GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I've just joined this forum, so here's a little background.

I live in the mountains of northern California, we get snow, sometimes a lot. The roads can get icy and my unpaved driveway is steep, so AWD/4WD is a must. I have been a longtime fan of the '88-91 Honda RT4WD wagons (I have 3). My wife recently developed a problem with her left knee, making it very painful to drive a standard transmission. Unfortunately, automatic RT4WD wagons are even rarer than the standards. After some research, I've decided that the Vibe/Matrix AWD might be the right answer to her problem. So, being new to this breed, I need help. My budget is limited to about $5k max, so I'm going to be looking at something 2006 and earlier with (hopefully) 150-200k on the clock. I tend to keep my vehicles 'til they are no longer roadworthy, so I want to do this right the first time.

What specific issues should I be looking for?
What is the general opinion/experience regarding the longevity of the ZZ1 engine and automatic transmission?

Any warnings, advice or observations would be much appreciated

Thanks, Craig

Main issue, if you haven't already see it, is the rear differential. They do tend to leak after a few years and if not taken care of, can result in a blown rear differential. There is one on ebay right now that needs a new diff but otherwise looks good. Those repairs can be expensive if you can't do it yourself. But otherwise, as long as the car is maintained, it will run for a long time.

Good luck in your search!

Welcome to GenVibe! You've certainly come to the right place to do your homework on Vibes! Unfortunately, I'm not very familiar with the 1st gens (2003-2008) since both our Vibes are 2nd gens (2009-2010), but I'm sure you'll get plenty of information and advice from other, more 1st gen knowledgeable members soon enough .

Check for frame rail rust. There is a thread on this forum that discusses that.

Good stuff, thanks. Fortunately, California does not salt the roads and the low humidity keeps rust problems down. I will be checking the frame rails just to be sure. I have found an '05 with 250k on it for $2500, previously a company car. Haven't seen it yet.

Thanks again.