Looking to buy a VX

[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?

[Tone]

If you have to ask an enthusiast's board, you probably should NOT get one. Low, low gas mileage, poor rear (and front to some degree) visibility, difficult rear seat access, declining resale value (ain't no investment, and short wheelbase/performance ride aren't for everyone. But then you've read all that by searching the board.... Warranty is a mute point unless you find a low mileage, single owner VX.

[creeg]

I dont think you are going to dissuade me that easily.

I want to see one in person, and then I will decide. but I appreciate the honesty!

I just want to know if these are notorious for any major problems. Like I said, I use to own a 1959 Studebaker, so Im no stranger to problems and a rough ride. Im not looking for a Ferrari look that drives like a Rolls Royce.

The only other factor is that Im 6'2". one review I read say that the front seats are pretty roomy. As long as that is the case, I think I will be very happy with one of these.