I already own a '96 Isuzu Rodeo manual 4x4 and would like another in the household for better maintience and upkeep.

I found a ad in the paper for a '96 Isuzu Rodeo, 138k miles, automatic transmission. From what she said it is a beigeish color, very little rust, runs great, etc. The problems she did say it had was the back doors dont open, she said she researched this and its known for Isuzu's and is the lock linkage, estimated at about $150. I can fix that myself, if I can find what I need to do it, if you know what im talking about here please explain. Also she said the front bumper would need to be replaced and that was about $20. How easy is it to get the parts for the doors and fix the problem?

Also, I love stick, is there a way to swap the transmissions to a stick from auto? Any idea on what that'd cost? Thanks for reading, I should have pics sent to me tomorrow of the Rodeo.

I am pretty sure both of those are easy fixes take the door panel off and see whats broke or detached. Have you driven it yet. when they are both stock I think the auto is pretty close to the manual as far as performance.

Since I have 35's the manual tranny would let me keep it higher rpm's but with the stock tires the auto runs fine.

Nah I havnt driven it yet. Im having her send me pictures tomorrow morning before I go look at it. I forgot to mention, its $1900, and I got mine a few months ago for $3000 same year so im curious as to what it looks like before I make the effort to see it.

Hopefully to fix it: (if you do get it)

Take the door panel off, it's a pita with the doors closed, but can be done. One screw on the door handle, two in the cup handle. ON the lower part of the door, use a screwdriver or whatever to pry the lower screw covers off, then unscrew. Leave the light on the door, the ashtray should stay, can't exactly remember on the ashtray. Pry the door off in an out and upward motion, need to get it above the door lock, easier if it's locked. Disconnect the light, if its got one. Peel back the plastic liner being careful of the black tar holding it on, it sticks to everything. Looking at the inside of the door, move the lock and the door handle, you'll see where the door handle is moving the rod to the latch mech. There will be an oval opening moving moving up and down on the door release.

In my case, it's that the door release is not properly moving. I put a healthy amount of grease on both, work the door handle for a couple of pulls to make sure it's good. Leave the panel off the door, check to see if it opens and closes ok before putting the panel back on.

My truck's had this issue for the past 6 or 7 years I've had it, this has become sort of my winter preventive maintanence. May be a different situation in this case, but I doubt the assembly is broke completely, probably just needs some lube.

May be an easy way to get them to knock a few more bucks off the truck. Just be sure if you do get it that you regrease on occasion.

Thanks for the info! I got the pictures in email today, tires have good tread and its a v6 like i thought and hoped. I dont want to clutter the thread with pics so ill just post the links.

http://defused.us/rodeo/IsuzuRodeo001
http://defused.us/rodeo/IsuzuRodeo002
http://defused.us/rodeo/IsuzuRodeo005
http://defused.us/rodeo/IsuzuRodeo007
http://defused.us/rodeo/IsuzuRodeo008
http://defused.us/rodeo/IsuzuRodeo009
http://defused.us/rodeo/IsuzuRodeo010

Any comments? What else should I find out?

Take a close look at the frame. If they use alot of salt there it can rust through really bad.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=643218

As far as swapping the auto to a manual, it would probably cost more then the truck is worth and be a lot of hassle. If you cant live with an auto then its best to find one that is already a manual.

Damn that really sucks man I feel sorry for you. I live in Ohio, and in the winter we get hella salt on the roads. My frame as it is rusty but not weak or thiin at all like yours was. Im thinking of getting some rust inhibiter and coating the frame with it. Sound good?

And im probably going to look at that Rodeo this thursday so ill have more info around then on it.

Luckily that wasnt my truck. They dont use salt here, just magnesium chloride and sand/gravel/rocks/small boulders. My frame has very little rust, mostly from the first few years it spent in wisconsin.

Rust proofing the frame is always a good idea though it may not stop it. It can still rot out from the inside, especially if the drain holes are plugged with mud or something.

What do you think about a underbody wash? They have a place around here that does it. Or just pressure wash then apply rust inhibitor?