i think it would be considerably more difficult to find a VX if this forum didnt exist, until i found the forum i had only seen 2 for sale and now i can think of 5-6 off the top of my head

the only place i have really heard of cracking plastic is on the hood insert

tell tale signs of engine burning would be low oil on the dip stick, a lot of oil around the oil cap (i get a thin film of oil thats almost not noticable until you wipe your finger across it.. also check for oil in the engine bay below the oil cap... i spill all the time

my vx has been very reliable over the 2 years ive had it and ask anyone whos ever been out with my in my vx.. i drive it hard! my big issues ive had with it (that werent caused by me)
ABS went out, still is out, i found a replacement pump used for 100 bucks (dealer is asking 2700 or so) doesnt bother me, i could fix it.. but just dont care to, stops great without them
stalled on me once on the highway.. no clue why, pulled over, started it again and it was perfect, replaced fuel filter ($10 & 30 min) and fuel pressure regulator (50 & 45 min) soon after that.. never happened again
my ac controls were in and out for awhile, but that seems to be gone after messing with the heater relay a few times
and rust around the top of the windshield.. this one SUCKS dont know what caused it but its gonna cost about 1000 to fix.. saving up still..