Here's the questionnaire:

A while back some of us put together a pretty detailed checklist to help buyers and sellers check important details. We also included some "VX specific" issues that have arisen over the 13 years. It doesn't cover everything, and don't be intimidated by how long it is.

Just pick and choose whatever you want from this list....it's just a tool to get you started!

Good luck!

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DETAILED VX QUESTIONNAIRE /CHECKLIST FOR BUYERS OR SELLERS

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ENGINE:

  • Is it the original engine?
  • Does it start easily/readily?
  • Does it run smoothly or is there any strange sounds or hesitation,choking, etc ?
  • Does it seem to idle smoothly, or is there any irratic racing on the tach, or other irregular idle, etc ?
  • Anything (noises/clinking/whinning etc...) noticed when it's under load?
  • Timing belt changed?
  • Evaluate engine bay- clean? dirty? Any evidence of leaking fluids of any type??
  • Evaluate fluid levels.
  • Evaluate air filter- excessively dirty? OEM or after-market?
  • Any known issues with it?
  • Any oil consumption noted, under ANY conditions?.....dripping, blowing smoke from exhaust or just consuming it
  • (some seem to consume some when on prolonged highway driving)
  • What type of fluids (synthetic oil or regular, motor oil, diff, tranny, transf case)?



TRANSMISSION:

  • Is it the original tranny?
  • Does it shift smoothly between all gears? Both up and down?
  • Any unusual noises or clunking when shifting?
  • Is there a slight delay before the gear engages when shifting? (lash)
  • Any known issues with it?



MISC PERTAINING TO ENGINE & TRANNY:

  • Any fluids dripping, ever?
  • Last time & what fluids have been changed?
  • Any unusual /excessive vibrations in engine or tranny, etc... - very subjective of course
  • Any problems with motor mounts?
  • Any unusual flashing of any lights on dash or shifter? (Mode selection switch may be bad)



TOD / 4-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM:

  • Any problems with the TOD (Torque On Demand) system?
  • Any clunking in tranny when decelerating or accelerating?
  • BRAND, MODEL AND SIZE OF ALL 4 TIRES
  • Do all 4 tires match in brand, size, model & wear?
  • How long have these current 4 tires been on?
  • Estimate of how much tread remains?




SUSPENSION / BODY / UNDERCARRIAGE / ETC:

  • Are they still running the original OEM shocks? If not, replaced with what?
  • Has muffler ever been replaced? What's the status of the current muffler? Rusted, surface rust, etc? OEM, after-market? (Since, as I understand it, these mufflers are no longer available, so an aftermarket one with some modification to the pipes may be required.)
  • Has it had to go through emissions testing recently? (Some states require for registration, some don't)
  • Ever been lifted or had torsion bars cranked?
  • Condition of CV joints and CV boots? (Can be damaged after being lifted)
  • Battery- status, condition and age
  • Inspect thoroughly for rust!! Any evidence of rusted bolts anywhere?
  • Status of front bumper reinforcement bar? (Often rusts off completely)
  • Status of rear license plate light/socket/bracket -(often severely rusts) -will give indication if it was in a rust belt area.




WINDOWS:

  • Electric windows work properly or bind?
  • Condition of window rubber track/gaskets...(many have ripped or been cut)
  • Look behind door panels to see if vapor barrier is present - (may indicate previous work on windows)
  • Window regulator /motor been replaced?




BRAKING SYSTEM:

  • Any ABS issues, dash light illuminated, or other problems?
  • Original OEM brake pads or replacements?



INTERIOR:

  • Condition of leather seats...scrapes, rips, tears, wear, abrasion, driver's side seat bolster
  • Condition of leather steering wheel - (often heavily scraped up)
  • Condition of inside door opening levers & mechanism (sometimes broken)
  • Condition of levers that bring seat back forward to allow access to rear seats (often broken)
  • Condition of 4 screw knobs on interior rear door panel (often break off)
  • OEM CD player still work correctly or ERR3 code? Any jammed CDs?
  • Any odors inside, such as smoke or dank/damp?



EXTERIOR:

  • PAINT: Condition, scratches, dents, oxidation, matching panels, etc...
  • CLADDING: Evaluate/describe condition of all cladding - scrapes, holes, deformation, dryness, chalky appearance, any evidence of being "painted" or "treated" in any way? Includes Rhino-liner, Line-X, GatorBack, etc...
  • Are all cladding screws present? Any striped?
  • Ever taken off road?
  • OEM or after-market tail pipe?
  • Status of tail pipe - any deformation may indicate off road use
  • Status of rear lower cladding & rear gas tank skid plate- scrapes may indicate off road use
  • Status of undercarriage overall - scrapes, damage, etc... may indicate off road use
  • Does it have an OEM roof rack?
  • Are the 4 OEM rail caps in place and/or available?




REPAIRS / SERVICE HISTORY:

  • Any service history records?
  • Any known repairs?
  • Any extra parts on hand?



MISC:

  • For 2000 and 2001 model, OEM chrome wheels peeling on backside?
  • Determine the history of the car's physical location, if possible (i.e. East Coast, potential rust, desert, etc)
  • Any "mods" done not mentioned above?
  • How long have you owned it?


revised 3/5/12