New to VX's, considering buying one & need advice.

[maxg765]

Hi MAX-- welcome to the addiction site of VX'ers. Yes, everything bad you've heard is true with regards to P.I.T.A. backseat, poor rear window visibility, 17 -- 20 MPG, and not to forget very finicky electric windows (getting stuck in the down window position).

Since the VX is a 2-door SUV (PUV), and you having very small/young children-- you will absolutely hate transporting your kids in the back seat. Plus, the C-Pillar is dead in the way of the rear passengers outside view and they only have tunnel vision looking forward through the windshield over the parents shoulders. Your kids will soon be screaming because they can't see out and watch the world go by. Most VX owner's remove the rear seat altogether because it's a royal P.I.T.A. You will find that 99.99% of all VX owner's are either single, or married without kids for this very reason. Those that do have kids, will also have a "family" type 4-door vehicle in their driveway for family related outings.

There are member's that do use the VX as a daily driver, and many others that do not. A better daily driver commuter car may be a more fuel efficient vehicle like a Hyundai/Kia/Toyota, etc. I also own a '78 FJ-40 and it sits next to my VX in the garage, as neither is a daily driver.

Not to discourage you from the VX, but perhaps a more "family oriented" SUV may be a nicely used Nissan X-Terra which has 4-doors and is more vision-friendly for young kids wanting to look out the side windows. The VX is not very family friendly and is the #1 reason why they are often sold (oftentimes after a new baby comes along).

Max, our very best wishes to you whatever your final decision and thank you for your interest in the VX.

Hi Riff Raff

How funny is it that you also have an 78 FJ40. My other consideration is either a 78 or 79 FJ40 (by those years they had the 2F engine, 4speed, and 3:70 rear axle gearing for better highway use).

Your comments on the rear window view or lack there of for kids seems to be my biggest concern at this point. However since, our family Volvo XC70 Cross COuntry wagon would be the primary vehicle for family transportation I may be able to live with that short coming along with the poor access...

Again, thanks for your insightful thoughts and comments.

Max

[maxg765]

Hello Again,

Thanks to all of you for the replies.

Maybe I should add a little more info about myself and make the usage more clear.

This would not be the primary family wife and kid hauler. We have the Volvo XC70 Cross country wagon for that. There will always be another primary vehicle aside from what I drive. This truck, or what ever I decide to get would be my daily driver for work. It wont be only an office type job and I would be on the road visiting clients thought the week. Its usage would start in Phenix Arizona from about January 2010 till say July 2010. After that I would be again relocated to Florida somewhere about North Miami area for good.


I currently own a 1997 Subaru SVX LSi AWD with 52000 original miles. Thats my daily driver right now. It is for sale. I have had it for a year and am the second owner. Black on Beige. It just didn't really do it for me...

I am no stranger to older cars either. I also own the following (which but for one will all be for sale in the coming months. The last one left will be the one that stays).
1972 Triumph STAG 36000 original miles Cream White on Black
1988 BMW M6 53000original miles Silver on Black
1993 Mazda RX7 FD Touring 18500 original miles Silver on Red

I have been downsizing life/expenses in anticipation of a large life changing move of the family from Montreal Canada to the USA.
Just Sold in the past 12 months the following missed prized collectibles, but family has to come first. No real profitable work in Montreal prompts the move.
1972 AMC Gremlin X Factory V8 3 Speed Manual 49000 original miles
1974 Mazda RX4 Rotary Coupe 34000 original miles (before the RX7 days)
1974 Alfa Romeo GTV2000 Coupe

I like older vehicles better than whats out there today. I love vintage cars and have been told that I have eclectic taste in cars.

I am currently considering the purchase of either the VX or a 1979 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser as my personal daily driver. I thought the VX since it certainly is a newer vehicle and thus maybe a little safer than the FJ40's although they are built like tanks.

The Subaru SVX is not great gas miser either and probably the same as the VX in consumption. Although it should be a concern its not at this time. I am s-pending it now thus I figure it wont feel any different.

The kids would really only be in the VX when either my wife is running late (or I am running early) and would need to drop one off at school on the way to work. If I am taking them out for a bit on a little outing on my own. Lastly, if the main family car is in for service... Other than that its me in the driver seat, work, and the odd occasion I go out with just my wife for say a dinner and we take my car in place of hers...

There are two I am considering right now.

Found this one while browsing the web. Anyone know of it? Is it a member here?

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb

Another that seems to known on this site is the low mile on the east coast

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=17029

But I am finding it pricy and prefer to deal with private parties. Since it in upstate NY under side or hidden rust concerns me although it does have low miles, is a 2001 year and is the colour combination I like....

Again, thanks to all for the replies and suggestions,

Best regards and I will keep everyone posted on what comes out of this.

Max