Goodbye Rodeo

[tomlcollins]

Just wanted to say I've enjoyed this forum, but I traded in my Rodeo yesterday on a crew cab GMC Canyon 4x4 so I probably won't be on this board much anymore.
Here's a pic and ad for the new ride:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=198624441&dealer_id=1361869&car_yea r=2004&search_type=both&make=GMC&distance=100&mode l=CANYON&address=29403&certified=&advanced=&max_pr ice=&bkms=1147957570512&min_price=&end_year=2007&s tart_year=1981&isp=y<=en&cardist=100

The problems with my Rodeo got the best of me. My A/C went out, my CEL was constantly on/off, and I had it with burning premium just to stop the stupid pinging. All in all, I liked it, but it had to go.

Thanks for all the help I've received here over the past couple of years.

Tom

[Ramblin Fever]

I feel terrible that so many owners of the newer Rodeo's have experienced so many issues at such young mileages - just doesn't seem right. Seems Isuzu had a lot of bugs in the end.

If I were in your situation with that low of mileage, probably would've done the same thing.

Those Canyon's/Colorado's/I-380's are NICE looking rigs, have really thought about getting one to replace my Toyota p/up, but I'll wait another good year or so, before I really make my move, haven't completely decided on the replacement vehicle yet. I've "heard" rumors that they have their share of bugs, but I think that may have just been the 1st year of production, in which case they're no different then any other vehicle/model.

Good luck to you, word of advise, keep your miles REAL low so that you don't go over your warranty before 3yrs.

[rodeo02]

Tom, I hate to see anyone bail out of disappointment, but on a 2002, you made the right choice. I got out of my 2002 because of lack of room (for 3 kiddies), rapidly declining ‘support’ in my area, and the fact I got a good trade-in allowance for her. You’ll love your canyon. The fit/finish on them is much better than my trailblazer. I love the powertrain, ride and versatility of my TB, but the fit/finish and quality of the interior/exterior is horrible. I think you’ll find the fit/finish of your ~4yr old rodeo was better than most new GM products. The plus of GM? Parts, service and 'support' are everywhere. You’ll love that inline 5cyl and 4L60E with a dipstick!

G/luck
Joel

[rodeo02]

Tom, here's a cool link to the engine. Just lop off one cyl for the inline 5cyl version: http://media.gm.com/division/powertr.../4200_Tech.pdf

G/luck
Joel

[tomlcollins]

I like it so far. My dad has a Colorado so I've seen/driven the trucks a lot. They also, in 4x4 trim at least, do one thing that Isuzu's do not---Hold value! Unfortunately, this is also the reason I had to pay around 15K for a 2004 with 57K miles on it (all highway). Those used crew cab 4x4's are a hot commodity, then don't last long on the lot.
I bought a 2 yr, 24K mile bumper to bumper for it so I'm good to go for a while. To be honest, I see myself driving this one until the wheels fall off. I'm willing to bet I'll see at least 150K out of it, those inline engines last forever. Hell, my brother has an old S-10 4.3L with over 200K, I think mine can do it too. Regardless, a main reason behind the purchase was the availablity and cost of parts. I don't know if I'll ever buy another Japanese vehicle after this Rodeo a/c fiasco.

[Ramblin Fever]

Yeah, I don't know if I'd own a newer Rodeo either after all the issues I hear.

I had over 160k on my '91 Rodeo, and over 156k on my '97 Rodeo, and haven't had any major issues with either, just normal wear/tear. A/C works and worked great in both also.

My sister just bought the 4.2L '02 Trailblazer with 120k now, had 104k when they bought it, IT better make it to 150k and then some. There's no reason why ANY make/model vehicle shouldn't, personally.

[rodeo4me]

It seems 98+ have more issues then first gen zu's. Since isuzu has a great reputation in diesel engine design, they should introduce suv with diesel engine in US. I would buy diesel suv.

[Ramblin Fever]

I'd buy another Isuzu in a heart-beat, if it was a TRUE Isuzu.

This idiotic set-up of a transmission in these Rodeo's is a GM design, and some of the odd-ball parts in the engine bay are GM as well.

My sister's Trailblazer and their wholely-grail, get in, sit down, and grab on way of driving will give me the research into the longetivity/durability of their transmission, the 4L60 IIRC, and allow me to decide in a year or so if the Colorado/Canyon is still something of interest.

Of course, I don't drive my vehicles NEARLY as harsh, but it will give me an idea.

For now, all we can tell on their TB, is that the original owner never changed the transmission fluid, came out REAL black and burnt. Initially it was slipping a bit, and they'd just about decided to trade it on something else, but then decided to flush the transmission a 3rd time, and all is good for now.

We'll see, it is a nice comfortable vehicle. My only issue with the Colorado is there is no storage compartments, and I think 15k for a 2004 is about the norm with 57k miles, I don't think that was too much.

Resale who cares about resale value

Seriously, that's the last thing I look for on a vehicle that I know I'm gonna keep till the wheels fall off, but then again, you can never tell when you buy new if it's gonna be a problem vehicle or not. In which case, resale definitely plays part and can bite.