2009 Vibe: What to look for

[raider64]

I currently own a 2006 AWD Vibe, which I use for a daily rural delivery route. Because I need to get better MPG, I am looking to trade up for a 2009 FWD Vibe within the next few days. My question is, for owners and those with knowledge of the 2009, I would be very interested in your experiences with it, any problems or tendencies this model year has, and what I should look for when I test drive the vehicle. Thank you so much for your time and help with this.....I appreciate it very much!!

[Zimm]

2 things i would look for: -check the condition of the volume knob on the stereo (left side) by comparing it to the tuning knob (right side.) if the volume knob is at all loose in comparison, it's days are numbered and it will break with enough future use, necessitating removal of the stereo to replace the $6 knob.-check for play in the steering wheel. i had to have the steering column in my '10 replaced when it developed excessive play and an obnoxious rattling every time i hit a bump of any sort. my car had about 1/2-1" of play in the wheel in each direction where it could be moved left to right without resistance. the service department at the dealer claimed it was "normal" because 2 used vibes on their lot both had similar looseness in the wheel, but i do not know if they had the same problems with constant rattling. replacement of the steering column completely cleared up the problem and probably would have been expensive as hell if not under warranty.

[star_deceiver]

Welcome to GenVibe!!! No steering problems here.If you're looking for the best fuel economy, get the 1.8 w/stick.

[raider64]

Thank you for your responses. I noticed below the post about the idle speed drop on the 2009, and the question of whether it is related to a dirty throttle body. The Vibe I am looking at is a 1.8 Liter with Auto transmission. Does anyone know if this is a widespread problem with this model, or even something that I should be concerned about? Or is it very random in occurrence, and then corrects itself? I will be doing alot of stop and go, and just want to know what I may be up against......Thanks again!!

[TONY TAT2]

No problens with my base 09 automatic so far.

[tpollauf]

Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver »If you're looking for the best fuel economy, get the 1.8 w/stick.x2 And if you want a bit more pep, get the 2.4L w/stick (hint, hint, a lot of fun to drive!). As Zimm commented, the "rack" on the steering assembly, on my son's 09 Vibe GT is worn and starting to feel it when hitting bumps. Nothing major yet but it will need to be addressed sometime down the road. I doubt if it is part of the 100k warranty so it will wait until it absolutely needs repaired. Otherwise a damm dependable car

[star_deceiver]

Quote, originally posted by raider64 »I noticed below the post about the idle speed drop on the 2009, and the question of whether it is related to a dirty throttle body. Does anyone know if this is a widespread problem with this model, or even something that I should be concerned about?It's a non-issue (for me) and from the responses here, it looks to affect only the manual trnsmissioned vehicles!