1. automatics are great, esp for rockcrawling. Im running a tranny cooler, and never had any problems.

2. I personally wouldn't buy from a dealer. The retail value is $16,105 and trade-in value is $12,925. (according to Kelly Blue Book) You want to buy somewhere in the middle of the two prices and for Isuzu brand it should be closer to the lower price. The 2001 comes with the 10/120 warranty so getting additional warranties from Carmax shouldn't be an incentive.

3. Wait it out, there is a lot of talk of Isuzu planning to stop US production of SUVs... I would assume the price would take a dump then.

4. I totally recommend getting the newer truck, just IMO wait it out a little longer.

5. Take my advice, if you plan to wheel it, DON'T BUY BLACK!! Everything on my rodeo was planned. The color was an impulse choice. It looks damn good all shiny at night, but after some trail pin-striping...

HTH,
Ashby