picked up 2nd Ironman today, was one in Maryland for sale with bad engine, will get some pics tomorrow if rain stops.
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picked up 2nd Ironman today, was one in Maryland for sale with bad engine, will get some pics tomorrow if rain stops.
Had wanted to own one since its intro in 1997 but.... Finally brought one in from Japan in 2008 (RHD JDM). Mileage was only 58,000. Well taken care of by previous owner. Owing to unique rule here in Singapore, this SUV cannot be legally registered for road use. I have been driving it around using trade plate. If I am not wrong, this ought to be the only Vehicross in this little island.
Hope to take part in off-roading.
Hi everyone!
First time post, long time lurker. I just purchased my first VX - a 1999 Astral Silver w/ 170,000 miles. Living in the Chicagoland area, it's pretty fitting that I make the purchase on the coldest day of the year so far (windchill of about -10 so far)
The previous owner (or two) were members of this community. In fact, I'm going through the VX Workshop manual CD purchased off Tone's old site as I type this. After I mentioned this website and some of the things I learned about the VX here, the previous owner finally decided to sell her to me instead of some of the other candidates. According to him, the other buyers just kept saying things like 'wow, this thing is so cool...' as he walked them through the test drive. So - thanks to everyone here for helping me get a leg-up on the competition!
The previous owner did follow most of the suggestions found here, including keeping the EGR clean, replacing the PCV often, and keeping her full w/ clean oil. With a garage full of high-mileage cars, he seems to have a pretty good history of keeping cars alive.
Alas, she does suffer from some of the ailments I've read about here. Both windows do bind, the headlights are faded, there's a squeek/rattle from the AC/Heater fan, the cladding is pretty faded, and I just found out the FOB doesn't lock the doors correctly (but the alarm works!). I plan on taking her to the doctor/garage over the weekend for a thorough checkup and then off to the detailers to deal w/ some of the easy cosmetic stuff. None are show stoppers, thankfully.
Although I'm weary of the high mileage engine, for the price, I really couldn't go wrong. Immediately after making the transaction, I took her to the gas station to give her some of the good stuff, and got on the highway to see what she's made of. Smiles all around.
Anyway - I look forward to officially being part of the VX clan. Like many of you, I've always wanted one of these the first time I saw one (at the Chicago autoshow in my case). I have a penchant for unique automobiles, and I love the enthusiasts who appreciate them as well.
Thanks for the time - I look forward to the addiction!
welcomeQuote:
Originally Posted by vxaddict
and congrats!!!
iam also in chicago and have a 1999 Astral !!
Looks to me like you gonna fit in real good around here...WELCOME!...:yesgray:Quote:
Originally Posted by vxaddict
If you can't tell, I instinctively like people who do their homework...:thumbup:
Thanks! Is there a future Chicago meet anytime soon? I'd love to meet all of the locals VXers once we all defrost ourselves...
Quote:
Originally Posted by ibmx2
Thanks Ldub! I tend to do my homework when it comes to cars/trucks. In the days prior to the purchase, this site has been the last thing on my browser before I passed out for bed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ldub
HI GANG, I am a certified automotive nut job from way back. I am probably older than most of you but, still move and sound young. I have always owned way too many cars, as many as 7 at the same time. I have been a Real Estate broker for over 30 years. My son is a auto nut job too! I offen refer to it as a disease. My grandson can idenify cars going by and he is only four.
Since the real estate industry is so slow right now and I need to feed an addiction; I just decided to get a dealer's license. What is this that without one I can only sell 3 cars in a year? So now I own 4 Vehicrosses as well as 20 other misc. cars and SUVs. Most are for sale or will be for sale. Myself and a much younger partner/detailer/mechanic are starting to know these vehicles well. We purchase, go over, make repairs, add HIDs, back up cameria and change all fluids and super detail each one we get our hands on.My partner Anthony loves them too and enjoys working on them.
I am currently driving a FireFox that I transported from Maine to Colorado. We are in Ft. Collins/Loveland. It is absolutely beautiful and is one of the few I have seen with a sunroof.I would upload you folks a picture with this letter if I saw a way to do that. :)
I would like to purchase more VehiCrosses, I told you I have an addiction, and we are thinking of a parts car etc. We even are thing of bringing them back from the grave. If I can be of help let me know. 970-412-8414 RICH
Welcome to the addiction!
I believe that there are pics of your Firefox in the Vehicles for Sale section. It is very nice indeed.
You'll find a great group here that is very diverse in it's opinions and very passionate about the VX...it's a great site for help and sharing of ideas and some fun (usually at others expense).
Make the search function your friend and enjoy the ride.
