Hi MAX--- Thanx for your feedback. The VX is a wonderful vehicle as long as you understand its shortcomings. The VX is way more freeway-friendly than the stubby, teeth-jarring FJ-40.

How scary it is to hear of your tastes in vehicles as they almost perfectly imulate mine!!! I was the original owner of a limited edition #127/300 LR 1997 Defender-90 years ago before purchasing my VX. The Defender-90 is just as tough as the FJ-40, but with a different kinda' flair. I sold the Defender-90 because it didn't have the creature comforts I expected from a $50K truck, and it drank gas like kool-aid (the gas gauge needle would go to the left as the speedometer needle would go to the right -- no joke). I used the Defender-90 money for a very substantial down payent on a house.

I've never liked 4-door vehicles of any kind, but I'm somewhat impressed with the Nissan X-Terra as it has won numerous 4-wheeling magazine awards and has been named 4-Wheeler of the Year many times by various off-road magazines. For a more street-version SUV, I really like the BMW line of SUV's but can't imagine ever taking a BMW off-road.

Incidentally, the VX was "1st Runner-Up (second place)" as 4-Wheeler of the Year in 2000. I first fell in love with the VX at the International Auto Show in 1997 (Seattle, WA) as a "concept" vehicle, the same exact Auto Show that I purchased my 1997 Limited Edition Defender-90. Later; when the VX was finally put into production, I knew someday I would own one.

My next off-road vehicle will either be the Chinese Hummer HX/H4 "Concept" OR the Ford Bronco "Retro Concept" if they ever build them. Both of which are 2-door vehicles. Until then, I'm perfectly happy with my FJ-40 and VX.

Please keep us posted; and our very best wishes to you, Max.