Ok, let me rephrase....logging in ONCE everyday, and just never logging back off until you go to bed.
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Ok, let me rephrase....logging in ONCE everyday, and just never logging back off until you go to bed.
Hey peoples! So I'm thinking of "joining the club." These vx's have intrigued me for a long time now and my car got wrecked for me two weeks ago so in my search for a replacement one of these came across the screen and it got me thinking that maybe I should look into it a little further. From what I've read here the last two days you all may have me convinced it's a good move.
My main purpose for the car is a long daily commute in and out of NYC with the accompanying crappy roads and high speed highway running. I do 55 miles each way, 47 of them are highway. Days off are spent mt biking and skiing so more rough roads both snowy/icy and rough dirt are the norm but the chances that I will do any real off roading are pretty slim. I mostly got that out of my system with my old Willys '60 CJ5 and a 70 and 76 FJ55 Cruiser. Top priority is reliability and as long as regular maintenance is done these seem to be pretty good. Correct me if I'm wrong. I'm fairly handy, (in a Spicoli voice) have a great set of tools man and am not afraid to dig into things that may be over my head.
I need to be able to rack it up to carry four bikes, two on the rear and two on top, and still have room to put a body box up there for gear or skis. I noticed that the OE bars are too narrow so is there a way to use the long Thule bars with the factory f/r rails that are on the car?
The plan is to get a set of dedicated winter wheels/tires but I'm having a hard time finding the wheel specs so if someone could point me to the right thread I'd appreciate it. Tirerack is only giving me an 18" option for the MY01 that I'm looking at and I think I'd rather go 17 and everything they are showing says fitment may be an issue.
I think I really like the copper one that Richard has at Detail Driven. What can you folks say about his work and what do you think about that particular rig? I certainly don't mind paying more for a truck that's been properly gone through if it means I get to work everyday and don't miss a powder day.
If anybody in the NY metro area has one that I could take a closer look at to get a feel for the truck let me know and I'll come check it out.
A little about me - 45, not too fat or bald :eekgray: and I manage a bicycle shop in SOHO. Work too much and play too hard :) I have 13 year old twin daughters that are brighter than me on the inside (thank goodness) but just as goofy on the outside.
So, is this car a good match for my needs?
Eric
Welcome Eric-Quote:
Originally Posted by gravitylover
Lots of good peeps and even better info on this site.
This thread will give you a lot of details and an overview of various issues....also will give you a little flavor of our commeradiere...such that it is...:goof: ...:slap::
http://vehicross.info/forums/showthr...141#post186141
There's been many folks in your situation come by here for some insight and to help decide if the VX is for them.
Couple items I thought of from your intro....
- RIDE QUALITY - Any way you look at it, the VX is rough riding. It slams over potholes, it's a very loud experience. Many of us have changed to adjustable shocks, and that helped a little. But then we discovered the rear bump stops are usually about 1/2" above the axle ....thus the VERY frequent slamming of the back end as the 1/2" doesn't give it enough room to cushion. So, some of decided to cut the rear bump stops in half. The OEM is about 8" long and is shaped like a figure "*"...we just cut off the bottom half, giving about 4" of additional space before the bumpstop hits the rear axle. MAJOR MAJOR improvement in that REAR SLAMMING.....but it is still a VERY rough riding truck. It's fine on highways. I took a 3800 mile road trip last year and it's winderful on the highway...and the Recaro seats are terrific. But on dirt/gravel/rocky roads...it's still a very rough ride. I live on a dirt/rocky road, so I get to experienced it every day :thumbup:
- MPG is abysmal...with a long commute it will cost ya. Generally expect 15-20 stock. It has a 22.5 gallon tank...so you can do the math..... I have larger tires and steel skids and sliders....and full size spare and roof rack and hardware to hold spare....I get about 13....and maybe 16 on highway when I have the roof rack/basket & tire on....maybe 1 or 2 more MPG w/o them.
- BIKE Rack- there's a few different models of Yakima Bike racks that fit on top on the OEM bars. Some have added a hitch and mounted a bike rack in the hitch. One active member here "triathlete" (Billy) is a major bike nut, he'll be able to tell you anything and everything about mounting bikes on the VX. He'll know if you can get 4 on there.
