Just curious, VX resale info quest...

[tom4bren]

I paid $15K for mine but that included at least $5K for the 'offset from Hell'

[vt_maverick]

I certainly agree with others in this thread that there's no sales ROI for any mods or repairs you perform at this point. But I also wouldn't try to return your VX completely to stock, since some mods do add value. Good examples are Tone's hitch, door popper, seat extender, and bolt-on step bars. The seat extender and step bars are a free take-it-or-leave-it decision for the buyer, since they can easily remove them (and probably sell them) and return the vehicle to stock. And although the hitch and door popper require you to cut the cladding/plastic, they look OEM enough that I doubt most buyers would even notice or care.

On the other hand, mods such as lifts, superchargers, or any more extreme mods, especially to the exterior, can really hurt your resale value, as they are typically good tip-offs to the buyer that the vehicle may have been driven harder than average. Personally I can't wait to look into a lift or supercharger (really doubting I can talk the wife into that one though), but that's because I have no intention of selling it. That said it is possible to find buyers who are really interested in an off-road package, but you're depending upon a much smaller pool of buyers.

Just more food for thought...

[vt_maverick]

I paid $15K for mine but that included at least $5K for the 'offset from Hell'

And after seeing it in person I can vouch that it was a good investment for a wickedly different look (even for a VX).

[Gussie2000]

After reading over the forum for the past year I realize I probably paid the highest price of any recent purchase on here for my VX. I paid right at $14K for mine in April of last year, but there were a number of factors that played into my willingness to pay that price.

1. I absoutely wanted a 2000 Foxfire (rarest color in rarest year - only 90 made in 2000) - nothing else would do.

2. Over a six month timespan there were less than 6 2000 Foxfires for sale in the entire country, most of which were in salt states in the NorthEast or Midwest (no offense to guys that live there but I really wanted to avoid the inevitable rust).

3. I found my Foxfire about 200 miles from my house in Virginia, and it was the only one I had seen in my entire six month search window that was less than 1500 miles away. (I don't believe in buying cars over the internet or phone sight unseen, so that made my search significantly more difficult.)

4. It was absolutely, totally 100% stock with no evidence of mods of any kind. The only exception was that the original owner had Isuzu install an OEM backup sensor in the rear cladding, which I don't think really counts as an aftermarket mod. None of the glass had ever been tinted or damaged, and all of the original stickers were still on the windows (Isuzu OK, etc.)

5. The mileage was just a hair over 24K even though it was 8 years old when I bought it. You could probably eat off the engine cover.

6. No record or evidence of any accidents, damage, or paint/body work of any kind. The paint was in showroom condition with two very minor dents (looked like maybe the PO's kids accidentally bounced a basketball off the hood). There was some rust on the muffler and hubs, but nothing serious or irreplaceable. And the rims and headlights looked just like they rolled off the showroom floor.

7. The seats showed virtually no wrinkles and the carpet, mats, and plastic were immaculate.

8. Came with OEM roof rack.

9. Although it's had three owners before me, the seller supplied me with ownership and MX records down to the original window sticker and purchase paperwork. The first owner owned the VX for 5 years before selling it, and in that time only racked up 3-4K miles. The other two owners had only owned it for about a year, with both eventually deciding it was just too impractical for their needs (sounds familiar huh?).

So like others have said it's possible to get a good price for the VX, but you have to find the right (probably OCD) buyer who understands just how rare the vehicle is and places a high value on your color/condition.

Your input reafirms what i'm talking about is correct,the more the VX is in stock conds the better,no way any car with mods increase its value,it just don't happen & the reason for that is the fact that a potential new onwer wants its own mods done on it or probably none & not all taste & flavors are the same,this is the case with OSTEOMATA who bought his proton from NY with few mods & now he's wroking on it to bring it back to stock as much as he can.

The undercarriage rust is unevitable.My Vx is originally from massachussets & the under is rusty,however i bought it because the VX was in storage for almost 5 years 'till was auctioned.Now i flush it to prevent faster rust & had a very low mileage (38478) plus it was well serviced during the PO ownership

The mileage is also a big factor,plus the fact that isuzu is gone makes every thing worse,without important parts already out-of-stock & few to none dealers still offering isuzu parts nationwide.

This is why i said if this VX gets into a wreck will be 1rst & the last,yet still a VX'er for the rest of my life,period.

[tom4bren]

"the more the VX is in stock conds the better,no way any car with mods increase its value"

We'll have to agree to disagree on that one.

Cheaply done mods can kill resale value. Desireable mods can definitely increase the value. It's all in the advertising.

For instance, a supercharger - some want it & some don't. Advertise it such that it's something that the buyer can't live without. If they are worthy of owning such an awsome vehicle - they'll bite.

Another example, lift - if it's done right so the rig looks like it was made that way & you've worked out all of the bugs so the buyer is confident that they aren't buying a lemon - they'll bite.

Obviously modified vehicles are indeed a nitch market but are 'sell-able'. Don't do any more mods but don't undo anything you've already done.

Tom

[Riff Raff]

MAVERICK--- Most of the key points have already been made. Clean it up (including engine bay & change the oil), don't make any more mods (no new stereo), and definately market it on the web (AutoTrader.com, Vehix.com, Cars.com, etc).

Don't be afraid to sell it to a long distance internet buyer. Just be damn sure and use "ESCROW.COM" as the conduit to complete the transaction (the "buyer" pays all fees for ESCROW.COM and D.A.S. shipping/transport). You may be asked to drop it off at a nearby authorized D.A.S. terminal for shipment/transport. Remember, you're not looking for 100 buyers; you're only looking for 1 (he/she "IS" definately out there somewhere).

