Is the vx a reliable daily driver?

[adsero]

Hello all! I have three vx's for sale in my area and think they are really interesting vehicles. Assuming i fit in one (6'5") my only other concern is how is the reliability? From what I've read they seem like decent enough vehicles but I wanted word from the people who own them! So any input you have for me would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for your time and input!

Jeff:bgwo:

[JoFotoz]

In a word..YES.

Just be aware of the oil consumption issues some have...
...check oil every fill up, or until you are confident its not using.

jo

[atilla_the_fun]

Its as reliable as a 10 year old vehicle would be, expect to change items like plugs, shocks, do brakes, tires.. etc on those over 100,000 miles. Timing belt and waterpump get changes at 100,000 miles.
The issues on all isuzus of this vintage are:
-Possible oil consumption, leading to spun bearings and replacement of engine.
Cause is not well known, but those that have been well-maintained may burn oil, but may not have the sudden evac problem. Mine is at 102K, but has no oil-burn. (knock on internet wood) I still check every gas fill-up.
-ABS unit will fail eventually.

The issues on the VX specifically:
-The windows bind due to an engineering cock-up, where the window regulator's plastic bits and the window channel rubber has about a 30-40,000 mile life. After that they bind to the point where you can't move them up and down without help.


Gas mileage is poor - at best 17mpg city - at best.

If your not looking to do work on the car yourself AND don't have money for a mechanic - don't get a VX, get a 2003 honda civic or toyota corolla.

[VXorado]

If your not looking to do work on the car yourself AND don't have money for a mechanic - don't get a VX, get a 2003 honda civic or toyota corolla.

I couldn't agree more. If you're the type of person that likes having car just for transport then there are much better choices of vehicles. I've done a lot of upgrades & preventative maintenance to avoid any major mechanical issues (knocking on wood).

Also, you will fit fine in a VX, i'm 6'6" and fit fairly comfortably. You can check out my VX and take it for a spin if you want, i'm just a ways down the road from Greeley.

[adsero]

Thanks for the info! I have a full shop available to me so i can do quite a bit. Oh, and ignore the double post...not sure why that happened.

[adsero]

Okay. So if it is burning oil, what is the recommendation?

[adsero]

These are the two vehicles I'm considering. http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/2579246552.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/2537202154.html

I like the looks of the first one better but am wary about anything that has been modified at all. Do these readily accept bigger wheels and tires or is that going to cause problems? I also like that it is the last year of it. The first has the lowest miles but is the oldest. Any other thoughts for me? I'm planning on looking at both of them tomorrow.

[H3_VX]

Okay. So if it is burning oil, what is the recommendation?

From what i've read from other people on here, check the oil level at fuel ups. Also, seems most burn oil on longer trips. You can always check your temp guage too. I believe the 2001's were a little less likely to have the issue.

[VX KAT]

OK, here's a mega post with a TON of info....better plan about 3-4 hrs of reading. Most of us here have read and studied much info available on this forum. The group is very knowledgeable about these trucks, and very happy to share the info and help noobes. But it will help you greatly, if you do some of your homework and read up on some of it too.

I've pulled together several groups of threads on specific topics, so I can pull them up in a flash and post them here for new folks like yourself.
There's a few threads or posts that are repeated in my lists below, but not that much, there's just a lot of information on this forum, and it's all worth reading. Of course it's by no means all inclusive, but it's a good start.

Notice I've put Oil Consumption in RED letters...it's probably the most important to read. Also, it's not usually BURNING oil (as you mentioned in post #6), and it's not leaking or dripping.... it's consuming oil, and the threads below explain that.


Also, here's a link to a post that discusses several general VX issues and things to consider before buying one:
http://vehicross.info/forums/showpost.php?p=186152&postcount=4



DETAILED QUESTIONNAIRE:
Also, we put together a detailed questionnaire VERY specific to the VX.
It's kind of like a ROAPMAP to specific area you should learn about and check out on any VX you consider buying.
(I also have a much longer, more comprehensive questionnaire covering many additional areas. Let me know if you're interested in seeing that 100+ questionnaire also. It got so long, it kind of became a joke :goof:, cuz it's just overkill, .....but still has some dang good questionnaire and info to check on a VX)
http://vehicross.info/forums/showpost.php?p=210436&postcount=3


