Isuzu is a Japanese automaker that saw a lot of success in the North American market in the 1980s, ’90s, and early 2000s. While the company has been out of the passenger car industry in the U.S. since 2008, plenty of used Isuzus are available, and they can usually be found at relatively low prices.

If you are working with a small budget for your next used car purchase, you might think that an Isuzu is a good option. Whenever you shop for a used vehicle, though, it is important to consider the total cost of ownership, especially when it comes to maintenance. Knowing whether or not Isuzus are expensive to maintain will help you make the right choice and find a vehicle that will serve you well for many years to come.

Common Maintenance and Repair Costs for Isuzu Vehicles

When looking for a used vehicle, it is important to remember that the sticker price is only a fraction of the total cost. Repairs and routine maintenance are a big part of the annual expenses for any vehicle and should be built into your budget. Having a good understanding of some of the common maintenance costs for Isuzu vehicles is a good way to get the full picture.

• Oil Changes: If you want to keep your vehicle running smoothly, no matter what type it is, oil changes are essential. It is recommended that you get an oil change every 5,000 miles or so. With an older vehicle like an Isuzu, though, it is a good idea to increase that frequency. Most oil changes cost between $80 and $100, depending on where you get them done. Oil filter replacements can also be considered with your oil change.
• Brake Replacements: Brake pads are meant to wear out, and they need to be replaced if your Isuzu is going to be safe on the road. Changing your brake pads every 30,000 to 70,000 miles will ensure that you are protected whenever you are behind the wheel. A brake replacement for an Isuzu will cost between $175 and $192.
• Tire Rotations: Preventing uneven wear in your tires is a great way to extend their lifespan and protect your Isuzu’s suspension. Tire rotations cost around $50 and should be done every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.

While regular annual maintenance is a crucial factor in the overall cost of owning a car, you are also likely to face some repairs over the years. According to RepairPal, the annual auto repair cost for an Isuzu Trooper, one of the automaker’s most popular models, is $371. The Isuzu Rodeo has an annual repair cost estimate of $374. By having a good understanding of what you can expect to spend every year, you can plan accordingly and ensure that you keep your Isuzu in great shape.

Availability of Isuzu Parts and Its Impact on Maintenance Expenses

One of the big issues with buying an Isuzu is the fact that they have been discontinued for over 15 years. The more time that goes by without a vehicle being available on the market, the more difficult it will be to find OEM parts. OEM parts will almost always be your best bet when doing replacements and will give you the longevity you need for a used vehicle. With an Isuzu, though, you may find yourself having to resort to aftermarket components that may or may not be of the same quality, which can be an issue.

While it might be possible to find OEM Isuzu components for your vehicle, they may also be more expensive than parts for another, more common vehicle. Scarcity always drives prices up, so even if you can find a good source for Isuzu parts, you will most likely find yourself paying more for them. Scarcity can also lead to higher repair costs since a repair shop or dealership will have to invest more time into looking for original components or comparable aftermarket automotive parts. This can turn into longer wait times and more time without your vehicle when you need a repair done. If this is going to be an issue for you, it might be a good idea to look for another vehicle.

3 Typical Issues Faced by Isuzu Owners

One of the best ways to decide if a certain type of car is going to be right for you is to find out which issues are the most common for the brand. This is not only a good way to make a decision on the purchase but also to figure out if you need a protection plan and what type of coverage will give you the best value. Isuzu vehicles have some common issues that drivers frequently report, and knowing what they are can be incredibly helpful.

Transmission Problems

Isuzu vehicles have a reputation for transmission issues that may require a replacement at some point. Isuzu transmissions are known for developing slips, which can cause the transmission to change gears unexpectedly or pop out of gear entirely. A transmission replacement can cost up to $5,000, so keeping up with car maintenance is essential. Regular fluid changes will be incredibly helpful if you want to prevent major problems down the line.

Oil Leaks

Many Isuzu owners have complained of engine oil leaks, especially as the vehicle ages. The valve cover gasket is a common source of these leaks, and failing to address the problem can cause serious engine issues like overheating and seizing. Changing the valve cover gasket every four to five years should prevent these leaks from happening and prevent some of the more serious issues that can occur because of them.

Fuel Pump Failures

The stock Isuzu fuel pump has a reputation for being slightly weak and underpowered. This can be an issue when starting the vehicle or when driving on uneven terrain or large hills. In a case like this, it might be better to replace the stock pump with an aftermarket version. Doing so can help prevent some of the problems that a bad fuel pump causes.

How Endurance Auto Protection Plans Can Help with Isuzu Repairs

If you are going to purchase an Isuzu vehicle, it is important that you do everything you can to protect it and get coverage for when repairs come up. An extended warranty, which is more accurately called a vehicle service contract (VSC), is a great way to get help paying for repairs so you can keep your Isuzu in good shape for a long time. Endurance offers auto protection plans for older, high-mileage cars, all of which can be customized to meet your specific needs.

Endurance plans can cover the components of your Isuzu that are the most likely to fail in the coming years. The engine, transmission, and electrical system are especially susceptible to issues and with a comprehensive plan in place, you can ensure that they will all be covered. Protection for these systems is essential in an older car, especially a brand that has been discontinued like Isuzu.

In addition to comprehensive coverage, Endurance plans also come with a large collection of standard extra benefits. These include things like 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, rental car coverage, and trip interruption protection.

Endurance customers also get access to Elite Benefits, which include extra perks like tire repairs, key fob replacement, and up to $1,000 in total loss coverage.* All of these extras can be incredibly helpful to those with older vehicles and will give you peace of mind that you won’t end up stranded on the side of the road.

Protect Your Isuzu with Endurance Coverage

If you own an Isuzu vehicle or are thinking of buying one, the right protection plan is crucial. Endurance has a variety of coverage options, which can help save you money on car repairs and protect you from costly breakdowns in the future. Endurance has plans ranging from the most basic powertrain protection all the way up to near bumper-to-bumper coverage. Endurance even covers vehicles that other providers won’t, such as Canadian Gray Market cars, vehicles with a rebuilt or salvage title, and cars used for commercial purposes like rideshare or delivery.

You can experience our award-winning customer service for yourself by contacting our dedicated team at (800) 253-8203 to request a FREE quote. You can also use our online store to get an instant price preview.

Be sure to check out the Endurance Warranty blog for more helpful resources, such as FAQs, provider comparisons, DIY maintenance tips, and more.