Tell me about the Vibe

"zeontestpilot" (zeontestpilot) 05/28/2015 at 11:01 • Filed to: Car buying

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Pros and cons too. Reliability as well. This came up at a dealership that I actually trust, a 5-speed fwd Vibe with a 1.80L engine. Sure, 143k miles on it, but I’d imagine it might give me leverage while negotiating. So oppo, is the car worth looking at? Tell me everything about this car, :).

TheHondaBro > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 11:03

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Pretty sure it has a Toyota engine.

Nibbles > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 11:04

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It’s a better looking Toyota Matrix. It has a better sound system than the Matrix. They’re stupid cheap because of the badge, when people don’t realize it’s just a Matrix. The hood has a prop rod. You should be mindful of that and not attempt to close the hood with the prop rod in place.

CalzoneGolem > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 11:04

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It’s a Toyota Matrix.

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 11:04

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It’s basically a tall Corolla wagon. Dead-on reliable with the 1ZZ 138hp 1.8, decent gas mileage, roomy, and can last past the apocalypse, if it won’t bore you to death first.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > TheHondaBro 05/28/2015 at 11:05

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Pretty sure it has is a Toyota engine .

Captain of the Enterprise > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 11:05

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my neighbor has one, I could ask him if he’s had problems with it.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 11:05

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It’s a Toyota Matrix with a Pontiac dress up. In other words, it’ll probably be unkillable.

These are part of the huge Takata recall though.

zeontestpilot > CalzoneGolem 05/28/2015 at 11:05

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Yep, but is it hard to kill? Aka, reliable?

Nibbles > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection 05/28/2015 at 11:06

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They’re pretty decent drivers with the manny tranny. Sure, it’s no GT, but hey slow car fast

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > TheHondaBro 05/28/2015 at 11:06

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I think the Vibe/Matrix were the last of the NUMMI cars that produced the 80s Corolla/Nova, the 90s Corolla/Prizm,.

zeontestpilot > Nibbles 05/28/2015 at 11:07

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Yeah, I want a Pontiac, but also enjoy Toyota too, so it is a win. I'm just not sure about anything else on it.

.jdb. > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 11:08

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Had one once as a rental. Only thing I remember was that the passenger-side front seat would fold completely forward and the back made a nice little table. I remember thinking “This would be a neat feature if I had a job where I had to — for some reason — use my computer while sitting in my car.
Don’t drive and type, though.

CalzoneGolem > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 11:08

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Yeah. It’d be a much better car all around than your PT but it will never look a good.

Captain of the Enterprise > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 11:08

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Check to see if the airbag has had the recall work done

zeontestpilot > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection 05/28/2015 at 11:09

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Well, that’s whatcthe manual is for, :). Being a father in Snowy Michigan, I have to find a commuter car that has space, survive winter, and under $8. This happens to fit all of those, :).

zeontestpilot > TheHondaBro 05/28/2015 at 11:09

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Are they reliable though?

youshiftem > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 11:10

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I had a Matrix as a company car for a year, it was pretty terrible. Even with regular maintenance it always has problems. To name a few: ABS sensors, clutch would regularly go out of adjustment (frequently had to rev-match shift to get it home) syncros went bad (probably from the clutch problems) 2 wheels bearings within the first 50,000 kms, new engine at 80,000kms (crank bearings), endless check-engine lights from various sensors.

It was probably just a lemon but I was not impressed. I also just didn’t like the car, it was uncomfortable, loud and got pretty terrible mileage (probably due to the problems).

Nibbles > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 11:12

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I sold the everloving shit out of ‘em. Also still on my secret want list (in GT garb). They’re capable, functional, decent drivers with at least a tad bit of fun as long as you don’t get the slushbox.

I couldn’t not recommend one.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 11:12

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It’s a Toyota Matrix with a manual. 143k sounds barely broken in to me. You should find a GT though since that has the VVI-L 2ZZ motor, which is one of the best engines Toyota’s ever built. Yamaha designed the head. Whenever Yamaha and Toyota get together to work on an engine, magic happens.

zeontestpilot > CalzoneGolem 05/28/2015 at 11:12

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Ha, agreed.

Where have all the lightweights gone? > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 11:13

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Yes, it’s reliable. It’s a little light in the front end and tends to hydroplane, though.

