GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Bless me Father for I have sinned. My last oil change was 9 months ago. But in that time I have only driven my Vibe 3,315 miles. And not all of that was driving to church on Sunday, there was a 1,300 mile round trip to North Carolina. It is probably used on average 3 days a week. But before making another trip to NC next week I thought I should get the oil changed. The service adviser at the Chevrolet (former Pontiac) dealer told me that though the Vibe only has 35,200 miles on it, it is 6 years old and should have the transmission fluid changed. Also, the coolant should be changed. Total cost something a little north of $300. I declined. Seems to me that this Vibe has the Toyota 10 year 100,000 mile coolant. Also, seems to me that the transmission fluid on the Vibe even for what is considered extreme service is 60,000 miles. So maybe in another 5.5 years at my current rate of usage. Am I wrong?

60k for the transmission sounds good to me. And testing the coolant is pretty easy so the service guy could have given you the freeze/boil point.

Ego te absolvo.

Have the coolant tested.
I don't know if I wanted to wait for a total of 11+ years to change the transmission fluid. But that is based on gut feeling, not on facts.

Pay attention to the tires. Watch for dry rot and deformation from standing around for long periods of time.

But you can fix that: drive more!

it would be good to replace coolant so its rust inhibiting properties are restored, that is first thing that happens to coolant.

mikevibegt wrote:it would be good to replace coolant so its rust inhibiting properties are restored, that is first thing that happens to coolant.

I don't think these engines have anything to have rust in the cooling system, except a part around the water pump's shaft. Luckily, an AISIN (OEM company Toyota uses) water pump is a mere $40 and no major hassle to install.

I also don't drive every day and don't put on a lot of miles.
Now that the warranty is out I go up to a full year (or 5000 miles) on an oil change.
My Owner's Manual calls for the first (Toyota pink) coolant change at 7 years, but I did a simple drain and fill (with pink) at 5 years and 24k miles.
$27 for a jug of coolant is pricey, but that's the total cost of an easy DIY job.

Also lubricating properties, impeller is stainless steel or cast, aluminum will corrode.Drain and fill is pretty good assurance, so looks like you are doing everything right.Keep up good work on your car and you will work on it on your terms not when car wants you too.

A FYI on the tires - replaxced those at 27,000 mles as one tire had a non-repairable puncture so I figuired might as well get a new set that would likely last me as long as I owned the Vibe. Also wanted a quieter tire. (Bought Yokehama tires - $523 for 4 out the door at Discount Tire.)

it would be good to replace coolant so its rust inhibiting properties are restored, that is first thing that happens to coolant

I gotta confess to having never replaced the coolant in our 2004 Vibe.
At 334,000 km's it still looks clean and pink .
As for the trans fluid , I changed it once at 60'000 km's .
I do change the engine oil and filter every 5000 kms
It's been the cheapest car we ever owned maintenance wise and my wife drives it like it's stolen .