Getting my new toy Tuesday.

So…This Tuesday I am flying to Albany from Tennessee to get my 1999 Vehicross Ironman #1706. I am nervous as hell about getting it. I hope it is what I want (runs good, drives good not rusted in the areas I haven’t seen) and I hope the trip goes ok. There is nothing like flying into the arctic north (yes I can call it this because I lived in Buffalo almost my whole life), picking up a used vehicle that you never saw or test drove, and driving 800 plus miles (13 plus hours) with it to get it back home. And I plan on driving straight through. What could possibly go wrong? LOL
Why do I put myself through these things? Zero control to a control freak is the worst. And I get to think about it all weekend. LOL. Are any of you guys there along the way? I need to come up with contingent plans B-Z. My only saving grace might be that I am a decent mechanic and I am bringing my tools as checked baggage. I also have the factory manual on a zip drive and I am taking my daughters laptop. If you don't hear from me on Thursday you know things didn't go good....

Suggestions?

Check the oil level before you leave and at every gas fillup in case it has an oil hungry powerplant.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Triathlete

Check the oil level before you leave and at every gas fillup in case it has an oil hungry powerplant.

---

X2

Hey Sue he has the black diamonds with the question marks in his message, let us know what route you are taking that way people can tell of you may be close.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by yellowgizmo99

Hey Sue he has the black diamonds with the question marks in his message,

---

oh yeah, I see the diamond, that's a first…..hmmmm :_thinking sroy are you using a Mac computer? - EMAIL or PM me so we don't clutter up your thread

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Triathlete

Check the oil level before you leave and at every gas fillup in case it has an oil hungry powerplant.

---

x3

Hi, I am using a normal PC. I did however write my post in Word and copy and past it to the board. I am a crappy speller. It replaced... with a diamond and ' with one to. Hope this helps. I also tried to PM you twice but they didn't go through. It just sat and spun. FYI

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sroy123

Hi, I am using a normal PC. I did however write my post in Word and copy and past it to the board. I am a crappy speller. It replaced... with a diamond and ' with one to. Hope this helps. I also tried to PM you twice but they didn't go through. It just sat and spun. FYI

---

I did get both PMs. :_thinking

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sroy123

Suggestions?

---

X 4 on keeping an eye on the oil level. (possible oil usage not discussed with previous owner?)

Sounds like you've already planned for the worst though, so just hope for the best. What's going to happen is going to happen, so no use getting yourself all worked up about what might happen.

Other than that, I'd just suggest not forgetting to breath. :p

Looks like you will be taking I-81 through Virginia. I'm about an hour away from Winchester on that route. Not really "on the way", but closer than most. Have fun!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Triathlete

Check the oil level before you leave and at every gas fillup in case it has an oil hungry powerplant.

---

Think all the others said check the oil But don't forget to BRING 4 -6 QTS and a funnel WITH YOU.

Only time mine consumes any oil is on highway driving, after about 3+ hrs of 60mph+, but not all the time (:_thinking), but I carry 5 qts at all times.

You're ready! Go for it ! :thumbup: :thumbup:

I asked about burning oil. I was told that there was no loss. I guess we will know more tuesday night. These really burn that much oil? I have a sentra that burns oil. I have never smelled the first sent. It just disappears. But the car runs good.

I really hate not looking at it first. But it was over 800 miles away. I usually buy everything broken then go form there. That way there are no suprises. My last 6 cars and trucks were that way. Get them cheap and throw a motor in them or something. But not the Vehicross. They are hard and harder to find broken.

There is a Vehicross in my area for sale but it is double the price I am paying for this one.

BTW I am not sure if anyone really cares. But here is the youtube video he took of my Vehicross when he was trying to sell it to me. He seems like a pretty nice guy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHNsg...ature=youtu.be

I must have watched it 100 times. I know it frame by frame. I guess I will get to meet it tuesday.