With your racing hobbies and lifestyle; then you're right, a used Van-nose type Camper RV with a heavy-duty trailer hitch would be perfect for you. Put a couple of Mountain Bicycles (for riding around camp) on the Van's front bumper and you're set. Keep your $500 "beater" for commuting to work. My "beater" commuter car is a 1980 Ford Fiesta that gets 41 MPG. Sweeeeeet!!!

MARLIN--- I think I hear Carrie Underwood's new hit song playing just for you..........................

[vt_maverick]

Just thought of another factor... In the search for my VX, I noticed that VX's with the red interior were consistently listed at a lower price point, even when the mileage, condition, and color were identical to VX's with the gray interior. So that's probably not good for owners with the red interior, since even a buyer who is obsessed with getting that color interior has plenty of cheap options to choose from.

[djvx]

I payed $10,500 for an 01 ebony with 54k on it. mint condition- summer '08 Chicago. from St. Charles Toyota (formerly Isuzu). One owner.

[JoFotoz]

I paid $13500....


...for a 99 Ebony with 10k miles...in 2004.


Low mileage gets $$$'s.


I have ALL original stuff....stock is 4-6 hours away....should I want to....miles still under 20k...

...but not after Moab this year!


I believe...rare value will kick in....eventually...'nother 5 years or so.

Cladding will get VERY EXPENSIVE...as will front and rear body panels.


JMHO...fwiw!


jo

[Maverick]

MAVERICK--- Most of the key points have already been made. Clean it up (including engine bay & change the oil), don't make any more mods (no new stereo), and definately market it on the web (AutoTrader.com, Vehix.com, Cars.com, etc).

Don't be afraid to sell it to a long distance internet buyer. Just be damn sure and use "ESCROW.COM" as the conduit to complete the transaction (the "buyer" pays all fees for ESCROW.COM and D.A.S. shipping/transport). You may be asked to drop it off at a nearby authorized D.A.S. terminal for shipment/transport. Remember, you're not looking for 100 buyers; you're only looking for 1 (he/she "IS" definately out there somewhere).

With your racing hobbies and lifestyle; then you're right, a used Van-nose type Camper RV with a heavy-duty trailer hitch would be perfect for you. Put a couple of Mountain Bicycles (for riding around camp) on the Van's front bumper and you're set. Keep your $500 "beater" for commuting to work. My "beater" commuter car is a 1980 Ford Fiesta that gets 41 MPG. Sweeeeeet!!!

MARLIN--- I think I hear Carrie Underwood's new hit song playing just for you..........................

thats pretty much the plan, ive already got the bikes! though i am looking at trading the honda for an early insight hybrid, which would again half my fuel expense, and its so weird its kinda cool, like the vx...


some great input , and i appreciate everyone taking the time to to help me out. ill forget about the radio and just make sure the truck is in the best shape it can be, as it it sits. I do think theres enough easily reversible light mods and rarer accessories (like the front plate filler panel) to make it appealing. the way it runs, im convinced shes got at least another 175k in her as well, very tight suspension and a great runner...

[KeithVXlvr]

I paid $6,200 for my "new" 2001 about 1.5 months ago. I got it from the 2nd owner and it had 55K. It is all original and by the time I got new tires and a couple repairs ( new fluids, some cladding, etc...) finished I have $9,700 in it.... ( Not counting airline ticket to go get it, Carfax Report, Licensing, etc....)

The reason I grabed this one is that it is all stock !! The tires were original tires, I got the roof rack, the original manuals - even the radio hangers etc... the original sale paper work including the original window sticker.

The tires I put on are 285/60R18's -- recceived great council from Riff Raff on the tire decision. ( the only non stock part on the car).

The Kelly BB on this rig is $12,500....... not sure what it would go for but, probably not that high.

All stock with low miles gets the higherst price. After making it the daily driver for 30 days it is now parked and will be taken out on weekend adventures only.

Stock Stock Stock. It goes anywhere any way !!

Mods are for Monkeys.

[JoFotoz]

LOL , if this is true....

Mods are for Monkeys.

Welcome to the Jungle!..

Mods are all about self expression...JUST LIKE THE VX is.

I do agree , stock sells...hence I have all my original parts and can put it back to stock anytime.


jo

[etlsport]

Mods are for Monkeys.

hah! guess my avatar is fitting then

[circmand]

My VX is my daily driver since I bought it new in June 2002 with 34 miles on it. My weekend driver is a 1974 Jensen Healey, even rarer then the VX. If you do not drive it a lot check with Hagegrty for an insured amount insurance policy. They are very inexpensive let you pick what you want to insure it for, give you 5000 miles a year for driving. You need to have a lockable location to store and proof of insurance on a daily driver to qualify. I have nt needed them except for road service but members of the Jensen Healey Preservation Society who have give rave reviews.

Some info: Less than 10,000 Jensen Healeys were shipped to the US in the 3 years they made them. Very few were made even in the UK. We still have parts sources and no issues. My main concern would be the cladding but maybe some sharp person will find a solution to fabricating it and go into a side business.

[Maverick]

ive used hagarty in the past for my 924's.. good stuff!


New pictures, taken today! :






















not too bad eh? still need to clean up the interior a bit, looked great but the camera picks up all the dust you cant see in the sunlight..