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > Nibbles 05/28/2015 at 11:13

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Car and Driver reviewed it in 2002

Of course, the PT cruiser beat it, and the Matrix. But the Protege5 won.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 11:13

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Toyota? Reliable? Those are words you’ll never see together with a “not” in between.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > .jdb. 05/28/2015 at 11:14

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My Mom has an ‘09 with that. We’ve never used it, but I can tell you it is a pain in the knees if you sit behind it.

Nibbles > .jdb. 05/28/2015 at 11:15

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Works well for loading long things without tearing up the seat fabric too

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 05/28/2015 at 11:18

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Ooh, more ammunition (wrong word maybe) to get them to drop the price.

Nibbles > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection 05/28/2015 at 11:22

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I drove hundreds of ‘em (among every other Pontiac, Buick and GMC product) from 2002-2004. That review is kinda funny because they’re bitching about things in the Vibe that they were liking in the Matrix which use the same parts :) Their only valid complaint here is the 130hp 1ZZ vs the 180hp 2ZZ.

dogisbadob > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 11:22

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It’s a great car, amazing versatility, classic Toyota reliability, 143k is nothing on these. Awesome gas mileage. It was the most fuel-efficient car available at a GM dealership when they were new.

The odometer will stop at 299999 and just stay there, and there is no fix (applies to every 03-08 Matrix, Vibe, and Corolla)

The only meaningful differences between the Vibe and Matrix are the radio and HVAC system. The Vibe features a Delco radio and Delphi HVAC, while the Matrix has a Denso HVAC system and the 05+ Matrix has a Toyota Pioneer radio (the 03-04 Matrix used the Vibe’s Delco).

zeontestpilot > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 05/28/2015 at 11:28

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True for recall, last I heard, it's southern cars only. Also, there are fixes now. My dad hounded Toyota and finally got a new airbag for my sisters corilla.

Nibbles > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 11:28

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Because they can look damn good too.

zeontestpilot > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 05/28/2015 at 11:29

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It's the right word. It only affected southern cars, but they may not know that, :).

zeontestpilot > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 05/28/2015 at 11:32

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I’m thinking of future repair costs, and the gt’s water pump quickly goes on it, or so I’ve heard. Plus I’m also thinking of insurance, and the gt has a turbo, correct?

This is why I don't have a 2nd car yet, I investigate too much....

zeontestpilot > Where have all the lightweights gone? 05/28/2015 at 11:33

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Huh, I'll have to keep that in mind...

Nibbles > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 11:33

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No turbo on the GT. Requires premium though

zeontestpilot > Nibbles 05/28/2015 at 11:39

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Ah, makes sense. Thst very issue is what stops me from getting a pt gt, :).

Nibbles > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 11:40

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Just go look at and (provided there aren’t any game-changing flaws/issues) buy the damn Vibe already

Think of all the sextoy jokes

zeontestpilot > Nibbles 05/28/2015 at 11:43

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Fantastic color. Probably not stock, right?

zeontestpilot > Nibbles 05/28/2015 at 11:45

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I’m getting a ride home (my car is in the shop), so I’m asking my ride for a 30 minute detour. Thankfully my ride is my dad, so that helps.

I guess I'm naive? Sextoy jokes?

Nibbles > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 11:46

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Nope, 2003 SEMA car. However they all look good if you body-color the cladding.

Nibbles > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 11:46

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It’s called a Vibe...

zeontestpilot > Nibbles 05/28/2015 at 11:48

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You mean the plastic trim towards the base? Maybe I’m cheap, but I actually like it, :). It looks good with the rest of the body.

zeontestpilot > Nibbles 05/28/2015 at 11:49

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Huh, I guess living under this rock had finally taken its toll on me. I'm drawing a blank.

Nibbles > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 11:49

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Yeah that stuff. Don’t get me wrong, it’s probably Pontiac’s best cladding attempt, but still looks quite good painted.

Looks good both ways. “Rugged” with the grey cladding, “Sporty” with body-color. (yes the quotes are used properly and are denoting mild sarcasm)

Nibbles > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 11:50

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I don’t know if I can help you then, especially being at work ;)

zeontestpilot > Nibbles 05/28/2015 at 11:52

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Probably for the best, I gave my wife a link to this page because these were her questions too. Lol.

