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new 03 vibe owner

Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2016 3:59 pm
by djk44883
I recently purchased an 03 Pontiac Vibe last month. First came across this board and got some background and figured I'd find answers I'd need. I've been driving for a month now and am happy with it.

It has ~134k miles on it. Primary use is a 28 mile round trip to/from work. Filled the small tank and calculated 29.51 mpg!! Figured winter in norther Ohio (or anywhere) would have a negative impact.

Of course, with any car you'll have minor annoyances, but no big hassles. I like that it's small with out feeling small. And that last time I have a 4 cylinder (longer than I can recall) ...you press on the accelerator, hear the engine make a lot of revving noise and wait for it to get up to speed. The small engine doesn't haven much problem getting up and going. (even though I'm generally a conservative driver anymore)

Thanks for the help you've already given
DJ

Re: new 03 vibe owner

Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2016 4:13 pm
by vibenvy
Welcome to GenVibe DJ! Congratulations on your "new" Vibe! Post some pictures of it when you get a chance ;)!

Re: new 03 vibe owner

Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2016 3:27 pm
by tpollauf
djk44883 wrote: Figured winter in norther Ohio (or anywhere) would have a negative impact.
Say what ??? where you located ??? Update profile please. Oh & welcome to GenVibe :D

Re: new 03 vibe owner

Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2016 8:18 pm
by vibrologist
Welcome to the Vibe family!

Re: new 03 vibe owner

Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2016 8:44 am
by ImUrOBGYN
Welcome. I think I picked up my GT w/about 130k. Been great after catching up on maintenance. Fun, efficient daily driver.

Re: new 03 vibe owner

Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2016 11:04 am
by djk44883
I've had my Vibe for 6 months now, still happy with it. Just got the first 3K oil change. Averaging 30 - 31mpg the past several fill-ups -- very happy with this.

Have had a mishap. Front spring has a piece broken at the base. Makes a loud noise when I make a hard or tight turn. Considering the labor, most likely have struts replaced. Don't notice anything driving but I know I shouldn't put it off.

Enjoy Vibe driving! :D
DJ

Re: new 03 vibe owner

Posted: Mon Jul 29, 2019 8:39 am
by djk44883
3 years later... still going. Some 168k miles, still no major repairs... well I changed the from break pads. Was surprised caliper wasn't seized by the looks of the rotor. When reassembling, it wouldn't fit. Discovered the "slider pin" was seized, not ideal used one new pad one old pad. I figured it had been like that long before I found it.

Ok, realistic, the rotors should have been replaced and the rear are likely shot. Just not putting the $$ into it at this point. It's not a primary everyday car. It stills seems to run great otherwise. I've had a couple newer, higher-end vehicles that have had more hassles in repairs.

These rather basic economy car, still getting ~28mpg, is great!

Re: new 03 vibe owner

Posted: Mon Jul 29, 2019 9:46 am
by zbyers
glad the car is still great for you! Hopefully it doesn't rust out on you like many cars here in the PA-OH-NY area do. i would have used the new pads, and just rehabbed the slider pin. many times simply pulling it out, sanding the pin down, and cleaning up the hole, grease, rubber boot, etc. and it would be fine afterwards.