Isuzu Meet the Members

gpm5

If they will pay I would get it fixed up like new under the warranty. I agree, changing out to larger engines now-a-days on these electronic vehicles would be a nightmare. Even the tranny shift points etc--everything will be affected. If Isuzu made a bigger engine that would fit to the current configuration that might be different.

Karen_S

Is anyone out nearing the end of your lease, or maybe even not that close to the end, but are already getting offers to buy the vehicle from the lessor? It doesn't matter if you plan to take the offer or not. Does this describe your situation? If so, please post your story in our discussion Talk to the Press, or respond directly to Jeannine Fallon, our PR Director at Edmunds jfallon@Edmunds.com. As always, your identity will be protected at your request.


Thanks much!


KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs

sbcooke

The town hall search no longer returns logical answers? I used to search by "trooper" and got here, I now cannot search and find the owner's club area? I have to use the drop down menu. This isn't a problem to get here, but I am trying to research another car and cannot find pertinent information? Anyone else experiencing this problem?

paisan

any word on the Troopa? The guys over at the subaru club want to pitch in and get you a snorkel

-mike

Karen_S

Re: search

Yes....it is a pain. This search now finds keyword(s) in not just discussion titles, but throughout the discussion messages. SO, if someone posts "You're a trooper." in a message in the Nissan Maxima discussion on the Sedans board, it will show up in a Search for "trooper".

The Search feature is suppose to be "refined", but I don't know the time frame of when it will take place.

KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs

sbcooke

After I get it back I am going to look into it! The dealer wants to put a new short block in. State Farm wants to only replace the bent rod. The dealer has the engine out, one rod it bent for sure, and the cylinder wall is scorched, they think the rest is OK, but cannot be sure. They will warranty either job, but recommend replacing the entire bottom 1/2 of the motor. I agree. I told them that no matter how much State Farm pitches in I want the short block installed. They are already detailing the truck and flushing the tranny and differentials, covered by insurance. Most likely it will all be covered other than a $500 deductible. I am not counting my chickens, but it looks like I will get out for under a $1000. Now I need to figure out how to spend the $5000 I theoretically saved through insurance. :-).

paisan

Sean, that's good to hear, and glad to hear you aren't scared off from off-roading, I know a lot of people would be flippin and never go on another trail.

-mike

paisan

http://isuzu-suvs.com has been updated. There is some new stuff in the FAQs and How-to sections (5.25" rear speakers)

-mike

sbcooke

I am not scared off. Definetely lucky though. If you guys had not been there, I would have been walking to the nearest paved road to meet a tow truck, if I was lucky. All things considered, I learned a lot, I doubt it will happen ever again.

duktrooper

Hey SB-
I've kinda followed your trail woes..sorry to hear about the trouble. Your misfortune seemed to be mostly bad luck caused by not knowing about a submerged hole. What's your advice to us newbies on how best to prevent(besides getting snorkel)?

Is sounded like other than entering speed,there isn't much else you could have done. Your thoughts please?

sbcooke

Without a snorkel, which I may be adding soon? I would/and could have gone around the water. If I couldn't have gone around, I could have put the driver's side (air intake) out of the water on the side of the hill to the left and had the passenger side wheels running over the center track? We were having too much fun, I could have checked every few feet of the road beneath the water beforehand, but I felt that might slow us down too much. I really slowed us down instead. Going through the obstacle at 5 MPH might have helped, but I feel like the front end would have been submerged at any speed? Straddling it, and keeping the air intake as far from the water as possible (going around even better).

My old '78 Pontiac Safari Wagon, was carburated, with air intake on top of the motor via the air cleaner, it could go through 1+ ft. high stretches of water as long as I didn't sink the exhaust and I was going fast enough...I never had to worry about the intake. I guess a lot of newer models have put the air intake in better spots to increase mileage, i.e. behind the headlights.

I am fairly new too, never experienced much trouble other than almost getting stuck a few times. It is fun when you almost get stuck...but not when you actually do...best advice know your limits and be prepared for an emergency, another $100 in tools may (I stress may) have helped fixing this problem. Never going alone without a tow vehicle.

paisan

Never wheel alone. Even if the other guy can't get you un-stuck, at least you don't have to hike to the road! And now that I know where the intake is, I will definitely be preventing that left front corner from hitting the water. Slow is also good, cause even if water gets into the air-box, if it isn't forced through quickly it may still avoid getting into the engine just by the forces of gravity.

