2001 VX vs. 2001 Rodeo Sport - Make Up My Mind!

[johnny010]

You know, I have both as well. It's hard to say. If you want more practical go with the RS. The VX for me (less than two weeks) has been the most unreliable vehicles I have owned (including my Acura NSX which has about 8500 vehicles here in the US).

You will have issues with the windows (inevitable), the abs (inevitable), the check engine (inevitable)....and likely the TOC, and the pulleys, and the intake gaskets, and the door handles which break easy, and the rear axle seals that leak and cost a fortune...and on and on.... Are you getting the idea? I bought this knowing maitenance cost wouldn't matter because I wanted a vehicle that was unlike any other, and very rare.

If you are one of those that doesn't mind unplugging lights to make the ABS and Check Engine lights go away, you'll be fine. If you can afford to throw a few THOUSAND on maitenance probably every 2 years after driving minimal mileage, go for it.

The RS lacks the cool factor that you might get from OTHERS, but taking the top off has its appeal, and its cheaper to own.......and more boring. The VX feels like a sports car SUV..just don't throw it into a ditch like me.

Good luck !

[TheGanzman]

You know, I have both as well. It's hard to say. If you want more practical go with the RS. The VX for me (less than two weeks) has been the most unreliable vehicles I have owned (including my Acura NSX which has about 8500 vehicles here in the US).

You will have issues with the windows (inevitable), the abs (inevitable), the check engine (inevitable)....and likely the TOC, and the pulleys, and the intake gaskets, and the door handles which break easy, and the rear axle seals that leak and cost a fortune...and on and on.... Are you getting the idea? I bought this knowing maitenance cost wouldn't matter because I wanted a vehicle that was unlike any other, and very rare.

If you are one of those that doesn't mind unplugging lights to make the ABS and Check Engine lights go away, you'll be fine. If you can afford to throw a few THOUSAND on maitenance probably every 2 years after driving minimal mileage, go for it.

The RS lacks the cool factor that you might get from OTHERS, but taking the top off has its appeal, and its cheaper to own.......and more boring. The VX feels like a sports car SUV..just don't throw it into a ditch like me.

Good luck !

All interesting! BTW, *I* am the guy that had the deposit on "your" VX! I've got a guy that owes me $ on a guitar deal, I just couldn't put the deal together fast enough to follow through. I've got another one "on hold" now, pending a pre-purchase inspection - private owner. Hopefully it'll all come together in the next coupla weeks...

And yours only had 28K miles - looked like it was really pampered too! Hope you get all the little "nits" worked out, Johnnie!

[johnny010]

All interesting! BTW, *I* am the guy that had the deposit on "your" VX! I've got a guy that owes me $ on a guitar deal, I just couldn't put the deal together fast enough to follow through. I've got another one "on hold" now, pending a pre-purchase inspection - private owner. Hopefully it'll all come together in the next coupla weeks...

And yours only had 28K miles - looked like it was really pampered too! Hope you get all the little "nits" worked out, Johnnie!

Cool ! Well, for lack of common sense, I'd be better off just shutting off the lights like many here, but I don't think I'd feel the same getting into the vehicle knowing I cheated a light......it would still bother me.

Care to share your lead on your next purchase? I might need a donor...:bgwg: j/k

BTW, don't get me wrong, I love this vehicle.....it's like dating a model you don't want to afford but can't keep from getting back in bed with her.

Buy the RS, and you regret NOT buying a one of a kind rare vehicle, and will wish you had bought the VX instead. Buy the VX and you wish you didn't have the headache of all the little issues, but in a sick way enjoy the issues because it teaches you about your vehicle. Guess it comes down to what kind of guy you are. Not recommended for 'Drop it at the dealer, charge the credit card - maintenance kinda guy'.

[nfpgasmask]

Not recommended for 'Drop it at the dealer, charge the credit card - maintenance kinda guy'.

You are definitely right on there. I have learned A LOT owning my VX, and I try to do as much of the work myself as I can!

Bart

[LittleBeast]

Not recommended for 'Drop it at the dealer, charge the credit card - maintenance kinda guy'.

So TRUE! The one time I tried that the dealer gave me the VX back half full on tranny fluid and 6 months later and $3600 later I had my VX back to the condition it was in before I dropped it off for 100k "maintenance"!