I bought my proton from a dealer (ugh) in my home state (MA) flew from Florida to MA on a friday night, the dealer picked me up in his car at the hotel, drove to his lot.. I walked around my zuzu and went inside & handed him a check.. 15 minutes later, I drove m vx through MA to visit some friends before I hit the road 1500 miles back to FL.. never test drove it.. I work for a dealer in FL, I did my homework on this vx.. carfax etc.. spoke to the dealer a few times.. I trusted him immediately. I wasn't wrong.. she's perfect. (well, ya know, 2 years later, windows..) Buying a vx isn't like buying any other used car.. most vx'rs love their toys more than their spouses.. lol. they're a cared-for-breed.. I've been in love since 99 when I saw one new on the lot.. whew, only took me a few years to get one! Congrats and welcome to your new obsession.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sroy123

BTW I am not sure if anyone really cares. But here is the youtube video he took of my Vehicross when he was trying to sell it to me. He seems like a pretty nice guy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHNsg...ature=youtu.be

I must have watched it 100 times. I know it frame by frame. I guess I will get to meet it tuesday.

---

Back to Black.. you're going to need it..

Did the seller mention ever being a member of this site? I saw a few members who'd listed Albany, NY (or at least towns near Albany) as their location in the members list including abel408, Bieredalsace (even listed owning a '99 Ironman at one point), and flavio quattrocchi & FLAVIOVX (most likely the same member).

There were a few other members from the Albany area, but they either had Protons or Ebonys.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sroy123

BTW I am not sure if anyone really cares. But here is the youtube video he took of my Vehicross when he was trying to sell it to me. He seems like a pretty nice guy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHNsg...ature=youtu.be

I must have watched it 100 times. I know it frame by frame. I guess I will get to meet it tuesday.

---

BUSTED!!!! YouTube counter only says 27 views...lol. Good luck with both your trip & purchase.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jolly Roger VX'er

BUSTED!!!! YouTube counter only says 27 views...lol. Good luck with both your trip & purchase.

---

he saved the file on his PC ))

Now that was funny. I truely laughed out loud..... when you play them frame by frame it seems like more views. LOL


the truck was from Vermont. It comes with a Vermont title. It has the owner's name on it. I am sure I could look him up. But to be honest...At this point in the game I don't want to incase he has bad news for me. Follow? Just what I need...Another thing to worry about.

BTW...

the wait is KILLING me. I packed all my tools and clothes tonight. I am ready. this reminds me of when I was a kid. I packed 1 week before we went to Disney. LOL

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Y33TREKker

Did the seller mention ever being a member of this site?

---

Nope, I just checked the VIN #1706 (the most accurate method) on the VX.Info database and it has never been a member here.

Aside from what others have suggested, I recommend performing the "ABS light function test". The ABS idiot light (in red letters) is located near the top of the instrument display, just above the speedometer. To test, first turn the key to ACC and pause (without starting) and the ABS light should illuminate for a few seconds and then disappear. This validates that the "bulb" is installed and working properly. If the ABS light does not illuminate it could indicate a burnt-out bulb or worse-- that the bulb has been intentionally removed on purpose. If the ABS light is "on" continously and does not disappear during ACC key test, then there is a problem with the ABS system and sometimes can be an expensive repair. With a constant "on" ABS light; your brakes will still work, but you won't have the assistance/advantage of the ABS system.

:bgwb:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Riff Raff

If the ABS light is "on" continously and does not disappear during ACC key test, then there is a problem with the ABS system and sometimes can be an expensive repair.

---

For reference, a very affordable option is now available for the ABS. Several of us have recently had a dead ABS module fixed by Automotive Scientific Inc in Tennessee. They charge between $49 - $79 to repair any ABS unit and offer a lifetime warranty on the repair. They "sell" their repair service ebay.
There's several threads that discuss it, here's one.
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...ght=abs+repair


http://www.ebay.com/itm/110784352777...84.m1438.l2649

I just went through a long distance VX purchase, only I bought the up the south (it was a NC car) and sadly, I am now exposing it to northeast salt :(.

So I know all about the wait and antisapation! Only, I ended-up shipping it. I couldn't be happier with my purchase!

Drove it back to NJ. Was scared, nervous, unsure and more but wanted one badly. Bought it from a member here. Was previously a San Diego/Vegas VX But in NH for 5 years.
I was nervous about the oil as well after reading about some issues from VX owners but not one problem. The previous owner assured me of no oil issues. She used Mobil 1 as well. I drove her home and smiled the entire way. Still smiling. Love my VX.

