New member, isuzu's are for sale but I need help deciding which one of these to buy?!

[vt_maverick]

What do you mean "Given the amount of money you are willing to spend"? I budget about 7 grand as my absolute cap, but is that actually enough to get, say, a 2001 Proton with 90k miles? When I look around they're looking much more pricey than that...

So herein lies the great paradox of used car buying: do you spend high and buy something newer and with fewer miles, or do you spend lower and use the difference to make it your own? I've been on both sides with the VX, as I bought my first one with 22K miles on it 4 years ago for $14K. Got a good amount of mods done on it before a drunk driver totaled it last fall, but most were just cosmetic in nature. When I went hunting again last fall I actually had more cash in hand than the first go-round due to the insurance pay-out, but I decided to buy a cheaper VX with more miles and use the money to do more serious mods (5-speed transmission swap so far, and at least one more this spring).

It probably will be hard to find a 2001 VX with 90K miles (regardless of color) for $7K or less unless it's on the rough side. On the other hand you're far more likely to find a 99 with a new engine or transmission (as you already have) for the same price. If you can live with 16" wheels (until you replace them), no automatic climate control, and a monotone color (silver, black, and white were your only options in 99) the latter may be the way to go.

[VXorado]

VXorado and Mile High are great guys, they both checked out my VX for me in Denver before I bought it and were a huge help in the negotiation and shipping process. Thanks again guys!

Btw, in case you didn't catch VXorado's joke above, the "unique additions" he refers to for Ironmans are just Ironman logo stickers.

Well thank you .

The Ironman additions are definitely not enough to sway a decision. The Ironman hood decal is usually faded and cracked which requires removal/reconditioning.

[Gussie2000]

If you can live with 16" wheels (until you replace them), no automatic climate control, and a monotone color (silver, black, and white were your only options in 99) the latter may be the way to go.[/QUOTE]

I don't think that the silver,the white and the black are monotone colors,they are the most popular colors up to today and that's why isuzu choose to offer back in 1999.

I neither see what could be wrong with the 16" wheels,these rims are more fitted for off roading then the 18" and i guess that's why isuzu also choose them over any other size.

The bottom line is that no matter what year is it do you best to find the BEST VX out there. 1999,2000 or 2001

[vt_maverick]

Thanks for the correction Gussie, I meant to say monochrome rather than monotone. I didn't meant to imply boring, only that "colors" were not available in that year. And poor choice of words as well on the 16's, should have said "if you like" them rather than "if you can live" with them. You are correct in that 16" wheels support a wider variety (and usually cheaper cost) of offroad tire. On the otherhand, if you're going for more of an on-road, "sport" feel a larger rim diameter (stock 18" or otherwise) may be a better choice.

Thanks for keeping me honest.

[VXR]

VTMaverick glad you agree with me that the Proton is the best

Proton yellow color which was available only on the 2000 & 2001 models and has VT's solid approval according to Circmand.

You two do realize you both drive a yellow car right???

[circmand]

You two do realize you both drive a yellow car right???

I drive two Yellow/Black cars. I got a 1974 Jensen Healey convertible that I restored (well my checkbook restored) That when it was stripped to bare metal I had painted Proton as well.

[ThornWeaver]

Hey VXorado and Mile High VX, I'll let you know what my decision is. Your offers are generous, and I'll only ask for that favor if I'm absolutely serious about that VX there.

Well well, I look away for a few hours and everyone lines up to help! I'm honestly floored by this group XD

Despite my mild paranoia about the internet, I'll give up my name as it's friendlier:
Hi everyone, my name is Cameron, and I'm an .... okay I'm not an alcoholic but I do like a good vehicle.

Even though this thread won't go on much longer (if it's like threads on non-VX forum) I have one more question: If Number 1 and Number 3 are equally preferred, and the trip back to UT makes them come out about even in price, and I care more about lower maintenance cost than the color--

Which one would YOU, personally, prefer for less repairs over the next couple years?

I'm assuming that the '99 in North Carolina, with 98k miles on it, will have less maintenance. Thoughts?
I'll be speaking with the dealers again today to go over that lovely list that was posted above ^ (good list, seems Very thorough).

Cheers,
~Cameron

[vt_maverick]

Let's hope they don't tell you to shove that list up your ***.

[ThornWeaver]

UPDATE:

Boltz is selling his for $5,500, on this thread http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...t=22019&page=2

Compared with my other options, maybe that should be at the top of the list... except the miles are high.

Aw man! My head is bursting with a combination of my desire to buy one, and the right one.

Halp.

[ThornWeaver]

Let's hope they don't tell you to shove that list up your ***.

Ouch! It's long list indeed

[vt_maverick]

UPDATE:

Boltz is selling his for $5,500, on this thread http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sho...t=22019&page=2

Compared with my other options, maybe that should be at the top of the list... except the miles are high.

Aw man! My head is bursting with a combination of my desire to buy one, and the right one.

Halp.

I would go ahead and call the other dealers today as you had previously planned, then compare their condition to Boltz's VX. Make a list of things you would want fixed (or would likely go bad in the next X miles and need to be replaced, such as a 150K engine) and what that would cost per VX (we can help you with that calculation). Add the purchase price to the reconditioning price for each VX and then compare to see where you stand.

[ThornWeaver]

I would go ahead and call the other dealers today as you had previously planned, then compare their condition to Boltz's VX. Make a list of things you would want fixed (or would likely go bad in the next X miles and need to be replaced, such as a 150K engine) and what that would cost per VX (we can help you with that calculation). Add the purchase price to the reconditioning price for each VX and then compare to see where you stand.

Okay, I'll do that after work :-)

[mborodi]

don't be afraid to buy "on-line long distance" -
... totally agree! I bought my Proton VX from a dealer online.. never needed to test drive it, every tiny bit of information I ever wanted was there. I did spend a lot of time (ok, not a "LOT".. 4 days) researching the few that were out there for sale and picking the right one.. (I've been wanting one since 99) because all sellers are not created equal.. trust your instinct.. talk to the seller a 100 times if need be.. one seller I came across seemed a bit hinky.. had no idea what he was selling.. and he was asking too much in my opinion.. (7800 for a 99 with 133K on the odo) trying to rush the sale, asking me to pay before I would drive the 3 hours to the other side of Florida.. nah.. I bought mine from a dealer in MA, flew up, hopped in, and drove it back to FL.. 1500 miles ($250 in gas) .. it was a fantastic ride and great to just cruise along in my VX.... there's one joker on ebay currently who has a VX posted for a "buy it now" for $17,900.. yeah.. dude.. smoke another one.. it has a "new" USED/rebuilt motor.. yippee.. the tranny's prolly trashed. Def have to do your homework.. you'll find one that "speaks" to you.. and like any other VX owners (should be) completely in love with their VX.. Mine's going to need a few things (window motors are slow and crabby) add on's I want.. but there's nothing better in the world than looking in the garage or driveway and seeing my VX..

[Ldub]

but there's nothing better in the world than looking in the garage or driveway and seeing my VX..

That one sentence says a LOT...about VX ownership in general...

Here's 2 U mborodi...

[mborodi]

seriously.. even with a kickass alarm system (motion detection inside & out w/perimeter alarm) and a GPS tracking device hard wired in.. Im sure I'd injure someone if they ever attempted to steal mine.. lol.. of course.. it does have a fresh coat of Proton yellow.. I'd have to think it would be seriously retarded to steal something so obvious.. but Im not obsessed with my VX or anything.. well.. ok.. a little.