GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I had a spinout during the winter, hit some slush and it sent me spinning over a curb. Since then I've noticed vibration in the car at 55+ mph took it in, mechanic said I've got two bad wheels. I've got the 2009 pontiac vibe awd with the 5 spoke chrome tires, I beleive they are wheels that come as an option for the car. Now I've got a decision to make. I live in minnesota with terrible roads and I drive a lot as a courier. I don't wanna have to get new wheels every time I hit a pot hole and my tires are in good shape. I guess what I want to know is if there is a real sturdy wheel or if the ones I've got are about as good as it gets and just get the 2 new wheels of the ones Ive got. Thanks in advance for any help

Welcome to GenVibe. Answering your questions ...... First off the chrome five spoke style aluminum rims are STANDARD ONLY on the AWD models. We've seen a few on this forum that had those rims and were NOT AWD so they got swapped somewhere after leaving the dealership. As far as dependable rims which can take some abuse, you're best bet would to go with steelies & wheel covers. Aluminum alloy rims generally look sharper, are lighter weight, and cost more BUT the basic steelies will take a lot more road abuse and cost you less to maintain in the long run. Post pics and introduce yourself here and get involved. Hope this helps just a bit anyways .........

Welcome to GenVibe fellow Minnesotan!

The chrome alloys are, unfortunately, VERY rare. It would be a better idea to get some steelies, as if they bend they can at least be bent back. But how often are you even expecting to spin? Since your Vibe is an 09 AWD it has the 2.4l engine, and this the 5x114.3 bolt pattern, which is very common, even shared with classics (yes, you can get some Cragars for it). And if you're a courier here in Minnesnowta, I recommend (highly) a set of snow tires. Snow tires will do more for you than AWD, then AWD alone. AWD and snow tires would be unstoppable. Craigslist has lots of great deals on wheels in the Minneapolis area, such as the following:

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/ ... 51128.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/ ... 59386.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/ ... 12042.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/ ... 99363.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/ ... 26820.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; <--- Not 100% that these will fit your car, but you could try to fit one before you buy

I agree with what tpollauf and KITT said, get yourself some 16" steel wheels. They will take abuse a lot better then an aluminum wheel will. Toyota Camry 16" steel wheels will fit (these are what we have for both our 2009 Vibe GTs for the winter months).

Keep this criteria in mind when looking for wheels:

2009-2010 Vibe with 2.4L engine (2.4L Base, AWD and GT) 16" steel wheel specs:
Bolt pattern: 5x114.3
Offset: 39mm
Size: 16"x6.5"
Tire size: 205/55/16

I had a similar issue with my 05 Vibe.

I hit a curb with the passenger side wheel. I didn't think I hit it that hard, but it apparently bent the steel wheel.

Can I get it bent back to normal?

And IF not any recommendations on where to get a cheap replacement. The place I get my oil changed quoted me $125

I did see 2 different steel wheels on tire rack, for about $80-85 after shipping. But I am not sure which to get, or if I could find one cheaper at a junk yard.

My current wheels are 205/55/16.