The Pontiac Vibe is built on the same platform as the Toyota Matrix. GM actually started improving quality when they partnered with Toyota, but it didn't last.
As with any 17-year-old car, consistent maintenence is key. They can be great vehicles, or they can be a disaster waiting to happen. Take the car to a trusted mechanic and have them analyze it.
My extended family lives in Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania does state inspections as part of registration. You're slightly less likely to be unknowingly purchasing a rotted out car, but not always. Ohio doesn't have mandatory state inspections, so crooked people if they're close enough to Ohio may sell rotted cars to Ohioans.
Good luck.
@justin-shepherd
I am about to buy 2009 Pontiac vibe 123000 miles 4 cyl 1.8L automatic transmission. I would be changing the transmission fluid (Not flush) - can I use the Toyota matrix transmission fluid in it?
Your answer is in the FAQ, which was hyperlinked by @chucktobias .
If you check the owner's manual for that vehicle (found via internet search in about 5 seconds) you will find the factory recommendation for transmission fluid on page 11-18:
https://archive.org/details/manualzilla-id-6030441/page/11-18/mode/2up
The owner's manual specifies "T-IV" transmission fluid. A GM part number is listed. However, a quick internet search for that type of fluid quickly reveals that it is actually a Toyota fluid. This should come as no surprise since the Vibe is in reality a rebadged Toyota Matrix with only cosmetic differences, thus the Pontiac and Toyota fluids are exactly the same.
@chucktobias I sincerely appreciate All the help. Actually there is a huge confusion specifically on 2009 Pontiac vibe and after searching more I found out that GM had issued a bulletin to CORRECT it. Please see this link https://charm.li/Pontiac/2009/Vibe%20FWD%20L4-2.4L/Repair%20and%20Diagnosis/Transmission%20and%20Drivetrain/Automatic%20Transmission%2FTransaxle/Technical%20Service%20Bulletins/All%20Technical%20Service%20Bulletins/A%2FT%20-%20Fluid%20Usage%20Requirements/, which means that 2009 Pontiac vibe manual is Incorrect and bulletin Must be followed.
Nice find! Obviously use the fluid specified in the service bulletin. That does cross-check with Toyota for the 2009 Matrix and Corolla, and the 2008 models used the earlier type of fluid.
1. That depends on actual condition and the market in your area. Most used car dealers are ripoff artists. Don't believe anything they tell you. It's a 17-year-old car so problems are to be expected. See what your mechanic says. In your area rust is a major consideration so the possibility of serious structural rust must be checked. Be sure everything is checked out to your and your mechanic's satisfaction before purchase.
2. See the site FAQ for details on changing transmission fluid.
@chucktobias
I am about to buy 2009 Pontiac vibe 123000 miles 4 cyl 1.8L automatic transmission. I would be changing the transmission fluid (Not flush) - can I use the Toyota matrix transmission fluid in it?
@syedmustafa You already asked about what transmission fluid to use in your initial post. Asking multiple times will not bring you an answer any faster. (Your owner's manual should specify the fluid to use.)
@syedmustafa 's link not working, posting working link: https://charm.li/Pontiac/2009/Vibe%20FWD%20L4-1.8L/Repair%20and%20Diagnosis/Transmission%20and%20Drivetrain/Technical%20Service%20Bulletins/All%20Technical%20Service%20Bulletins/A%2FT%20-%20Fluid%20Usage%20Requirements/I sincerely appreciate All the help. Actually there is a huge confusion specifically on 2009 Pontiac vibe and after searching more I found out that GM had issued a bulletin to CORRECT it. Please see this link https://charm.li/Pontiac/2009/Vibe%20FWD%20L4-2.4L/Repair%20and%20Diagnosis/Transmission%20and%20Drivetrain/Automatic%20Transmission%2FTransaxle/Technical%20Service%20Bulletins/All%20Technical%20Service%20Bulletins/A%2FT%20-%20Fluid%20Usage%20Requirements/, which means that 2009 Pontiac vibe manual is Incorrect and bulletin Must be followed.