-mike

paisan

Come to the Isuzu Owner's Chat tonight, if you are an owner, or interested in buying one! 10pm-11pm this evening.

-mike

cwmoser

Howdy everyone. I've been a fan of Edmunds Town Hall for some time now, and enjoyed the work Paisan and others have done here. I just created a website for my Isuzu Trooper - www.isuzu.8k.com

I put up some pictures of my Bike Rack and some other stuff. One thing I want to obtain is some Australian "Jackeroo" badging.

gpm5

nice site on your trooper--great info on the bike rack.

paisan

Can I borrow some pics and stuff from your site?

-mike

cwmoser

Sure. Feel free to use what you want. I appreciate the work you have put in this message board.

paisan

Well I put the Trooper to good use this weekend. Used it to move around my boats, the OMEs + Rancho 9000s kept my 3500lb boat trailer from moving the rear down on the trooper very well.

I then needed to straighten out my dock which over the past 4 or 5 years had be nearly bent completely out of shape by ice. I tied up my 100ft rope and used the trooper to pull my dock back into shape. It would have taken hours in nearly 40 degree water to come even close to the work we did in about 15 minutes using the trooper.

However when backing up towing the dock I did notice that the trooper came to a near stand-still in reverse gear in 4wd-hi/TOD. Same problem I had with my rodeo and the trooper once before. I put it in into 4wd-Lo and had no problems. I guess the reverse gear is not setup properly for spots that need extra torque.

-mike

sbcooke

We got the truck Saturday. Runs great, good as new! I checked the oil after a 100 miles and it was crystal clear. Time will tell, but since it is still under factory warranty I think I should be OK.

It was a pain to get it though. They insisted on us signing over the statefarm checks? I told them that the checks were made out to me and already deposited in the bank. They would NOT take a credit card. We ended up using our ATM/Debit card, which they almost didn't take. I wonder if it because they have to pay credit card companies 1 or 2% of sale value? The charged a lot for this repair, $3000 more than an independent shop offered on the job. I am/was surprised that they refused to take a credit card for the repair, and wonder about the legality?

paisan

They probably just didn't want to get whacked the 2-3% Funny thing is that they'll get whacked it on the ATM/Debit card just the same. I'm suprised they didn't take a check from you. Glad to hear it's back in order.

-mike

paisan

Well folks, I have 22K miles on my 00 Trooper. Up to this point it was burning 1Q per 1K-2K miles. 2500 miles ago I put in mobil 1 synthetic, and it hasn't burnt a spec so far! I'll keep you posted on the results as it gets closer to 5K-6K miles.

-mike

sbcooke

There should be no fee, at least I think not? It is supposed to be the same as cash. When I get time I want to ask my credit card company about their refusal to take charge as payment.

They really wanted the statefarm checks? I am trying to figure out what scam they could be trying to pull by using the checks?

paisan

The fee isn't based on your CC/ATM/Debit card company. Basically any vendor is hooked up with a processing company. That processing company charges them X% for Visa/MC, X% for Amex, X% for Discover etc. The Processing company doesn't know if the card you are using is a debit, credit, atm etc. The vendor gets whacked either way. They probably were just trying to CYA themselves since it was such a high ticket item. In the interest of customer service I'd have taken the CC hit, but some places aren't willing to do that.

-mike

radman6

Besides the 2 to 3 % fee, they also have to deal with the credit card company if there's a problem. For example, if the repair didn't last you could call your credit card company, tell them there was a dispute with the dealer over the service provided. Normally the credit card company will retract the payment until it's all worked out. In most cases your credit card company is pretty willing to work with you as the cardholder rather than the merchant. I always charge major purchases to my credit cards - especially where there's a chance of not getting what you paid for.

conman2000

Hi all,

   Just saying hi.

Here is my new 2001 Trooper LS w/moonroof:

Added so far is HiddenHitch Class III hitch and wire harness, Swagman Spare tire mounted bike rack, and Nokia Hands Free Speaker phone car kit.

