New Car options.

[NikiH]

Anyone have any experience with Nissan? Xterra specifically. Or Isuzu? The Rodeo is the model we are currently looking at. We've comparrison shopped and have pretty much narrowed it down to these two. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys!

[redskincity]

Dont do Isuzu ever!!!

Nissan is the way to go. Its alittle more expensive but trust me dont do Isuzu. Please!!!

[Texas Hog]

My wife had an Xterra when we met....good vehicle. She didn't have any problems with it.

[JansenFan]

Dont do Isuzu ever!!!

Nissan is the way to go. Its alittle more expensive but trust me dont do Isuzu. Please!!!

Can you elaborate on the Isuzu reaction, please?

[cvillehog]

Nissans are nice, but they've gotten so expensive.

Why not the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid? You can get in the comuter lanes during rush hour if you get the special license plate.

[joebagadonuts]

when we were in the market for a vehicle, we heard some bad things about the crash test ratings for isuzu. this was a few years ago, but according to crashtest.com it don't look so good.

we're very happy with our toyota 4runner, by the way.

[NikiH]

I also would like more info as to why never an Isuzu. It actually has a few bonuses over the Xterra for me at this point.

Cville I cannot do a Ford. We had a Lemon of a Bronco and the next car we bought, after not learning the lesson was a new Thunderbird. Which also happened to be a lemon. So because of our experience I don't think I'd like a Ford. Although Jansenfan has been trying to talk me into the new Mustang it ain't happening either.

[doroshjt]

I have a 2001 Nissan Xterra and love it. I've only had one problem, my stereo broke after 1 hour of a 10 hour drive. So that sucked, but they fixed it under warrenty. Of course now that i"m writing this, it'll probably screw up when I get on the road tonight. My friends love the back seat of the xterra and the stadium seating and plenty of leg room.

[curveball]

If you're looking for a smaller SUV, might I suggest looking into Suzuki's XL-7.

We have one that my wife drives in the winter (she's uncomfortable driving the larger SUV's and central PA demands 4x4 because of the wintry mixes we get) and she loves it. Our current one is our 3rd. My wife totalled the first two and walked away with just a scratch on the 1st. (Neither were her fault, people spun into her lane. I keep telling her she used up all her luck the day she married me, she claims she married Schleprock).

The second row seating is lacking leg room, and it's almost non-existent in the third row, but it's more than adequate for car seats/boosters.

It does have a problem with tire wear, so if you put on a lot of miles, it's probably not for you, but it's a third car for us with less than 10K a year so it's ideal.

The big advantage is that a fully loaded model will only run you the low 20's while a bare bones model's in the teens.

It's definitely worth a test drive.

[cvillehog]

I also would like more info as to why never an Isuzu. It actually has a few bonuses over the Xterra for me at this point.

Cville I cannot do a Ford. We had a Lemon of a Bronco and the next car we bought, after not learning the lesson was a new Thunderbird. Which also happened to be a lemon. So because of our experience I don't think I'd like a Ford. Although Jansenfan has been trying to talk me into the new Mustang it ain't happening either.

Ford uses Toyota's Hybrid technology, BTW.

[hailskins666]

Anyone have any experience with Nissan? Xterra specifically. Or Isuzu? The Rodeo is the model we are currently looking at. We've comparrison shopped and have pretty much narrowed it down to these two. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys!

buy american. remember pearl harbor.

[curveball]

Anyone have any experience with Nissan? Xterra specifically. Or Isuzu? The Rodeo is the model we are currently looking at. We've comparrison shopped and have pretty much narrowed it down to these two. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys!

buy american. remember pearl harbor.

Unfortunately, a person would really have to do their homework to find an "American" car. Several Japanese automakers have plants here that provide needed jobs while some "American" vehicles are made out-of-country.

[hailskins666]

well, at least support an american corporation.
chevy/gmc trucks/suv's are assembled at the ft wayne assembly plant. even though all of the parts aren't.

[redskincity]

Dont do Isuzu ever!!!

