I just put in a bid on a 09 Pontiac Vibe (Toyota)
The original owner said that it intermittently stops running. Putting my scanner on it shows all cylinders with a misfire as well as code for camshaft and crankshaft position sensor.
I'm assuming that if the sensors are failing then the car would stop running. The misfires could be bad plugs or coil packs.
Does my diagnosis sound correct?
I Could not test drive the car for fear of it breaking down.
I am taking a chance but hoping that since it's a Toyota running gear that it's nothing more catastrophic.
they were originally asking 2800 for the vehicle and I offered them 1000.
If anyone has any experience with these vehicles I'd appreciate some input. thank you
09, the Gen2 car of 09 & 10 could either be a 1.8L Corolla engine or the optional 2.4L Camry engine.
I wasn't aware of that. I have no idea which motor was in this.
You can't really trust misfire counts if there is a crank sensor problem. I'd ignore that until the vehicle is proven to have a misfire.
Yeah misfire on all cylinders is a sensor problem. Last time I had that was when a mouse chewed through the cam sensor wiring on my gs300.
I was trying to close the deal today 45 minutes before the banks close. My chances of getting it drop having to wait until tomorrow. Car was relatively rust free for northeastern Ohio and only 123,000 miles.
I tried to sell them on the idea that I'm here and they won't have to deal with anybody else of questionable integrity but they wanted me to counter with a slightly higher offer or they would think about it.
I have flipped 3 Vibes. I have been happy with the results on all of them. Actually, the first Vibe, a 2009, I intended to keep. It was generally a low to mid spec model but it did have the big, 2.4L and automatic. It only returned a combo of about 25 mpg. I thought that was low for a vehicle of its size. The 1.8L does better, closer to 30.
There are awd models too but only with auto trans.
Does either look familiar? Most notable, the 1.8L has a bigger black plastic engine cover and a black header. The 2.4L has a big silver header shield
1.8L engine for 2009:
2.4L engine for 2009 Vibe:
Very helpful John!
It's definitely the 1.8 based on your pic. Since this is going to be my new DD the better fuel mileage will be a plus.
I forgot about AWD. I'll have to check that before I put it on a dolly to transport.
BTW, the son let me know that they accepted my price. Still have to get it into my hands though.
I have never seen an AWD Vibe/Matrix. I mean, I know they must exist.
Yes, the 1.8L is better.
Congrats on the $1k purchase. There is some real optomisticly high pricing on Vibes in the marketplace. Not quite as crazy as Rav4 pricing but...
The Vibe is a genuine alternative to a Rav4. Similar cargo space to a Gen1 Rav4 just less lift in suspension.
Great buy , Congrats !
And until this thread I never heard of a Vibe or that Toyota ever built a Pontiac.
In reply to californiamilleghia :
Starting in 1990, GM and Toyota partnered in the Corolla and Geo Prism. That continued until 2002. After that the same joint venture was Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe from 2003 till 2010.
That original Corolla/Prism factory was in Fremont, CA. It's the factory that Tesla bought and manufactures from now in Fremont, CA.
Pete. (l33t FS) said:
I have never seen an AWD Vibe/Matrix. I mean, I know they must exist.
Here's the 2003 awd Vibe I rebuilt... https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/cars-sale/03-pontiac-vibe-awd-auto-w-67k-miles/154433/page1/
Re-reading this ole thread I am reminded that I sold this 67k Vibe for $4,300.
In today's market it could be $7+k. Sample asking $9k
On that awd Vibe I had to replace a noisy rear diff carrier bearing. In retrospect, I'm pretty sure the awd car had been tow dollied.
John Welsh said:
In reply to californiamilleghia :
Starting in 1990, GM and Toyota partnered in the Corolla and Geo Prism. That continued until 2002. After that the same joint venture was Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe from 2003 till 2010.
That original Corolla/Prism factory was in Fremont, CA. It's the factory that Tesla bought and manufactures from now in Fremont, CA.
Tesla bought NUMMI?
Toyota/Chevy went back even before the Prizm. AE9x (might have been front drive AE8x) Corollas were sold as Chevy Novas, even if they weren't built in California. Between the Nova and a few other captive-import rebadges done at Chevy (Sprint, others I forgot), they decided to stop diluting their brand so much and spun off all captive imports under the Geo brand.
One of those 1.8L was a 2ZZ. Great engine by most accounts.