Plan to add: step bars, rear protector bar(like Paisan's), and matching spare rim.

Cheers,

Con

gpm5

I wonder if posting chat transcripts will dampen the information flow there and whether all info in the chats is relevant for posting. Some material in the chats is simply socializing.

paisan

Well I just got back from a 1500 mile jaunt out to Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Detroit, MI. Overall the Trooper did outstanding. 9hrs from NYC->Ann Arbor. I decided to go with the truck in 2wd mode. In the hills of PA I got 17mpg @ 82-90mph with no speed below 75 for the 300 miles of PA. OH->Ann Arbor I got 19mpg @ 70-90mph (most of ohio was in the 70 range)

At 82mph, the trooper was cruising at just under 3K rpms, and it loved it. In PA on the way out had some bursts up to 100+mph, and cruised with a couple of semis at 90mph for about 20 minutes.

Only problem I encountered was the 2x I pushed it over 100mph, the CE light came on shortly after. But 1/4 of a tank of gas later it went off, so I'm assuming that it was some kind of vaccum/fuel vapor retrieval system that caused it to come on.

This was my first trip greater than 3hrs in the car, and it was very very comfy for the trip. My passengers loved the rear reclining seats, as we watched the 1st season of the sopranos + Office Space + Black Rain on my laptop that my buddy had on his lap in the passenger seat. I also used a cassette-adapter for the sound to get piped through the Trooper stereo.

Oil Consumption so far with Mobil 1 is less than 1/2 a quart in 3500 miles, which I'm very happy with. I'll keep you posted as I approach 7K miles on the Mobil 1.

-mike

Karen_S

I think part of the reason they will be provided is to show those who may be leery of chats that the club chats are friendly. Perhaps others will be more inclined to participate. :-)

KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs

paisan

I'll be here this week after 2 weeks of not being available. (last week I was driving to MI, the week before, heck I can't remember that far back!)

-mike

paisan

Go rate your truck! Right now the #1 vehicle is the Vehicross and the Trooper is up there!

http://www.carreview.com/reviews/suv/index_byrating.shtml

-mike

paisan

Hey folks, just wanted to invite anyone interested in a weekend of off-roading in Uwharrie Forest, NC to come with the guys from the Isuzu group(s). Here is the important Info:

Date: July 20-22

Where: UWharrie, NC

What: Off-roading and Camping Trip.

I checked with the Isuzu guys and they said that stock trucks shouldn't have any problems since Uwharrie is relatively tame, unless you choose to go for the real hard stuff (but there are bypasses). It should be a fun weekend, Kids and pets are welcome and encouraged. More details can be found at: http://www.outdoorwire.com/ubb/Forum68/HTML/004378.html

-mike

paisan

10-11pm EST. Come chat with other Isuzu Owners. If you are an owner, or prospective owner, you don't want to miss this opportunity to get in touch live with other's who have real world experience.

http://www.edmunds.com/chat/isuzuchat.html

-mike

sbcooke

What is with that new section? There is no information posted there. I assume that it is so we can review a chat session and then we will like it so much we will want to get involved?

gpm5

that's what they say--they want to shpw its friendly. --sbcooke, what about beach driving on Nantucket--is there a charge for that?

paisan

Hey all, there are more Big-horn Catalog pics scanned in thanks to Eiji and another How-to for putting in a rear cigarette lighter/accesory outlet in the cargo area.

http://isuzu-suvs.com

-mike

sbcooke

There is a charge, and limited availability. For full beach access it was $100, and then another $350 for ferry fees.

You have to reserve the ferry almost a year ahead of time if you are bringing a vehicle, have residence, etc. They have not limited oversand access to fishing only, but I am sure that will be coming. But Last year when I was there, a car rental company was using 1999 Trooper's as their 4wd rental for the island. They buy the beach passes and without vehicles you can walk on the ferry for about $50.

It is very much a chore after the first few days. everyday it is a 45-60 minute hump out to the good fishing/beach spots. Doing that several times a day gets old, packing up everything you need for a day getting everyone going. Most of the driving is just plain sand through pre-set ruts. The Trooper is great though, a lot of space for all of the stuff, great through the deep stuff and very comfortable over the whooptie-doos. Most beach spots are accessible by even a X5. If you want to hit the good fishing spots though, you will need a "real" 4wd vehicle (4 low, tow hooks, LSD).

