Ruflyf:
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The VX electric window motors and regulators fail at an alarming rate. Not a major issue - but annoying. However, there may be a permanent fix (a link can be found somewhere on this site - try Phines posts).
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The OEM shock absorbers fail often - some at (relatively) low mileage. Again, not a huge issue - decent replacements can cost as little as $200 for a set of 4 shipped. Forget OEM replacements - over $300 per.
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Oil consumption can be an issue - this problem does not appear to be limited to the early engines. There have also been a number of engine failures - rod and/or crank bearings problems. Of course, there are a number of owners with a ton of miles that have experienced no problems. There does not appear to be a pattern to this issue - so prediction is next to impossible.
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The hood insert is prone to cracking.
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The quality of the chrome plated 18" wheels (on 00 and 01's) is poor - most often (but not limited to) peeling and bubbling on the inside portion of the wheel.
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The Ironman package is the only 'option' that I am aware of on US spec models. There is also a roof rack 'delete' option on the VX I believe.
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Differences between 99, 00, and 01: 99 has 16" wheels (not chrome plated I believe) - later 00 and 01 have 18" chrome plated 18" wheels. Later 00 and 01 also have auto climate control feature. The warranty length was doubled for 00 and 01 models to 10 year 120K miles (powertrain). The factory warranty is 'halved' for the next owner; i.e. 5 yr 60K. This is an important consideration because a used 00 or 01 (with approp mileage) will still have some factory powertrain warranty.
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Insurance rates are relatively high for this vehicle - the class most companies place it is in a higher rated (risk) category. (not surprising - especially because the VX is a limited production vehicle).
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Many mechanical parts are shared with the Trooper - so (for the most part) replacement parts should not be an issue. As for replacement body parts ........... ???
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You probably already know some of the 'popular' VX issues ......
rear visibilty - somewhat improved by removing rear seat headrests and installation of a fresnel lense (VanEyes, VanGuard) on the rear window. A camera (similar to Euro/Asia spec VX) is also an option. It is difficult to gain entry to the rear seats - there are brackets than can improve this.
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One item you don't often hear about is the gearing - the short gearing (4.30 ratio) is low and (in my opinion) is not optimum for a great amount of highway driving. Great for around town driving however.
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