reliability, etc. that have been discussed on here thus far.

From what other members have posted, the oil consumption issue does seem to be on early 2008 built 2009s. Neither one of our 2009 GTs has experienced any oil consumption yet. Their build dates are late 2008 (10.29 & 11.17).

If you're looking at automatics, the shifter bezel will be black on a 2009 and silver on a 2010. Mystic Blue Metallic was only available as a color option on 2009s and Ignition Orange Metallic was only available on 2010s. Those are really the only differences between the two years.

[gtv237]

Either would be fine. Remember not to worry a whole lot about mileage. A few miles can be a good thing. Too low mileage can indicate that the car was taken on a lot of short trips and was never allowed to heat up to operating temperature. That would cause a lot of wear and moisture inside the engine.

As far as engines, both options seem to have problems. The 2.4 can develop oil consumption issues, where the 1.8's are all basically shipped with a defective timing controller. To replace it with the revised unit you have to pull the timing chain and cams out. If you cant do it yourself its over $1000 to have done.

[canadave]

As far as engines, both options seem to have problems...the 1.8's are all basically shipped with a defective timing controller. To replace it with the revised unit you have to pull the timing chain and cams out. If you cant do it yourself its over $1000 to have done.

This is news to me. Can you provide a link to more info about this? I can't seem to find anything about this online. I'd think something like that would be subject to a recall, wouldn't it?

[gtv237]

As far as engines, both options seem to have problems...the 1.8's are all basically shipped with a defective timing controller. To replace it with the revised unit you have to pull the timing chain and cams out. If you cant do it yourself its over $1000 to have done.

This is news to me. Can you provide a link to more info about this? I can't seem to find anything about this online. I'd think something like that would be subject to a recall, wouldn't it?

I believe it's a recall for Toyotas but not Pontiacs. There is a technical service bulletin on it though. I can post it if you're interested. Basically the intake-side variable valve timing controller (part of the camshaft sprocket) doesn't automatically return to the correct position when the engine is shut off. This allows all the oil to leak out and it makes noise upon start up. It's a pretty nasty rattle but it doesn't really hurt anything.

To be clear this issue ONLY affects the 09/10 2ZR-FE motors and not the older 1.8s.

[canadave]

Interesting...yeah, if you wouldn't mind posting it, that would be helpful, I'd like to know more about it.

[kumquat]

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Matrix/2010/tsbs/

TSB #TSB-0192-12
NHTSA ID #10050819
Date Announced:
OCTOBER 15 2012
Additional Info:
How to Fix
Summary: TOYOTA: INTAKE CAMSHAFT GEAR ASSEMBLY WAS IMPROVED TO PREVENT CONDITION OF ENGINE EXHIBITING INTERMITTENT MIL ON. MODEL 2006-2012 CAMRY, CAMRY HV, COROLLA, MATRIX, RAV4, SOLARA. *PE

That's all I saw on it. My copy of AllData isn't new enough to have the full info.

[gtv237]

# 09-06-01-015A: Engine Knock/Rattle Noise at Cold Start Up (Replace Camshaft Timing Gear Actuator) - (Jun 21, 2013)
Subject:
Engine Knock/Rattle Noise at Cold Start Up (Replace Camshaft Timing Gear Actuator)
Models: 2009 Pontiac Vibe
Equipped with a 1.8 L Engine (RPO LAY)


This bulletin has been revised to update the Warranty Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 09-06-01-015.

Condition

Some customers may comment on a brief knock/rattle noise from the engine compartment for a short time period on a cold soak start up, usually lasting less than two seconds.

In order to verify this condition, go to http://service.gm.com/index_en-US/si.html and select 2009 Pontiac Vibe-Engine Knock/Rattle Noise at Cold Startup Video.

Cause

This condition may be caused by a camshaft timing gear that is not locked in the start up position.

Correction
Important: DO NOT remove the engine to complete this repair on the vehicle. Verify the noise. If a knock/rattle noise is present, replace the camshaft timing gear actuator.

1. Remove the camshaft cover. Refer to Camshaft Cover Removal Procedure in SI.

2. Remove the camshaft timing chain, sprocket and tensioner. Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain, Sprocket and Tensioner Removal in SI.
Note: Ensure that the new camshaft gear is unlocked (advanced position) prior to installation. Then tighten to the proper torque and lock the gear (fully retarded position).

3. Replace the camshaft timing gear actuator with P/N 19185580.

4. Install the camshaft timing chain, sprocket and tensioner. Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain, Sprocket and Tensioner Installation Procedure in SI.

5. Install the camshaft cover. Refer to Camshaft Cover installation Procedure in SI.

6. Verify that the noise has been eliminated.

[jake75]

When I clicked on this

• 2009 Pontiac Vibe - Engine Knock/Rattle Noise at Cold Startup Video
Cold Start - some 2009 model year Vibe vehicles may exhibit a brief knock/rattle noise from the engine compartment usually less than 2 seconds.

I got something written in Klingon.

A few days ago I heard, for the first time, a noise at start up lasting about 1 second. But it wasn't a rattle. More like the starter gear not disengaging. But it has not happened again ---- yet. I am at about 35,500 miles.

[jake75]

I should add, 35,500 miles but 6 years and 3 months, so any warranty is certainly gone.

[09vGT]

Mine developed the oil burning issue sometime after 100,000 miles out of the blue. I'm almost at 150,000.

I believe they corrected the issue in the '10 model. Personally, I'd go for that.

[gtv237]

When I clicked on this

• 2009 Pontiac Vibe - Engine Knock/Rattle Noise at Cold Startup Video
Cold Start - some 2009 model year Vibe vehicles may exhibit a brief knock/rattle noise from the engine compartment usually less than 2 seconds.

I got something written in Klingon.

A few days ago I heard, for the first time, a noise at start up lasting about 1 second. But it wasn't a rattle. More like the starter gear not disengaging. But it has not happened again ---- yet. I am at about 35,500 miles.

It's probably the timing controller just starting to get noisy. It does sound a lot like a starter not disengaging.

[PonchoGT]

My timing controller started doing the intermittent rattle thing on cold start-up at about 70,000 miles. Shortly after I purchased it with 62,000 miles on the odo.

[bigblue]

2009 owner reporting in.

I had oil consumption(~.5L) on one oil change cycle around the 90k mark. It has not drank any since; its at 105k now. Also had wheel liner come lose, made clunks when the tire turned right.(right front liner) Other than that smooth sailing. I got 36 mpg on a flat highway trip once driving 60, cant beat it. I've kept it clean and I get compliments on the car rather often.

Also mine has the silver shifter, I've seen several posts adamantly stating 2010 only had this and 2009 had black. Go figure on that one.

[vibenvy]

Also mine has the silver shifter, I've seen several posts adamantly stating 2010 only had this and 2009 had black. Go figure on that one.

Are you referring to the shift knob or the bezel around the shifter (the part that houses the P R N D indicators)?