Originally Posted by
SimSamurai
Hi, I'm new to the forums here. I am looking at buying a 2001 VX with ~ 115k miles or less. I've seen a few which appear to be in great shape but am primarily concerned about the engine due to a lot of various reviews I've been reading on the web.
I currently own a 92 Toyota SR-5 Extra Cab pickup which has 162k on it and I am thinking of selling it and buying a VX. I don't use the truck bed much anymore and have a small half ton trailer (made from an old Mazda truck bed) which I can use if needed to pick up wood, plywood, etc for house projects. Anyway, I feel its a good time to sell my truck after having just done a lot of big maintenance to it and I have always wanted a VX. I also have a 2 year old son now and this is a huge factor as I really need the extra room but I did not want a mini-van or 4 door SUV either. We only have one kid and already have a 4 door car. With the VX at least all three of us could fit in it on those few occasions where we all need to. Other than that, it would primarily be my "cruck". I would actually love to get something like a 2008-2013 Toyota Pre-Runner 4 door truck but I just don't want to invest that much ($20k +) right now in the way of cash and payments. I can however get a VX for ~8k or less which I can easily swing right now. I totally love the VX.. BUT...BUT...save for all bad things I've been reading about major engine problems with the oil burning / cylinder ring issues. In other words, I don't want to buy a looker that is really a lemon under the hood. Something on my shoulder still says DO NOT stray from Toyota.
I realize all cars have some issues and hang-ups. There are a few on my truck too..but nothing so major as burning a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. At 162k mine eats maybe 1/2 quart every 4,000 miles which is totally within acceptable limits for her mileage. The horror stories I've been reading about the VX engine ring issues has me extremely concerned. I'm almost thinking if it DOES have over 100k on it, that its probably a good thing???
My main questions are this: Is there anything in particular about the VX issues that can assuage my fears? What are the main issues? What should I check and look for? Is it very, very difficult to get parts? Are they really expensive because of the limited run on these cars? Lastly, is there a top 10 list of immediate changes or modifications which should be done to make the VX better or last longer? In other words..I need to be sold on the large and small details. I'm already sold on looks but it's what I don't see that scares me.