I just read that Isuzu is pulling out of the US- makes sense as their actions have indicated this for the past 10 years or more. It's a shame as Isuzu has had some innovations in the past, and at least always been competitive price-wise, and could have gone back to their "glory days" if they wanted to.

It's also a shame as I believe Isuzu has as long, if not a longer history in Japan as other Japanese auto manufacturers. If I remember right from an old Trooper brochure I have, I think back to the 1920s.

At any rate- my guess is that like most auto mfrs. to pull out of the US, their parts network may last a few years and then die as well. There simply aren't enough Isuzus on the road and enough going to dealers for them to continue in my opinion. How soon before parts stores dry up? Before we can't get anymore of the "dealer only" parts that we already have too much of?

As I plan out a rebuild of my front suspension, and a redo of the timing belt (4th new belt, as I near 300k miles on the original engine), I'm wondering if I shouldn't just sell the truck and invest in something that will have a dealer network here a little longer and give me another 300k miles of service without having to worry about where to get parts.

Or am I being to rash?

See the Isuzu Corporate News thread.

The details about it are in there.

I have a fairly extensive collection of ads & print press for the rwd Impulse going back to when it was a concept. From the earliest ads, the Isuzu tag line for a few years is:

"The First Car Builders Of Japan"


For the introduction of the the turbo model (1985) the ad heading is:

"Before you buy a car from Japan, consider the company that used to make every car in Japan"


The text that follows starts off with the line:

"When we built our first car way back in 1914, we were literally the only car makers in Japan"

1914.

Talk about respect for your elders... funny, as most auto enthusiasts (import dorks included) have absolutely no clue on Isuzu's history and the stature of their offerings, let alone that they actually made passenger cars with a sporty bent.

And uber capable 4x4's that are trailworthy in bone stock form for a decent price?! huh? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />


I wouldn't worry much about running out of service parts for a 4Z machine anytime soon - ample were sold and stuff is readily available. I can even find what I need for my JR, though it takes a bit more hunting. Light truck aftermarket supply still seems quite robust and there is a lot of recycled hard parts out there & interchange capability to keep these things going for many more miles to come.