Introduction and first post

General discussions about the Pontiac Vibe & Toyota Matrix. New members, introduce yourself here!
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MichaelJT
Posts: 5
Joined: Sun Nov 29, 2015 1:11 pm

Introduction and first post

Post by MichaelJT »

Hello.

I joined in 2015 but haven't posted until now. I always found the answers to my questions with the search function. I own a 2005 Vibe AWD that I bought new in May of '05. It's Lava Red with Graphite interior. It's my wife's daily driver and currently has 114,000 miles. I drive it too but find getting in and out a challenge as I am 6' 5" tall and the wrong side of 250lbs. But once thusly ensconced I find it to be a very enjoyable car to drive. Roomy enough and reasonably comfortable seats for long drives. MPG varies depending on where we drive and season. Ranges 23 to 30. On a long straight flat trip we once got over 35mpg. For a car rated at 26/31 I'm satisfied with that.

Over the last 12 years I have replaced or had replaced both rear wheel bearings. one at 50K and the other at 83K. Tires were another issue. I had 3 sets of new tires on the car in the first 25,000 miles. One of those sets was a freebie from the dealer on a TSB that I discovered here on GenVibe.
I now try to find tires with a higher UTG wear rating. I also up sized to 205/60-16 from the stock size and tire wear is now acceptable.

I do my own brakes too. 3 seats of pads and a set of rotors so far since new.

The only other issue is exhaust. No Cat back systems apparently are made for the AWD so I have been repairing my OEM system. The flange broke off at the muffler to pipe joint and I replaced that with something sturdier. Also the inlet pipe to the muffler rusts away about every 2 years and I just build a new one and weld it back on.

I have a decent shop to work in and the tools to do the work so it saves me a lot to DIY. Ever price a new OEM exhaust system? :shock:

I do have the car dealer serviced. I know the service manager where I take it and he treats me right. Since it's my wife's car I don't mess with

The car runs and drives as good as ever and we plan on keeping it till the end.

Thanks for listening.

Mike T

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MacGyver
Posts: 340
Joined: Sat Apr 30, 2016 2:45 pm
Location: Ottawa (09 Base)

Re: Introduction and first post

Post by MacGyver »

Thanks for posting your pic and story! Welcome, friend.
2009 Vibe Base
tpollauf
Posts: 4188
Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2010 11:37 am
Location: Toledo/Oregon, Port Clinton Ohio
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Re: Introduction and first post

Post by tpollauf »

Excellent intro ... and Welcome to GenVibe :D Hopefully you don't got another year without a post :o Get involved here and share everything Vibe related!
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2009 Vibe GT (5-spd manual), 2004 Vibe GT (6-spd manual)
2014 Silverado, 2026 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid

"everything is modifiable"
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vibrologist
Posts: 1598
Joined: Sat May 10, 2014 8:24 am
Location: Iowa

Re: Introduction and first post

Post by vibrologist »

Cool story, Micheal!
It is amazing how these cars hold up as they age.
I think taking the wife's car to the garage for service is well worth it. It's like a blame deflector ;).
Please keep coming back with posts.
What is a big man like you driving?
Vibrologist
'05 Vibe

"It is important to know the difference between 'accurate' and 'precise' even if you are neither!"

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MichaelJT
Posts: 5
Joined: Sun Nov 29, 2015 1:11 pm

Re: Introduction and first post

Post by MichaelJT »

Thanks for the welcome. My main ride is a 1999 Chevy Silverado 4x4. I don't need a lot of cargo room and the short box trucks feel so much lighter and nimble than the extended cab beasts. This one is a base truck with 4.8 V8, automatic and wind up windows. I added a roof console, factory cruise control and a temperature/compass mirror. Nice to drive and gets 18mpg average.
Mike T

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vibenvy
Posts: 7121
Joined: Wed Apr 15, 2009 5:38 am
Location: Sandwich, IL

Re: Introduction and first post

Post by vibenvy »

Welcome to GenVibe! Glad you finally decided to introduce yourself and your Vibe ;)!
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2009 Liquid Platinum Metallic Vibe GT - 5-Speed Auto – Garage
2009 Steel Blue Metallic Vibe GT - 5-Speed Auto – Garage
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