OIL CONSUMPTION:
http://vehicross.info/forums/showpost.php?p=216316&postcount=7
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=9010


Several theories on Isuzu design defect in rings that causes oil consumption:
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=14548&highlight=brand+pcv+valve
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showpost.php?p=223006&postcount=20


ENGINE FAULIRE POLL:
http://vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=3756&highlight=ENGINE+FAILURE+POLL


CHECKING TRANNY FLUID LEVEL:
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showpost.php?p=127470&postcount=18
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=12192&highlight=transmission+mode
OFFICIAL ISUZU RECOM FOR FREQ OF CHANGING TRANNY FLUID:
ROUGH AND DUSTY ROADS-> EVERY 20,000 MILES
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showpost.php?p=127471&postcount=19



WINDOW FIX THREADS:
Window problems are probably one of the most common issues on the VX.
They are notorious for binding, sticking, jumping the track, tilting, burning up the motors due to the severe binding....you get the idea..

Here's a bunch of threads that have good info on the issue and how to repair. As time went on, most found that buying the SBC metal brackets for $65 was the best fix. It's what I did.

JOSHI's bungee fix thread:
http://vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=19148&highlight=zip+tie
http://vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=19148&highlight=zip+tie

The bungee cord window fix: (Joshi and SlowPro48 have done it)
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showpost.php?p=226963&postcount=9

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=14739&highlight=window+binding
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=16083&highlight=window+binding+fix
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=8043&highlight=widen+track+window
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=11541&highlight=window+binding
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showpost.php?p=93758&postcount=4
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=5604&highlight=window+binding+fix
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?threadid=10278
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showpost.php?p=66217&postcount=26
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showpost.php?p=66280&postcount=27
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showpost.php?p=73547&postcount=31
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showpost.php?p=100318&postcount=38
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=4374&highlight=window+binding+track
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=5845&highlight=window+track
http://www.antiquecaterpillar.org/vx/Technical/Window.asp
http://www.antiquecaterpillar.org/vx/Technical/Window_Bert.asp
I recall there was one owner (Bulldoggie, and then tysamigo) that neither of the above helped. He tried putting some metal washers in a stack, maybe 1/2" or so, to act as spacers and push the bottom of the glass outward, and of course that made the upper part of the glass tilt inward more. I believe that solved the tilting and jumping the track issue. I recall he just kept adding washers (thickness) until the angle was optimized.
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...8&postcount=38

Also, many have widened the metal rail/track the leading edge of the glass runs in, to reduce friction/ pressure on the glass. I used pliers and opened up the C-shape metal track until it was wider at the edges, particularly near the top as that's where I could see it was binding.



INFO ON LIFTING THE VX, AND BIGGER TIRES/RIMS:
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=15476&highlight=ome
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=19147&highlight=ome
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=18760&highlight=ome
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=10299&highlight=ome
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=13470&highlight=ome
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=18314&highlight=ome
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=18141&highlight=ome
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=15461&highlight=ome




CV JOINTS & AXLES, ISSUES, PARTS COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER ISUZUs:
http://vehicross.info/forums/showpost.php?p=238528&postcount=18



HEADLIGHT RESTORATION THREADS:
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=17114&highlight=headlight+restoration
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=18511&highlight=headlight+restoration



OEM ISUZU PARTS GUY- CONTACT INFO:
Merlin
St. Charles Isuzu
MISSOURI
(800) 727-8066
Mention the forum to get discount & free shipping.

*************************

Enjoy! Hope you catch the addiction too! :thumbup:
More questions, just holler.....

[IndianaVX]

Yes, what they all said, and I usEd to be 6'9", but I'm getting old, so I'm about 6'8" and I'm fine driving the truck, and I drive mine every day easily 6-700 miles a week. I do most all of the work on the truck myself. You will find, when you look under the hood that u can still acess the engine without alot of trouble!
Good luck, and look forward to the possibility of welcoming you to the family!

[Riff Raff]

I'd say the VX makes a great "secondary" vehicle for specific pleasure outings and/or for inclimate weather conditions, but not as a daily driver. For a daily driver, get yourself a roomy gas mizer vehicle (since you're tall) that has a very high MPG rating near the 40 MPG mark.

:bgwb:

[adsero]

Did i mention i like yall already? Thanks for the info.