There is nothing like it. I am so happy with it and i am sure u will be as well. I am sure you will be fine and feel great when you get home. Good luck!

Well, I made it through the weekend. Just have to make it thru Monday then 9-1/2 hours flying Tuesday. Then the scary part starts.We shall see....I'll post Wed in the evening. Maybe....:o:(:grino:

I also never saw mine in person before buying. I had it shipped on DAS Auto shippers for $1,000 which was cheaper than any airfare + gasoline + hotels for the 2,300 miles. (Virginia to Arizona)

I live right off I-81 near Roanoke, VA and could help you out (or just meet you for a quick bite) anytime on Wednesday. That afternoon I'm driving north on I-81 for a business trip, so we might actually pass each other. I'll PM you my #'s in case you need anything.

I won mine on eBay via a "sniper shot" during the final 3 seconds of the auction. Like others, I too had it shipped via Dependable Auto Shippers (D.A.S.) for around $800. Since it was a long distance on-line purchase, I additionally used www.Escrow.com (to CYA) which allowed me a 3-day inspection period (to have a certified mechanic check it out) once it arrived in my hands to either "accept it" or "reject it" via Escrow.com. I fell immediately in love with my Proton; it doesn't burn a single drop of oil (I lose more oil checking/wiping the dipstick), and the PO had a electric moon-roof professionally installed in it as well (winner winner; chicken dinner).

:bgwb:

Thanks for the support. I love the site. You guys are pretty neat.
/
Seeming how this is my first out of state buy I didn't know what to do. But next time (if there is one) I will be a whole lot smarter. I like the idea of Escrow.com. That would have been perfect for this. And I would have gladly paid to have it shipped if it was around $800. Heck, I have $300 in a flight and probably another $300 in gas to get it home. But I assumed it would have been higher. I never checked. My bad...


VX KAT, I copied and pasted this entire message from the exact same word document as before. See if below produces your black diamonds….
Three dots in a row … and hyphen don’t can’t won’t how about a comma, and a period. Semi-colon; colon: the at symbol@. Let’s see what that produced…

VX KAT

And for good measure... let's see what happens if I directly type something outlike the following:
semi; can't Won't and three dots... and the and symbol &

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sroy123

...Heck, I have $300 in a flight and probably another $300 in gas to get it home. But I assumed it would have been higher. I never checked. My bad...

---

Before you beat yourself up too much, consider the following...

• One-way airline ticket ~ $300
• Having your vehicle shipped via third party ~ $800
• First time road trip in a rare and unique vehicle that's guaranteed to induce multiple :wave:'s, :thumbup:'s, :_thinking's and :freek:'s...Priceless

That escrow service great for the buyer, but I am not sure if it so great for the seller. Sounds like it would be too easy to be held hostage by an extra picky (or dishonest) buyer...

I took a chance with PO of my VX and just PayPal'ed him the money! But I did some research and seeing how he was a member of this forum for 6+ years, gave me some extra reassurance ;).

As for shipping costs, because of all the snow birds constantly shipping cars between the Northeast and Florida, shipping rates on east cost are fairly cheap! It cost me $410, to ship from western NC to Boston (door to door).

But there is something about an advanture, if you have the time! :)

Thanks for all the kind words. I really like the folks here. Hopefully I can contribute some info after I had the truck for a bit. I am good at fixing stuff.

At this time Tuesday I should have cleared the NY line and well in PA. We will see about my bright idea. The guys at work know how worried I am about this so they have been giving me a little hell about it for a week now. LOL. They already have dibs on the stuff in my office incase I get hit over the head and end up in the gutter. What's funny is I am usually the one giving it and not receiving it. I don't like it very much on this side. But Thrusday will be a different story. I hope...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Leon R

That escrow service great for the buyer, but I am not sure if it so great for the seller. Sounds like it would be too easy to be held hostage by an extra picky (or dishonest) buyer...

