Doesn't look good for my VX future...

[89Vette]

* Everybody thinks their crappy vehicle is worth it's weight in gold.

Yeah, I get that. People want to get the most back out of their (expensive) vehicles -- but VERY few understand how to accomplish that. As KBB notes, less than 5% of vehicles can be considered in Excellent condition. I think that's because fewer than 5% of the population is willing to service, restore, and/or keep up a vehicle as required/recommended.

How many SUV owners NEVER consider changing diff/transfer case fluid? How many never change antifreeze? Or brake fluid, power steering, or transmission fluid. How many never apply leather conditioner to leather seats? Or weatherstripping conditioner? Or even wash underneath to remove corrosive salts/dirt that traps moisture?

Hardly any is the problem. Take that percentage and apply it to the number of VX's remaining in the U.S. People, it would be rare to find a well taken care of VX. (Though the percentage of good caregivers is bound to be somewhat higher on $30k automobiles. It's probably those multiple-owner-vehicles who let them go to crap -- thinking depreciation will escape their special world.

Granted, the best specimens (like I'm describing) have to warrant a good price. But, when it NOT there, it gripes me that people don't admit they're cheap-*** abusers!

I sold a 97 Limited Grand Cherokee one year ago for $4k. It had 140k miles but I done every service described above. I advertised and sold it for $4k because I felt it right for (still higher) gas prices back then, the environment, the next owner, etc.... I thought it was a fair price. (Actually, I sold it at "FAIR" price -- even though it was in "Excellent" condition. I was TOO "fair".) Compared to what I'm seeing in the used SUV market now, I should have asked retail. I was a slep by being fair.

FWIW, the VX seller (who's subject of this thread) said he wanted to sell to someone who'd better appreciate the VX mystique -- and take good care of it. Considering what it looked like, they knew NOTHING of that themselves. And, they expected someone else to pay for their neglect. According to them, they could give it to the kids, but knew they wouldnt' appreciate it. Pretty darn ironic IMO.

I also traded a 91 Cherokee in on CARS last summer. Though it only had 105k miles on it, the faded paint and age made me think it couldn't be worth more than $1500. It's engine -- as with the 97 JGC was clean and well-serviced. It did have rust underneath -- but it had to stay outdoors (for the vette). Still, it's rust wasn't more than the '99 VX that SHOULD have spent most (if not all) of it's life in a garage.

Every vehicle I've owned since 1985 has been in my possesion for at least 10yrs. I'm one of those few people who understand how to take care of them. That's the problem. I expect others to be as "smart". Since vehicles represent the biggest depreciation people incur, they assume neglect is the answer to minimizing that expense. In reality, it's the opposite.

Spend the time necessary to find THE vehicle you like, take good care of it, and it can last well beyond what you think. In that regard the VX seemed perfect for me. With regard to mpg, performance, utility capabilities, etc... it's not the best choice. I think most VX owners realize that -- and buy one anyway.