[atilla_the_fun]

better yet, buy a VX with no engine and do a tdi swap.

[etlsport]

Ive been driving mine daily for 5 years with no major issues.. Replaced 1 alternator and 1 ABS module, but other than that nothing but routine maintenance. You need to be diligent with checking your oil. The vx is a known oil burner and many many people have had their engines seize ater burning too much oil without being replenished

[Mile High VX]

These are the two vehicles I'm considering. http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/2579246552.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/2537202154.html

I like the looks of the first one better but am wary about anything that has been modified at all. Do these readily accept bigger wheels and tires or is that going to cause problems? I also like that it is the last year of it. The first has the lowest miles but is the oldest. Any other thoughts for me? I'm planning on looking at both of them tomorrow.

I have looked at both of these and I would not even consider the second one (99 Black in Castle Rock where I live). I has lots of rust and some other issues as well. This same place has a 2001 Kaiser that looks much better in the ad but I have not seen that one in person.

The Kaiser at Sharpest Rides was in good shape. It has the back interior plastic cut out under the cubby for the lug wrench. Not sure why anyone would cut that out, but it is just a big hole that goes all the way to the body panel. The windows bind on the VX passenger side. It sounds good and has a new windshield. The hood insert and hood are cut out for the scoop so you have to be okay with that. I would say it's worth about $7K.

Good luck with your search.

[Ebenezr]

I can't believe any of you 6 foot 6 guys can fit. I'm 5-10 and have to tilt my head neck and shoulders down in one smooth move while I enter the drivers seat. You guys must crawl in. :)
and as far as daily driver it all depends on the individual car. any car can be bad or good.

[VXjunky]

my wifes 6.0 escalade gets better gas mileage

[Mile High VX]

I have looked at both of these and I would not even consider the second one (99 Black in Castle Rock where I live). I has lots of rust and some other issues as well. This same place has a 2001 Kaiser that looks much better in the ad but I have not seen that one in person.

The Kaiser at Sharpest Rides was in good shape. It has the back interior plastic cut out under the cubby for the lug wrench. Not sure why anyone would cut that out, but it is just a big hole that goes all the way to the body panel. The windows bind on the VX passenger side. It sounds good and has a new windshield. The hood insert and hood are cut out for the scoop so you have to be okay with that. I would say it's worth about $7K.

Good luck with your search.

So I went and looked at the Kaiser today. It's rough as well. Major paint fading on the roof, hood has been "rolled" down like a small front impact, and a pretty good dent on the passenger side door frame above the middle of the window. Cladding is very faded and someone has "keyed" the driver side door and did a really good job...:bwgy:

Interior looked to be in good shape from what I could see looking into the windows and the badges were in good shape. Half-moon cladding has the "camera" space knocked out, but no camera is mounted there and it is missing some of the cladding screws. Don't know how it might run since they were closed today.

[don moore]

I didnt get all that KAT....what was that again???

[VX KAT]

I didnt get all that KAT....what was that again???
funny man! :laugho:

[Gussie2000]

I'm still in the process of evaluating the VX as a daily driver. So far I'm 11 years, 5 months, 11 days and 254,000 miles into my evaluation with no complaints. I'll let ya know when I get some conclusive results. ;)

Mark Griffin (a VX lifer) :_steering

Yeah ! i gonna have a cup of coffee,sit & wait .........long wait :p

[adsero]

Wow guys! You all rock! Thanks for all the info! The guy who was supposed to be buying my truck no showed me this weekend so I guess I have to keep waiting until that sells (unless one of you all are looking for a good truck? Haha.) Hopefully i will be able to find one of these once the truck is gone.

[djvx]

Hello all! I have three vx's for sale in my area and think they are really interesting vehicles. Assuming i fit in one (6'5") my only other concern is how is the reliability? From what I've read they seem like decent enough vehicles but I wanted word from the people who own them! So any input you have for me would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for your time and input!

Jeff:bgwo:

Dont buy one if you dont like banging the heck out of your head getting in and out every day, especially at 6'5. You'll hate the gas mileage....and the oil mileage. You'll not like needing a key to open the tailgate nor will you like the fact there is no rear dome light. The suspension is extremely rough and hard. You'll get stuck trying to get into the backseat so don't ever plan on going back there or putting passengers back there. You'll have a hard time finding Isuzu parts as they've stopped all vehicle imports except industrial trucks. If you have an obsessive personality you will become highly addicted to it. If all these things don't sway you away then yes, buy one. You will get beyond all these quirks (and a few more) in due time. I promise. I love mine and it's the best vehicle purchase I've ever made.

