found a vx with a ex tranny...... will this hurt MPG alot?

Yes definitely. It's not a big deal though because you can always swap it out for a VX tranny, that EX tranny makes for a nice spare though. You could also just switch out the final gear for one that comes in a VX into that EX and it should make it like a VX tranny; though a tranny swap would probably be easier.

I didn't think I would be searching for this car for so long and the more I search the more I'm starting to lean towards a Insight. sure its more money, but like everything fuel efficient they seem to hold there value if not go up in value

I'm finding great cars out of state about 500 miles away. what are somethings I should make sure of before I were to say make a trip (fly) to purchase a car)

Get as many pics of the car as possible, get the vin number and have somebody on this site run a carfax report for you. I flew to Philly from Ga to get mines and it turned out great. Whats the worst that could happen? If you dont like it you can fly back home? sometimes you have to leap out on faith, especially if its a good deal and you feel comfortable with it. What did you find?

Well I haven't found any great deals, but I live near San Fransisco, and these price are sky high! so the one I'm finding are at Oregon priced fair at bluebook, so I consider that low.