Hi Viberz -
A couple weeks ago a guy with serious Vibe-envy (he had a giant Chevy pickup) turned left onto me when I was traveling @ ~50mph. Though I was paying attention and avoided a head-on, his side swipe spun me out into trees at roadside and we hit going backwards at probably ~40mph. I think my Vibe is totaled. I'll try and attach pics.
So I have been scouring the used market for a - any, really - replacement vehicle that is somewhat reliable and under ~$6K or less, and all in all it just doesn't get any better than the Vibe, I don't think. In the 28K miles since I first got it I never had any issues with my '06 base automatic, but in shopping I have become aware of the manual transmission issues.
There is an '06 with a manual 5spd a couple hours away that is at a price of $3K, clean Title (no accidents or salvage), 138K miles, and it looks to be in very nice shape. But I am very hesitant about that manual trans. The dealer says they just replaced the clutch, and that it has 'no known mechanical issues'.
Thought, input? Should I jump on it? Maybe go ahead and put a new PCM on it right away (I think that was the root cause of a lot of failures?). Would just a clutch replacement fix the faults, or is there a bearing that should also have been seen to? Etc...
Sorry to ask such broad questions, but I am drowning in all the info here and elsewhere, it's hard to filter what is pertinent, and I'm hoping that someone with a better knowledge can help narrow it down for me.
Many Thanks in advance!