Some Concerns

[tomlcollins]

I was talking with a fellow forum member the other day about a few things that concerned the both of us. Knowing that Isuzu is going to be going through some....let's say....changes, over the next couple of years. I was wondering if you all would like to/could put your two cents in on the following:

What do you all predict the consequences will be for current Isuzu owners. I don't really know how it's all going to pan out for us, although I would think that folks will be wary of the "restructuring" (or whatever you want to call it) and that it will drastically drive down resale value/make it harder to find a dealer that continues to service them. What kind of plan does Isuzu have? The resale issue is actually the biggest factor for me, as this the first vehicle I have ever put a sizable chunk of money into and I need a decent return on my investment. My warranty lasts another couple of years, so I would like to know that I will have a place to take my truck if I need to. I do most of the work myself anyways, but just in case of something big... I can't imagine Isuzu closing down service departments legally when they are providing a warranty on new cars, but you never know until you ask...Please tell me everything is going to be OK through all of this, as I am concerned about it! I think Isuzu makes a pretty damn good vehicle, but I would have to consider my options if there was trouble on the horizon that I could avoid before the general public catches on.

[Ramblin Fever]

Legally I think they have to provide parts/service for 7-10yrs per year of manufactored product.

I asked a dealership here in Colorado along that same line, what happens and where can I get parts - he's the one that told me that they have to provide service/parts for so length of time.

I wouldn't look at your Isuzu as an "investment" in means of getting money in return. I'd surely keep it labeled as an investment for yourself in relation to keeping it maintained and running good. But if you plan on selling when warranty runs out, keep your mileage to a bare minimum, if not lower, say 8-10K a year rather then 12-15k a year.

Not that I have ever, or would ever sale the 97 Rodeo that I have, but I do understand what you're saying in relation to market value. I currently have over 7-10K invested in mine in the 7yrs of ownership, i.e maintenance, 2 sets of tires, hitch, and lots of work in keeping the body looking nice as well.

Needless to say, I have a lot of time and money invested in this puppy, keeping her running in very tip-top shape (which really hasn't taken much) - but, unfortunately, when it boils down to it, my blue-book is only $3-4K. Yes, that's not bad for an almost 8yr old vehicle; but the truck has proven to me that it's worth a lot more then $4K.

Hell, it runs better then most NEW cars on the road - but that doesn't matter to KBB or Edmunds.

[rodeo02]

Tom. Isuzus never had much resale value anyway. It really couldn't get much worse, so no worries there. What will happen if they totally pull out of suv's in the US? No one really knows. If you ask my local isuzu dealers (2 in Buffalo NY area) they have no idea what you are talking about, or they do & just wont say . Look back at the past. Auto companies like renault & AMC went out YEARS ago & parts are still readily available. IIRC- dealer service was available for awhile after they stopped making AMC's and Renaults, but I dont think they had much of a warranty. There are lots of rodeos & troopers on the road yet & many different 2004 models to still be sold. I don't see why we wouldnt have dealer service available for atleast the next 5yrs or so. I know it's a scarry thought, but if Isuzu NA goes away, I don't see how they can possibly honor a warranty. Who will reimburse the dealerships? I know about the "parts for 7-10 yrs" thing. That's easily do-able, but warranty coverage is another issue all together. We have nothing to compare with. Hopefully someone with some legal knowledge is this realm can answer that for us! My family has always loved our isuzu products. I'd buy a new '04 rodeo with no worries if I was in the market. It will be a sad day when the last Zu' dealer sign comes down. .

G/luck
Joel