But yes, you have to pay for everything and reserve it well ahead of time on Nantucket, and it is not cheap. We go as entire family, mom, dad, brothers, nieces and nephews, and share the costs so we can afford it :-).

gpm5

thanks for the info. Beach driving at Long Island is $35 dollars for the day for a non-county resident.

paisan

10-11pm EST. Come chat with other Isuzu Owners. If you are an owner, or prospective owner, you don't want to miss this opportunity to get in touch live with other's who have real world experience.

http://www.edmunds.com/chat/isuzuchat.html

-mike

paisan

Well there is usually people on the Isuzus chat of AOL IM almost 24x7. Check out http://www.isuzu-suvs.com/im/index.html for more details.

-mike

sbcooke

Paisan, I saw the pictures of Arek's wrecked Trooper, yikes. Any report on the performance of the truck in the crash? From the looks of the photos it looks like the passengers got out OK, I hope. Did the airbags deploy properly, and help, not hurt passengers, etc. Just curious due to all of the recent attention frontal crashes have been getting in the media.

paisan

He sent em to me, and I replied to try to get more info, but he never sent anymore info But originally he said that everyone was fine, so that's good.

-mike

paisan

http://isuzu-suvs.com has some updates. New in the site today:

link to cost of ownership web-page found in FAQ section.

Writeup on laptop computer stand construction in the How-to section.

-mike

paisan

Ok folks...

Friday night I rented a u-haul car transport (dual axle, brakes, etc) to tow my subaru XT6 up to my house in the adirondacks...

Trailer weight: 5K+lbs (trailer 2K + 2900lbs car + gear in car)
Trooper cargo: aprox 600-700lbs
Equipment: OME rear springs, Rancho 9000 shocks, Hidden Hitch Trailer hitch
Tounge weight: 600-800lbs
Distance: 200 Miles, interstate, hilly
Speed: cruise set on 72, speeds ranged from 65-77
A/C: On
TOD: On
Gear Selector: "D"
Power Mode: Off
MPG: 11.5mpg

Overall handled great, no fishtailing, no braking problems, the weight distribution on the trailer sucked the engine of the car was very far forward, so the tounge weight was way heavier than it should have been. This caused the rear to go way down, but not sitting on the bump stops. Cranked the Rancho 9000s up to the 5+ position. Had the rear section loaded up with computer equipment, a big heavy tent for my truck (10x20) and gear for a week of vacation. I was quite impressed with the towing capacity, it was a little slow getting up to speed, but not too sluggish considering the weight. At 72mph, the RPMs were sitting at 2600-2700, which is slightly higher than normal. It downshifted more often at hills than w/o the trailer which was expected. It also ran just as cool as well. Overall very impressed, and would reccomend this as a great tow vehicle. I'd just make sure my trailer weight distribution was better setup if I towed on a regular basis.

-mike

paisan

I updated http://isuzu-suvs.com Check out the Uwharrie info, and the Gallery (lots of links there)

-mike

sdc2

Mike, I haven't had any luck getting into your site...is it on hiatus?

I want to sent a few pics for your readers rides section.

paisan

try re-loading after you initially go to it. Some ISPs have problems finding the DNS for some reason and need to be refreshed. Send over the pics mike@iace.com

-mike

paisan

10pm tonight Chat! Come tell us about your trucks, or if you are a potential owner, we'll be chatting up our trucks. I'll give an overview of Uwharrie!

http://www.edmunds.com/chat/isuzuchat.html

-mike

FrankMc

GM has written off it's investment in Isuzu (basically meaning that they don't believe that they will have a return from it, so they can take a tax loss now... and if it turns around they would then have to book all the cash as profits). They denied that they would sell their 49% stake in Isuzu stock. In other news Isuzu has decided to sell their headquarters building to raise cash.

Frank

sbcooke

Maybe we could all get a pool going and make an offer? We are only making Trooper's and Vehicrosses after I take the helm.

keepontroopin

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