---

Actually, Escrow.com "forces" the Seller to be honest/upfront with the item he's trying to sell and not purposely try to unload a POS or lemon onto an unsuspecting buyer; and with no chance of a refund for the Buyer. Basically it prevents-- "take the money and run by the Seller". When buying a vehicle or high dollar item on-line without Escrow.com, it simply puts all the cards in the hands of the Seller and gives the Buyer absolutely no recourse for a refund if he/she feels later that thay've been bam-boozled by the Seller. Bottom line, if the Seller is worthy and confident of the quality of the selling item, and has been totally truthful to the Buyer about its selling condition, then the Seller has nothing to worry about and the item will be "accepted" by the Buyer.

I have personally used Escrow.com for two(2) expensive on-line long distance purchases (my Proton & a Pioneer Elite SC-09TX audio/video amplifier). Both purchases went smooth as silk for both Seller (he knew it was a quality item) and me the Buyer (I knew I wasn't gonna' get screwed because I could always "reject it" if I wasn't satisfied).

In today's world, there are always some people trying to screw you over somehow when buying on-line or over long distance (the Seller feels safe and thinks "come and get me" because of the distance involved) and Escrow.com prevents that from happening.

Lastly, I will add this-- if the Seller of my eBay Proton (& the other seller of my SC-09TX amplifier) would have ever declined using Escrow.com, then I absolutely would not have gone through with the purchase as I would have felt the Seller had something to hide and was trying to swindle me. In my younger days; I've been screwed over in the past by shaddy Seller's, and I refuse to allow that to ever happen again. Escrow.com prevents this from happening and I've been so satisfied with it that I highly recommend it to the fellow members here on VX.info without reservation.

On another topic-- Shipping a vehicle (via D.A.S.) instead of driving a vehicle home can save a ton of extra money and headaches overall like airline tickets, food, hotels, wasted vacation time, lost hours at work, and prevents the headaches of a possible mechanical break-down along the way home while driving an unknown vehicle and its unknown reliability. Sure there is something to be said about "the adventure", but in a possible time-bomb that may cause more stress with the possible unknown may not be worth the risk being stranded on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere on a cold snowy night. 'Nuff said.

:bgwb:

Again, sounds like a great way to BUY somethng, but this arrangement sucks for the SELLER! Some buyers, while honest, are IMPOSSIBLE to please! I suppose, if I was selling something at a premium, I might have to go through something like this, but if I am selling something at a bargain, and had several buyers, I would go with one that didn't require an escrow.

It comes down to personal level of comfort with another party. I do my research and then pay with Paypal (which gives you a small amount of protection). Usually, people with a significant online presence do not rip other people off.

Scott did you make it home safe? You should have been home a few hours ago, I can't believe you didn't hop right on the site to give us all an update! Lol... ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by vt_maverick

Scott did you make it home safe? You should have been home a few hours ago, I can't believe you didn't hop right on the site to give us all an update! Lol... ;)

---

If he was driving I-81 it may take a couple days to recover. :)

I tried to discourage him... it's downright dangerous out there at night with all those trucks.

Haha, I watched a couple of minutes of that video..... I have never heard someone some "you know" more in 2 minutes in my life..... Congrats on getting an Ironman, white would be my 2nd choice.

Well, I got it back home. What a LONG trip. So here is my write up on #1706...



To be honest it isn’t what I want for my personal vehicle. There is a good amount of rust on the frame and underneath. I expected some but not this much. There is some surface rust that has eaten thru the paint in several spots like the hood behind the driver’s side door and above the windshield. Small but there. The guy swore up and down the air conditioner worked. It did not. Plus the blower motor is out. ABS light is on (again he swore there were no warning lights). All in all it is a good looking truck that has a few spots that need attention but the rust under the truck will make life hard to Mod or repair. This guy purposely deceived me and I had no recourse so I took it. It's like arguing with the wall. What are you going to do when you fly to a strange place to get a car and he already has a sizable deposit? Thank god it ran and drove good. So I have two options. Keep it or sell it. I believe I will sell it and see if I can get my money back and look down south further. But I am going to be totally honest and upfront when I sell it. I am going to think about it for the next several days. I need to register it first. But I did learn a lot about this. So…that’s that.

Sorry to sound like Eor from Winnie the Pooh. I am usually more upbeat than this. I just had one of those feelings prior to getting it. And I was afraid of it being right.