Nissan is the way to go. Its alittle more expensive but trust me dont do Isuzu. Please!!!

Can you elaborate on the Isuzu reaction, please?

My sister purchased a Trooper and she almost went broke tring to keep it on the road. The engine kept over heating in the Summer and sometimes in the winter when it felt like it. The Tranny slipped when full of passengers etc...Actullay I getting pissed thinking about it.

I know vehicles are man made and sometimes we lemons, my sister got the lemon tree.

There was a website a few years back but I cant find it. Two people had the same exact problems that my sister encountered.


Here are a few peeps who have had problms:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automoti ... ngine.html



May 3, 2004
Is Isuzu about to join the long list of automakers who've disappeared from the U.S. market? Falling sales and a shrinking line-up, combined with desperation-level incentives, make it look that way.

Isuzu's sales have gone off a cliff in recent years, falling from nearly 104,000 in 1999 to just 30,000 last year; this year's sales are down nearly 12 percent.

Trying to sell enough vehicles to keep its dealer network alive, the company is offering incentives normally found only on high-end luxury vehicles -- up to $5,000 off a 2004 Rodeo SUV, which has a base price of less than $21,000.

Isuzu's current line-up consists of the Axiom, Rodeo and two versions of the Ascender. But Terry Maloney, president of the U.S. division, told dealers at the National Automobile Dealers Association convention in February that the make would be down to two vehicles this year.

In July, production of the Axiom and Rodeo, Isuzu's best-selling vehicle, will end, leaving just two Ascender models -- a seven-seater and a five-seat version.

Dealers aren't likely to get another SUV until the 2007 model year.

The company hopes to sell at lesat 30,000 vehicles this year. It has been cutting costs, eliminating 50 percent of its U.S. staff and eliminating its in-house finance company.

Maloney says he is confident the company will survive


Jeff of Grand Prairie TX (9/14/04):
I own a 1999 Isuzu Trooper with around 67,000 miles on the odometer. I and my family enjoyed the vehicle until about 6 months ago when, on a 250-mile run from San Antonio to my home, I experienced a loud whining and everything lit up like a Christmas tree and the truck went dead. After a long wait and an even longer tow, I had the vehicle checked out and was told that the engine was locked up tight as a drum and that there was just under 1 quart of oil in the pan.

During my ownership of the truck, I had noticed that the dipstick would occasionally and unexpectedly read low - and it never visibly burned any oil. I have owned many classic and high performance vehicles in the past and am a stickler for maintenance. I had changed the oil in the truck around 3000 miles earlier and thought, as any owners manual will tell you, I was keeping up. My immediate thought was that the previous oil change had been done incorrectly - but my own diligence in checking the oil prior to my trip and adding a needed quart steered me away from that as a solution.

Now, after an attempt to locate a replacement engine for the truck online, I find that I'm not alone by any means. Being out of warranty (just) leaves me with the belief that I will just have to eat the cost of getting the vehicle back on the road, but I feel that, given the number of similar stories out there, Isuzu should pony up and assist those who can prove their stories.

My truck is currently being re-diagnosed and repaired after a $285 tow. Initial estimates have indicated that I will likely be out around $3000 for the engine plus several an additional $1000-$2000 in labor.

Robert of Stoughton WI (12/30/03):
We purchased a 1999 Trooper, 3.5 ltr. new in November, 1999. We had the oil changed on a regular basis per recommendations. At the last oil change (October, 2003), Valovine indicated that there was no oil in the motor. We just thought that they had not filled it up properly the last time the oil was changed. At that time, there was less than 60,000 miles on the vehicle. We drove from Wisconsin to Ohio for Christmas which is approximately 580 miles one way. On the way back, the oil light came on in Chicago.

We stopped and put in 2 bottles of 10W30. The oil did not register on the stick. We continued home. We checked the oil when we arrived home and it was not registering again on the stick. We added oil again. The mileage on the vehicle is now 62,000 miles. We contacted Zimbrick's Service Manager and they basically said that the warranty is out and we will need to replace the engine.

