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Miles City, MT Car Consumer Discussions

Re: 09 Pontiac Vibe AWD [gmloyal60]

by maxx4me on Tue Nov 18 12:29:19 PST 2008

yep, you are right....it feels like a brake assist function, although I'm sure it is not. Sorry about your low mpg on the AWD. I knew that going in which is why I went (again) with the Corolla Vibe instead of the Camry Vibe. I have been getting 29 mpg in 90% city driving with my 09 automatic. Nice huh? I have been reading on genvibe.com about many '03 owners having tranny problems. I have 107,000 miles on mine, and have not had any major problems yet (a lot of minor problems to include mysteriously disappearing oil). As for the '09 Corolla Vibe, I had to replace the battery already. I got a higher cold cranking amp (550) Delco battery to replace the small Japanese 350 cca batteries they put in these Vibes. Other than that, the only design flaw I have found in the '09 is that the passenger side seat belt anchor rattles against the center console. You need to take a piece of female velcro and place it on the back side to act as a cushion when there isn't an occupant in the seat. I'm amazed how much more refined this latest version is over our 03. If the old one goes, I know what I'm buying next, that's for sure.

Hating a car I would other wise love! Most horrible noise!

by deth on Tue Nov 18 04:56:26 PST 2008

I was in total lust with my car when I got it, until the break sqeak started!! 2008 HHR w/under 4000 miles on it. When I slow to stop, rather than "hard stop" my brakes squeak so bad that I cringe. It's embarassing and ear peircing. I've taken it in and was told it's the ceramic brake pad surface becoming slick because of how I slow to stop. Well I live in downtown Phoenix, AZ and drive mostly city streets. There's alot of slowing to stop. They suggested that when I'm in a parking lot, do a bunch of hard stopping to roughen up the pad. This hasn't worked. I'm so annoyed. I've called and emailed GM. This is supposed to be a "lifetime" brake pad according the the service guys. Frankly I'd rather pay money for new pads every few years to not be constantly embarrassed and sounding like my brakes need replacing.

Re: Veritably nice dreams [anthonyp]

by dewey on Mon Nov 17 16:13:17 PST 2008

as you am interested in the hy-brid, but when I really though about it, most of the miles I put on a car are interstate roads....so comfort is important to me. You are a perfect candidate for a diesel Audi, BMW or MBl. I get 17.5 MPG on my car due to stop and go city driving. In my case hybrids makes compelling sense.

Re: 2009 Maxima v 2009 Mazda6 [aviboy97]

by tracguy on Mon Nov 17 12:53:20 PST 2008

I was also looking at the Mazda6 but I did end up buying a 09 Maxima (SV premium / tech)a couple of weeks ago. I liked the Mazda but I thought the Max was a little plusher, liked the music box hard drive and the nav system. The Ipod integration is first rate also. I also like the Max's styling a little more than the Mazda. Premium is required, not suggested. I'm appears I'm getting about 23mpg (city, freeway short trips) but only have 500 miles on it so take these numbers with a grain of salt. Actualy I think the 09 Max is actually a little smaller than the 08. If I hadn't gotten a good deal I would have gone down the street and bought a Mazda6. I like the blindspot monitor and the the fit and finish are good.

Re: [riverrat4]

by fmorriso on Mon Nov 17 11:11:44 PST 2008

It took me exactly six months from the day I ordered to the day I took delivery of my fully loaded AWD 2009 FEHL (April 21 - Oct 21). It has been the best vehicle I've ever driven (all 700 miles of it). I've been averaging about 28 mpg in mostly city driving. Based upon what I've read in this an other forums, I expect the mileage to drop a little during the colder months and pick up again when the weather warms up again in the Spring. I'm still getting used to talking to my vehicle via Sync, but I'm getting the hang of it. Being my first large vehicle (I have a hard time saying the word "truck" for some reason), I really appreciate the backup sensors, which I am happy to report can be turned off when backing up out of my side of the two-car garage to avoid the beeping noise that occurs as soon as I put the car into reverse. I'm just glad there's an easy way to turn the sensors on/off quickly for those of us with two individual garage doors.

2008 Honda Crv MPG information - Year's worth of observations

by d07 on Mon Nov 17 10:42:23 PST 2008

Our 08 AWD CRV LX is one year old and here is the data I've accumulated and condensed. Before 1st Oil Change -(Regular Mineral oil) Overall - 23.7 Mpg After First Oil Change - (Honda/Mobil 1 5w-20 Synthetic) Overall - 27 Mpg (Same driving technique, same route and same amount of miles put each day) Overall City 19-22 Mpg Overall Highway - 29-32 Mpg Worst observed 18.9mpg ( @ 5mph in a snow storm traffic jam) Best observed 39.8 mpg (Flat road, 55 mph, a/c on, slight tailwind) Data collected at every fuel filling. Only additives used: Fuel system cleaner before oil change Present mileage 16000 Miles Air-conditioner on or off made no accountable difference. Driving Style: Very light foot, low electrical demands, 2 occupants, one dog sometimes, about 130 lbs cargo load in the car at most times. I hope the above information serves as a guide for anyone interested. If anyone can give me any tips to improve my mpg without spending $$$ - I'd appreciate that. :D