Hello,

I've been following this site since I acquired my '93 Rodeo LS V6 3.2 a couple of months ago. I got the truck through some horse-trading, so basically have nothing invested in it. It has 212,500 miles, is remarkably clean inside and out and pretty much everything works or is within the norms I've read on here. So far, I know I got the better end of the deal. :grinyes: I'm really enjoying it so far, but have a couple of questions:

1) I'm sort of cynical/suspicious by nature, so how did I screw up in this deal? At first, I was worried about the miles, but it seems as if routine maintainence is done, it's no big deal.

2) Without spending the $20, I found out that it has 13 items on carfax. I know this is at least a 4-owner vehicle (including me), so does that leave 7 items that is worth the $$$ for a full report?

3) I'd like to get a repair manual. I understand the Haynes isn't the best, so won't get that one. On Ebay, there is a Chilton, an Isuzu service manual, and also a cd-based manual supposedly customized for this vehicle. They are all about the same price but which would be the most complete and straight forward?

And lastly, how difficult is it to replace the right front idler arm? I did a search for this, but didn't find much info. I'm not the most mechanically inclined, but can handle moderately challenging repairs as long as I have good directions.

I have a few other questions, but don't want to wear out my welcome. Thanks in advance for any help!

Welcome aboard! Your 1993 is the first year of the change-over to the all isuzu SOHC 3.2L and GM 4L30E auto trans. Is it 4x4? The idler arm r/r should be the same as any (non-rack and pinion steering) truck. A chiltons would probably be okay for that. I wouldn't wast the money on a carfax for a 1993. There was probably many repairs done that were not recorded over the years.

G/luck
Joel

Hey Joel,

Thanks for the quick reply. Sorry, I forgot to mention that it is a 5 speed manual 4X4 and both regular shifting & 4H/4L work well. The reason I was thinking about the carfax was to find out if the factory recalls, repairs, service bulletin issues had been completed. But, if it ain't broke... Also, I've never had a truck before, so have no experience w/ the idler arm r/r. Just wondered how difficult that would be. For example, I wouldn't tackle replacing the wheel bearings (not enough patience or right tools), but if its a matter of jacking it up, unscrewing a few bolts and putting a new arm in, that's no biggie.

Thx again!

you can get all of the factory recall info online for free. search the isuzu FAQ page for more info.


by the way....212,500 miles:eek: good luck!

by the way....212,500 miles:eek: good luck!

SEE! This is exactly why I keep wondering if my "deal" is too good to be true! LOL So far, no starting problems, no clutch/shifting/tranny problems, all fluids & gauges within specs. Hasn't used oil. Does have the expected "tick" that goes away after warm up. Biggest issues, after the idler arm, are getting the cruise to work (just haven't checked out the switch ground or vac lines yet), getting rid of the annoying U/S light in 5th & figuring out why the tailgate release motor isn't recycling. The first two things make me wonder if I have a new/rebuilt tranny. Regardless, I'm lovin' the truck a lot more than I thought I would. Oh, and I know what the recalls etc., are, just don't know if they've been done.

Thx again for the reply!!

well, with that kind of mileage--there are going to be repairs needed, and parts replaced. that's just the nature of the beast.

what it all comes down to is..is it worth it to you to fix it. if you love the vehicle already, i'd say keep it and replace parts as necessary.

and when you have extra money, preventative maintainance is a good thing. why not replace parts before they go bad... not a bad idea (but could get expensive quickly)

take it to a trans shop and have them drop the trans to repack stuff, repair and what-not. an all around general inspections wouldn't hurt either

I don't think 212k miles on that engine is anything to worry about, specially if it's not using oil.

If the vehicle has been taken care of internally/externally, than I would imagine someone took good care of the mechanics as well. Most people that don't care about the mechanical part of a vehicle, don't take care of the fit/finish either.

I would change out major fluids, i.e radiator, transfer case, clutch, etc.

There's never been a question about keeping it. I've been very pleased and somewhat surprised considering the mileage. But, the performance so far has been great and certainly makes me wonder if there's a new engine or tranny in it. I know...looking a gift horse and all that. Other than gas and an oil change, I've got a 50 cent light bulb invested in the truck. I really don't mind putting money in a well-built older vehicle. And everything I've read on this site tells me that I have one. Yes, older vehicles can nickel/dime you, but it beats an outrageous payment on a new POS.

