Tell me if this is a good deal or not...

[HnB]

Thanks for all the replies.

I ran the CARFAX report, and this is what it tells me:

This SUV has had 4 owners and was owned in Maryland and Pennsylvania. It was originally registered as a corporate lease vehicle. The leasing company actually owned this vehicle and collected payments from a company, like a bank or firm, until the vehicle was sold or the lease expired. These vehicles are typically used for business purposes.

It has had no minor or moderate accidents reported to CARFAX.

It has had no DMV-reported total loss events, like a major accident, fire or flood.

It has not been reported by a DMV as having an Exceeds Mechanical Limits or Not Actual Mileage title.

It has a consistent mileage history with no indication of an odometer rollback. It was driven an average of 9,855 miles per year, which is lower than the industry average of 15,000. The last odometer reading, reported on 03/01/2006, was 64,106 miles.

It was not reported by a DMV as a Manufacturer Buyback or LEMON.

It has no recalls that still require repair.

The fact that it may have been used for business makes me slightly leary, but nothing else strikes me as a potential problem.

This must not be an Ironman, since it's not white and the CARFAX report doesn't say anything about Ironman. I'm not sure what the difference is anyway.

Ruflyf, as far as I can tell, everything is stock. I'm no expert on VXs, but nothing struck me as being modified.

I'll have to think about this some more. Though the business use may mean nothing, it's enough to give me pause. People never treat cars they don't own well.

Thanks for all the replies!

[transio]

I wouldn't be concerned about the business usage. Seems from the verbage that it was a company car driven by an exec.

[Tobert]

Perhaps they're saying it's Ironman because of the black/red interior, like my Ebony has?

[Ruflyf]

I agree with Transio, about the corporate ownership, you can tell from the carfax who put the most mileage on the vehicle. Also are there any fluids (ANY AT ALL) leaking? Oil pan dry, etc.? Also look at the windshield closely, any cracks? I havent priced them but i would imagine they are quite expensive due to the low run numbers.

The carfax in general sounds pretty good, and its definately a good price. Look closely in the door jambs, engine compartment for touch-up overspray.

I wouldnt be too worried about the maintenance record, they are very nice to have, very calming to the nerves, BUT the reality is most people dont keep them. I happened to get lucky buying mine, it was from the owner of Planetisuzu.com, he kept records of EVERYTHING, mileage, oil, gas fill ups, even where it was driven to and the miles to get there. While all of this is comforting, I unfortunately have not kept up the records, does that make me not as good of a vx owner, not really, I just dont ever plan to sell it, so why record what I know I do to it, plus I cant seem to find the time. (that make any sense?)

I can tell you I absolutely love mine and the responses it gets from people.

STEP 1 after you buy it, change everything to synthetic
STEP 2 enjoy

[mistermg]

Greetings! I agree with above and would like to add my 2 cents. I have owned my 2 VXs less than 90 days and know a little about cars and Isuzu........
Seems all 99s had red/black interior
Many have mixed opinion about the climate controll....99s simple system-good! less cost to fix_ good-
99s had 16 inch wheels and are less costly to replace tires. 18s on the 2000 and 2001 look cool!
Ironman was a dress up option with decals, floor mats and logo in front seats. Also came with crossbars for roof rack. All were white.

Drive this VX from cold(feel engine) for at least 30 miles and 1/2 hour. Try everything. See if you can deal with no rear window vision, kinda like a van with curtains! See how it shifts when warm and coming to a light. Any clunks or sloppy shifts? Does it run rough cold? does it sound good. Feel good. It should have lots of power and few rattles and noises. Smell it for foul oders under the seats...mice-dogs-kids ect. Make sure jack and handle(2 pc) are in it. Do you have a Isuzu dealer or real mechanic you trust. Ask them if they will work on it? Check windows. still looking for one without window trouble.....
If it passes the road test and all above seems right, and u still like it, I say BUY! remember insurance may be more than what you are used to. Sounds like a good price if all is really excellent as suggested ........Good luck.!! You can find alot of info here...just have to spend time looking!!