Isuzu has known about this problem which occurs in the 1998, 1999 and 2000 3.5 liter vehicles. They corrected the problem with the later 2000 vehicles. It is occuring after the warranty expires in most cases. They did not notify us to indicate there might be a problem with oil consumption. If they had, we would have taken it in after the oil change prior to the warranty expiring. I think Isuzu should back their product. Our vehicle is only 2,000 over the warranty and it was an existing problem that we were not aware of.

We may have to replace the engine which would cost more than what the vehicle is worth. We still owe one year of a five year loan, approximately $4,000.00. It would be stupid to replace the engine and incur $6,000-7,000 in expense for a vehicle that isn't worth that.

[redskincity]

Bump!

[hailskins666]

i had an isuzu "p'up" as a teen. it had a whooping 90,000 miles on it when i got it, and after a 400 mile roud trip roadtrip to see pantera, it had 2 burnt valves(a nice little $1400 bill before i could even get rid of the damn thing), at a even more whooping 96,000 miles. then i bought a chevy truck. which i have been buying nothing but, since about '95. not a days trouble out of the three i've had.

not to mention, the resale value of those lemons are next to nothing. definantly DON'T buy an isuzu.

[tcwest10]

If you're not doing any off-roading anymore ( )...why not go with a nice Disney package conversion van or a nice mini ?

[NikiH]

LOL TC Jansefen is going to hurt you for that. He will NEVER in his words, have a mini van. So that is out. I have tried and tried to at least get him to drive one but he won't do it.

[ANT7088]

Between your 2, I'd go with the Nissan (they also have there own exclusive Xterra 4WD club, it's pretty cool), but for around the same price as the higher model Xterra, you can get a Jeep Grand Cherokee - Laredo, it's bigger, better & you'll get more for your money! I have a 2004 Laredo - Special Edition, it's great! If your credit is better than mine, it'll be less than $400.00 per month

But just so you know my cousin works at Nissan & if that's more affordable (or whatever), I know for a fact it's a great truck too!

[JPFair]

I bought an Isuzu Rodeo right off of the showroom floor on June 4, 1999. Since then, I've had to take it to the dealer only one time, and that was to replace a light bulb. With routine maintenance, I've had no problem whatsoever. It's o.k. on gas mileage, and it's comfy inside. I've had no problems with it at all. That being said, I'm ready to go back to a Sedan.

[cvillehog]

Between your 2, I'd go with the Nissan (they also have there own exclusive Xterra 4WD club, it's pretty cool), but for around the same price as the higher model Xterra, you can get a Jeep Grand Cherokee - Laredo, it's bigger, better & you'll get more for your money! I have a 2004 Laredo - Special Edition, it's great! If your credit is better than mine, it'll be less than $400.00 per month

But just so you know my cousin works at Nissan & if that's more affordable (or whatever), I know for a fact it's a great truck too!

My dad has owned 6 Cherokees and Grand Cherokees that I can recall. It's a good car, but if you don't take great care of it, it will fall apart on you.

Also, Cherokee is made in Canada and now owned in Germany, so that would make it less of an American-made car than a Toyota.

[Texas Hog]

The '05 Mustangs are very cool, and I'm also considering buying one. I'm not a Ford person either....was a GM person, but have driven two Dodge pickups lately. I love the Hemi, but the mileage is killing me. And the trucks too big to fit in the garage, and I can't keep it clean.

Anyone heard anything good or bad on the new Mustang?

BTW...also considering an '01 Corvette with 6300 miles on it, but only if the price is right.

[JPFair]

NiKi, JF: How bout a Lamborghini Countache? It's a little more expensive than the Isuzu Rodeo, but what's a few bucks?

[JansenFan]

NiKi, JF: How bout a Lamborghini Countache? It's a little more expensive than the Isuzu Rodeo, but what's a few bucks?

We test drove it and I liked it, but it didn't have enough room for the car seat.

[SkinsChic]

How bout what Justice got...with a sidecar for Jackson