Extended warranty

[jimwelsh]

I would like to know if anyone has ever purchased an extended warranty for their Rodeo/Passport, like from say, Warranty Direct? If so, have you ever used it, and was it worth it? The reason I am asking is because I just bought a 1999 Rodeo with the 3.2 v6 with 98k on it, and from everything I have been reading, an extended warranty is a wise investment. I like Isuzus', I had an old school 1987 Trooper before, so it was easy to work on, without all the electronics to deal with, and dependable.
My email is [email protected]

[Ramblin Fever]

I did purchase the extended warranty through the dealership with my 1st rodeo - the 1st year of production, i.e. 1991 because I knew nothing about the Rodeo's and it was the 1st year of a new model - usually something I avoid, but couldn't resist.

We did end up using the extended warranty twice, to replace two computer chips in the transmission, one cost the dealer around $1k or so, the other would've cost us $4k - definitely paid for itself.

On our 2nd Rodeo, 1997, we just walked with the basic warranty, and had no further warranty issues past the 49k mile mark - when our 1st alternator took a plummet, BARELY covered under 50k mile basic warranty.

For the '98-'99 model years, I would definitely consider the extended warranty, specially if it covers intake manifold gaskets, a common site of failure on the dohc 3.2L engine's.

Of utmost IMPORTANCE, check your oil at EVERY gas fill up, some of the 98-00's were labeled as oil drinkers, keep very good eye on yours to decide whether it is or not. And I literally mean for you to carry a few quarts of oil in your truck at all times, till you know over the course of the next 4-5k miles whether or not it's drinking it. Even after that, make sure you check it OFTEN.

[jimwelsh]

Thanks for the advice. An extended warranty it shall be. Hopefully, I can find one that will cover pretty much everything.
I have noticed another little 'glitch', so to speak. I'm sure it has been discussed before, but here goes. Everytime I start the Rodeo after using the a/c, it will not idle. I have to give it gas to keep it running. After a couple of minutes or so, it will idle, but it also surges and then smooths out. This only happens after using the a/c. Every other time, it starts right up. Any ideas? Is it something serious or just one of the Rodeos' quirks.
Thanks,
Jim Welsh