I test drove a VX today

[jdm monkey]

I found a VX in our area. It was a 1999 with 80K mi. silver with red leather interior and I love the recaro seat. The interior has a lot more space than I expected from a compact SUV and rear leg room was very good. I drove the car for a few miles. The ride was firm but the steering wheel felt detached. It doesnt respond too well. I stepped on the gas and nothing happens where did the 200+ hp and 200+torque? all I got is noise. There might be an exhaust leak somewhere. I found the "power" button on the console and tried it out to see if it gives what it says but still nothing happens. Is this normal for a vehicross?

[mbeach]

It could be a lot of things (lack of power).

Try another VX (or even a 3.5L Trooper) out -that way you have something to compare to.

Keep in mind, the VX weighs nearly 3900 pounds -200+hp might make it 'peppy' but not powerful...

[jdm monkey]

is it normally noisy inside (engine noise)?

[mbeach]

Again, it's tough to say. I've had a string of noisy cars, the VX is the quietest of the bunch.

With the stock exhaust, the VX is pretty quiet for a truck though.

[Hotsauce]

Make sure that the check engine light comes on with ignition(KOEO), but goes off with engine on.

Intake gasket and egr gasket failure are common on older VX, and an unscrupulous seller might pull the check engine bulb.

Either of these will cause loud engine and no power.


John C.

[VehiGAZ]

The steering can be tightened up in about 5 minutes, although my dealer said there was no adjustment. The instructions for the adjustment are on the board here (search "tighten steering"), as well as on the sister Isuzu site.

Not sure what to tell you about the engine - it should definitely have some get-up-and-go, but it's no rocket (unless it's supercharged).