Answering some of my own questions as an owner now for a couple of months...just for those who do a search using above words, I thought it may be handy to have as much info on e thread instead of several..
for those looking over my shoulder, I will identify as best as possible if an item i mention is specifically related to the Japanese model [JDM], if its not identified as such then hopefully the info is generic to the VXs..
..so tell me about....
[I]1. - engine - what Kms/miles, milestones should be avoided..[if any][/I] - after investigating for either the 3.2 L [JDM] or 3.5L, its more like the 'old' days ...check your oil [dip stick] regularly, the 5 'P's applies, so after fuel fill up, and after/during a long trip check the oil level..do a search here on oil usage to find heaps..
2. - transmission as above, when are major services due, heat - he JDM version enables 4wd or 2wd [rear], US is full time 4wd, the JDM has a dip stick [sits in behind the oil stick..spring clips into place] where the US does not..again plenty on search for AT, generally robust no big issues..
3. - cv joints, diffs etc any drivetrain part that one should be conscious of.. - again from what I've read and experienced for drivetrain regular grease, ... bearings and diffs nothing out of the ordinary..failure rates low..
4. - computer systems..failures, issues, costly failures ? - again 'all good' nothing to be overly concerned about
5. - timing chains/belts..at what service interval/or time major service req'd - change around 70,000km mark, or years [I believe this could be 5 - 7 years]..service cost not unusual to any other 4wd needing that type of service, V6 engine is common to several GM products, 3.2L then grew to 3.5L
6. - brakes - pad wear higher due to weight, rotors warping ? - again nothing unusual on search the general consensus is to use the OEM pads, rotors..no issues
7. - TOD - is this system tempremental, ie changing rolling diameters of tyres as an eg. affecting computer assessments of slippage needing TOD [when not needed eg false interpretation]..etc etc - unlike some other 4wd systems TOD is effective and forgiving, oversized tyre/rims will cause pulsing, on JDM models selector can be set as TOD 'auto' or just 2High which is rear wd, 4wd is on the fly [high]...'pulsing' do searches for that, after market units can be used to overcoime speedo errors..but no not temperamental
8. - radiator..cooling system..fuel injection ..any isues - no issues
9. - and what about day to day annoying stuff - I see
- window regulators can be a problem - annoying but fixable, search ['How to's'], what about other systems in the VX,
-a/c, abs, water leaks, oil leaks - no issues - but do a search on those words, to find individual stuff
-chewing batteries/tyres/ - no different to other mid sized 4wds..all good..as always watch inadvertently leaving stuff on..
-unleaded or premium - generally premium, but engine computer will tolerate basic unleaded, but as always will run better on higher octane - fuel capacity 85L tank with fuel low light at 8L to go ..mpg 12s to 16s [14 - 15L/100kms ~ 450 - 500KMs on lit on ]depending on your foot [ search on this - plenty of discussions for mods etc],
- locks/alarms/electrics, interior/exterior bits that snap off or fall off unexpectedly...any other anomalies that a buyer should be mindful of..rear door does not come std with a popper to open, can be purchased after mkt..do search, no rear wiper..can't see out the back all that well anyway..JDMs come std with reversing camera..excellent ! needed, door mirrors are big as well to improve rear /SIDE VISION, air con is excellent..climate control nice feature...but nothing over the normal as far failure etc..access into the rear seats is tight but once in there's plenty of room..no cupholders..search stereo for peoples thoughts and mods
Hope this helps any other newbies searching for buyers guide ot tips..
have I forgotten anything..
Reply With Quote