I saw the VX concept at the Atlanta International Auto Show and loved it. I really didn't think they would build it, or if they did, the production version would look nothing like the concept as is so often the case. But they did. Unfortunately I did not have the $30K at the time to get one and then they quit selling them. Nevertheless, I finally made it happen and found this beautiful 2001 Ebony VX with super low miles in Tampa and flew down and bought it.
congrats ,welcome & happy holidaysQuote:
Originally Posted by iott2551
Every time I see a Vehicross going down the road, it's like spotting the Lock Ness monster. Now, I just have to look out my window because I finally have one! Only one problem... Driving home from the dealer, the temp started to rise so I pulled over as to not damage the vx. The dealer installed a new radiator, thermostat and water pump before I got it so something is still wrong. The dealer towed it back and is now replacing some water pump components free of charge and will not cash my check until I am fully satisfied. I am super excited to get it back and lift this puppy.
Welcome to the madness,Shawn. Be absolutely satisfied with the vx - and while you are at it, before you drive the vx home, check the oil level. Many vx's have a history of running bone dry and failing. An important test.
Might have them check the fan clutch also. Good luck and welcome to our little addictive world.Quote:
Originally Posted by Shawn Lindberg
Well I guess I shall introduce myself with my story. About 4 months ago or I was driving down the road and glanced at a vehicle I had never seen before and I loved the way it looked as it drove by, so I whipped my less than a year old red Rx8 around to chase it down to see what it was. I caught up to it after a few minutes of weaving in and out of traffic and speeding "just a tad" to catch it. After coming upon it close up I was sold no matter what it was. I didn't see any badges saying what manufacturer but I read "vehicross" down the side. After that I went straight home to do some research and then decided after an hour or so of looking at them that I HAD to own one.
The next day put my Rx8 up for sale and sold it a few weeks later and went on the hunt for a vehicross. I could not find ANY near me for sale and the closest one was a 10 hour drive away. Disheartened I let it pass by and hoped one would pop up near me. Two months or so later one pops up only 5 hours away! It was on ebay and the minute I saw it I called them up and made and offer. A few days later I drove to see it and was sold on it right away. The test drive went great and had no problems and no weird noises but while pulling back into the dealership the check engine light came on my heart just sunk. So we called a mechanic and had him bring a computer out too see what was wrong and he found it was just a bad o2 sensor and so he said come back in an hour and it will be fixed so I left and came back and it was all fixed no engine light nothing. We made the deal signed the papers and I rode off the lot on the way home happy as can be with a new vehicross! but less than 20 miles down the road my transmission went out! just stopped working completely and could only coast into a parking lot to stop. After stopping the whole car went up in smoke. I was so upset at that moment I didn't know how to express myself. I immediately called the dealership back and tried to be nice and just said "well I didn't make it far" and continued on to tell him what happened. After telling him everything, he said he was going too have it towed back to the mechanic and have anything that was broke fixed free of charge and have it shipped back to my front door within a week. So I agreed that it was a pretty good plan. I waited for the tow truck to come and pick up the car then went on home.
Later that week I got a phone call from the dealership telling me that it was the mechanics fault! While replacing the o2 sensor he messed with the transmission fluid lines and did not replace them correctly so all the transmission fluid ran out in the 20 miles and after running out of fluid the transmission just stopped. So he said they replaced the fluid and replaced all of the lines just to be safe and checked out the transmission to make sure nothing had been damaged and he said everything checked out fine. So 2 days later the vehicross is headed to my house and it arrived at my front door this afternoon (Christmas day) at 1 PM. What a nice Christmas present! So after quite an ordeal I am finally the proud owner of a White 1999 ironman vehicross!
Whew! now my fingers hurt haha
:freek: Holy Moly! You've been through a lot! Welcome to the strange addiction we call VX!Quote:
Originally Posted by Exclamation
Pics Pics when you can!!
Again, welcome! :thumbup:
Well so much happened so quickly I only got 1 picture... when she was on the tow truck :(
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da..._6572476_n.jpg
I do not know why the picture is so small....
Glad to hear that you were at the mercy of an honest dealer...sometimes quite a rare thing.Quote:
Originally Posted by Exclamation
If you don't know already, it is VERY important to check the level of your motor oil, EVERY time you fill the tank with gas.
WELCOME...:yesgray:
Thank you! and I will be sure to do that. Being that the Rx8 I had previously also drank up the oil im used to it haha. What kind of oil is best to use?
Personally, I'm an Amzoil fanboy (OK, more like fat old man than "boy")Quote:
Originally Posted by Exclamation
Also, there are a lot of Mobil 1 & Royal Purple fans around here.
