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New Member looking to buy a vibe.
Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2015 7:34 am
by dagod1
I am looking for a backup vehicle.
I don't need a monster suv. The vibe looks nice. I was thinking the AWD , maybe a 2009 or 2010.
Does toyota make the tranny? How long will it last? Will I have lots of repairs. Is it going to be a money pit. Does AWD work well.
What mpg will I get with an AWD model?
I would love all your input.
Rob
Re: New Member looking to buy a vibe.
Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2015 8:07 am
by vibrologist
Hi dagod1:
Vibes are long lasting, economic, and pretty much trouble free all the way to very high milage as long as basic maintenance is done in timely manner. It is all Toyota technology, very much like the Toyota Matrix and Toyota Corolla.
A Vibe would make an excellent extra car for your fleet.
You find lots of detailed information right here:
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=40003
Re: New Member looking to buy a vibe.
Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2015 10:32 am
by dagod1
How about the automatic transmission? Is it made by toyota or pontiac? I recently passed on an 07 with an automatic because it was shifting into reverse a bit rough.
Re: New Member looking to buy a vibe.
Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2015 12:09 pm
by ehoff121
The drivetrain is all Toyota. You really have to look for the GM parts- body panels, trim, radio, HVAC and OnStar. Most of everything else is interchangeable with Matrix.
Re: New Member looking to buy a vibe.
Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2015 12:23 pm
by trb
Like ehoff121 said, mechanically, it is almost 100% Toyota so yes, the transmission is Toyota. The AC system and radio are GM parts, along with the body panels and trim. And they should last a good long time. My 03 GT has over 215K and runs as well as my son's 06 with 73K miles. If it is maintained PROPERLY - meaning using Toyota fluids as appropriate - not GM Dexcool or the wrong AT fluid, (uses Type T-IV for 03-08, WS for 09-10) you can expect many miles from one.
Re: New Member looking to buy a vibe.
Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2015 5:03 pm
by lannvouivre
dagod1 wrote:How about the automatic transmission? Is it made by toyota or pontiac? I recently passed on an 07 with an automatic because it was shifting into reverse a bit rough.
I just got a used auto trans for $200 at a salvage yard. Works fine. Kinda funny to me that it was only $200, but the new corolla 5-speed manual is only like $300 max vs. $500 at the cheapest (which is how it is for the Vibe C60 and C59 6- and 5-speed manuals.)
The HVAC, exterior body, supposedly the interior styling, and stereo hookup are all GM. Everything else is Toyota Matrix. There are even some parts with Toyota part numbers that specify that they are for the Toyota Voltz.