GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Pondering buying a 2003GT with 133K. It's is good shape but....

What do I have to look ahead to having to replace? It's got a new clutch.
Timing chain/tensioner?
Water pump?
CV's?

Shocks, brakes, starter, battery, all fluids.

Mostly maintenance stuff (other than the starter).

I had engine internals in mind.

Are starters a problem area?

ZZvroom wrote: ↑Sun Oct 13, 2019 7:46 pm I had engine internals in mind.

Absolutely nothing! The engine is just getting broken-in. Shouldn't have any internal problems for another 100k miles or so ... unless it was abused in it's first life. Get an oil analysis done which will give you an indication of internal engine wear if really concerned. https://www.blackstone-labs.com/?sessio ... u%29%29%2F

ZZvroom wrote: ↑Sun Oct 13, 2019 7:46 pm Are starters a problem area?

Yeah & no. Seeing how it's the GT and has the manual tranny, if the starter were to really eventually fail, then PUSH start the car until one can be replaced. I've done this numerous times over my 45 years of driving which almost all of my cars were manual trannys!

Regular maintenance, rust, and oil leaks...

Timing chain tensioner o-ring, and valve cover gasket are prone to slight oil leaks. If you replace those and continue to have oil leaks, the next most common is probably the timing cover gasket (which is a PITA to replace).

Maybe lift bolts while you are doing the valve cover.

Do you know if lift works? If not, clean OCV solenoid and filters.

Check behind the side skirts for rust. That's the most common rust point.

Let us know your location and you may find some members near you.

Welcome to the best group on the internet.

ZZvroom wrote: ↑Sun Oct 13, 2019 7:46 pm
Are starters a problem area?

A _problem_, not really. By 300,000 miles, I was on my third starter in my 2003 Vibe. My 2007 vibe, with 175k, is looking at a new starter.

It's simply a warning that they do have a lifespan, especially if they get exposed to snow, ice, salt, and/or water. (water is my bane here in Houston. Almost impossible to drive a car without having to go through water that gets into the engine compartment at some point. mostly splashing)

Do you know if lift works? If not, clean OCV solenoid and filters.
Check behind the side skirts for rust. That's the most common rust poin

How do I confirm lift while test driving it?

I believe this is the source I used to kinda learn about lift.

https://www.newcelica.org/forums/showth ... p?t=192981

But basically: starting out in first gear, get the RPM's above 6200 with a fair amount of throttle input. you should kinda feel it kick in when the cam lobe opens up. it's hard to explain, but there are various videos explaining what lift is, and how it works on the 2ZZ engines.