Maybe one of the biggest issues I have is that I don't know what has been done in the past. That was the reason for the carfax question. I had a general inspection done and the only thing that came up mechanically was the idler arm and a "possible" oil leak. That seems funny since it hasn't used a drop since the oil was changed just after I got it. Regardless, I believe in the preventative maintainence idea and as soon as I get a service manual, I'll get started on checking out all the stuff I feel comfortable doing. The rest, I'll leave up to my legitimate mechanic brother-in-law.

Thx for the reply and advice. Any other thoughts are very welcome!

Hey Ramblin,

Thanks for the response. I agree with what you say about caring for it in & out. I feel like that was the case except for it's last owner (the guy I got it from). He's a squirrel. But fortunately he only had it for 2 mos & 2K miles. Before that, it came from an auto dealer. Guess I'm "worried" because of the miles. With a dealer involved, I'm less concerned, but still curious since there aren't any maintainence records.

I'll definitely do all the fluid flushes & changes when it gets a little warmer.

Thx again for the response and advice!

For recalls you can call your local isuzu dealer and give them the VIN and they will look it up to see if any havent been done yet. I got a carfax on mine before I bought it so knew one hadnt been done but when I took it in to be done they looked it up again. Every time the ownership changes or it gets titled in another state it will show up on carfax, also recalls, and a few other things that dont really mean much. Might have been some accidents on there but if the truck looks good I wouldnt worry too much about that. Cant completely trust carfax either. It only shows what was reported. I know for my mitsu I had it doesnt show that it was totalled cuz the insurance company never reported it. Also doesnt show any accidents for my rodeo but I'm pretty sure its been wrecked before (right side headlight is newer then left, inner fender plastic peice not installed properly, etc.)

With a manual tranny and not burning any oil I would think there are still alot of miles left in it yet. Be prepaired for a clutch change since you dont know if or when its been replaced. Since you have no money in it the cost of any repairs should still make it a good deal.

Idler arms are pretty easy to change usually. Pop it off the steering relay rod, then unbolt the braket from the frame (usually 2 bolts). Getting the arm and braket seperated can be another story though. Might want to take them to a shop and see if they can to it. Be prepaired to buy both parts though. I had to do that on my '84 p'up cuz they would not seperate.

I have a haynes manual and the factory manual on cd. The haynes manual is good for the instructions but lacking in pics for 2nd gen models. Theres more for the earlier models. I got the factory manual maily for the drawings so I know what I'm looking at.

This is starting to look like a Smiley post :ylsuper:

LXA - Got a question for you, I know you don't know about it's past, but what oil/viscosity are you using in it?

The fact that it doesn't use ANY oil is GREAT!

You can double check the vin on the engine against the vin on the truck frame to see if it's original - you probably already knew that though.

Gizmo - thanks for the post. I was thinking that the carfax wasn't worth it and despite what they say, I didn't believe it would be thorough and tell me all I wanted to know. Sounds like it's not, but may be interesting to see - when I have a $20 bill that doesn't know what to do with itself. Thx also for the info on the idler arm change and the manuals. From what I've read on here before and your advice, I'm probably going to go with a CD and the Chilton's. I need pictures and a step 1,2,3 type instruction if I'm gonna do it right. Oh, and thx for the advice on the clutch. So far, so good, but I've wondered about it, too.

Ramblin - Me and my local Goodyear Service Center have had a good working relationship for the last few years. In exchange for them maintaining a POS car that my kids were driving to school, I paid them an outrageous amount of money. (Need a good parts car?) Regardless, I had them change the oil in the truck right after I got it. They put in a Shell brand 5w/30 synthetic. I questioned it, but was told that it was the recommended viscosity and that all of their oils are not "oil" but a true synthetic. Take that for what it's worth, but so far it's working for me - hasn't used a drop, and I'm a nut about checking oil.

As far as the engine ID, I just haven't taken the time to noodle my way in there and check. It will be interesting, since I keep finding grease pencil or some kinda paint on various pieces/parts on it....and it ain't written in Japaneese. It's not just a truck, it's an adventure. :banghead: