Better to live with old problems and keep fixed them, then
buy new, even if you buy a new car or truck.
It is no ideal car. Any car has some problems.
For example, on my bos's Toyota LC starter died jus after one month when it goes out of warrany. It cost $1100 to replace( i have no idea where he found this so expensive place for repair).

Just a note of clarification: If it's the 3.2 v-6, it's Isuzu built and has practically nothing to do with GM.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong...
James

Banchi105,

I feel your pain. I've only got about 113k miles on my '97 Trooper. I know that things wear out, but having grown up with an '85 Mazda 626, '85 Honda Civic, '91 Honda Civic, and '92 Honda Accord, which were all abused, I can say without a doubt that I've had more problems with my Trooper than all of the others combined (with the exception of the '91 Civic, had them for about 130k miles).

This is the first used car that I ever bought. Maybe that's the problem...I have also thought about selling it. My wife who originally bought the car and loves it has been wanting me to sell it for awhile. Unfortunately, I'm still a bit upside-down on it and I really don't want to get into another car loan. The plus side, I've learned a lot about working on cars. I'm getting ready to replace the alternator. I'm hoping that will cure some of the irratic behaviors my Trooper's been having lately. If it works, I'll go ahead and replace the rear seal. Good luck, Taro

PS-At this point, the only vehicles I have any faith in reliability wise are Hondas and Toyotas. With Honda not making any real trucks, that leaves Toyota. Pricing Toyotas has been depressing. Those things just don't seem to depreciate...

i'm aware that the 3.2 SOHC in my troop and some 1st gen rodeo's is isuzu, but the second gen troop 3.5 DOHC and second gen rodeo 3.2 DOHC not SOHC is gm built i thought........

The GM built engines in Isuzus were the 2.8 and 3.1 used in late first gen Troopers and early 1st gen Rodeos, respectively.

nope, all 3.2s and 3.5s are 100% isuzu built, nothing GM about em. The 2.2, 2.8 and 3.1 however are gm sourced. The 3.2 in your troop is the same block as the 3.2DOHC in my moms 98 amigo.

Dallas

yuppers

i stand corrected



time to go pull my head outta my <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" />................ <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for all of the replies.
I guess Im just feeling pretty stressed with it all.

However, I am still assured that Isuzu is definately not comparable to the other Japanese manufacturers such as Honda, Toyota, & Nissan, but that is probably the reason I was able to get a 98 Rodeo LS with 80k for 8500 and my friend bought his 97 4runner Ltd with 130k for 11500. My other friends 89' Nissan Pickup gave out today as well. They bought it new and the clutch finally gave up completely at 245k and it is the FIRST time it has broken down and this thing was driven like mad too.

Although it does sound like the first gen Rodeos have aged much better than the 2nd-gen. If you just search on google for all of the problems people have with these 98+ models - it is really insane. The first gens seem to be alot more bullet-proof. Maybe Isuzu made the 2nd gen cut too many corners by making the Rodeo essentially the most equipped vehicle in its $25~ price range. When looking for a newer SUV I was unable to find a 'nicer' (amenities-wise) vehicle in my $8k price range other than a 97 Grand Cherokee. All of the Toyota/Nissan/Mitsubishi/ with the same year/milage had a good 2-4k premium over the rodeo.

I guess my anxiety is compounded by the fact that everytime I get close to the amount of money I need for lift something breaks and it washes out my account to fix it. Its going to cost me $350 to get this fuel pump problem fixed. As much as I would love to work on it my self it just isnt an option because I dont have time during the week with school/work ect. and no doubt it would take me several days to do it because I am still learning much about the innerworkings of these vehicles. I really need a vehicle and everytime this one goes out it is a major pain to figure out my mode of transport. Maybe I was being a little to niave when purchasing my truck because all I saw was nice looking truck with 4WD and cheap. Maybe I should have just settled for a super-reliable car.

Anyways Thanks Again for the Help,
I dont know what I would do if I didnt
have the help of these forums!

I feel your pain. My starter crapped out within a week of my alternator dying. It squeaks like crazy (still don't know where it's coming from). My idler pulley grenaded coming back from Colorado in a little town 100 miles from the nearest auto parts store. It shimmies every time I go over 70. And now, it sounds like I have cards in the spokes of my wheels. Problems galore.

And to be honest, I wouldn't think of buying a new SUV. I'm determined to hit 200K.

I've learned an incredible amount of knowledge from doing repairs myself. The best part of it is the learning curve. You get faster doing them. And you get to feel like a superhero knowing you did it yourself and saved yourself some $$$ (okay, maybe not everyone, but I sure do)

If I was over thataways, I'd be glad to lend a hand to help (As would most people on this board, I believe).