Quick answer. A buyer asked us to inspect a 1998 Isuzu Rodeo before buying it. The inspection was $225. Our tech photographed the V6, the underside and the cab. The photos show rust under the truck. The record has no written verdict, so we will not give one.
Key Points
- The SUV was a 1998 Isuzu Rodeo with a V6.
- The request came in through our website. The price was $225.
- Our tech shot the engine, the underside and the inside.
- The underside photos show rust on the axle, frame parts and springs.
- The record has no written finding, so this post does not claim one.
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Why Check a 27 Year Old SUV?
A 1998 Rodeo is not going to cost much to buy. That is exactly why people skip the inspection.
But a cheap truck with a bad frame or a dying engine is not cheap. It is a tow bill waiting to happen. $225 to know what you are buying is a small price next to that.
What the Tech Photographed
Under the hood, the V6. Belts, hoses, the radiator cap and the battery all show in the shot.
Underneath, a lot of rust. On the axle, the shocks and the bars that hold the axle in place. Rust on an old truck is normal. The question is how deep it goes. Surface rust is one thing. Rust that eats through a frame or a mount is another.
Inside, the seats and the cab.
The car
1998 Isuzu Rodeo with a V6.
What the tech shot
Engine bay, underside, cab.
What the photos show
Rust under the truck on the axle and suspension parts.
What it cost
$225 for the inspection.
What to Ask About Rust
If you are buying an old truck and the inspector shows you rust, ask three things.
Is it on the surface or is it flaking off in chunks? Is it on the frame, or only on parts that can be replaced? Is anything holding the suspension or the steering soft or thin?
Those answers decide if the truck is worth the money.
What We Will Not Claim
The job record does not have a written finding on this Rodeo. So we will not tell you if it passed, or if the rust was a problem, or if the buyer bought it.
We post from the record. The record is kept in Shop Desk, with photos from the start of the job, and that is all we write from.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a pre-purchase inspection on an old SUV?
This 1998 Isuzu Rodeo inspection was $225, the same as any basic car.
Is rust a deal breaker on an old truck?
Not always. Surface rust is common. Rust that eats through the frame or a mount is a much bigger problem. An inspector can tell you which you have.
Is it worth inspecting a cheap car?
Yes. A cheap car with a bad frame or engine costs far more than the $225 inspection.
What does the inspector photograph?
On this Rodeo our tech shot the engine bay, the underside and the cab.
Supercanic tip: Looking at an old 4x4? Bring a flashlight and look under it yourself before you pay for anything. If you see flaking rust on the frame, call us. Call us at (951) 904-2477.
Buying a Used Car?
Have it checked before you pay. A basic car is $225.
