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Durability of '03 - '04 Vibe automatic
Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 2:13 pm
by 455SD
Trying to give myself a few more(OK a lot more) options for finding a replacement Vibe. I had a base 5spd(really liked) and want to know how the automatic version compares. What issues have there been with the automatic and at what mileage? Anybody ever own one of each and be able to give pro's and con's to each? If the automatic is good for 200K or better, and can get similar mileage as the 5spd(not sure what actual mileages people get with auto, I got 29/34 with the 5spd), I'll be happy.Thanks for any input and to those who have answered my previous questions.
Re: Durability of '03 - '04 Vibe automatic (455SD)
Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 6:06 pm
by Caretaker
As you can see from my moniker, I own both the first and second generation Vibe (Corolla). If going with an automatic, I'd go with and '09 or '10 since they are much more refined. The first generation with auto is very sluggish. Either way, the automatic tranny only costs you 1mpg (maybe two) when mated with the Corolla engine. I can't speak to the mpg difference with the new Camry engines.
Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 8:29 pm
by Esteban
I can give you info on my ladyfriend's 2005 Matrix w/auto . It has been a great car,,, bought new, & now has 95,000 on it. Only thing done to it is normal mainetance. Combination city/hwy mpg is 31-32.
Re: Durability of '03 - '04 Vibe automatic (455SD)
Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2009 12:47 am
by joatmon
I thnk you can expect to lose a couple mpg witht he auto compared to the 5 speed, but if you are looking at 03/04 only, those years had a higher number of issues with 5 speed trany nearings than one would expect for the fabled Toyota reliability. If you've have to replace a tranny, it will cost more than the lost few mpgs. The auto trannies have been pretty reliable. There have been a few posts here and there at genvibe about various solenoids inthe AT, but very few, if any, outright tranny failures.I have an 03 5 speed vibe, my son has an 03 AT matrix. I like the 5 speed because if I really need to get up and go, I can wind it up into the power band before shifting, where the AT usually upshifts sooner. If I lost my Vibe for some reason and wanted to get another, I think I'd look for either an 03 envy monotone, or an 04 fusion monotone, and I might get an AT instead of the 5 speed, because the 5 speed, or any manual tranny, is no fun in the increasing amount of stop and go traffic I seem to be finding myself in lately.But if looking for a used early Vibe with AT, the only thing really to wonder about is if the tranny fluid has been changed.
Re: Durability of '03 - '04 Vibe automatic (455SD)
Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2009 3:06 am
by vibolista
If you liked your manual, stick to a manual. The slush box will be OK, but the 'yawn' factor revs up to the limiter behind the wheel. There should be plenty of replacement Vibe/Matrix out there with manual transmissions. Both manual and auto varieties are Corolla running gear... so tough as they come when considering longevity. My manual Vibe is still getting 37-39 mpg, and it's getting colder, now. I had a couple of tanks that went 40 mpg late in the Summer. Don't think you can get those figures with the auto. Good luck with the search.
Re: Durability of '03 - '04 Vibe automatic (vibolista)
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 10:33 am
by 455SD
Thanks for the input. I agree. Found my 5spd and only thing missing is a set of the 16" factory alloys.
Re: Durability of '03 - '04 Vibe automatic (455SD)
Posted: Fri Nov 20, 2009 10:56 am
by vibolista
Good going... now some pictures would be nice! What year did you get?
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 4:33 am
by Zeromus-X
My 2003 automatic just hit 190,000 miles with no transmission problems to speak of yet.
Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 2:34 pm
by 455SD
That's good to know folks! I may be looking for another Vibe or two(wife & daughter) and they will need the auto's.