What year to buy

I am lookig to buy a Rodeo/Passport this spring. Is there years I should look for. Any big problems; Etc

Thanks

You are going to find two groups here. One for the 93-97 and one for the 98-04.

I'll give you the poop on the 98-04.

Great value for the buck.

Known problems that popup here.

Leaky IMG
Oil useage (commonly caused by dirty EGR, PCV, and Rings).
Dirty EGR

As long as you keep the EGR and PCV clean it is a great truck.

Have had 2 Rodeo's, a 1991 V6 4x4 & 1997 V6 4x2; best vehicles we've ever owned.

Most important thing about these vehicles is they must be maintained with fresh fluids, clean air/fuel filters, good belts/hoses and they'll run for a very long time.

Issues can be:

leaky valve cover gaskets (minor problem, but not-so-easy fix).

Irritating, easy to strip lug nuts on the steel wheels, aluminum's are fine.

Voltage pickiness; must have an OEM or Bosch alternator replacement.

Aside from that, owning these vehicles have been "priceless" - not once have I ever been stranded.

Most expensive upkeep I think is the 16" tires are not cheap, especially if you want a good set.

I have a 99 Rodeo (3.2 v6) 4wd LS with 115,000mi. I'm the original owner and have never regretted the purchase. It runs as good now as when I first drove it off the dealers lot. I take good care of it maintance wise, and would suggest if you find one to buy, to check the owner's maintenance records along with a mechanic's assessment. Good Luck!!

Love my 99 3.2l v6 4x4

has 60K care free miles. no oil consumption problem, although that's very common. If you buy a 98+ check oil every other oil change or risk losing engine, but not every rig has this problem.

this thread has some good comments.

maybe ryan can throw in the link to the 4x4 forum thread of the 3.2L mileage owners ahve gotten, it's very good.

Keep them maintained and they love you back!

You are going to find two groups here. One for the 93-97 and one for the 98-04.

LOL. WHAT ABOUT ME!!!

'92, 3.1L.

Other than silly issues, I've got about ~150Mi on it, and it's great!

(ok, ok, I'd like to have a newer one too, but I like what I know).

BTW, this is my 2nd 92.

Steve

yeah what about me too, i have a 92 rodeo with 159 and change almost 160000 miles on mine, ive only owned it for around 4 or 5 months but so far has been an awesome vehicle, aside from oil changes, a new gas tank, and a fuel filter and plugs i havent done anything major to it, and i hope to keep it that way, these cars are so much fun to go offroading with and even on the road i enjoy driving it...excellent vehicle so far.. wondering how long i can lst in it mileage wise hope to get it around 250 or more but well see

I would advise against getting a 98+ that's a 4 cyl.
It is just not enough to power an SUV, IMO.
I have a 98 4 cyl. with 106k miles and I have had plenty of problems with it.
I have had to change:
thermostat (wouldn't be bad but it's a special piece and ~$30.
waterpump, timing belt, and tensioner pulley ($300)
replace head gasket (did it myself not too bad)(~$175 for head and exhaust gaskets, I made an intake gasket)
had the head re-surfaced ($25 but they had to remove and re-install the valves so that cost $100 extra)
now I have a huge oil leak coming from somewhere, thinking it's the front crank seal ($28)

I'll second the 4 cyl don't buy notion, but only as I don't recall reading many good things, and the v6 if a very good enigne. I never had a 4cyl, so let's see if anyone else will chirp in on this issue

SOSLTER

I'll second the 4 cyl don't buy notion, but only as I don't recall reading many good things,

SOSLTER

I'll 3rd that. I don't see how the 4-cylinder would have the power to move the truck up any kind of grade, or highway passing. These trucks are too heavy for that small engine, IMHO.

Haven't heard very many "good" things about it either.

do go any newer than 92 cause from 93-97 and newer are not the best motors trust me!
i own a 92 rodeo 4x4 wit 108000 miles its not much but they run for ever plus the motor is made by gm wich is better than an isuzu motor!
and there not to expensive i love my truck i took it through 1 1/2 foot snow and got stuck but my friend gave it a push and it crawled out and went for bout 1000 feet through 1 1/2 foot of snow!

do go any newer than 92 cause from 93-97 and newer are not the best motors trust me!
i own a 92 rodeo 4x4 wit 108000 miles its not much but they run for ever plus the motor is made by gm wich is better than an isuzu motor!


Couldn't disagree with you more. There is nothing wrong with the 93-97 Model years in the 3.2L V6 Isuzu engine.

The problem lies in those that do not maintain the engine.

Now I can't vouge for the 98+ model years, they do seem to have more issues then the 91-97 model years.

I have 135K carefree miles on my 97 3.2L; and likewise I have no complaints about my late 91 Rodeo, 3.1L GM engine either. I will say the 3.1L was easier to work on, but it also seemed to require a bit more upkeep. Nothing big for either engine though.