2000 Isuzu VehiCROSS

SUV

3.5L 3475CC V6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated

Automatic

JACCN57X0Y7D00351

Clear

Gasoline

I offer you the remains of my favorite car ever. I rode her hard and put her away wet too many times. And then there’s the time I bumped the lady ahead of me really hard … If not for the failed transmission, I’d still be driving this. The 24-valve 3.5-L V6 is a screamer (this was the fastest production SUV in 2000). Even after almost 170,000 miles, it runs very strong. I charged the battery, and the engine started easily and idled smoothly. This came very loaded (Ricaro leather racing seats, heated mirrors, A/C, etc.) Two factory options were installed: 6 CD changer and luggage rack. Also, this has 18” wheels (early models had smaller wheels). This is a rare vehicle. It was made for only 3 years, and only 4,500 were made total. It was intended for off-road fun, so it was built very tough. The suspension is very stiff. So here are the problems: The transmission slipped badly and activated the check engine light. This is when I had to stop driving it because the light means an automatic fail for emissions testing. After I parked it, the transmission dumped a bunch of fluid. The front end is damaged, including the radiator core support, hood, A/C condenser, and bumper cover. I have a new aftermarket condenser and a junkyard core support. The fan shroud is damaged, as is the top of the plastic grill insert. (I kept the grill out to make it easier to open the hood, as the release cable doesn’t work.) The plating is peeling off the wheels. The A/C does not work. The winter driving mode failed a few years ago. The driver window switch failed, but I bypassed it and installed a rocker switch. I lost the radio antenna (unscrewed it, left it on the rood, and drove off). The CD player doesn’t work. I lost the alarm fob (it wasn’t working anyway). After 10+ years on Chicago winter roads, there is some frame rust. The frame is substantial, though, so it will still be a while before anything important breaks from rust. The exhaust is a bit loud, so there's probably a hold or break in the exhaust pipe somewhere. The leather seats are worn but not torn. The 3.5 V6 was known for oil consumption, and this one is no exception. I checked the oil weekly when I was driving it regularly. It usually needed a quart every 2-3 weeks. After sitting for 18 months, the rear driver tire does not hold air very well. One month before I parked it, I spent $500 on the brakes, including a new master cylinder. More brake work was still needed. The tires have 30-40K on them. I’m offering this for a bit more than salvage value in hopes that someone will keep this alive. I wanted to hang onto it and drive it again someday, but I just have too many projects. This is not drivable. Buyer is responsible for picking up the car as is, where is. Please plan on picking it up on a weekend or evening. Cash only.