Greetigns few ?'s about new VX

[VehiGAZ]

The seat relocate kit (Tone's kit, that is) is not what you want. This relocates the passenger seat 2-4" forward of its usual position to add some space for passengers to get into the back.

I paid $12k for my '99 with 48k miles in December, and that was a pretty good deal. For the higher mileage one you're looking at, I'd figure 10k would be a damn good deal. But don't take my word for it... check whatever listings you can find. Anyway, splitting the diff between kbb and edmunds is probably a good way to go.

If the one you're looking at has a VX roofrack, consider that a new one will cost about $350 at the dealership, and any attachments to the crossbars are extra. And if it really got a new timing belt and window regulators, then that takes care of some major expenses.

Someone posted that the VX was good for 5000 lbs trailer weight and 500 lbs tongue weight.

Can't say much about the comfort for a six-and-halfer, but I (at 5'9") routinely knock my head on the door frame on ingress. You should check that out carefully.

Ditto on the mileage issue. I get about 17 in the summer, 15 in the winter. Not so great these days (but at least it takes regular!)

Other than that, it's a capable little 4x4 with a boatload of cool style! Not such a bad choice.

[Corey872]

Thanks for the quick replies and good info. I think I may swing by the dealer on the way home and take a closer look/sit/drive.

One other quick question - is there any issue with body rust under the molded plastic?


As for mileage, the 15-17MPG doesn't sound great, but compared to my 10MPG Bronco, the VX is an economy machine! Plus this will just be a weekend getaway / camping / lake / snow machine -probably about 5K miles per year, so that won't run up too big of a gas bill.

Also, thanks for the info on those seat relocators...last thing I need is to move the seats forward! May wind up ripping out the front seats and just setting in the back! Worst case is that I would have to cut and weld my own brackets - done that with many other cars!

Wish me luck!
Corey

[Maugan_VX]

I am 6'5" and have no problems. Please note I have abnormally long legs.

Also, towing 5000lbs with the VX is not something you should do unless you:

A) Put a transmission fluid cooler on it

and

B) Have trailer brakes.

While the brakes on the VX are quite enough to stop the VX + 5000lbs, the short wheelbase makes it easy to jack-knife.

I just mounted my own fabbed hitch for $50.

Checking for a new timing belt and water pump is going to be difficult as it requires to take apart almost the whole front of the engine.

My insurance agent says that I pay the same insurance as someone my age with the same record but with a porsche boxter.

[Corey872]

My insurance agent says that I pay the same insurance as someone my age with the same record but with a porsche boxter.

Yikes!! - OK, that prompted a call directly to my agent! I was a little relieved - full coverage =$540/yr - I guess living in the middle of nowhere helps!

Also thanks for the info on the legroom - I didn't make it to the dealer before they closed tonight, so I'm still looking forward to tomorrow.

I wasn't too hopefull that I would see the actual timing belt/ water pump, but maybe hope to see some fresh nicks / scratches on the associated cover bolts. If I find that they are buried under 6 years of dust and dirt, I may have to be a little more skeptical of the claimed work!

Thanks again for the input!

Corey

[Moncha]

Answers have been given but you can always use more.
I'm 6'03" and have no problem with the legroom. Headroom could be a little more but, I only notice it when I'm wheeling and hit a big bump and that's not often enough to complain.
I too have it easy on the insurance, my wife's Honda Pilot is several hundred dollars more a year than my VX.

[Anita]

My fiancee is 6,4 and there is no way he can drive. His head is against the roof and tipped to one side, and his knees get in the way of steering. I think he wants a good excuse to buy another SUV. He has had his eye on an Escalade for awhile now.

[Maugan_VX]

Anita,

does yours have a sunroof?

[VehiGAZ]

I haven't heard any complaints about rust under the body cladding. I will be changign one of mine out tonight, though, so I can tell you if I find anything under there.

Good luck!