New owner with a couple questions.

[glhboy]

I just picked up an 03 Vibe base with 173,000 miles on it. Has the Moon/Tunes package, aluminum wheels and automatic. It runs great and has been very well maintained, I'm the 3rd owner. Anyway, the factory CD player backlight is burned out, from reading on here I see that it is a common problem. I was wondering if the newer Vibe radios with the AUX input will work in the older Vibes?

How many miles should one expect from these?

My Maplight is out where the sunroof controls are. I tried taking the one screw out to pull the assembly out but it did not come out. Does the plastic for the light itself just pull out some way?

One of the headlights is hazy and I want to polish it. I tried the toothpaste, but did not work. I am no comfortable with sanding, etc... any other suggestions?

[Wingnut]

The new vibes radio will not work as they changed it in either 09-10. Not sure which one. The new radio is a Toyota radio and harness. Won't work in our age vibes. Best thing to do is just buy a mounting kit, wire harness and a aftermarket radio as changing the bulb in the radio isn't easy. Way easier with less headaches to just change the radio or hit a junkyard for another factory radio.

The map light is pretty easy. The plastic cover should pop right out. You may have to drop the piece from the ceiling and push it out with a screwdriver. Becareful not to scratch it.

As far as the headlights- I wet sanded mine with 600 grit paper first and water then went to 400 grit and then lower. Once they are smooth and looking better just buff them with rubbing compound lightly to make them look better. Your other option is to buy the headlight repair kit they sell at a autozone and other supply stores. It works good to. you might also want to try a local shop to do it if you don't feel comfortable sanding it yourself.

[hotbug1776]

As far as the headlights- I wet sanded mine with 600 grit paper first and water then went to 400 grit and then lower. Once they are smooth and looking better just buff them with rubbing compound lightly to make them look better. Your other option is to buy the headlight repair kit they sell at a autozone and other supply stores. It works good to. you might also want to try a local shop to do it if you don't feel comfortable sanding it yourself.

NO NO NO!!!!

Lower number is rougher grit!!!!

Start at like 1000-1500 grit or even 2000 grit, and work to a higher number, as the higher the number the smoother the sandpaper is. You use 2000 and higher grit sandpaper to smooth clear coat. In fact, using the restore kit is the best thing to do.

[dinopiratedavid]

Just use this one http://www.target.com/p/meguiar-s-one-s ... pla&ci_kw= I used it on my Vibe and it works beautifully. Have to apply a bit of pressure when buffing it but nothing in life comes without work lol

[Wingnut]

As far as the headlights- I wet sanded mine with 600 grit paper first and water then went to 400 grit and then lower. Once they are smooth and looking better just buff them with rubbing compound lightly to make them look better. Your other option is to buy the headlight repair kit they sell at a autozone and other supply stores. It works good to. you might also want to try a local shop to do it if you don't feel comfortable sanding it yourself.

NO NO NO!!!!

Lower number is rougher grit!!!!

Start at like 1000-1500 grit or even 2000 grit, and work to a higher number, as the higher the number the smoother the sandpaper is. You use 2000 and higher grit sandpaper to smooth clear coat. In fact, using the restore kit is the best thing to do.

I can't believe I did that!! You are right! I started with 400 and went to 600 then on too 1000 grit and so on. Sorry bout that. I'm an idiot.

[glhboy]

thanks everyone. I'll probably buy an aftermarket CD/MP3/iPod player and go that route. Definitely going to fix the hazy headlights. They aren't bad, but starting....so far love this car already. Hopefully window tint this week!

[glhboy]

Do the 18" newer Vibe wheels fit the older Vibes?

[trb]

Do the 18" newer Vibe wheels fit the older Vibes?

Unfortunately, no. Different bolt patterns. You need a 5x100 pattern and the 2009-2010 Vibes with the 17" &18" wheels have a 5x114 pattern. I wanted to put the new wheels on my son's 06 and was disappointed, but we got the 17" factory optional wheels for it instead.

[glhboy]

Do the 18" newer Vibe wheels fit the older Vibes?

Unfortunately, no. Different bolt patterns. You need a 5x100 pattern and the 2009-2010 Vibes with the 17" &18" wheels have a 5x114 pattern. I wanted to put the new wheels on my son's 06 and was disappointed, but we got the 17" factory optional wheels for it instead.

I thought that was the case. I can't find a set of the 17" GT wheels that will fit mine around here or I would do that.

[trb]

I ended up getting mine on ebay. I kept watching some auctions and found a place with 3 wheels for about $50 each, shipped! Ended up paying about $80 for the last one, so I got all 4 for about $230.

[star_deceiver]

I can't find a set of the 17" GT wheels that will fit mine around here or I would do that.

There's no shortage of nice wheels in the aftermarket!

[vibenvy]

Welcome to GenVibe! Post some pictures of your Vibe when you get a chance !