- WHEEL SPECS specs: the oem wheel is a 6 on 5.5 bolt pattern, +38 mm positive offset with 108 mm center bore. Littlebeast was able to use 100 mm centerbore but be sure they will fit, espically when trying to remove a hot wheel that has expanded.
There's a ton of threads on tire and wheel sizes, etc...
There's several NYers...I can think of a few that are still active here....
Gussie2000 (Queens),- really nice guy, (Gustavo) very active on forum, ALWAYS looking for a VX get-together.
Hotsauce (Bronxville)
jtirado (Queens)
mike nomy (Massapequa)....but SOLD his a few months ago
NOROADS (Suffern)
nypdnarco69 (Bronx) -he bought his from Richard at Detail Driven a few months ago. Not real active on the forum though.
ryan1alex2 (Forestville)- Ryan, new member, just bought his about 2 months ago
Scoobymlr (Chichester) -just joined this month
Vendetta (New York) -real nice guy, Lawrence, been more active last few months.
Zadam123 - (Staten Island)-LONG time owner,since at least '02
Keep reading up on the forum, it has a ton of pertinent data, and many owners are extremely familiar with all aspects of this truck. Always willing to help too! :thumbup:
Forgot to mention....did you see this '01 for sale in Brooklyn: Sounds like it needs a new or rebuilt engine, that's maybe $3,000 - $5,500.
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...157#post246157
Yeah the bump stop thing was one of the first threads I read here. Doesn't surprise me, my Volvo had the same problem and a couple of others I've owned over the years did too. Yeah, ride quality is important but I'm pretty tolerant and willing to try some other susp and tire setups to get what I want. Sometimes it's as simple as different tires but I bet y'all have tried that already.
Woah that's worse than I expected for mpg's. Hmm...
Gonna try sending some pm's and see if I can get a ride in one (or more) of the locals rigs. Thanx for the names Kat.
Haha I actually drove by to take a look at that '01. Stay far away! Vinny the goombah isn't being entirely truthful in his assesment of the car in the ad. It needs more than just a motor. Buy it for a parts car.
Yeah it does look pretty beat....Quote:
Originally Posted by gravitylover
I'll bet Gussie would be really eager to meet you and let you see his. I don't know the NY geography though so don't know how far it is.
I agree, you do get used to the "ride"....once you love this truck, it doesn't seem to really bother you anymore....now spouses...maybe not so much....:laugho: My hubby says he way prefers to drive it rather than be passenger.
And yes, there are dozens of tire, wheel, lift, suspension, yadda yadda yadda threads on here. Some replace the 18s with 16" rims on the 2000 and 2001s so they can get a fatter sidewall for cushioning (usually for offroad needs)
Thank you for the help! I spoke to one of the local forum members already and bounced pm's off another and am going to go look at their vx's in the next day or two.
Now I'm off to the tech sections here to start figuring out what I want to do and what I will need to do. This afternoon I even read a thread about rebuilding the tranny, that took me out of commission at work for an hour :D because I was wondering if you could put in a taller fourth gear.
I'm really getting psyched and have you people here to blame :slap: Your enthusiasm for the car is contagious.
Hey eric !Quote:
Originally Posted by gravitylover
I'll drive to manhattan on friday around 11:00-12:00 although i don't like to go to the city i'll do the ride to meet you (been a while since last i drove over the queens/brooklyn/ or manhattan bridge ) in the name of the VX madness/obssesion.
Last time i were in mahattan on summer time i drove by times square & 42nd street tourists couldn't just stop aiming & shooting their digital cameras @ my shy VX
If you can wait another week, I'll join ya! Mine should be out of the shop by then.
-V
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gussie2000
Two VX together in downtown manhattan would be a madness LOL. But yes me like the ideaQuote:
Originally Posted by Vendetta
Hey vet i call you fews week ago.
Right? Anytime you see more than one in the same place you know something's going down!Quote:
Originally Posted by Gussie2000
Didn't get a voicemail from ya, Gussie - new phone so probably didn't have your digits in there. Check your PM and we'll link up!
Merry Christmas my friend!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vendetta
Gotcha !
I call you tomorrow V
last week i spotted two VX here in centereach on lake groove road and route 347 (black & firefox droven by ladies.
