MPG is usually around 13-16 mpg. A few have reported a bit higher, but if bigger tires are added, figure that range.
Parts availability: Many of your points are very well considered. We do have some concerns, especially as time goes on, about availability. The body panels have become the hardest to find parts. The VX does share several mechanicals with certain Troopers & Rodeos....have to read up on the forum for specifics. C4C was great for the VX as several clunkers being parted out have shown up on ebay recently.
We have a good contact with an Isuzu parts guy at a Missouri dealership (St. Charles) who gets us whatever Isuzu parts are available in the U.S. for a discount. Don't know about anybody getting parts from Japan. Take a look on ebay and search "vehicross"...it will give you a really good idea of what kind of replacement parts are available, both OEM and after market.
Oil consumption: This issue is all over the map. Some have experienced none, while others have experienced up to 2 qts/1000 miles. There's a general feeling that the 99s and early 2000s tend to have the consumption problem. One member "iamironman" said he did a ton of research on this and believes Isuzu changed something (I can't recall right now, something to do with piston #5 I think....search will find it) in late 2000 models and improved the oil issue, and then changed something again, that allegedly "fixed" the problem. There's also a thread on the forum about blown engines. Most are from oil deprivation resulting in a thrown rod. There have been several reports where the oil level just drops dramatically & quickly and the engine has blown up.
Recently we started a poll on oil consumption by year, by quantity used in 1000 miles. It's not scientific of course, but it's interesting, the MAJORITY of respondents have NO oil consumption. http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...threadid=17228
Another thing to keep in mind is that there are many many VXs out there with over 100k miles, and a few now with 200k, so you can't complain about that type of longevity! Mine has 69k and it acts like a new engine.
One issue regarding the oil consumption involves the PCV valve. It apparently sticks quick easily and allows oil to be consumed. Most members are emphatic about changing the PCV valve every oil change.
I myself have had my 2001 for 15 months now and have changed it 3 times, 2 of which it was faulty. So we all keep a supply of these on hand. Several but not all have reported no oil consumption after replacing the PCV frequently.
Many of us have had to purchase our VX from many miles away, seems there tends to be more available in the East and FL. Mine came from VA, and I paid to have it shipped to AZ. Mine is rust free, but some have had very minor problems with rust, particularly on the front bar, under the cladding.
The OEM roof rack is so rare now that it's practically worth it's weight in gold. Many of us have them, but many find they want one after they get their VX. I recently procured 3 roof racks (all used of course) for fellow members by begging ebay sellers that were unsuccessful in selling their VX, to sell me JUST the roof rack for about $330. I'm looking for 2 more right now. Seems I have the knack of talking some people out of things
Some have added a cargo basket (usually a Yakima LoadWarrior, or Thule Xpedition 695, or 696, or the Black Widow basket. I have the LW for when I carry a full size spare off road, and I just got the Thule 695 this week off ebay for a killer price. I like the look of both. Check out my gallery.
The interior IS a bit on the smaller side, but several guys are at least 6', 6'2" and they fit, depends on how long their legs are. There's been a few that are just too tall to fit comfortably. The Recaro seats are fantastic and have a leg extension bolster in front to support long legs.
Many owners have removed the rear seats. All have said that it's extremely difficult to get into the back...only good for small kids. I sold my back seat to another member. Several of us put up a nice dog barrier and carry the pups in the back just fine!
The VX was marketed truly as a PUV Performance Util Vehicle. It only has 215 hp but weighs about 4100lbs...so myself & hubby having had two BMW M series vehicles...it does not seem fast to us....but it's more than adequate...I'm not out to burn rubber. Where it shines and is amazing is in the off road capabilities. It's full time 4 wd on the U.S. spec edition, so there's no getting out to lock hubs. The 4lo and 4 hi are controlled inside the cab. The JDM edition does have 2wd/4wd. It also has a "Torque on Demand" TOD system, you can read up on that. Many have put on larger tires (OEM were 245/60-16 for 1999, and 245/60-18 for 2000 and 20001). We've found we can get 285/60-18s with just minor trimming of the front cladding. MANY have lifted it anywhere from 1-4" generally, with more cladding trimming.
The fun factor is off the chart for the VX. The looks you get are incredible. Many many times a person thinks it's a new model because of it's way ahead of it's time styling. Most of us on the forum have a full blown "addiction" to this little truck. It's really an incredible truck and almost universally, none of us would trade it for anything! (There's even a poll on that too!)
It definitely has it's pros and cons, but we love them and this forum is like no other on the net. Since we're a smaller group by default, we're a close knit family really, and are very very helpful. And besides that, we're a really fun group too! Some crazier than others!
A huge plus for you is that you sound like you can do the mechanical/ wrenching yourself for all or the majority of stuff. That alone would allay any concerns I would have.
Hope this helps. Again, the fun factor and addiction is off the charts!
p.s...thought of starting a kind of "check list" for potential buyers to ask sellers. I'll start this in another thread too. Please add on everybody to make the list better....
~electric windows work properly or bind?
~window regulator /motor been replaced?
~any oil consumption?
~chrome wheels peeling?
~Any ABS light problems?
~OEM CD player still work correctly or ERR3 code?
~brand & model of tires & approx tread remaining
~any alignment issues?
~timing belt changed?
~original OEM brake pads or replacements?
~any service history records?
~last time & what fluids have been changed?
~what type of fluids (synthetic oil or regular, motor oil, diff, tranny, transf case)?
~how long have you owned it?
~Where has the care resided over it's lifetime?
~any known repairs?
~any fluids dripping, ever?
~ever taken off road?
~any problems with TOD?
~any extra parts on hand?
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