There are also some of the persuasion that changing to synthetic is the worst thing you can do...for various rumored reasons.
It all boils down to who's adverts you believe, what you're comfortable with, co$t, etc...do a few site searches on "oil", "oil filters", & "PCV valve" for MANY more opinions...:yesgray:
Also, change the PCV valve every other oil change, (some do it every oil change) & use a good filter, Mobil 1, K & N, & Pure One are among the favorites around here.
This is one of my favorite threats.
To all new members welcome to the VX world.
It's always great and satisfying that after 11 years the VX continues to draw more people to enjoy driving the "ONE - Of - AN - KIND ...The VehiCROSS.
Enjoy your ride guys and have fun :yesb:
I'm posted as CF in the selling forum. I'm REALLY unfamiliar on how to use this dedication site. I'm (regrettably) trying to sell my VehiCROSS and I know it's helpful to have a picture with the post but I haven't a clue on how to attach one. I am the original owner and LOVE this vehicle but "need" to sell it.
This might be helpful...:yesgray:Quote:
Originally Posted by CF
http://www.vehicross.info/modules.ph...category&cid=7
Well unfortunately today my transmission went out again ): I do not know whats wrong I guess I gotta have it towed for the SECOND time within a week of ownership. This is not cool
HI FOLKS, I HAVE BEEN AN AUTOMOTIVE NUT CASE FOR MANY YEARS. I RECENTLY DECIDED TO ENTER THE AUTO DEALERSHIP BUSINESS AFTER BEING IN THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS FOR OVER 30 YEARS. I AM STILL IN RE BUT WITH THE ECONOMY BEING AS BAD AS IT IS AND BUSINESS IS QUITE SLOW; I WAS BECOMING QUITE BORED. I LOVE CARS AND THE VEHICROSS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES. MY PARTNER AND I LOVE WORKING WITH THEM AND I HAVE ACQUIRED 4 OF THEM. WE HAVE ALREADY SOLD TWO SO I HAVE HAD MY HANDS ON SIX. WE GO THROUGH THEM AND MAKE ALL NECESSARY REPAIRS. INSTALL HIDs, CHANGE TO SYNTHITIC OIL, CHECK ALL THE FLUIDS, MAKE ALL THE WINDOW REPAIRS, AND INSTALL BACK UP CAMERIAS. WE ARE BUSY SELLING AND BUYING VEHICROSS'S. I AM CURRENTLY DRIVING A FOXFIRE THAT I HAD SHIPPED TO COLORADO FROM MAINE. IT IS TRULY A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE. MY PARTNER, ANTHONY AND I HAVE GOTTEN QUITE GOOD AT FINDING PARTS AND MAKING REPAIRS.
MY RESIDENCE IS IN LOVELAND CO AND THE DEALERSHIP, DETAIL DRIVEN AUTOS IS IN FT. COLLINS COLORADO. I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING THE LOCAL MEMBERS.
Hello all...new owner here, unfortunately for me not the new driver!
After looking long and hard for a vehicle for my son, about to get license, I ran across the VX. Hadn't seen on in a long time, bought a Trooper new in '97 and remember seeing info about it at the dealership. Did a couple weeks worth of searching/bidding on line with no luck. Was getting desperate as this was to be a surprise Christmas present.
Actually had to start considering a Jeep Liberty!!
Anyway, on my way to work last Monday and I happen to see one at a tire shop. Called up when I got in and asked if it was for sale, guy said it was the owners and he'd ask.
Owner has had it about a year and a half and after I came by agreed to sell.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da..._1057614_n.jpg
Welcome Skillet.
My son has started driving my VX to school ... that's just wrong on so many levels:)
If the drivers at your son's school are anything like the ones at my son's, you may want a little extra protection for the rear end. Search this site on SuperBumper and see what a few of us have added. The search function is on the left side of the home page.
Until you get good at the search, here is the thread I was talking about:
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...ht=superbumper
I am a Car/Truck Junkie 25 years old and have owned 83( running interesting vehicles) I Sell New Nissan's and Subaru's and am always looking for neat new toys. I was shoveling snow the other day at work and saw the most beautiful creature riding on a flat bed tow truck being dropped off at MY Service Department! a 1999 Isuzu Vehicross? Had no clue what it was so I started my research. I was and am 100% in love with this strange animal called vehicross! Unfortunatly the engine was blown and the tow truck driver quickly realized he was in the wrong place and left. So I began looking for one! Here is the cool part I had a New customer come in Days later inquiring about the all New 2011 Nissan Juke a small 1.6 ltr Turbo AWD that has the same concept vehicle look. This customer had a very sad story about a black vehicross that recently died and had to get rid of! I Worked very Hard to find them their new Juke and for my troubles they GAVE me there Vehicross! I have to be the Luckiest guy I know even if it needs an Engine. So I am organizing the Axiom Engine swap as I type!
