Welcome to our forum, yes we are a rather tight knit group and a very friendly and helpful group too.

Start reading up and use the search function as there's a ton of very valuable info on this forum.

Since this is a group of enthusiasts we recently put together a pretty detailed checklist/questionnaire very specific to the VX and covers many issues that have arisen over time since the model is basically 10+ yrs old on average.
We thought a prospective buyer would be interested in this so you know what to ask about/look for.

Pick and choose whatever you want from this list....it's just a tool to get you started!

Good luck in your search!

DETAILED VX QUESTIONNAIRE /CHECKLIST FOR BUYERS OR SELLERS

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ENGINE:
  • Is it the original engine?

  • Does it start easily/readily?

  • Does it run smoothly or is there any strange sounds or hesitation,choking, etc ?

  • Does it seem to idle smoothly, or is there any irratic racing on the tach, or other irregular idle, etc ?

  • Anything (noises/clinking/whinning etc...) noticed when it's under load?

  • Timing belt changed?

  • Evaluate engine bay- clean? dirty? Any evidence of leaking fluids of any type??
    Evaluate fluid levels.

  • Evaluate air filter- excessively dirty? OEM or after-market?

  • Any known issues with it?

  • Any oil consumption noted, under ANY conditions?.....dripping, blowing smoke from exhaust or just consuming it
    (some seem to consume a little when on prolonged highway driving)

  • What type of fluids (synthetic oil or regular, motor oil, diff, tranny, transf case)?



TRANSMISSION:
  • Is it the original tranny?

  • Does it shift smoothly between all gears? Both up and down?

  • Any unusual noises or clunking when shifting?

  • Is there a slight delay before the gear engages when shifting? (lash)

  • Any known issues with it?




MISC PERTAINING TO ENGINE & TRANNY:
  • Any fluids dripping, ever?

  • Last time & what fluids have been changed?

  • Any unusual /excessive vibrations in engine or tranny, etc... - very subjective of course

  • Any problems with motor mounts?

  • Any unusual flashing of any lights on dash or shifter? (Mode selection switch may be bad)




TOD / 4-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM:
  • Any problems with the TOD (Torque On Demand) system?

  • Any clunking in tranny when decelerating or accelerating?

  • BRAND, MODEL AND SIZE OF ALL 4 TIRES

  • Do all 4 tires match in brand, size, model & wear?

  • How long have these current 4 tires been on?

  • Estimate of how much tread remains?





SUSPENSION / BODY / UNDERCARRIAGE / ETC:

  • Are they still running the original OEM shocks? If not, replaced with what?

  • Has muffler ever been replaced? What's the status of the current muffler? Rusted, surface rust, etc? OEM, after-market? (Since, as I understand it, these mufflers are no longer available, so an aftermarket one with some modification to the pipes may be required.)

  • Has it had to go through emissions testing recently? (Some states require for registration, some don't)

  • Ever been lifted or had torsion bars cranked?

  • Condition of CV joints and CV boots? (Can be damaged after being lifted)

  • Battery- status, condition and age

  • Inspect thoroughly for rust!! Any evidence of rusted bolts anywhere?

  • Status of front bumper reinforcement bar? (Often rusts off completely)

  • Status of rear license plate light/socket/bracket -(often severely rusts) -will give indication if it was in a rust belt area.





WINDOWS:
  • Electric windows work properly or bind?

  • Condition of window rubber track/gaskets...(many have ripped or been cut)

  • Look behind door panels to see if vapor barrier is present - (may indicate previous work on windows)

  • Window regulator /motor been replaced?





BRAKING SYSTEM:

  • Any ABS issues, dash light illuminated, or other problems?

  • Original OEM brake pads or replacements?




INTERIOR:
  • Condition of leather seats...scrapes, rips, tears, wear, abrasion, driver's side seat bolster

  • Condition of leather steering wheel - (often heavily scraped up)

  • Condition of inside door opening levers & mechanism (sometimes broken)

  • Condition of levers that bring seat back forward to allow access to rear seats (often broken)

  • Condition of 4 screw knobs on interior rear door panel (often break off)

  • OEM CD player still work correctly or ERR3 code? Any jammed CDs?

  • Any odors inside, such as smoke or dank/damp?




EXTERIOR:
  • PAINT: Condition, scratches, dents, oxidation, matching panels, etc...

  • CLADDING: Evaluate/describe condition of all cladding - scrapes, holes, deformation, dryness, chalky appearance, any evidence of being "painted" or "treated" in any way? Includes Rhino-liner, Line-X, GatorBack, etc...

  • Are all cladding screws present? Any striped?

  • Ever taken off road?

  • OEM or after-market tail pipe?

  • Status of tail pipe - any deformation may indicate off road use

  • Status of rear lower cladding & rear gas tank skid plate- scrapes may indicate off road use

  • Status of undercarriage overall - scrapes, damage, etc... may indicate off road use

  • Does it have an OEM roof rack?

  • Are the 4 OEM rail caps in place and/or available?





REPAIRS / SERVICE HISTORY:
  • Any service history records?

  • Any known repairs?

  • Any extra parts on hand?




MISC:

  • For 2000 and 2001 model, OEM chrome wheels peeling on backside?

  • Determine the history of the car's physical location, if possible (i.e. East Coast, potential rust, desert, etc)

  • Any "mods" done not mentioned above?

  • How long have you owned it?


revised 3/5/12