Blueridge9 - 2004 Base Fusion
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Blueridge9
- Posts: 332
- Joined: Mon Mar 24, 2008 8:02 am
- Location: USA
Blueridge9 - 2004 Base Fusion
http://i278.photobucket.com/al...1.jpgSee link to photos on photobucket. http://s278.photobucket.com/al...albumHi Everyone,I love reading and learning about Vibe from all of you – thank you! I bought a used 2004 base, 1.8, automatic, Vibe in Fusion/Orange with 40,000 miles in Feb. of 2006 (Two years ago) and it’s the best car of the 5 other vehicles (Honda, Nissan, Ford) I’ve owned! I did a lot of reading and test drives (Subaru, Honda, Scion, Toyota) before the purchase from a Kia dealer who did not have the Owner’s Manual. For 2 years I just faithfully changed the oil and filter and it passed annual inspections and it has been fun and reliable.Since I’ve started reading this Vibe site in January I have been inspired to:1.Discover I had a FILTHY cabin air filter and replaced it with one from NAPA by following your tutorial (see photo). I never would have found it without your pics of behind the glovebox.2.Downloaded a 2004 Owner’s manual and changed the way I wear my seatbelt and adjusted the headrest to increase safety.3.Had my wimpy battery tested and after it flunked the test – it was replaced.4.Since the car now has 62.000 miles and the owner’s manual had a long list of maintenance to do at 60K-oops slacker driver. I went to a trusted mechanic and had it checked from bumper to bumper and he found the water pump needed to be replaced, thermostat, belt, heater hoses and radiator hoses and a new radiator cap. Then a special shop flushed the automatic transmission fluid, and cooling system and that made a HUGE IMPROVEMENT. I’m sure I’ve made a good investment and prevented problems since I hope to drive this to 200K!! Now my Vibe purrs.5.Stereo: My CD player has never worked so I’ve been limited to radio! Since I invested $$ on #4 above I had to be thrifty so I followed someone’s advice and found a salvaged Vibe stereo at LKQ on Ebay from a 2005 Vibe on clearance for $27.00 + $15 shipping !! We’re installing it this weekend. When the budget allows I’m getting JVC from Crutchfield.6.I like seeing the pictures of all the mods you are doing. I’ve learned that my car was built at NUMMI in Fremont, CA. I’ve also enjoyed reading about the 2009 Vibes.Future: I want to convert it to a hybrid or otherwise increase mileage, check the screw inside the passenger window, make a cargo mat, fix a serious body scratch on the side, get new floor mats, find new seat covers, pull valve cover and have valve clearance adjusted to factory spec., install JVC stereo from Crutchfield and keep learning along with all of you.Everyone comments positively on my car and at work I’ve noticed several other people have bought Vibes after seeing mine. They are catching on around here and I would buy it again.See link to photos on photobucket. http://s278.photobucket.com/al...albumBlueridge9
Blueridge9 2004 Base, 1.8L "The Vibe is a melding of muscular looks, ..utility & economy, sportiness & road-hugging tractability." -Road & Track Magazine Sept. 2008 Pictures: http://s278.photobucket.com/user/blueridge9/library/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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lovemyraffe
- Posts: 4288
- Joined: Sun Oct 07, 2007 3:08 am
Re: Blueridge9 - 2004 Base Fusion (Blueridge9)
Welcome to the fam!
March 2011 MOTMFebruary 2010 MOTM My GenVibe garage