Soon to be VX owner, looking for troubles?

[Grif]

Update:

Took the VX to my main mechanic, he had no time today except to take it for a drive. He stated an alignment would be needed to diagnose any further problems for the pulling to the right. He also stated there is a rear axle leak, as indicated by fluid leaking on the pass side near the brakes. He stated he could smell it as well. I can now smell it too. But to me I wouldnt know the smell of brake fluid from axle (tranny?) fluid. He stated the rough vibrations during low speed turns may just be due to the oversize tires. He stated the tapping sounds at high rpm under load may be ping due to bad gasoline, or could be other valve probs. He stated I really need an alignment in order to further diagnose the steering prob. I have an appt to get that done tomorrow.

I then took it to another shop who specializes in imports. They stated that tire wear indicates problems in the front and rear. They also indicated that the very loud vibration may be due to the oversize tires rubbing up against the polycarb which is indeed loose on that side of the vehicle as indicated by minor gaps where broken or improper fasteners had been applied, however its not immediately noticeable until inspected closely. They also implicated a leaking rear axle on the passenger side. They say the pinion shaft, seal and spacer need replacement as well. On the front end they stated the ball joints need replaced, upper on one side, lower on the other. The pinion shaft seal, spacer and crush sleave as well. Also the differential cover gasket should be replaced.

Those are the mechanical/suspension problems indicated to me so far. The alignment will cost me 70 bucks, with no guarentee that it will FIX anything, just might HELP find more problems. That is according to the first shop.

The second shop seemed much more definitive, and were able to detail much more of what needs to be done. All told, just labor from that second shop estimate would be about $1000, parts not included. I'm OK with that as long as it FIXES the problems. and gives me a relaible vehicle with no engine or drivertrain worries.

The minor stuff such as the loose polycarb, the passenger side window not opening (we did check the fuse) and minor body/tire wear I'm not too worried about.

So... not to kick a dead horse here, because most of you seem to think I should walk away from this VX, but I love the car. I can prolly get away with paying less than 5000k for it, and there are simply no others available to me without taking a whole weekend road trip to shop for another VX from another state somewhere.

BTW, I loved the attention it got everywhere I drove it. Tons of looks, and even was chased down and stopped by an attractive blonde just to ask me where I was able to find the car.

So... I ask again, run, walk, or buy, knowing fully well I'll sink a couple grand into it just to get it up to par.








The K&N filter is absolutely filthy. Also the plugs he pulled just out of curiosity were marred with rust as if some water had infiltrated the seals.

The ABS brake light stays on most of the time, but I wonder if that is because the rear axle is leaking fluid over the discs brakes... does that make sense? He also indicated than many people simply disable ABS in areas that do not get snow/ice and that also may cause the light to be on.

[Scott Harness]

Leave it! There are plenty out there.

[Gussie2000]

Update:

Took the VX to my main mechanic, he had no time today except to take it for a drive. He stated an alignment would be needed to diagnose any further problems for the pulling to the right. He also stated there is a rear axle leak, as indicated by fluid leaking on the pass side near the brakes. He stated he could smell it as well. I can now smell it too. But to me I wouldnt know the smell of brake fluid from axle (tranny?) fluid. He stated the rough vibrations during low speed turns may just be due to the oversize tires. He stated the tapping sounds at high rpm under load may be ping due to bad gasoline, or could be other valve probs. He stated I really need an alignment in order to further diagnose the steering prob. I have an appt to get that done tomorrow.

I then took it to another shop who specializes in imports. They stated that tire wear indicates problems in the front and rear. They also indicated that the very loud vibration may be due to the oversize tires rubbing up against the polycarb which is indeed loose on that side of the vehicle as indicated by minor gaps where broken or improper fasteners had been applied, however its not immediately noticeable until inspected closely. They also implicated a leaking rear axle on the passenger side. They say the pinion shaft, seal and spacer need replacement as well. On the front end they stated the ball joints need replaced, upper on one side, lower on the other. The pinion shaft seal, spacer and crush sleave as well. Also the differential cover gasket should be replaced.

Those are the mechanical/suspension problems indicated to me so far. The alignment will cost me 70 bucks, with no guarentee that it will FIX anything, just might HELP find more problems. That is according to the first shop.

The second shop seemed much more definitive, and were able to detail much more of what needs to be done. All told, just labor from that second shop estimate would be about $1000, parts not included. I'm OK with that as long as it FIXES the problems. and gives me a relaible vehicle with no engine or drivertrain worries.

The minor stuff such as the loose polycarb, the passenger side window not opening (we did check the fuse) and minor body/tire wear I'm not too worried about.

So... not to kick a dead horse here, because most of you seem to think I should walk away from this VX, but I love the car. I can prolly get away with paying less than 5000k for it, and there are simply no others available to me without taking a whole weekend road trip to shop for another VX from another state somewhere.

BTW, I loved the attention it got everywhere I drove it. Tons of looks, and even was chased down and stopped by an attractive blonde just to ask me where I was able to find the car.

So... I ask again, run, walk, or buy, knowing fully well I'll sink a couple grand into it just to get it up to par.








The K&N filter is absolutely filthy. Also the plugs he pulled just out of curiosity were marred with rust as if some water had infiltrated the seals.

The ABS brake light stays on most of the time, but I wonder if that is because the rear axle is leaking fluid over the discs brakes... does that make sense? He also indicated than many people simply disable ABS in areas that do not get snow/ice and that also may cause the light to be on.

Again GRIF

In here we want all members to be a happy VX'ers,help them solve their issues & other stuff.

Just follow our advise.

If you gonna spend $ 5000 & then spent another $ 2000/2500 why don't get that $$$ altogether & buy a good running VX ?

Why don't you just hold on for few weeks & look around for VX's in better running conditions.

In my personal experience i was out there for a black VX with the grey/black interior,never had the opportunity to get one,but looked at others VX's & decided to grab this astral silver which onlyu had 38K on it full stock conditions.

For the 7k you are willing to spend you can get a Vx with around 100K or less without all those issues.

Howevere we all wish you the best !

[VX KAT]

After reading all the details you were able to ascertain, I'm struck by the apparent severe lack of maintenance...if the K&N filter was that dirty, the tire wear was really apparent, there was evidence of the tires rubbing, the rear axle fluid leaking, the pinion shaft seal, ball joints, diff cover gasket, etc.......sounds like the PO may have really rode it hard & put it away wet!

I certainly can't speak for all the forum members, but I'd never let SO MANY serious issues go unaddressed, it just makes me feel the PO has been really REALLY hard on the truck and it's been neglected. Again, I'd run away, but maybe the info you can get after the alignment will help.

just my .02 cents!