hi all im looking at buying a 2001 rodeo auto v6 89300k miles. test drove it and on first acceleration it sounded like there was wind noise or a fan running..is that possible....? it runs great and is not a whinning or groaning.. just like a wind noise...shifts great and smooth ...it has a sealed tranny any comments on them would be appreciated as i know nothing about them. is pretty good deal so am very close to buying it.

thanks again all

update
ok so no words of wisdom...going for another drive today and put it on a hoist to take a look...

Great vehicles. At 89k miles, it is time to change the timing belt.

Sometimes the engine fan can be loud. Is that what you heard? The '01 is a great truck. Timing belt failure is non-destructive, so the engine doesn't power through itself for lunch if it breaks. It may need more oil than other engines due to an issue with the oil ring on the piston, but it is no big deal. Take care of the engine and it will last 300K. The other issue is the intake manifold gasket, which sometimes leaks. But replacement is not too expensive or difficult. The only other issue is the gas tank fuel sending unit, which is also not too big a deal to replace. Overall, there are no issues that should prevent you from buying an '01 Rodeo, just a few things to be aware of down the road.

Pete

Its not actually sealed, just doesnt have a dip stick. It has drain and fill plugs. Search here or planetisuzoo.com for procedures on how to service and check fluid in them.

The 4L30E trans is kind of a weak link in the isuzus, but when properly maintained it can last a very long time. They just dont like to be neglected. The myth that its a sealed tranny is the biggest culprit.

The 4l30E tranny has two items that will start leaking, the accumulator piston cover and the shifter linkage seal. Both are fairly easy to repair. Buy the shifter seal on line and the piston cover from transmissionpartsusa.com. At the mileage listed, I would go ahead and get pan gaskets and a filter from transmissionpartsusa.com, they have the OEM style hard gaskets instead of cork or soft rubber found at Auto zone and ORiley's.

ok thanks for the info....might be the fan that i hear but it stops at around 40 mph..i had a code reader put on it and it came back with the fuel sending unit code thingy...that means pulling the fuel pump right?..
thanks again really appreciate the info

thanks.i had heard or read that getting the transmission flushed...where they hook up hoses and pump fluid in and out can cause problems ( loosen sludge or particals) am i correct or am i just making that up?.lol would it be better to just drop pan and drain oil out?