Greetings from the SF Bay Area...
I remember the first time I saw the VX was back in design school looking through the Japanese Car Styling magazines back in 1994. I happened to see an image of the VX in one issue and my first reaction was "YECH!" Who would want to buy that thing!
Five years later, just gotten over a bad relationship, I was looking for something to fill that emptiness I felt. A co-worker had asked me if I saw the new Isuzu Vehicross yet and I didn't even know what he was talking about. He said it was the coolest thing out there and hasn't been released to the public yet. So I immediately ran to the computer to check it out on Isuzus site and there it was...love at first sight! I told my co-worker that I was going to get it! Of course, he thought I was full of it.
After work, I went home and spent all night doing research on the net. I even called the local dealers the next day and found out that you have to put a deposit down and be on a long waiting list. I sent a deposit to a dealer and had to endure an agonizing wait for that phone call. After about a month, I called the dealer and they told me it may come in next week. I called the dealer then and they just kept giving me the same story. Finally, I decided to give up and had them rip up the check. This was in April 1999.
One weekend at work, I decided to call a dealership in San Jose just see if they would know when they may receive any VXs. And to my surprise, they said they had a silver one on their showroom floor. I drove like a maniac to the dealership and like a dream, with the majestic violins in the background, there it was.
It was the first time I got to check this vehicle out up close and personal. And it wasn't too long that the salesman asked if I wanted to go for a spin. So, I did. Again, I heard the violins play even louder as I drove through the streets and noticing all the reactions from other drivers around me. I felt like I was in a presidential limo or something. Upon my return, I was hooked. I was in the middle of a lease of a 1999 Honda Passport but I wanted out. They worked out the paperwork for me and I ended up paying a little more than todays prices. But I didn't care. You can't put a price on the feeling I got driving home with this baby four hours later.
Today, I had returned my leased Astral Silver back in May '01 for a brand new purchase of a '01 Ebony. I've had a few problems with the '01 than the '99. But, all were taken care of under warranty. To this day, I'm still at awe with the fine styling and engineering feats that Isuzu has temporarily displayed in the making of the VX. No other vehicle, except for the VX-O2 and VX-4, even comes close. In fact, it is because of the radical styling of the VX-O2, that has inspired me to start Vehicross Concepts. Koodos to my wife, Cindy, as she has supported me through the long nights and weekends while getting the VXC in full gear.
I have been a member of the VX community way back and have seen how things have changed. This board and its members have been through a lot. With little or no support from Isuzus marketing along with the aftermarket industry, we've managed to strive against all odds to survive as a strong member of the 4wd community and put our name out there for the world to recognize.
And it's nice to finally move into a decent home with decent people. Thanks Scott and Tone for leading the way. Never have I seen such a group of good people unite from throughout the globe over one little vehicle.
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