00:00 - Show Open - 1998 to 2003 Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport
If you're a fan of boxy, short-wheelbase, fun-to-drive SUVs, then you will love the vehicle that is the focus of today's episode of Better Than New
01:05 - Brief recap of Notable Isuzu Cars, Trucks and SUVs sold in the US
While Isuzu hasn't sold passenger vehicles in the US since 2009, they are still one of largest manufacturers of commercial diesel engines, trucks and buses globally, and they still sell passenger vehicles in other markets outside the US.
However, when Isuzu did sell passenger vehicles here, they offered some notable models, including the Impulse Coupe (originally penned by famed Italian Designer Giorgetto Guigiaro), the boxy Trooper family SUV and the cool, but short-lived 2-door Vehicross available here from 1999-2001. PS - I was wrong about the number of Vehicross SUVs sold in the US. I thought it was around 4,500, but it was lower at 4,153
02:20 - Today's Focus Used SUV: The 1998-2003 Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport
Today's focus used car is the second generation Isuzu Amigo, sold from 1998 to 2000, which was later renamed the Rodeo Sport from 2001 to 2003. These boxy SUV identical twins are short-wheelbase versions of the Rodeo SUV, one of Isuzu's most successful vehicles sold in the US.
04:00 - Engine Options
04:35 - Drive train and Transmission Options
05:30 - Performance
06:30 - Fuel Economy
06:55 - Suspension & Handling
08:25 - Wheel & Tire Options
08:50 - Brakes
9:20 - Interior Features
11:00 - Exterior Features
13:45 - When It Comes To Finding One Of These SUVs, What Should You Look For?
When it comes to selecting really any used vehicle, the condition of that vehicle matters more than the features and colors... for the most part.
In this case, while I would focus on finding an Amigo or Rodeo sport in good to excellent condition, there are a couple of features I personally cannot live without.
First feature I can't live without is 4WD. These were sold in both 2-wheel drive (2WD) and 4-wheel drive (4WD). The 2WD and 4WD models look basically the same. At a glance, you can't tell one from the other without a closer look. That said, If I bought one of these, I would have to have 4WD, so that narrows my selection somewhat. It will narrow your selection too if you also want 4WD, so be sure to confirm that the Amigo or Rodeo Sport you are looking at has 4WD if you want that feature.
Second, I want the added horsepower of the 6-cylinder engine. Or put another way, I wouldn't buy one of these with a 4-cylinder unless it was a crazy good deal (as in, I would flip it immediately for a profit and then put the extra cash towards a 6-cylinder model). The 4-cylinder is adequate with a 5-speed manual, but having an extra 75-hp matters to me and I think it will matter to you - and since the fuel economy isn't that great for either the 4-cylinder or the 6-cylinder engine, you might as well go with more power.
17:00 - Focus on Condition, Condition, Condition
Condition of a used vehicle is what matters most, and when it comes to the condition of any used vehicle, there are several things that you want to consider.
26:55 - Two Caveats To Consider
First, there was a recall for rust that builds up where links from the rear suspension attach to the frame. These areas were not properly treated and are more likely to rust and fail if exposed to snow-covered roads treated with salt. This is common in many mid-west and northeastern states and these vehicles were recalled in all states (about 20 or so states at the time of the recall) that salt their roads in winter. When Isuzu inspected the recalled vehicles, those with minimal rust had an anti-rust treatment applied to the suspension and frame. For vehicles with moderate rust damage, Isuzu added additional bracing and for excessively rusted vehicles, Isuzu bought them back from owners. That said, be sure to get a look underneath to check the frame and suspension for rust on any Amigo or Rodeo Sport you are considering for purchase.
Second, they don't make or sell Isuzu's in the US anymore, so you can't run down to your local Isuzu dealer and pick up parts or schedule service. However, Isuzu did sell about 35,000 of the 1998-2003 Amigo/Rodeo Sport SUVs here in the US (plus a lot of 4-door Rodeos, which have many similar parts). Isuzu also sold a lot more 2-door versions under different brand names all over the globe, so there will be parts available... it just may take a little more time to find what you need. Also, the engines and transmissions in these can be serviced by any competent mechanic, so don't worry. Common parts for tune-ups, timing belt changes, electrical parts, cooling parts, etc. should be available from your local auto parts store. But there is the potential that some body and interior parts may take a little more time to source if you need them.
Now would either of these potential issues stop me from buying an Amigo or Rodeo Sport? No. And I'm not bringing these issues up to stop you from buying one of these vehicles, but you should be aware that these potential problem areas exist so you can make an informed choice and perform any due diligence necessary before you buy.
29:15 - Pricing - What Should You Expect To Pay?
Pricing is always difficult to predict in the current car market. New cars are available in limited quantities, which drives up prices. That in turn impacts used car prices. The average new car price in the US is now more than $48,000 and the average used car price in the US, according to a recent July 22nd, 2022 article in Autoweek magazine, is more than $33,000. So... that brings out the crazy in people selling cars.
Even private owners with older used cars that shouldn't really be impacted by the price gouging start getting "inflation fever" and some will set their asking price higher when they try to sell them.
There may be some of that thinking when pricing cars like the Amigo and Rodeo Sport, but I believe there is something else pushing these vehicles up in value. Most Boxy, 4WD, short-wheelbase SUVs on the used market are in demand and people have discovered that these Isuzu's are a decent alternative to an early Ford Bronco or a Jeep Wrangler. But in spite of that, plus the overall inflated used car market, prices on these Isuzu's from across the US (at least what I have been seeing) haven't gone crazy, so that's some good news.
For an experiment, I ran a recent price search on Kelly Blue Book for a 2001 Rodeo Sport, 4x4 with 5-speed and 135,000 miles in excellent condition and the average price for a private party sale was $3000 with a $3500 maximum.
Out in the real world, I guess it's possible to find an Amigo or Rodeo Sport for sale in that price range, but it won't last long if you do. The following prices are more realistic based on what I have been seeing in the market place over the last few months:
33:20 - Other Options
When I search for a particular used vehicle, such as the Amigo/Rodeo Sport, I typically have a few similar used vehicles in mind that I look for at the same time. In this case, I would look at the following boxy, short-wheelbase SUV as an option.
First, the TJ series of the Jeep Wrangler, sold from 1997 to 2006 is a great option. I love Jeeps and the TJ is probably my favorite, for its combination of styling, capability and price. It's the quintessential Jeep. My preferred combination of features would be a 6-cylinder model with a hardtop. The hardtop can be removed and you can easily add a soft top or bikini top if you want later, but I prefer the security of a hardtop.
Another great option is the Dodge Raider or the equivalent 2-door Mitsubishi Montero. With the optional 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine and a 5-speed manual, these little 4x4s can go just about anywhere. The Raider/2-door Montero was only available up until model year 1989, so it will be harder to find one for sale, but these do come up from time to time in good condition, so it is worth keeping an eye out for one as you search for an Amigo/Rodeo Sport.
Looking for something smaller and more funky? How about the Suzuki Samurai, a Geo Tracker or for a real unicorn, the Daihatsu Rocky. Not much horsepower with these, but all are body-on-frame SUVs with some back road chops, so possibly something to consider while you search for that Amigo or Rodeo Sport.
36:45 - Wrap
Hopefully this episode on Amigo/Rodeo Sport has made an impression on you. I think these are a great used SUV option (in good condition, of course) and I believe you will feel the same way after some time behind the wheel, so check one out if you are a fan of rugged, boxy 4x4s.