[Tim]

I am totally new to Isuzu products but drove a Rodeo and loved it. It was a 1999 Rodeo LS 4WD V6 at a small local used car lot (very reputable). I read about 3 NHTSA recalls and I will check to see if they were done. What else specifically should I be concerned with on a 1999?

It has 59,300 miles so the factory warranty is about done. What about tranny problems with the 1999's? The asking price is $11,900 and I would put it in the "excellent condition" category. I would like to offer $10,500 or less, am I being unrealistic in this offer?

Thanks in advance....

 

[JTK]

Tim, some issues floating around with the 1998 & up: (G-roo's please chime in!)
1) ABS issues with 1998-2000?? - recall has been issued.
2) Bad intake manifold gaskets cause rough idle & check engine lights - easy fix.
3) Some 1998-2000?? Owners have had excessive oil consumption (but not all!!), believed to be caused by (early on) poorly designed piston oil rings w/ not enough drain-back holes.
4) Factory 6 disk CD changer prone to jamming up.
5) The 4L30E auto tranny will last a long time w/ REGULAR maintenance, not so long w/out regular ATF & filter changeouts.
6) Shift on the fly actuator prone to seizing/jamming up if you don't at least cycle the 4wd on/off a few times a month or so.

Other than that they are an awesome, solid truck that will last you a long time w/ regular maintenance. $10500 sounds like a good starting point. Like any other used car purchase, check it out THOUROUGHLY for signs of excessive wear, leaks, damage. Monitor oil consumption closely- the few who had the problem used more than one quart of oil per 1000 miles. I would also change the ATF (all the fluids for that matter) right away as well to help root out any possible hidden issues. G/luck!
Joel

 

[Tim]

Thanks for the feedback. I just got back from sitting down with the dealer and their price is still at $11,900 but with new front brakes, rotors and a Wynn's 5/60 extended warranty included. I am guessing the warranty is worth about $670.00 retail, so I am getting closer to what I wanted to spend. Also it will need tires before winter and I can have them at cost with installation if I do them now.

 

[JTK]

Tim, new front rotors, pads & bearing re-pack is easily a $300+ dealer job. If they used genuine isuzu brake parts, they typically last 60Kmi. Read over the Wynn's warranty contract in detail to see what it covers, but if that covers you until 2008 or 120Kmi, that's a pretty sweet deal. I wouldn't go over $11500 unless they threw in a new premium set of tires. Hold your ground!! G/luck
Joel

 

[Tim]

The verbal promise from the dealer is that the included warranty will go to 120k or 5 years. It includes engine, tranny, rear drive or transaxle, ps system, ac, fuel system and the cooling system. I will be curious if the 4WD system is included, I forgot about that.

In reality a warranty is only as good as the company's reputation and Wynn's I am not so sure of. Does anyone have any thoughts on Wynn's? I am going to get a copy of the contract and review tomorrow. Most likely I will buy it if all is well with the warranty.