Toyota Matrix vs. Pontiac Vibe - Compare Notes - Car Forums

Thanks for the input. I am a professional mechanic - 25 yrs - aviation - the tire pressure monitoring system on the "Matrix" not VIBE is a copy from the Airbus aircraft. Of course before I was an aircraft mechanic I was and still practice auto maintenance. I think either the factory specifications are wrong or the bushings in the suspension system are made not made to the engineers elasticity specification or they need a stiffer composition.

Back to the issue - the "professional" mechanics at the dealership have had this car in their shop 6 times; each time they were asked to address the tire wear, each time they stated there is nothing wrong.

You be the judge - the inner most tread band of all the tires is 1/4 lower and feathered with the rear tires wearing worse than the front. To boot - the tire noise while driving is so loud you can't hear the engine.

Call the tire manufactures or read a newspaper ad - the tires are made to run a lot longer than 15 to 20K. We have met several people at gas pumps who have tried all brands of tires - no improvement to wear on their vehicles.

Lastly you should know - aggressive tire wear increases suspension system wear and heat stress on the tire - just like low tire pressure - increasing the probability of other less common tire failure. Forget about the reduced life of the suspension system - you can just buy extra warranty and tires - that's what you expected when you bought the car right? It must take less gas to wear out tires prematurely anyway - correct?

I just don't find it acceptable for dealership mechanics and customer service people to look me square in the eye and say abnormal tire wear is acceptable for 'this' car.

-M

#256 of 285 Re: Tire wear [capitano] by remaxmarty1

Sep 14, 2006 (5:12 am)

Replying to: capitano (Sep 13, 2006 5:40 am)

You can double check the accuracy of your tire pressure with manual checks.

sounds normal from alot of cornering (city driving?) - rotate your tires every oil change or every other oil change.

Thanks for weighing in.

-M

#257 of 285 Pontiac Vibe parts and manufacture by jay39

Sep 15, 2006 (1:27 pm)

Where is the Vibe made, and which parts are Toyota or GM?

Replies to this message:

herzogtum71 (Sep 15, 2006 4:37 pm)
- oubaasjohn (Oct 02, 2006 6:47 pm)
  - pjk2 (Jun 12, 2007 3:57 pm)

#258 of 285 Re: Pontiac Vibe parts and manufacture [jay39] by herzogtum71

Sep 15, 2006 (4:37 pm)

Replying to: jay39 (Sep 15, 2006 1:27 pm)

Vibe is made in Fremont, California. Same factory also makes the Voltz version of the vehicle that is exported to Japan. There's been some discussion and some disagreement in this forum about how much of the vehicle is Toyota and how much is GM.

Replies to this message:

oubaasjohn (Oct 02, 2006 6:47 pm)
- pjk2 (Jun 12, 2007 3:57 pm)

#259 of 285 Re: Pontiac Vibe vs Matrix pros and cons and rust proofing by oubaasjohn

Oct 02, 2006 (6:47 pm)

Replying to: herzogtum71 (Sep 15, 2006 4:37 pm)

I bought a 2003 Matrix when that were first produced. The matrix in the same configuration as the Mazda 5 (at that time - 2003) was $1000 more expensive than the Matrix. I tried to get a Vibe since I wanted roof racks but the Pontiac dealer did not reply to my email.
After three accidents, none of which were my fault and all paid for by insurance and repaired at the Pontiac dealer the car was looking a bit worn and making some noises that I did not like. So I decided to get another - Matrix or Vibe. I tried a used car dealer but the trade value for my 2003 Matrix XR was set at $9000. (Black book value is about $15000)
The Pontiac dealer offered only $8000 in trade for a 2006 Vibe, with a $1000 off the price of the Vibe, so effectively they were giving me $9000 on the trade.
Toyota offered $11000 on trade if I got a 2007 model.
I really like the car so decided to get the new 2007 Matrix.
I was pleased to see that the instrumentation has been improved and that the center console on the Matrix has not been cheapened as it has on the Vibe - what else has Pontiac cheapened?
But I was disappointed that Matrix has not fixed the Map light switch on the mirror thing. These map light switches are push button type and are easily turned on when adjusting the mirror, and during the day one does not notice that the light is on so it stays on. Eventually the light burned out because it had been left on so often.
I would also like to see the odometer and temperature displays made a bit larger as I need to put on reading glasses to see these - not always what one wants to do when driving!
While at the Toyota dealer they offered me Diamondkote electronic rust proofing at $700. This involves the installation of a galvanic rustproofing box powered by the car battery. I was surprised that the guarantee of 10 years was the same as getting rustproofing applied to the car as a coating.
I happened to be in Canadian Tire and saw that they were selling electronic rustproofing gadgets for $200 so I bought one and installed it even though I am highly suspicious of the efficacy of these devices.
I decided to do a little experiment to see if they make a difference. I will keep this posted on a blog: http://automobile-rustproofing-black-box.blogspot.com/
I would be interested if anyone else has any experience with these devices.

Replies to this message:

pjk2 (Jun 12, 2007 3:57 pm)

#260 of 285 Cheapened Matrix by oubaasjohn

Oct 03, 2006 (8:40 am)

I just traded my 2003 Matrix for a 2007.
I noticed two items that I want back from my 2003:
1 The glove box lid on the 2007 falls open whereas the 2003 had a little aircylinder to lower it gently.
2 the standard radio on the 2003 is better than the 2007.
Back in 1997 my VW golf had an input port for the radio so that one could play other sources through the radio. This is an optional extra in the Toyota. Ability to play MP3 music on a car radio should NOT be an extra...
Gripes: The map light switches on the Matrix. What a dumb place to put them! Easy to turn on accidentally when adjusting the mirror and unnoticeable in daylight so they stay on.
The brake warning light is the same colour as all the other little lights and easily missed. Driving with the parking brake slightly on is NOT good.
Wiper blade attachment point needs to be improved for Canadian ice storm driving. If you start frozen wipers you will strip the teeth on the cog where the blades attach to the car. An expensive and potentially dangerous - when you cannot use the wipers in freezing rain - design for wiper blades. (This is not a Toyota problem but applies to most cars I believe.)

#261 of 285 Re: Toyota parts or GM? RE:#235 [remaxmarty1] by rocky101

Jan 28, 2007 (10:28 pm)

Replying to: remaxmarty1 (Sep 12, 2006 7:31 pm)

My 06 Matrix has approximately 15,000 miles on the clock; the tires have been rotated per the maintenance schedule. The mileage is all highway. I am a little anal about tire inflation. Back to the dealer for alignment check once. Uneven wear, especially in the front and an annoying harmonic from the front. The Continental tires are on the wear bars and need to be replaced now. Interesting to hear of other similar stories. If there is any other information regarding resolution, please post.

Rocky

Replies to this message:

moos (Mar 25, 2007 12:53 pm)
caliberchic (Mar 26, 2007 4:47 pm)

#262 of 285 Re: Toyota parts or GM? RE:#235 [rocky101] by moos

Mar 25, 2007 (12:53 pm)

Replying to: rocky101 (Jan 28, 2007 10:28 pm)

go to the matrix board and lok up the tire wear issue.

#263 of 285 Re: Toyota parts or GM? RE:#235 [rocky101] by caliberchic

Mar 26, 2007 (4:47 pm)

Replying to: rocky101 (Jan 28, 2007 10:28 pm)

Here ya go link

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