Q's about VX model differences

[tysamigo]

This is a great group with rapid responses, very active and I LOVE IT!!

Before I purchase my VX I had some questions I'm hoping some of you can help me with.

I basically have a choice in buying exactly what I want down to the color (proton) but I will have to pay a lot to have it shipped across country and the mileage is about 79K.

My other choice the vehicle is just a few hundred miles away and is described as great condition with an extended warranty (which I still have to verify). It is less money, closer to me but is NOT the color I want, it is black.

My questions are:

1. When the VX's were available, what "packages" or options could someone add to it from a base model?

When I look at VXs online for the most part they have the same things, but I also know that some car manf. will have a package in which better engine components are used. I'm not a mechanic so I don't know the "lingo" but for example one model is 3liter while another is 3.5. One has a special brake system while the other does not, etc.

When I shop for a VX, what should I ask the owner as far as what "package" is installed on the vehicle?

2. If I bought the vehicle that is NOT the color I want, would you recommend painting it (from my authorized Isuzu dealer)? Would it then be identical to a Proton? Or did the Proton come with special features versus other models?

Basically I want the Proton but if I can find a lower mileage VX and paint it to the Proton, would it then be identical or would there be a difference in "packages" or "features"?

Thanks so much for your help,

It means MORE than you know...

Tyler
Louisville, KY

[Triathlete]

Differences...
99's have 16 inch wheels
00-01's have 18 inch wheels and a bit better climate control
only package available was the "ironman" edition that came with a few ironman decals on the exterior, ironman engrained in the front seats, and came only in Victory White...other than that identical to all other VX's
The only available options were the roof rack (near impossible to get now) and a rear cargo area mat.
The only problem with repainting the Ebony to Proton is the interior. Protons have black and grey interior. The Ebony has black and red interior.

[vxDAKINECHICvx]

I guess I never realized that color was a major factor.......but I guess everyone likes what they like. I love all VX colors.

Still want to paint that cladding black though....

[tysamigo]

OK now I think I understand.

So basically the "motor" of the VX is the same for ALL models? The only difference would be a few cosmetic stickers for the Ironman package, towing, and ski rack/storage rack? I have seen some models with 6 disc changers. I don't use CDs and I carry all music on a 80gb MP3 player so it doesn't matter to me.

I just wanted to ensure as far as the engine/motor is concerned that there are no differences that I need to look out for.

Is all of this correct?

If so then maybe it would be in my best interest to find the lowest mileage vehicle that is most affordable and then paint it to the color I want which is Proton. I LOVE the red/black interior so if the Ebony already has it (and this is one of the VXs I'm looking at) then I wouldn't have to go out there and purchase new red/black seats (which was my original intention). I could simply buy the VX, paint it yellow and have a nice day

Tyler

[ZEUS]

There is a guy that goes by the user name "Chopper" who owns an auto body shop who can answer any painting questions for you better than anyone else - he is very forthcoming with information. You could send him a PM and I am sure he would respond very soon. Sorry to volunteer you Chopper!

Something some folks have done is remove the red parts of their seats and have an interior shop sew in yellow to match their Proton's skin - looks real trick! So if you are going to take the painting route you could take it a step further by doing that. A search in the gallery may show you the pics of the yellow trimmed interior... Happy hunting!!!

[ZEUS]

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/sh...php?photo=1084

Hopefully this link will work. This is the only pic I found.

[JAFO]

The only problem with repainting the Ebony to Proton is the interior. Protons have black and grey interior. The Ebony has black and red interior.

Actually not all Ebony have black and red. Mine has black and grey.

VehiCROSS Production Numbers
------------------------------
Ebony Black Red/Black 564 in 1999, 51 in 2000, 87 in 2001, 702 total.
Ebony Black Gray/Black 138 in 2000, and 226 in 2001, 364 total.
http://www.wildtoys.com/Vehicross/history.asp

Ebony with grey/back is more rare.