Instant compatibility! (If you weren't already married, that is. :))Quote:
Originally Posted by Gussie2000
LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by Vendetta
Once the two ladies saw me driving a VX they looked at me like "well,ok"
I told them : we should have a coffee together,i believe we got some things in common LOL
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vendetta
If everything keeps falling into place like this we can wait until mid month and make it 3. SOHO wouldn't know what hit it :dance: It would be even better if we coud get those two ladies to show :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Gussie2000
Have you guys done a NYC meet before?
Maybe even 4 VX's in the city for a meet. The city would STAND STILL for a day...LOL:yesb:Quote:
Originally Posted by gravitylover
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scoobymlr
Everybody is welcome to join.
Lets take over manhattan guys.
Good !Quote:
Originally Posted by gravitylover
NYC VX meet probably happened.
But tri-state meet was done back in 2009
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scoobymlr
Hey Gussie, looks like you're finally goin' to get your New York area VX meet! Yah!! :thumbup:Quote:
Originally Posted by Gussie2000
Yeah !Quote:
Originally Posted by VX KAT
And for the records it wasn't my idea LOL
Thanx for all the help folks but I randomly walked into a Dodge dealer today and walked out with a big, phat, cushy, black, fast enough 2012 Challenger SXT. Such a nice car for the money.
See y'all on the Mopar side ;)
Hey guys/gals, my name is Kate and I am in the market for a VX but thought I had better know exactly what I am getting into before the big purchase. I am here in order to learn everything I can before deciding on the one for me! The VX would be my 3rd 4x4 and would be stored in the winter to save it from the salt on the roads here in MN. I think they are so awesome that I can't imagine putting them through the salt!
I am originally a Jeep gal. I wheel my rig pretty hard off-road, and damage is kind of expected. My biggest worry about the VX is the accessibility of parts. I fear damage to a body panels due to a rock/tree/deer/snowbank, whatever. If any of you can shed light on costs and difficulty of repairs please let me know! Like I said, I am used to the abundance of parts both original and aftermarket for my jeep and is the #1 reason I am doubting buying a VX. I love the VX and can't wait to be the owner of one, but I am running a little scared right now.
Thanks for everyone's insight on this website and I can't wait to dig in and start some major research. Please give me any advice you think is important for a VX hopeful!
Quote:
Originally Posted by jeeperkate
Hey, welcome to the VX board! Lots of info here and many VERY knowledgeable folks, always willing to help. Check out some of these threads.
If you have other specific questions, shoot me a PM as I have saved many posts and threads on various topics and I might be able to shoot you some info to start with.
1) Here's an overview of some VX issues (I wrote it to another prospective buyer and just copied it again).
http://vehicross.info/forums/showpos...52&postcount=4
Here's the thread it came from, it has some more info:
http://vehicross.info/forums/showthr...141#post186141
2) Another really common problem is with the windows. They start binding and often jump the track, the clips that hold the glass break off, sometimes the motor burns out under the strain of trying to push the windows up. Here's some with an overview and some info:
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...65&postcount=8
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...window+binding
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...+binding+track
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...window+binding
3) Another tool that can help you is this detailed questionnaire we developed last year. It can be used when you're evaluating a VX to buy. It addresses many very specific issues that have arisen in the VX over time.
http://vehicross.info/forums/showthr...+reinforcement
Many of us wheel our VXs and damage usually isn't a problem. The cladding protects the lower part of the body and it scratches but doesn't easily dent like metal. At this time, its pretty easy to locate a junked VX if you really do some damage. However, there aren't too many aftermarket sources so many things you can buy for a Jeep (like a spare tire carrier :)) have to be custom fabricated.Quote:
Originally Posted by jeeperkate
Good luck with the decision, I sold my Jeep for a VX and haven't looked back :yesb:
Thanks for the replies!Quote:
Originally Posted by VXorado
I think I have decided to definitely get one, now it is just to find the right one! This will make the 3rd 4x4 in my collection and it would likely get stored in the winter so that it wouldn't see the road salt here in MN. I currently store my Jeep all winter and am very thankful that I have. It makes it SO much easier to work on when I break things on the trail! I'm not sure if I will off-road the VX too much, it might just be my summer vehicle.
I have a friend that does custom fabrication, so hopefully that won't be too much of an issue. He currently makes all kind of extra parts for the Jeeps in my group so I am sure he would be willing to try designing for the VX!
Anyway, I sure hope I find the right VX for me soon. I can't wait to have one I can call my own and join this group of VX lovers!
