VX prices plummet!

[Joe_Black]

The VX is pretty much a niche car and will likely never see any serious valuation above normal market prices within the next 20 years. Somewhere down the road it may gain some value, but very unlikely. There are rarer and more unique limited production vehicles out there that only extreme enthusiast have any interest in, and there all dirt cheap. A few examples: Toyota FX16 GTS, Mazda 323 GTX, Isuzu Trooper RS (1st Gen). Those were all "sleepers" and represented significant industry firsts (the Toyota was the first built in the US) or very limited production (1st gen Trooper RS only saw 2500 units) and yet any can be had for a pittance. If you can find one.

Buying a vehicle as an investment is an immediately suspect decision at best. The market is so fickle even for bonafide collector cars that it's truly the capital trade of the extremely wealthy. As a VX owner the true value of the vehicle is what it means to you, as an individual enjoying a truly individual truck.

[driver3]

Good luck getting mine, I know what it's worth...

[transio]

VX Value Benefits:

1. Low production numbers - you will rarely see another one on the road
2. Unique, attractive styling - it really looks like a concept vehicle on the road
3. Attention-getting appeal - people always look at you and ask about it
4. Great performance - 'Zu base + TOD = solid on and offroad.
5. Borderline collectability - It's probably not ground-breaking enough to become a true collector's car, but has some significant advances in cross-over vehicles, and low production numbers, which could make it collectable at some point (in the distant future).

VX Value Deficits:

1. Age - as time goes on, the vehicle will become more expensive to maintain
2. Poor utility - poor fuel efficiency, uncomfortable inside, and not much cargo room

Despite the deficits, I believe the VX presents enough benefits to hold off significant depreciation. Long-term, I think the VX will come back in value. I think '01 Protons will be the most valuable of the group. These are my opinions, of course. Let's see how well they hold up over the next 5-10 years!

[bumblebee]

If you're going to sell a VX - don't sell it cheap. A 2001 VX should go for about $18,000 in good condition, not $9,000. Personally, I wouldn't sell my 2001 Proton for anything less then $20,000. However, you'll never see mine for sale in my life time. It's till death do us part.

[mbeach]

I can't stand to see anyone offer their VX for sale for anything less than $15k.
Yet, it's been happening a lot over the last few months.
It makes me feel like I'll be stuck with mine forever. (I like them, but I'd also like a new truck, and a station wagon, and a sports car, and a Unimog, and a track car, and a motorcycle, and, well, you get the point.)

[driver3]

I agree.. except for the unfortable part.. I've driven mine across the country twice... I love the recaros.. they feel nice to me.. not sure about the back seat though.. never riddin in the back before... : )

[dkmiller68]

The good side of falling prices is that when I wear this one out, the next one will be affordable.

[kpaske]

I agree with driver3 about the comfort. I think some of the best things going for the VX is the comfortable ride, on and off road, as well as the great Recaro seats. I too have driven up and down both coasts several times, as well as across the country, and I always look forward to a road trip in my VX. If it weren't for having to stop every 300 miles to fill up for $40+ I would probably take a lot more road trips than I do.

The depreciation is actually one of the things that keeps me in my VX. I've had mine since 1999 when they still cost $30k+ and now that it's finally paid off, I don't plan to replace it for many years to come. It's great not having a car payment, but more importantly, I've dumped so much money into it, it still owes me another couple hundred thousand miles.

[shoota77]

As someone who's driven from boston to anchorage...and back...i'm going to have to agree and say the seats are daaamn comfortable. even on those crazy alcan "roads"