Considering purchase....

Hey Isuzu experts--

I'm looking at a 1998 Isuzu Rodeo S 4WD, 3.2 5 speed with 75K miles for around 9K.

Not familiar with the newer Isuzu; what can I expect in reliability?

EPA says 18-20mpg; is this in the neighborhood?

And as far as maintenance issues, are there any recurring/common problems I should watch out for?
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I'm scanning the forum, but wanted to see what other thoughts were out there.

Thanks in advance.

Fred- You'll find that reliabilty is much better compared to a similar domestic truck of that age/mileage. MPG's generally runs between 15-21 on the 3.2L, depending on how/where you drive it. $9K is WAY high. Zu's historically dont hold their resale well at all. $7K would be more like it.
G/luck
Joel

Thanks Joel, I thought 9 was a bit high too; checked Kelley Blue Book, which goes along with what you said.

So reliability = excellent then, that's good to hear. I was also looking a bit at Jeep Cherokees (NOT grand) to compare.....

yup 9 is way to high. check autotrader.com for a better idea on priceing. Also, I would recomend a 99 on up then a 98, only because 98 was the first year they came out with the new style rodeo. But if the maintaince is up on it and it is a good price snap it up then.
-Ryan

yes I agree, I jsut bought a 98 a couple of month;s ago and only paid 6K but it had a few more miles (little less than 100k) on it than the one you describe if you can get em down I would say go for it, if you can find out see if the timing belt and tensioner have been replaced yet, if not then factor that in. As far as mileage goes I get between 15-20 but mine is an auto tranny. Hope it helps.

got a 98 ls 4x4 3.2L 5spd with sunroof a month ago for $5200. only had 83k miles too

Few things to check for:
1) Whistling sound when accelerating, if so that means there's a leak in the intake gasket. There's a big knock off in price.
2) Fuel gauge. 98s are really well known for having a bad sending unit. Look up the Isuzu FAQ for more info on fixes.

When I was researching used SUV's, the Isuzu came out near the top of the list.

Isuzu's are great:
*My high school buddy had an oldschool 1st gen trooper that died at 300k miles.
*With a few small exceptions, our 02 trooper runs great.
*Had an 00 trooper that I spun out on a fwy interchange going 60, slammed into a lampost which fell on the car. I walked out w/o a scratch.
*Guy on cardomain had a 98 Rodeo. HE got into a wreck where if he was in any other suv, u'd call him Radiator head.

With all that said, the engines are great and last and most importantly they are built so u live after a collision.

Hey, sounds like good stuff w/Isuzu. I'll be taking a closer look at this vehicle now for sure. Anything besides what Megavolt said, as far as things to look out for?

Fred, the main things to check for on the '98 are here: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=165053&highlight=oil+consumption -and- http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=159663&highlight=sending+unit
G/luck
Joel

Thanks everyone....