Welcome. I hope you get yours in less time than it took to get mine. :bgwb:Quote:
Originally Posted by jeeperkate
Quote:
Originally Posted by H3_VX
And how long was that?? I'm hoping not more than a few months, but I will wait for the right one!
I have to pull my engine for a rebuild. Has anyone done this without removing the transmission, exhaust etc.
took him about a year....Quote:
Originally Posted by jeeperkate
My tip for the day...for what it's worth....Quote:
Originally Posted by Gordon.Vincent1
You'll get a much better response if you post your technical question in an appropriate thread, not the "Introduce yourself" thread....
Also, you'll find quite a bit of info on rebuilds, replacing, trannys, etc... if you use the search function. This site has tons and tons of great info, do some searching you'll find a lot.
Hello,
I am Nigel, a long-time enthustiast of the venerable VehiCross, and look forward to learning and contributing to the preservation and use of the capable four wheel drive vehicle.
Ciao.
Welcome to the addiction. Hope you have many years of fun behind the wheel ... & on the keyboard.
HI, my name is Mark and I live in SF Bay Area. I am entering the market for a 4x4 to use on muddy roads. I am a private river runner and some of the best whitewater rafting is the day after it rains, and on rivers whose access is dirt roads. (my 2005 2wd Tacoma wont cut it) I have always been interested in the Vehicross since it was introduced. Now my challenge is to find a way to test drive one, before I do more research into buying one. Is there anyone out there that would allow me a test ride? I would take you rafting!
Mark,
According to the map, it looks like member RabidPony is the closest to you. Send him a PM to see if he's interested in rafting.
Also, on the home page is a search function that you can use to search for other members in your area (not everyone put themselves on the map). The search function is on the left side of the screen. Use the drop down to select Members on the first field, leave the second field blank but check the box for advanced search. On the next screen put CA in the state box & then search. All Cali members will show up & you can peruse to find others in your area.
Tom
Thank you!Quote:
Originally Posted by tom4bren
^this guy looks familiar...
Fancy meeting you here ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Slideways
My name is Mike and I am a VX addict. I got hooked two days ago when I bought a 1999 Ironman. It started a few months ago when I was considering another small SUV. I had several Suzukis in the past and was considering another one. Then I remembered The VX and looked up the blue book price. Finally it was in my price range. I started looking about four months ago and reading this web site. I found one two months ago at a dealer near my house and went test drove it. It was the first one I had seen in person and it drove wonderfully. The only problem was he wanted $9,000. I then went and looked at the "reflectorcross" p.o.s. it was really in bad shape and it finally sold for $3,400. Then I found this one in Orlando. It has 141,000 miles on it but looks new and runs great. It has 22" wheels with new tires plus the original wheels with new tires. It came with killer stereo and Magnaflow exhausts plus boxes of spare parts. I need to replace the timing belt and fabricate front and rear trailer hitches. I can't believe how many people came up and ask what is it(it has been debadged).
Hello,
My name is Craig and I am located in the Nashville, Tn. area.
I purchased my 2000 Dragon Green vehicross about 6 months ago, and I absolutely love it. I was actually in the market for a used Pathfinder (Still have my '95) and walked up onto a lot on Sunday..... and there sat my Vehicross. I was in awe! I went home and did some research, went back on Monday and drove it / bought it!
It has 120,000 miles, great condition...runs great, drives great, interior is excellent, brand new Goodyears, stock 18's, etc....I am really enjoying this thing!
Thanks for the Forums - great inf! I am looking forward to upgrading /keeping her for a long, long time!
Welcome to the obsession! You'll find THE best and most accurate info about the VX here, from REALLY passionate VXer's. Congrats on ur new baby!
Hello everyone, Iam Brad and am looking at a 1999 vehicross, it is a clean car good Carfax report, has 139,000 miles. average I guess for the year. Concerned before I purchase about what I should look for. Timing belt change, brakes, all fluid changes, trans, etc, clean inside and out. I have noticed everyone seems to LOVE the VehiCROSS, of course the rear window concern, and other minor issues. But overall an eye catching auto. Seem to read alot about wheels pealing,hood insert, headlight gaskets, etc.
Anyway I'd like some feedback from owners about the vehicle and what to look for. SHOULD I BECOME A OWNER OF A 1999 VEHICROSS !!!
Thanks Brad (young 59 yrs., looking for a sport SUV) E-mail bcb9112001@hotmail.com