GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

And here's my example of how for some bizarre reason, Toyota is cheaper than GM (prices in Canadian $$):Rear Wiper Blade (11")GM - $26.55Toy - $10.67 Part # 85242-12090 if anyone's interestedOil FilterGM - $12.75 (AC Delco)Toy - $6.95 (Denso) Part # 90915-YZZA1 - Which is actually a better filter than the AC DelcoHmmm.... $37.23 +tax or $17.62 +tax? Wonder which I chose...

GM parts are more pricey than Toyota parts in the states, too.Apparently GM buys the parts from Toyota at some cost very near what Toyota sells them to the public for in their own dealerships, THEN GM dealerships add a 30% (or higher) markup, and sells them to unsuspecting 'American' owners.Yeah, it sucks.

And what sucks even more for me at least, the local Toyota dealer here looks at me like I'm wasting their time coming in there to ask them about stuff for a "Pontiac." They seem to be in denial that there is any connection whatsoever between the Vibe and their beloved Corolla/Matrix. If I had part numbers for the stuff I need, it may be a different story. But still, they aren't too helpful.Depending on what I need, I'll just pay 2x and have my friendly GM dealer get me the stuff and they won't look at me like I'm a moron. Which I am, but still, the Toyota dealer needs to have more respect for their customers. (removed)!If it can wait, isn't covered under warranty, and I can save enough $$$, I'll get it through GM Parts Direct. There's quite good deals to be had from them on most stuff! I don't really have any connections anywhere to get cheap parts from a dealer, so that's about the best I can do...

Dude, anytime I go to a Toyo dealer for parts, I say "I need such and such for a Matrix XR."Resolves the blank-look problem real fast.

Quote, originally posted by kostby »GM parts are more pricey than Toyota parts in the states, too.Apparently GM buys the parts from Toyota at some cost very near what Toyota sells them to the public for in their own dealerships, THEN GM dealerships add a 30% (or higher) markup, and sells them to unsuspecting 'American' owners.Yeah, it sucks.Actually, there is a real reason for the mark-up, if you want to call this a reason; found out when I owned a Geo Prism (Toyota Corolla) that the reason GM marks the parts up from Toyota is because they have to repackage (or at least make up a custom part number label) every single item. They also have to carry product liability insurance on every part, and because they don't make those parts, they are charged more for that coverage. It is BS or reality? *Shruggs* I'd say it has a grain of truth to it. I say get it wherever you can get the best price.AND I like Toyota's filter better too, I'd say they are superior to the AC-Delco item.

That may be worth a try. When I try to explain it, I always end up with something like "Pontiac Vibe, which is quite similar mechanically and structurarlly (sp?) to the Matrix, and is assembled alongside the Corolla at NUMMI." BUT, to give a bit of credit to a Toyota dealer across the bridge, I went in the other day looking for one of those bolts that hold the cladding/inner fender/whatever on up front. I looked at a Matrix and it had plastic retainers, not bolts. So I brought one in, the parts lady looked up the Matrix, didn't see anything there that I could use, and then she looked up the last gen Corolla. I walked outta there with two of those suckers! I couldn't find the damn things anywhere.

I only go to the dealer for parts I cannot find on my own or parts I know the dlr has only. I also only use AC Delco for all my GM vehicles and the Vibe Delco oil filter can be found at most auto stores.

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic »If I had part numbers for the stuff I need, it may be a different story. Someone posted a complete parts list for the Matrix on here. I've used a couple times to get Toyota part #'s for stuff I've needed...

Also, toyota aftermarket parts are very affordable since it suits my budget right. I love the way how it works while increasing the power of my ride. Dealer prices of OEM product are surely lower compared to GM since GM is producing much more expensive car so you should also expect that the parts will also come with a price.

I just took my vibe to the shop for a front passenger side rattling they said it was possibly my strut but the cant find any for the 09 vibe will the 09 matrix strut work on it???? Please help

james12xx wrote: will the 09 matrix strut work on it?

Yes it should. Open up a new post introducing yourself and post pic of your Vibe and location. Getting back onto this original subject, I too have only purchased Toyota parts for my 09 Vibe's and no problems at all, except I saved a few $$$

james, yes the strut should be the exact same. However, your problem may not be with the strut or strut top bushing. Many on this board and on the Matrix board are having issues with their steering column. Apparently the rattle is coming from the column. Toyota has bulletins out on this for the Corolla and Matrix (I believe), but GM has not issued anything on our Vibe other than to help with some good faith $$ compensation for repairs for some Vibe owners. Please do some more research before you needlessly buy a stut for either side. I know you said the noise is on the passenger side. What I am referring to is a noise that obviously comes from straight in front of you, and which can be heard when you turn your steering wheel left and right while parked. If your noise is definitely from the passenger side, then disregard this note. I just didn't want you to go out and waste money when there are known problems (albeit minor) with the 2009-2010 steering/suspension.

My local GM Dealer's employees appear to hate their job. I called the other day about a part for the vibe's interior (which I think is different than the matrix and would therefore have to be ordered from GM) and they almost refused to order it for me since I did not have my VIN handy. This was in spite of the fact that I gave them the exact GM part number. Rant aside, I have also found the Toyota dealer to have better prices.