Nibbles > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 11:54

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Aks me anything about the Vibe. I was that generation’s product specialist for the state :)

zeontestpilot > Nibbles 05/28/2015 at 12:06

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The price is $4555, how decent is that? I'm also planning on trying to talk them down. I’ve also heard stories about how Toyota engines and take a beating, how true is that? What parts on it need to be replaced commonly? How are the repair bills? Expensive? Decent?

Svart Smart, traded in his Smart > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 12:13

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I’ve driven a friend’s Toyota Matrix (of this vintage) a few times. I kinda like it. Seats are reasonably comfortable. Visibility is pretty good (helpful for merging, parallel parking, etc). Throttle feels nice and progressive, not too abrupt. Brakes are a little grabby but not bad. There’s a bit of NVH at higher RPM, but it’s not especially bothersome to me. Meh. It’s a car and not a bad one.

Nibbles > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 12:14

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What year?

Yes the 1ZZ is a bullet-resistant engine. Timing chain equipped, too. It’s not particularly peppy but offers a solid even power band. Nothing major for replacement items comes to mind either. Interior fit and finish can be off, but it’s nothing a couple of Torx bits and some free time can’t solve.

As for repair bills, I could imagine the clutch being the most expensive thing you’ll come across. That should still be under a grand. If it still has the factory Monsoon stereo, make sure the EQ functions work.

zeontestpilot > Nibbles 05/28/2015 at 12:22

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It’s a ‘06. Timing chains don't need to be replaced as often as belts, right? Here’s the ad, does everything sound good about it?

http://www.youngautosales.com/used/Pontiac/2…

Nibbles > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 12:39

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That’s correct. That chain should last quite some time, likely as long as you own it :)

As for the car itself; that’s a base Vibe with the preferred package only. No Sun and Sound so no Monsoon radio. No worries there if you want to upgrade :). Miles are high for the year - +40,000 or so - but still well within the operating range of the drivetrain. Price is suitably lower than FMV because of the miles alone. I’d still recommend an independent PPI but the price is nice.

Have them ensure that “NHTSA Campaign #10V387000” is either not applicable to this car, or has already been completed. Pertains to an ECU imperfection that can cause the circuit board to crack. Also “NHTSA Campaign #15V286000” pertaining to airbags. NHTSA shows no open recalls for the VIN but have them confirm as well.

rockingthe2 > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 12:39

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Had an 04 for a while, the tensioner bolt in the block tends to snap, not fun. Seats are uncomfortable, and we ended up replacing the hubs every 60k. I hated it personally.

zeontestpilot > Nibbles 05/28/2015 at 12:44

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And I bookmarked this post.

Also, independent ppi?

zeontestpilot > rockingthe2 05/28/2015 at 12:46

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I plan on rocking steelies maybe. Uncomfortable how? Like you can't get to sleep in them?

Klaus Schmoll > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 12:46

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Are you thinking about abandoning ship with the PT?

Nibbles > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 12:47

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Pre-Purchase Inspection. Aks the dealer if you can take it for one. If they balk, turn and walk away. Not worth it (they’re hiding something). If they agree, and they should, take it to your favorite Indy and get them to give it a once-over. It’ll cost, likely, but shouldn’t be more than a bill or two.

zeontestpilot > Svart Smart, traded in his Smart 05/28/2015 at 12:50

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NVH?

rockingthe2 > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 12:55

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Like it hurts, physically hurts to be sitting in them more that 2-3 hours. And the whole hubs went bad, not the wheels

Svart Smart, traded in his Smart > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 12:57

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Noise, Vibration and Harshness

acarr260 > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 12:57

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Noise, Vibration, and Harshness.

zeontestpilot > Klaus Schmoll 05/28/2015 at 12:59

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Naw, looking for a 2nd vehicle they will be a good DD. The pt is horrible at that. I drive 80 miles a day, the pt is fuel efficient to be a dd. But it's good enough for a 2nd car.

zeontestpilot > Nibbles 05/28/2015 at 13:06

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I’m not too familiar with the area, it’s 30 minutes away from home and work. Also, I’m asking for a specific salesman though. This guy has leased the past 7 cars to my grandpa. Actually, my gpa just got a new lease crossover last week from him.