[nfpgasmask]

You will have issues with the windows (inevitable), the abs (inevitable), the check engine (inevitable)....and likely the TOC, and the pulleys, and the intake gaskets, and the door handles which break easy, and the rear axle seals that leak and cost a fortune...and on and on.... Are you getting the idea? I bought this knowing maitenance cost wouldn't matter because I wanted a vehicle that was unlike any other, and very rare.

Wow, sounds like you have had a rough time with your VX. Outside of the ABS, which I don't really care about, I have had a CEL once that was the result of letting my gas tank get to low (my fault) and another CEL which was EGR related and easily and quickly fixed (at 80k miles btw). My door handle broke once, and it was fixed with a zip tie (still holding, did this 4th of July weekend). No window problems at all, and my rear axle seals are fine. My VX does burn oil and I have the seep around my front axle, but other than that, no major issues that would ever change my mind about owning this SUV. Honestly, I sometimes wonder if people buy used VXes that were not properly cared for and then have all sorts of issues and just think that VXes are crappy SUVs. Sure there are some lemons out there, but I truly believe that these are quality vehicles if you take care of them. Anyway, just my 2 cents....

Bart

[johnny010]

Wow, sounds like you have had a rough time with your VX. Outside of the ABS, which I don't really care about, I have had a CEL once that was the result of letting my gas tank get to low (my fault) and another CEL which was EGR related and easily and quickly fixed (at 80k miles btw). My door handle broke once, and it was fixed with a zip tie (still holding, did this 4th of July weekend). No window problems at all, and my rear axle seals are fine. My VX does burn oil and I have the seep around my front axle, but other than that, no major issues that would ever change my mind about owning this SUV. Honestly, I sometimes wonder if people buy used VXes that were not properly cared for and then have all sorts of issues and just think that VXes are crappy SUVs. Sure there are some lemons out there, but I truly believe that these are quality vehicles if you take care of them. Anyway, just my 2 cents....

Bart

Oddly enough, for 28K miles on the vehicle, the one prior owner spent a fortune maintaining the vehicle. I have the service records, and they were beyone meticulous. Heck, they replaced the compressor at 26K becuase they heard a noise upon start up that they felt had something to do with the ac?

Still though, x10 on the cool factor.

[snowtrooper1966]

To say that someone will have issue(s) XXX, and that it will cost XXX amount is a bit misleading, IMHO.
From my experience, I have never owned a vehicle that did not have it's quirks.
I would say you are likely to have window issues, unless the previous owner perhaps was a member here and was smart enough to get the metal tabs to correct the problem. You may get a oil burner. I bought mine sight unseen from across the country and had it shipped to me. Not a single regret!
One thing I can say for certain is you will love driving the VX, and the reactions from others.
I have had more positive feedback on my Dragon than any other car I have owned, and that's saying alot considering I've had some very rare big block american muscle cars in my past....
Best,

[kodiak]

Sorry you're going threw some ruff stuff there Johnny. Yeah, the VX is a 10 year old vehicle and dealer support is ether nonexistent or very expensive. If you're not comfortable doing you own maintenance and repairs them things can get frustrating. Personally I think the VX is very easy to work on. If I had to replace a tranny or even the engine I’d feel pretty comfortable in doing it myself. I’m replacing the clutch on my sisters 04 ford focus today. Now that’s a pain in the a**.

[Cobrajet]

You will have issues with the windows (inevitable), the abs (inevitable), the check engine (inevitable)....and likely the TOC, and the pulleys, and the intake gaskets, and the door handles which break easy, and the rear axle seals that leak and cost a fortune...and on and on....

Sure there are some lemons out there, but I truly believe that these are quality vehicles if you take care of them. Anyway, just my 2 cents....Bart

I have to agree with Bart. I'm the original owner of a well maintained 2001 with 116K miles. I've never had a window issue, no ABS issues, a few CELs, all but one cleared without coming back. The last was fixed with a new MAF. No broken door handles, no leaky axle seals, no CD changer issues, no torn CV boots, NO MAJOR (and very few minor) problems, because I take care of my VX (ask Tom.) I think age and mileage can be mitigated with proper care and maintenance. It's been 100% reliable since day one. Nothing is inevitable...