2001 VX vs. 2001 Rodeo Sport - Make Up My Mind!

[nfpgasmask]

You will have issues with the windows (inevitable), the abs (inevitable), the check engine (inevitable)....and likely the TOC, and the pulleys, and the intake gaskets, and the door handles which break easy, and the rear axle seals that leak and cost a fortune...and on and on.... Are you getting the idea? I bought this knowing maitenance cost wouldn't matter because I wanted a vehicle that was unlike any other, and very rare.

Wow, sounds like you have had a rough time with your VX. Outside of the ABS, which I don't really care about, I have had a CEL once that was the result of letting my gas tank get to low (my fault) and another CEL which was EGR related and easily and quickly fixed (at 80k miles btw). My door handle broke once, and it was fixed with a zip tie (still holding, did this 4th of July weekend). No window problems at all, and my rear axle seals are fine. My VX does burn oil and I have the seep around my front axle, but other than that, no major issues that would ever change my mind about owning this SUV. Honestly, I sometimes wonder if people buy used VXes that were not properly cared for and then have all sorts of issues and just think that VXes are crappy SUVs. Sure there are some lemons out there, but I truly believe that these are quality vehicles if you take care of them. Anyway, just my 2 cents....

Bart

[johnny010]

Wow, sounds like you have had a rough time with your VX. Outside of the ABS, which I don't really care about, I have had a CEL once that was the result of letting my gas tank get to low (my fault) and another CEL which was EGR related and easily and quickly fixed (at 80k miles btw). My door handle broke once, and it was fixed with a zip tie (still holding, did this 4th of July weekend). No window problems at all, and my rear axle seals are fine. My VX does burn oil and I have the seep around my front axle, but other than that, no major issues that would ever change my mind about owning this SUV. Honestly, I sometimes wonder if people buy used VXes that were not properly cared for and then have all sorts of issues and just think that VXes are crappy SUVs. Sure there are some lemons out there, but I truly believe that these are quality vehicles if you take care of them. Anyway, just my 2 cents....

Bart

Oddly enough, for 28K miles on the vehicle, the one prior owner spent a fortune maintaining the vehicle. I have the service records, and they were beyone meticulous. Heck, they replaced the compressor at 26K becuase they heard a noise upon start up that they felt had something to do with the ac?

Still though, x10 on the cool factor.

[snowtrooper1966]

To say that someone will have issue(s) XXX, and that it will cost XXX amount is a bit misleading, IMHO.
From my experience, I have never owned a vehicle that did not have it's quirks.
I would say you are likely to have window issues, unless the previous owner perhaps was a member here and was smart enough to get the metal tabs to correct the problem. You may get a oil burner. I bought mine sight unseen from across the country and had it shipped to me. Not a single regret!
One thing I can say for certain is you will love driving the VX, and the reactions from others.
I have had more positive feedback on my Dragon than any other car I have owned, and that's saying alot considering I've had some very rare big block american muscle cars in my past....
Best,

[Cobrajet]

You will have issues with the windows (inevitable), the abs (inevitable), the check engine (inevitable)....and likely the TOC, and the pulleys, and the intake gaskets, and the door handles which break easy, and the rear axle seals that leak and cost a fortune...and on and on....

Sure there are some lemons out there, but I truly believe that these are quality vehicles if you take care of them. Anyway, just my 2 cents....Bart

I have to agree with Bart. I'm the original owner of a well maintained 2001 with 116K miles. I've never had a window issue, no ABS issues, a few CELs, all but one cleared without coming back. The last was fixed with a new MAF. No broken door handles, no leaky axle seals, no CD changer issues, no torn CV boots, NO MAJOR (and very few minor) problems, because I take care of my VX (ask Tom.) I think age and mileage can be mitigated with proper care and maintenance. It's been 100% reliable since day one. Nothing is inevitable...