I Now own a VX!!!

[Techy-D]

My old car was dieing fast and I've been looking and looking for the right one, so Yesterday was a long day. I made the drive to Washington and bought me a VX!!!

The Details:
1) 1999
2) Silver / Red Interior
3) 43,000 miles
4) Roof Rack

I'm sure I paid to much (12,000 - cuz someone will ask), but I wasn't doing well with my other options and it's fairly low miles, non smoker, very nice in and out.

The Scary Part
It's got new tires on the front that are slightly smaller than the rear!!! I'm going to the tire shop tonight, I'm sure that's why the TOD light is on the 1st bar most of the time (I hope I didn't hurt it driving it home, but nothing I could do last night). It might also be why I can hear some gear whine when slowing down. It was raining (I was watching for an ark full of animals, to go by! ), so I hope that may have lessened the problem???

It also has a small spot infront of the drivers side marker light where the clear coat is starting to peel. Anyone see this before?

Anyway, I've been writing a lot and wanted to let you all know, For Better or Worse, I finally got one!

[etlsport]

congrats on your purchase! if youre happy with it i dont think 12k is too much to pay, it does have low miles and sounds to be in nice condition

the first light for the front wheels on the TOD should be on all the time when you are going more than about 5 (yes five) mph when in 4wd hi (normal driving) the vx is really more of an awd than 4wd, so no worries, thats normal

as for your tires, you want them all to be the same size.. but if you cant afford to get them all the same size, keep the smaller tires in the front, larger tires in the front will mess with your TOD

[biju]

welcome.

-biju.

[JAFO]

Congratulations!

It's been a while since I have seen another VX in the area.

[Techy-D]

congrats on your purchase! if youre happy with it i dont think 12k is too much to pay, it does have low miles and sounds to be in nice condition

the first light for the front wheels on the TOD should be on all the time when you are going more than about 5 (yes five) mph when in 4wd hi (normal driving) the vx is really more of an awd than 4wd, so no worries, thats normal

as for your tires, you want them all to be the same size.. but if you cant afford to get them all the same size, keep the smaller tires in the front, larger tires in the front will mess with your TOD

That's a relief on the TOD, maybe I don't need new tires.
How about the gear/transmission noise (kind of like and old powerwagon we have, but not near as much - if that makes any sense) Do you guys hear some noise, mostly when slowing down?

[geshaw30]

Nothing quite like reading the whimsical joy of a newbie.

Greetings and welcome aboard
________
Itunes Gift Cards

[Knigh7s]

The noise when slowing down is more than likely the tire size difference in the front. Found that out when i got lazy and only reinflated the rear tires and leaving the front low. On the drive home i started to get a pretty bad "whine" and slight thumping in the front. Went away as soon as i reinflated the front tires to prefered PSI, considering they where 20psi flatter than it should have been.

[etlsport]

yep, when i bought my VX it would whine when coasting, then i got a flat, and replaced the front two tires (the rears were replaced when i bought it) and after that i didnt have the whine anymore (that or i just stopped noticing it)

[nfpgasmask]

Hey! Welcome! The first VX I looked at was a silver 99 with the red/black interior! Very sweet looking combo! Congrats!

Anyway, as a word of caution, I would check your trans fluid condition and level. Chances are its never been changed (mine wasnt when I bought it) and if you have really burnt looking chocolate trans fluid you should change it. I had some gear slamming issues when I bought my VX that disappeared after a trans fluid and filter change. This is *quite* a task to do by yourself if you don't have the space/time/tools, but if you are so inclined we can all help with it. And by the way, don't go looking for a trans dip stick, cause there isn't one

Bart

[Techy-D]

Thanks for all these insights, Keep'em coming if ya got'em!

I'll be going over all my fluids and things this weekend. I'll see what needs to be serviced. I found the owners manual and 3 other smaller books in the glove box! I've got some reading to do tonight!!!

I always feel better when I do things myself, so I'm sure I'll have a question or two.

[JAFO]

If you are looking for a dealership, www.braleyandgraham.com ,in Beaverton, is a great dealership. That's where I take mine. The service manager, Simon, is great.

[nfpgasmask]

I always feel better when I do things myself, so I'm sure I'll have a question or two.

Me too! I didn't know jack squat about cars but since I have had my VX my knowledge has grown 100%. I now change my own oil (easy) and I did my own trans service too (NOT easy). But anyway, its always satisfying to know you can it yourself. My other words of wisdom, which you probably already know from being on this forum, is CHECK YOUR OIL LEVEL AT EVERY FILL UP! VXs like to drink oil. You might consider flushing your oil and switching to Mobile-1 or another quality synthetic.

Enjoy!

Bart

[Ldub]

Big Congrats on becoming an "official" member of the fam...

I'll whole-heartedly agree with what others have said previously.

The ONLY way to know the work done on your "baby" is done right, is to do it yourself.
It's very satisfying & saves you tons of moolah that you can spend on upgrades.

[thedutchguy]

gefeliciteerd !

[Techy-D]

gefeliciteerd !

Thanks... I think? Ge I Feel Xciterd also