Looking to buy a VX

[creeg]

Hi- I just recently became aware of the VX, and want to buy one. But I want to get an idea about whether its a good buy.

Anyone want to offer some advice about:

1) whether its worth getting one

2) what a good price in the Los Angeles area might be

3) What year is the best (Im assuming the 2001)

4) anything I should watch out for when inspecting?

5) How rough is the ride? Im assuming that since it is 4wd, and it is made for some offroad, its not the smoothest- but its not as bouncy as a jeep wrangler, is it?

Im pretty good mechanically with older cars (used to own a 1959 Studebaker and loved it), and will consider this an investment in a hobby if I get one. But I want to make sure its not a lemon.

Ive seen some VXs on Autotrader.com, 2001, for around $16K-15K with 45K miles on them. I think thats a good price...

Thanks!

Craig

Any help is appreciated.

[thebear54]

Hey Craig...
Welcome to the board.
Now as to your questions:
1. Is The VX worth getting? My answer would have to be; not only YES, but HELL YES. I finally bought mine after an almost two year search and love every second of it. I too bought mine as a "Collector's type investment" because of the looks, reputation and their rarity.
2. What's a good price? Well I have seen them go for as little as 11K and go all the way to about 17K. Not bad considering the original 30K sticker price.
3. What's the best year? All three years are the same. The only major difference is the '00 and '01 went to 18" tires/wheels and offered more of a color variety. Other than that all the years are the same with the same features.
4. What to watch for? As with any "used car" watch for the normal basics. One major trouble point on the VX are the power windows which have a tendency to get out of place when going up. If the dealer won't fix them under warranty then there are many postings here to show you quick, easy fixes.
5. Rough Ride? Yes, the ride is a little roughter than your average Rolls-Royce but he...who cares, it's a VehiCROSS. The car was designed to go off-road but it has great handling and super looks.

As I said earlier, I purchased mine as a pure investment but I love driving it. I have taken the car to many car shows in the past two years and I love the expressions from the people who see the car for the first time. Consider that Isuzu only produced 4,803 VX models between 1997-2001. If and when you find one....GRAB IT
Good Luck.....John

[Ldub]

Hey Bear,
Not trying to be Mr. knowitall but, the 00 & 01 models also have climate control systems that I'll be always envious of.
Ldub

Oh yeah, Craig, If you like driving a car that hauls axe, handles well, goes most anywhere worth going, turns heads & draws small crowds...this is probably your kind of ride.

[VehiGAZ]

The warranty was longer on the '00 and '01 models, too, I thought.

[thebear54]

SO TRUE....SO TRUE...SO TRUE
Two good points, but not really enough to sway my vote on which year is better
John

[creeg]

Great- sounds like these are worth having. Thanks for the input.
There are 3 for sale within 100 miles of my zip code (los angeles: autotrader.com), so Im seriously considering it.

What about the mechanicals of the car? Ive not had any experience with Isuzus, so dont know their track record for reliability. Any insight there?