Looking for advice on 1st time VX buyer please

[Cobrajet]

If you are hesitant about buying a VX, then you might want to look elsewhere.

I truly believe that the VX is best suited to someone who says "...I always wanted one, and now I can afford it!" If you see a VX and say "WOW!! That is so cool! I WANT ONE!!", then you may be a candidate for VX ownership. If you can honestly say "I don't care about the mileage. I don't care about the poor rear visibility. I know I'll have to keep an eye on the oil and tire pressures and windows. I NEED THIS VX!", then join the club.

I've been a happy owner for over six years, and bought my VX new. It's been my daily driver ever since, and just went over 109,000 with no major problems. My windows work, my CD player works, my engine doesn't leak oil, and she starts and runs like new. If I had more space in my garage I would probably own another (or two... or three.) But, it is not for the faint of heart. Commit yourself, and buy one!

[Ldub]

It also helps if you know how to turn various wrenches etc., or know of a good mechanic who is familiar with imports since there will be no more Isuzu dealerships in a couple of years.

[Pepino]

if you decide to get one let me know i know about a foxfire red with around 50kmiles really close to me

[Joe Isuzu]

Just to reemphasize what's been said, you get piss-poor mileage, like 14-18 no matter if city or highway, I say piss-poor as nearly everyone asks me if I get good gas mileage b/c it's relatively small for an SUV, it's really HEAVY for a smaller SUV though
The ride will never be comfortable but it ranges from acceptably firm to waking up your passenger hard, a lot depends on the state of your shocks as well
tire noise is a little high, then again, this likely isn't a vehicle you will be driving regularly at 70+, visibility to the rear is pretty bad, I'm fairly tall so that helps but it's not really good no matter what
another thing, if you are tall, learn to duck your head when entering or else you'll donk your head on the roof every time
Now, with all that in mind, you're left with a really cool, really rare, relatively low-maintenance vehicle, the cladding is really nice as well as you don't have to worry about door dings, for such a rare vehicle they're cheap to find on the used car market
it has snappy acceleration and handles relatively well also, I enjoy driving it, don't know if I can say that when I'm older with a bad back but for now, it will be with us for a good long time
hope this helps

[Ldub]

Oh yeah...I forgot to add, I wouldn't trade mine for anything that's been built since. There's nothing that even comes close in the smiles per mile category.
I've seen eurozoticars turn heads, but also had the drivers of those same beasties come over & ask about my humble Isuzu.
But as has been stated, you gotta commit.

[sayteller]

Wow, great info! Thanks to all who replied, it really helps. I guess have some thinking to do on the matter. I think this may be my wife's DD for the time being until we have kids, plus we would probably use it for camping and whatnot. Is the 4WD touchy or "sticky"...I know some SUVs have a tendency to have their 4WD be pretty rough as far as it going in and out of gear? We are going to test drive 2 today so I will let you all know how it goes. Thanks again!

[etlsport]

ive never had any issue with mine going into 4wd... just put it in neutral and move the lever... lol theres good THUNK involved with it but its not violent or anything