GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I have had a 2009 Vibe GT since I bought it new. It has 188,000 km

A few months ago the engine overheated. The radiator cracked and melted. Thermostat was replaced. Later on the thermostat began leaking again and ii was replaced again. Now the car seems like is leaking oil as there is oil residue on top of the heat shield in the middle top area of the engine. I also use up about a quarter of a jug of coolant per gas fill up.

Mechanic is suggesting that the coolant is leaking internally due to internal engine damage and may need a new engine or to junk the car. The car is in good shape. Regular synthetic oil changes, new tranny, also rust proofing.

I'm in Toronto Canada.

Questions

Is it worth either rebuilding the engine or replacing it with a used one as I assume a new engine is not an option.

Are coolant issues like this common and is there a fix?

I recommend replacing the engine. Good used engines can be had for around, or less than, $1000. Toyota put the 2.4L in a bunch of cars.

Yes, it is common to have these kinds of issues when an engine has over heated to the point of the radiator failing, and the water pump failing twice! I bet the head is warped and/or cracked.

Definitely get another engine so you can keep this Vibe GT on the road. At just under 120k miles I'm surprised you've had two MAJOR failures already. The tranny & now the engine! Was yours one of the few 2.4l oil burning engines? One of ours IS, and the other is not. Keep us posted as to what you end up doing.

Yes two major issues and I regularly changed the oil and only used synthetic. I also changed the tranny fluid and a coolant flush as recommended. Don't drive it hard I have three kids at the back. No this engine did not burn oil.

Are there things I should ask about with a used engine? Certain tests and verification of mileage?