I'm interested in maybe getting one of these models but I'm not sure if I can afford to buy new. I hear about the older models having very weak/not so cold AC. Has this been improved on the '06 and '07 models? Did/does the Corolla also have rather weak AC?
Jon
The A/C in my folks' '04 Corolla works very well.
So does the air conditioning in my daughter's '05 Matrix.
Why don't you give the car you're interested in a test drive and see if it fits the bill?
There is a technical service bulletin on improving the AC performance on certain Matrix models, IIRC, something to do with a temp sensor switch.
If the car you are interested in has had the new replacement part installed, AC performance should be OK.
So if a model has that problem it can be fixed? Or only certain models/years can be fixed? So far I'm having a hard time finding these cars used with more than 30K so I might as well buy new for what they are asking. I want to test drive a new one but don't know if I'm ready to get sucked into a sales person's web of stalking, lol. I'm not sure if I can afford a new one anyway. Also the selection of '06s seems limited, most have a lot of extras and a high sticker price.
The TSB was for 2003 Corollas and Matrix where blower volume gradually decreases after 1 to 1-1/2 hours of driving in high humidity conditions due to icing of the evaporator. An in-line thermistor resistor harness is available to fix the condition so yes, if a model has that problem it can be fixed.
Good luck on whatever you decide to buy!
Some of the Vibe owners are insulating the AC line that comes out of the compressor to the fire wall.
Check out this post on the GenVibe fourms.
Very cool. Thanks for the info. Doesn't sound like too big of a deal.
I have noticed that there was a change in the EPA mpg figure for the Vibe. I've read that the original base models got 30/36 manual and
27/32 auto but Pontiac now lists 30/36 and *29/34* for the '07s so it looks like they must have changed something with the tranny. Does anyone know what year that change happened? I am interested in an automatic. 2 mpg doesn't sound like that much but it does get the car a bit closer mileage wise to it's more aerodynamic and lighter Corolla brother.Jon
I previously reported that it was hard to find these cars for sale used with more than 30K miles... that was before I checked out
Government changed the way they measure millage. I don't often fill mine up, just put in $10.00 worth, so I can't tell you what kind if millage I'm getting.
John
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