Decisions and more decisions

[leanit]

Hello Gang,
It has been awhile since my last post. I'm always lurking and reading several posts and trying to catch up on any new news. While away, I got back into motorcycles and golf which consumed most of my time. Before warmer weather comes our way, I have considered upgrading doing service work that is required. My wife, on the other hand, wants me to sell my pride and joy.
She has never appreciated what a great and rare ride our VXs are. She recommends selling it and trading in my Mazda 6 gran touring wagon and getting a Subaru Outback.
I'm not sure what I can get for selling the VX nor do I know what to expect as far as service requirement/cost. So gang, a little help might help me shut down the chatter box and the vote to sell.
I appreciate all of your input, Leanit

2001 Isuzu VehiCROSS (IronMan edition)
(the good)
87,300 miles
garage kept always
new Goodyear Fortera TripleTreds
K&N air filter
Valvoline Synthetic 10w-30

(the bad) small crack in cladding on the bottom driver's right side (camera can not pick it up)
CD player has never worked
pasenger side window not working properly but locked in up position

Selling price or what should I expect?

Service requirements?
Transmission/rear-end -
timing belt -
other items? -
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...hotos_022.jpg][/url]

[circmand]

and/or look at your owners manual for serrvice. If we do not know what you have done we can not recomend what needs done.

In addition 75-100K has the 1st major service requirements. If they have been done (which we do not know) the price will be several K higher than if they have not been done. Also as far as price search this site for VX questionaire. Fill it out and post here along with pics. You are asking for a price based on a very limited description from a biased (Seller) source.

In addition do pics from a sales point of view not a magazine (hide the flaws) point of view. Right now you are at anywhere from $4000 to $10000

[Mile High VX]

so we can help you make an informed decision:

~Any service history records?

~How long have you owned it?

~Electric windows work properly or bind?

~Condition of window rubber track/gaskets...(many have ripped or been cut)

~Look behind door panels to see if vapor barrier is present - (may indicate previous work on windows)

~Window regulator /motor been replaced?

~Any oil consumption noted, under ANY conditions? (some seem to consume a little when on prolonged highway driving)

~Chrome wheels peeling?

~Any ABS light problems?

~OEM CD player still work correctly or ERR3 code? Any jammed CDs?

~Any problems with TOD?

~Any clunking when decelerating or accelerating?

~Brand & model of tires & approx tread remaining-

~Do all 4 tires match in brand, size, model & wear?

~How long have these current 4 tires been on?

~Timing belt changed?

~Original OEM brake pads or replacements?

~Any fluids dripping, ever?

~Last time & what fluids have been changed?

~What type of fluids (synthetic oil or regular, motor oil, diff, tranny, transf case)?

~Evaluate/describe condition of all cladding - scrapes, holes, deformation, dryness, chalky appearance, any evidence of being "painted" in any way?

~Are all cladding screws present? Any striped?

~Condition of 4 screw knobs on rear door panel (often break off)

~Condition of inside door opening levers & mechanism (sometimes broken)

~Any unusual /excessive vibrations - very subjective of course

~Any problems with motor mounts?

~Determine the history of the car's physical location, if possible (i.e. East Coast, potential rust, desert, etc)

~Inspect thoroughly for rust!! Any evidence of rusted bolts anywhere?

~Status of front bumper reinforcement bar? (Often rusts off completely)

~Status of rear license plate light/socket/bracket -(often severely rusts) -will give indication if it was in a rust belt area

~Evaluate engine bay- clean? dirty? Any evidence of leaking fluids of any type?? Evaluate fluid levels.

~Evaluate air filter- excessively dirty? OEM or after-market?

~Has muffler ever been replaced? What's the status of the current muffler? Rusted, surface rust, etc? OEM, after-market? (Since, as I understand it, these mufflers are no longer available, so an aftermarket one with some modification to the pipes may be required.)

~Has it had to go through emissions testing recently? (Some states require for registration, some don't)

~Ever been lifted or torsion bars cranked?

~Condition of CV joints? (Can be damaged after being lifted)

~Battery- status, condition and age

~Any unusual flashing of any lights on dash or shifter? (Mode selection switch may be bad)

~Any odors inside, such as smoke?

~Condition of leather seats...scrapes, rips, tears, wear, abrasion, driver's side seat bolster

~Condition of leather steering wheel - (often heavily scraped up)

~Condition of levers that bring seat back forward to allow access to rear seats (often broken)

~Does it have an OEM roof rack?

~Are OEM rail caps in place and/or available?

~Ever taken off road?

~OEM or after-market tail pipe?

~Status of tail pipe - any deformation may indicate off road use

~Status of rear lower cladding & rear gas tank skid plate- scrapes may indicate off road use

~Status of undercarriage overall - scrapes, damage, etc... may indicate off road use

~Any known repairs?

~Any extra parts on hand

[deermagnet]

That is very nice Vehicross! It's in great shape, inside and out. You have the roof rack and the nice red interior without any cracks in the armrest. Mileage is not too high. A couple minor issues, but nothing too bad.

Just based on this post, I think people would happily pay $9000 for that VX.

Mark Griffin

[vt_maverick]

I'd say $2000 at best. The CD player, window, and cladding crack problems plus the looming 100K maintenance knock several thousand off the price. To me it really doesn't make sense to sell it given how little it's worth, I would just hold onto it.

Okay now that's what you tell your wife. In reality it's a really nice VX, and I could see you getting at least $7500 for it if you're willing to wait for the right private party buyer. You may struggle to get half that on trade-in (something your wife may want to consider if she's pushing you to dump it for that Subie).

[Mile High VX]

Pics are over a year old, but if the condition is still the same I would agree with VTmaverick.

If you find yourself needing to trade it in, please post what your trade in price is and see if someone here can pick it up for that price. It's sad when one this nice comes up for a "what if" and then later the owner trades it in without an enthusiast getting a chance to own it.

Good luck in keeping it...

[Amnesia]

I'd say $4500 range...

[mindaugas]

Are you getting a new or used Outback? Wife drives a 2002 OBW and it was $2k more than the VX and has higher miles. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love it. I recommend not selling the VX, you can keep it and have the best of both worlds.