Wish me Luck!
Harold
Hola folks,
I'm Chris and live in Ft. Worth, TX. I'm going Thursday to buy a 1999 VX Ironman. Is there a heads up on this vehicle that I need to know about?
Thanks in advance and I look forward to meeting y'all...
Hello There!
I'm Tom. Currently researching and on the hunt for a VX.
This would be a DD for me so I can retire my Miata and start to build it into the Autocross car/Mountain road toy I have dreamed up. It will be my third Miata race car, my first that I am building.
Anyway, I live just outside Atlanta and will be buying in the next 2-3mo.
Chris,Quote:
Originally Posted by cdvntx
The search function on the home page will be a great help to you. I searched on 'new buyer' and came up with this thread:
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...ighlight=buyer
There are quite a few owners in your neck of the woods so you may want to contact them if you need any help.
Tom
im john in california...me and the wife flew into baltimore to pick up are yellow VX...the owner suggested we do the transaction at 1 in the morning (the time we arrived) we were leary (for naught)...and he proceeded to drive us to his country home outside the city... we not only got the feel for the vehicle but its current owner as well....we ended up loving and trusting both....we left for california at 3am.... i checked the oil at the first fill up...it was finne and clean....i had no knowledge that these pups consume oil....we drove for 18hrs the first day....2 hrs into the drive on the second day the check engine light came on and i jetted into a gas station with supermarket....come to find the lil guy had consumed 2 & 1/2 quarts of oil....topper her off with fingers crossed....the check engine light went off after the next fill up...but had me pooping bricks...never hesitated or made any foul noises....gobbled thru the in climate weather like it was a sunny spring day....with each passing mile i feel more in love with this truck....i finally have the truck i first saw at the los angeles auto show back in 1999.... everyone here seems as excited about their VX as I....john...aka johnnyO
Welcome VXjunky. Im about 40 miles from you. Great story, must be fate...
:eek: OH MY :eek:Quote:
Originally Posted by VXjunky
You need to read up on the oil consumption issue asap...We all check our oil at EVERY FILL UP, and carry at least 1 qt with us at all times.
Yours sounds like mine.....Mine doesn't consume any UNTIL I do long highway drives of over 5 hrs....then it consumes about 1/2 qt per 8 hrs. I just did a 3,700 mile road trip and had two longer driving days of 8 hrs...both days it gobbled up 1/2 to 3/4 qt. ....but the 4-5 hr drive days none was consumed. Go figure...:_thinking
Also MUST CHANGE YOUR PCV VALVE at every or every other oil change...
do search on "oil consumption" and PCV valve and you'll find a ton of info.
Here's some of the threads on engine failure, oil consumption, polls, experience, etc....
http://vehicross.info/forums/showthr...E+FAILURE+POLL
http://vehicross.info/forums/showthr...E+FAILURE+POLL
http://vehicross.info/forums/showthr...ngine+oil+poll
http://vehicross.info/forums/showthr...184#post166184 (particularly starting at post #9)
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...light=axiom+DI
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...light=axiom+DI
http://vehicross.info/forums/showthr...ght=iamironman
Here's the thread from Iamironman...
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...ght=built+2000
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...ine+swap+axiom
thanks....
im also trying to gather as much info on the "White Buffalo"...the one and only 2001 white metallic VX produced....its story?...its where abouts... owner?...mileage , condition..ECT ECT
http://vehicross.info/forums/showthr...pearl+coloradoQuote:
Originally Posted by VXjunky
Well I think my research and "hunting" for a VX is over!!! =D
I'm not getting one.
After reviewing my research I thought, "OK so some VX's have oil issues but about 1/3 have no issues at all, so no big deal (just find the right one) and not great millage but I can live with that."
Then I thought, "wait, just the fact there IS an "Oil Consumption Poll" is a red flag and mpg seems less appealing when I would be spending so much loot on petroleum products so often.
Checking my oil every fill up and getting 11-13mpg is insipid for a Daily Driven vehicle. That's a toy, IMO. That sounds like as much work as maintaining my 2 stroke Odyssey ATV or the 71' VW Westphalia I had. Which, the Odyssey is way more fun to off road with and a whole lot less expensive to fix if I roll it ;) Besides I'm just wanting a 4WD vehicle to get me to work everyday and up to my cabin with less effort.
But thanks for the info and happy motoring.