opinions requested

Got an oportunity to get an isuzu rodeo cheap.

Basically my grandmother passed away and my little sister is now driving the rodeo. Either my parents are taking it away from her or shes getting a new car i have no idea of the full situation because it wasent explained to me. But mom came to me and asked if i wanted it, all i would have to do is take over the not which is around 140 a month for 3 years or so.

Question is, is this vehicle more trouble then its worth, or is it a good deal and wont nickle and dime me to death. I own a 01 Celica already so i dont have a "hauling vehicle" so it does have its advantages but i just dont want to be caught in a situation that will decimate any funds i have or try to build up ...

Thanks for any and all opinions...

M

Have personally been the proud owner of 2 Rodeo's, a 91 & 97 V6 Rodeo's.

The most expensive (but very minor) item I've ever had to replace on both trucks were the valve cover gaskets. But only 1 set for each truck.

The 91's gaskets just got old at 125K; and on the 97 Rodeo the valve cover gaskets went at 60-70K miles, but that was do to allowing someone else to change my oil and they put in WAY too much.

These trucks have hauled boats, camping gear, mild-to-rough 4x4 trails, in/out of lake water, not too mention hundreds of miles of open highway as well as daily driving in town.

I have USED these trucks, but I take excellent care of them as well.

I no longer have the 91 Rodeo, traded it 2yrs ago for a dodge diesel truck, but only cause I needed an open bed for the camper. The 91 had close to 160K if I recall at time of trade in, and they still gave me $4,500.

I still have the 97 and it is & always has been religiously maintained, i.e.

Oil/Filter = EVERY 3K miles, these Isuzu's more than anything LOVE clean oil and run best when changed by the old book.

Air filter = 9K miles ($15-$20 part, 3 minutes)

PCV Valve = 12-15K miles ($2-$12 part, 2 minutes)

Auto-tranny/Radiator/transfer case = cleaned/flushed every 25-30K miles

Wheel bearings/rear differential = every 40K

Spark plugs = Double platinum every 60K

Belts/hoses are looked at every time I do my oil, but seem to need changed bout every 2yrs.

Mind you however, these trucks "work", not too mention hauling 3-3,500# over I-70 & Loveland Pass in Colorado.

Wouldn't have it any other way!

Only thing I've ever been upset about is "Isuzu" not having built a full-size truck, not because of anything the Rodeo's couldn't do - but because my 2001 Dodge Diesel with only 80K miles has a leak in the oil pan gasket already!

Everything on both Rodeo's were/still are original, no internal work has ever been done on either engine.

I have no experience with the 98+ Rodeo's; hopefully others will chime in.

What year of Rodeo are you talking about?

crap i knew i forgot something its a 98 rodeo..

Sounds like its a great truck from your experience thanks for the input.

M

I've got a 99 Rodeo LS V6. 73,000 miles on the engine.

Had it a little over a year. Changed the intake manifold gaskets and an O2 sensor. I suspect the sensor was still good though. I also had to replace the rear windshield wiper motor.

Routine maintenance that has been done since I've had it is fuel and air filter, flushed the radiator, PCV replaced, flushed tranny, cleaned the EGR and throttle body and the spark plugs. In a few weeks I will change both diffs and the tranfer case fluids. All of this was not needed, but I thought it was time.

I love this truck and it runs so smooth. It feels great. Only thing to watch on these is oil consumption. Check the oil every gas fill up. Mine burns about a quart every 3K. Not a big deal.

Check the thread at the top of the Rodeo page "How many miles". You will see how reliable these vehicles are. I love my Rodeo and wouldn't trade it for any other SUV.

Marc

so you are looking at 5000.00 over the length of the loan.

Now that it is 7 years old, it probably will need somethings done to it.

The key to the +98 is to keep the EGR system clean, the PCV clean and the rings clean (sea foam).

The only other thing to watchout for the intake manafold gasket.

Keep inmind that at 7 years, depending on the miles on it, it will start to nickel and dime you due to the age of the truck. Seeing that you are planning on keeping your other car I think this is a good deal as long as the mileage is low and the maintaince has been kept up on the truck.

I have recently learned that there are a lot of maintenance things that need to be done with this type of vehicle, that I didn't expect when I purchased a 4WD truck. Not a big deal, as long as you know what you are getting into. My advice would be unless you need this type of vehicle don't get one. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my Rodeo, I just had no idea before I bought it that there was so much to have to maintain on them. Nothing like owning an old car, where you might only have to change oil, tranny fluid, the occasional flush or tune up and what not, there are just a lot more things to do on one of these. Just my two cents. The price is right, and if you know the original owner and know it was kept up, on maintenance and what not, and you NEED a truck, then go for it. I would take one of these trucks over a Chevy or Ford anyday.

The last poster had a good point; these SUV's are trucks; they ride like trucks, handle like trucks, and are more expensive to maintain then a car.

For example, for the price of "one" of my tires. Bridgestone Dueler Revo LT245/75 R16 you could get 3 tires for a car - 13" or 14" sizes of course. 16" tires WILL cost you, especially if you're in the looking for good all terrain tires.

Your best bet is to investigate the history on that truck, make sure it's been maintained.

Got an oportunity to get an isuzu rodeo cheap.

Thanks for any and all opinions...

M

A guy asks for opinions on buying a vehicle and gets quick responses with truly helpful information........this forum is awesome.
HL

How many miles on it?

I've had no major repairs on my '97 Rodeo LS 4x2. I've done all the recommended maintenance...well, a little late with a t-belt change, but the guys in here say it will go 100K! It doesn't have the fit and finish of some other SUVs, but 140K trouble free miles is enough for me. Good luck!