[djvx]

So I went and looked at the Kaiser today. It's rough as well. Major paint fading on the roof, hood has been "rolled" down like a small front impact, and a pretty good dent on the passenger side door frame above the middle of the window. Cladding is very faded and someone has "keyed" the driver side door and did a really good job...:bwgy:

Interior looked to be in good shape from what I could see looking into the windows and the badges were in good shape. Half-moon cladding has the "camera" space knocked out, but no camera is mounted there and it is missing some of the cladding screws. Don't know how it might run since they were closed today.

So THAT's what that little plastic rectangle removable but unreinsertable piece is for. :disturbed

[Exclamation]

Dont buy one if you dont like banging the heck out of your head getting in and out every day, especially at 6'5. You'll hate the gas mileage....and the oil mileage. You'll not like needing a key to open the tailgate nor will you like the fact there is no rear dome light. The suspension is extremely rough and hard. You'll get stuck trying to get into the backseat so don't ever plan on going back there or putting passengers back there. You'll have a hard time finding Isuzu parts as they've stopped all vehicle imports except industrial trucks. If you have an obsessive personality you will become highly addicted to it. If all these things don't sway you away then yes, buy one. You will get beyond all these quirks (and a few more) in due time. I promise. I love mine and it's the best vehicle purchase I've ever made.

:yesb:*Like*:yesb:

[adsero]

Well, i havent had to pay for (regular unleaded) gas in two years so gas mileage doesnt factor. What does factor is how often will it have to be down for repairs. I am happy to do the work or pay for it to be done but frequency is the key right now. It sounds like a person who watches their car closely would be fine though.

[MSHardeman]

I would say that more of us use them as daily drivers than don't. I WISH I had the money to get a daily driver and let the VX be the garage queen that I want her to be. With that said, I bought Vicki (my VX) five or six years ago (can't remember) with 35,000 miles on her, and have used her as a daily driver ever since. She now has 112,000 miles on her and has never given me a problem. I check the oil religiously at every fill up and always have to add some; usually 1/2 to 3/4 quart - she's a thirsty girl. I usually do preventative maintenance to avoid anything going wonky, but other than that she has never left me stranded.

I say go for it.:thumbup:

[VXorado]

She now has 112,000 miles on her and has never given me a problem.


Well Vicky still looks like she still has 35,000 miles which is impressive since you do drive her everyday in mountains.


Looks like my VX will be a DD soon too. I will be selling my big comfy Tundra next month and hold off on buying a replacement until late next spring. This is all part of operation "save up to buy a house."

I have full confidence in the VX for the Winter.... even with 35" tires.

[adsero]

So...anyone wanna buy my silverado? I really want a vehicross! Just gotta sell the truck first.

[johnnyapollo]

I've been driving mine daily since 2001 (bought it new) - currently at 148K miles. It's the best truck I've ever owned - probably the best vehicle I've every owned. It's never broken down on me but has surprised me on occasion. Just about every problem I've had with it has been self-inflicted (usually the result of a mod) with the exception of the ABS unit going out and fragile speed-sensors on the TOD unit (replaced both myself). It is starting to leak some fluids but that can be fixed (just haven't gotten around to it - too easy to just top everything up periodically). Recently I've blown the last of the original speakers (cone material dry-rot probably) - they still work just horribly. As long as you don't carry more than one passenger except on occasion (or your extras are kids small enough to maneuver to the back seat) you can get around all the other quirks. The benefits of ownership far outweigh the inconveniences. JMHO.

-- John

[rowhard]

I WISH I had the money to get a daily driver and let the VX be the garage queen that I want her to be.

I did that. Paid her off last September, birthday present to myself. Then this February I bought my daily driver. a 2011 Kia Optima SX.

Now I taking her out Only when it is as beautiful day as my VX is.

Maybe now I can spend the time and energy to try and make my Dragon look as clean as Rickshaw's.

Why do I set these ridiculous, unattainable goals for myself:_confused

as far as your vertical issue, if your lean, you can crunch down to get in.