what is the best year to look for ?

[vt_maverick]

Color selection expanded from only black, white, and silver in 1999 to include Dragon Green, Foxfire Red, and Proton Yellow in 2000-2001. The silver color tone also changed between those years, going from (I think, correct me if I'm wrong here guys) a lighter silver to a darker silver. For the interior Isuzu expanded from only red/black in 1999 to include gray/black options for 2000-2001. In my experience in searching AutoTrader, the red/black interior seems to hurt the resale value of 2000-2001 models vs. the gray/black scheme. This chart might make what I just wrote more clear:



So which year is better pretty much comes down to what color scheme you like and whether you want 16" (1999) or 18" (2000-2001) rims.

[circmand]

in a vehicle that has not changed much thge later years are better as any defects become known and corrected. While this did not happen with the windows the early VX did have an oil consumption/blown motor problem which was corrected. Also the 18s look better but can be put on the 1999s. Given their age I would suggest the best condition is now more important than any problem suffered by a particular year.

So in closing as long as you get a Proton you have a great VX.

[vt_maverick]

in a vehicle that has not changed much thge later years are better as any defects become known and corrected. While this did not happen with the windows the early VX did have an oil consumption/blown motor problem which was corrected. Also the 18s look better but can be put on the 1999s. Given their age I would suggest the best condition is now more important than any problem suffered by a particular year.

So in closing as long as you get a Proton you have a great VX.

+1 on all but the color part. I'd say unless you're just hard up for Astral Silver, you should look for a late in-service 2000 or 2001.

[Marlin]

There are more differences than just the climate control and the wheels. The AC compressor on the 01 is only on the VX, making it almost impossible to get one unless you go for a Japan model, which is close to $1K to replace. The 99-00 is about 100 bucks at autozone, pepboys etc...I modded an 01(02, I don't remember) trooper compressor, it works, but still expensive as you can't get that at an autoparts store either. They say they have it, but it is wrong part number. I tried already. So there are some other differences I am sure, since the compressor mounts and fittings and whatnot must be different too. So who knows what other little things are not the same?

[vt_maverick]

There are more differences than just the climate control and the wheels. The AC compressor on the 01 is only on the VX, making it almost impossible to get one unless you go for a Japan model, which is close to $1K to replace. The 99-00 is about 100 bucks at autozone, pepboys etc...I modded an 01(02, I don't remember) trooper compressor, it works, but still expensive as you can't get that at an autoparts store either. They say they have it, but it is wrong part number. I tried already. So there are some other differences I am sure, since the compressor mounts and fittings and whatnot must be different too. So who knows what other little things are not the same?

Huh, never knew that. Makes me happy to have dumb-lucked my way into a 2000!

[tom4bren]

Huh, never knew that. Makes me happy to have dumb-lucked my way into a 2000!

Me too & I even got one in the right color ... PROTON!!!!

[handeeman]

Me too & I even got one in the right color ... PROTON!!!!

IBMX2. I agree with pretty much everything said, condition is probably more important than model year.
Plus, if given a choice of colors keep in mind some Protons have been mistaken as Taxi's.