We are interested in a vibe that has some minor electrical issues: the interior light does not work, the fan only works on high and it appears the fog lights do not work. Are these costly repairs on a vibe? It also looks like we may need to replace the seal on the drivers window,is that an expensive repair? We appreciate any feedback,
The fan speeds are just a few resistors that need to be replaced. You can dig in there and you should find them somewhere in the heating ducts or fan housing. Just replace them with the same thing that was there. The reason it works on high, is that it does not use any resistors on high.
Are you sure the interior lights are not just turned down to very low brightness?
Fog lights? Could be several things. Both the interior lights and the fog lights are checked by checking voltage from the lamp to the battery. It has a problem somewhere on that path. (or all the lights are out.
Thanks for the info on the fan and fog lights. The interior light really does not work. The airbag light also did not come on, which is a concern, because the car is a rebuilt salvage, which was later inspected and passed, supposedly. It had damage to the rear panel on the driver’s side which was replaced. If the airbag does not work, do you have any idea how difficult/costly it is to repair that?
Run away from this car as fast as you can! It could have structural damage If it was hit hard enough to deploy the air bags.
The car would not have been totaled if there was only cosmetic panel damage.
“rebuilt salvage” says it all RUN, RUN far and fast!!
Good eye, you need to pass on these existing problems. If you just can’t turn the car down the problems should be fixed before you buy.
We are very hesitant, but the owner is willing to have us take the car to an independent mechanic to have it checked out.Wouldn’t a good mechanic be able to spot structural damage and other problems? The car’s title says that it is a rebuilt salvage, yet is was sold to this owner through a local second hand car dealership. I do not like the fact that the airbag light isn’t coming on. I would still like to find out if a new airbag could be put in? We’ve since heard that the car may also need a new catalytic converter because there is a check engine light that keeps coming on and that is the only thing left that the owner could think of. I have heard that on a matrix, this is a costly repair , which makes me think it is the same on the vibe.Any suggestions?
It looks to me like you would be buying something that will continue to cost you money in repairs. You’ve listed a few things that you are aware of. There will undoubtedly be more surprises in the future.
To be perfectly honest, this car sounds like it would be expensive even if it were given to you at no cost.
I would look elsewhere.
I cannot condone buying this vehicle. It sounds like it will be a major headache, as most rebuilt salvage vehicles are. If a repair is expensive on a Matrix, it will be expensive on a Vibe. They are the same cars. Only the emblems do not interchange.
A bad catalytic converter could be a indication that the engine burns oil. Only one more reason among several to pass on this car.
I wouldn’t touch this car with a stick.