But I would like someone to inspect the car, especially the clutch. The most I’ve driven a manual is an hour, so I have no idea what I’m looking for in terms of how the clutch is suppose to feel. So I need someone that can drive stick that can test drive it for me, to make sure it feels right.

Nibbles > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 13:14

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You’ve got good family rapport with the salesman; use that to your advantage. See what kind of ownership / service records they can find. Aks him his honest opinion on the unit and, if he doesn’t think it’ll do you well if he has something else available and remember, salesmen make their living off of loyalty :)

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 13:20

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A girl at my school has a 2003 with 270,000 miles.

Nobi > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 13:34

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M’lady has an ‘05 AWD Matrix with the 1ZZ, over 160k on it, and aside from wheel bearings and a bearing inside the transfer case that let go, thing’s been dead reliable. She calls it her “Mary Poppins” car because it’ll hold as much stuff as Mary’s bag can. Gets great mileage for an AWD, it’s unstoppable in the snow, and fairly comfortable. Maybe it’s the Corolla showing through, but I’ve had several comfortable naps in the passenger seat.

zeontestpilot > Nibbles 05/28/2015 at 13:42

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Ha, it’s why I’m glad it’s at that dealership, :).

The only future issue I can think of, is that my parents (who actually are visiting for this week and the next and staying at my house currently), my grandpa, and the salesman (I’ve talked with him last year) all seem to think that a car over 100k is not a good investment. I have no problem with it, as long as the price reflects the mileage and it runs.

My plan is this, get a car that it’s ok to run until it dies.

CaptDale - is secretly British > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 14:02

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They are terribly small and cramped on the inside compared to what it looks like. They are a crappy Toyota made worse by GM black plastic side moldings that fade to “fiberglass lawn chair in the sun” white and can NEVER be full restored. I had one as a rental and I am 6’2” and there wasn’t enough room. I’m a normal sized guy and the car was just uncomfortable. Also the most we see at our dealership for the recalls are SERIOUSLY trashed. Take a hard look at the car and make sure it is really clean. Or buy something better.... GT is better, but meh.

dsigned001 - O.R.C. hunter > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 14:54

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Really fucking reliable.

dsigned001 - O.R.C. hunter > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 15:10

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We had one that my wife took over till she wrecked it :(. It will baby quite well, get’s 35 mpg if you baby it on the highway, and can fit a washing machine in it with the rear seats folded.

It is not good in snow, so if you’re planning on doing winter driving, I’d recommend a set of snow steelies in addition to your regular tires.

I’d echo getting the GT if you can swing it. It’s got a six speed, which will make the car purr on the highway, and maybe feel a little classier. They’re still pretty cheap, and it’ll have more pep.

I will say though that since they made a million of the 1zz’s, if by some stroke of bad luck (e.g. driving the car through deep water), you do need a new engine, they’re cheap on ebay, and I think are a pretty easy swap.

Overall 9/10, would buy again.

zeontestpilot > dsigned001 - O.R.C. hunter 05/28/2015 at 15:14

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I do plan on driving through snow. How much ground clearance does it have?

dsigned001 - O.R.C. hunter > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 15:22

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Plenty. It’s just a little light, and by default has some pretty wide tires. If the one you’re buying has steelies already, I’d put some blizzaks on them, and spring for some cheap aluminum wheels with three seasons. That said, I did not take my own advice, and we did fine with just all seasons. But the Grand Am is definitely better in the snow (though worse in just about every other measurable way).

zeontestpilot > dsigned001 - O.R.C. hunter 05/28/2015 at 15:33

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Yeah, snow tires aren't in the budget, :/. But i made it through two bad winters in my pt, so there's that.

Obsessed > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 21:29

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I checked the car fax...no proof of regular oil changes or maintenance..I’d proceed with caution

zeontestpilot > Obsessed 05/28/2015 at 22:17

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True, but the oil could of been done at home...

Obsessed > zeontestpilot 05/28/2015 at 23:43

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both owners changed their own oil...not likely......may just have taken it somewhere that does not report it but I’d see if there are any records in the car

MIATAAAA > zeontestpilot 06/09/2015 at 10:35

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I have a Toyota Matrix. It’s basically the exact same car (mine’s the XRS, though).

I’ve had it for ten years, never had a single repair. Nothing ever broke on it. The XRS (GT on the Vibe) is really fun to drive (8,300rpm redline). Can’t go wrong with it.