GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Thanks for the add to the forum!!! I have acquired my wife's 06 auto-FWD non-GT Vibe as my daily driver as my truck and CTS-V murder me in gas.

I currently have 232K on the ODO. I have had virtually ZERO problems with this car over its life. It consumes about 1- 2qts of 5W30 full Syn oil between 5K oil changes (not burning - blue smoke, just consumption). I have done my own maintenance. typical, front brakes, coolant, oil, plugs, filters, tires, accessory belt, etc. Most reliable product EVER.

What should I get done to it?

Never checked or changed timing belt
Never checked valve lash
still original suspension components
never flushed brakes or power steering
original hoses
original rear drum shoes (yet inspection says they always look great--uh oh)
had trans oil changed twice (due to trans controller recall)
car doesnt quite have the power it used to (especially up hill)
sometimes the shifting to 4th or 5th (whatever overdrive) is a little jerky /rough, but not every shift.

I want to hit 300Kmi. What services, maintenance do i need to do to maximize this goal? how costly will this be?

Anyone have a PDF parts manual?

There isn't a timing belt. It's a chain. Should be fine.
If valve train isn't making noise, it's fine.
Check ball joints and bushings. If you don't know how, have it done.
I would flush brake fluid and ps.
I would change all hoses.
I would change the trans fluid, should have been doing it more often.

I just turned 205k on mine. Still drives like new. These are reliable cars.

bneal1022 wrote:currently have 232K on the ODO. I have had virtually ZERO problems with this car over its life. It consumes about 1- 2qts of 5W30 full Syn oil between 5K oil changes (not burning - blue smoke, just consumption). Most reliable product EVER.

Agree, most reliable vehicle I have owned.

Never checked or changed timing belt -No clear indication on this, some have suggested replacing timing chain assembly at 200k miles just as a preventative measure, water pump too.
Never checked valve lash - Same here, manuals mention it, but no clear indication on what mileage mark to check. Something I want to do.
Still original suspension components - Same, guess this depends more on type of roads and style of driving
Never flushed brakes or power steering - Would flush, the oil does not necessarily wear out, but the additives do, a flush will restore the fluids properties, protecting from condensation and providing additives the plastic/metal parts need.
Original hoses- Same, have been checking every service interval. Modern hoses are so much better, might replace if you do timing chain.
Original rear drum shoes (yet inspection says they always look great--uh oh) - Same, largely depends on driving style.
Had trans oil changed twice (due to trans controller recall) - Same as brake and power steering fluid, book suggests changing every 60k miles
Car doesn't quite have the power it used to (especially up hill) - Likely combination of several small things, wear to injectors, valves, timing chain, etc
Sometimes the shifting to 4th or 5th (whatever overdrive) is a little jerky /rough, but not every shift. - Sometimes a fluid changes will help but not fully correct issue. During the recalls they had to drop the pan, curious if they cleaned the magnets in the pan that collect the automatics "clutch dust"

I want to hit 300Kmi. What services, maintenance do i need to do to maximize this goal? how costly will this be?
-Optional, timing chain and hose replacement. Some indications are the timing chain will whine or Vibe will loose power 100+ miles before chain goes, but you also take the risk of the chain breaking/jumping causing damage to the valve train. On the other hand their are several reports of Vibes making it to 300k without any of these items. Mine had the chain replaced at around 165k miles by the previous owner, they noticed loss of power. Depends on shop, full replacement in 2012 with water pump came to $1100 for labor and materials. If you shop around can probably find better deal.
-The fluids you use can make a difference, (there are many opinions and articles on this) If your Vibe is consuming oil at an elevated level, using a different oil may trim that loss. Extremely small amounts may be blow by or going down the valve train. Oils with certain additives may diminish these issues. ie synthetic Wal Mart special may have some additives for friction but no conditioners for valve seals. Something you will have to research for your application.
-Depending on your climate be vigilant against rust. Living in Ohio, at 192k starting to see lots of small rust spots under the car, especially on the leading edges where dirt, salt, debris have gradually worn the painted finish, leaving exposed metal.

Anyone have a PDF parts manual - This forum has usually filled parts identification through members inquires at dealerships or providing information from parts manuals. Have not seen a full parts manual listed. Surprisingly, eBay is often able to provide part numbers when searching by part description.

bneal1022 wrote:Thanks for the add to the forum!!! I have acquired my wife's 06 auto-FWD non-GT Vibe as my daily driver as my truck and CTS-V murder me in gas.

I currently have 232K on the ODO. I have had virtually ZERO problems with this car over its life. It consumes about 1- 2qts of 5W30 full Syn oil between 5K oil changes (not burning - blue smoke, just consumption). I have done my own maintenance. typical, front brakes, coolant, oil, plugs, filters, tires, accessory belt, etc. Most reliable product EVER.

What should I get done to it?

Never checked or changed timing belt
Never checked valve lash
still original suspension components
never flushed brakes or power steering
original hoses
original rear drum shoes (yet inspection says they always look great--uh oh)
had trans oil changed twice (due to trans controller recall)
car doesnt quite have the power it used to (especially up hill)
sometimes the shifting to 4th or 5th (whatever overdrive) is a little jerky /rough, but not every shift.

I want to hit 300Kmi. What services, maintenance do i need to do to maximize this goal? how costly will this be?

Anyone have a PDF parts manual?

Your Vibe may make it to 300k miles, but the ODO will tap out at 299,999 miles.

Congrats on hitting a nice milestone there. Good to see a car break the 200k Mark.