ISUZU MU or Frontera??

Joined: 19 Jun 2003

Hi there,

I am thinking of buying either the MU or Frontera, any comments are appreicated.

I would prefer to buy the MU but am worried about running costs.....is it diffiucult to get spare parts?

Do they have any major common faults?

On road and offroad, which is a better buy with respect to running costs and quality?

Thanks in advance.

Joined: 19 Jun 2003

I forgot to introduce myself, apologies.

My name is Tino and am a newbie to this forum. Currently I don't actually own a 4wd ....but I owned a 96 Jeep wrangler for 18 months previously.

I will be buying on frontera or MU (duno which one yet) this week! So i need all the help I can get, and would value all your views.

Kind regards,

Tino.

Joined: 26 Nov 2002 Location: Nannup, Western Australia

Hi Tino,

This topic is similar to another we had just recently but I will try and expand a bit further. By Frontera I assume you mean Frontera sport which is very similar the the MU in appearance, but with a 4cyl petrol motor. Although these are solid vehicles they are fairly heavy for the 4cyl motor and for that reason I wouldnt get one.
The MU on the other hand is obviously a grey import and there are many options in terms of engines (most 2.8 or 3.1 turbo diesels and some petrols). Most come with higher specifications and would include electrics and other goodies that make them better value. Parts availability should not be too much of a problem as most components are shared with the other Isuzu made fourbys like the Rodeo and Jackaroo. The MU apparently comes stock with the larger 31" tyres so better ground clearance and less need to upgrade immediately.
The MU is much better value in my opinion and would be my pick.

Some of this info is from 4WD Monthly Nov 2002 with an article on used MU's so get hold of one if you want to find out more. Also the MU is pretty popular in New Zealand so there is plenty of info on the net from them.
Go to the forum at http://www.bizcity.co.nz/clubisuzu/links.htm but make sure you come back here. Very Happy

HTH,

Noel

Joined: 26 Nov 2002 Location: Nannup, Western Australia

See also this thread:

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/PHP_Modules/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=4368

Noel

Joined: 19 Jun 2003

Hi Noel,

I really like the MU better than the Forntera as well.

I spoke to some dealers and an importer, and they reckon that no more jap spec 4x4's will be imported anymore, whats left in the market is what the supply is. This includes the Toyota surf 4x4 which is quite popular.

Anyway, they advised me that parts are expensive and would be hard to get. Eg. if i was in an accident parts panels, light fittings etc would have to be imported from japan......

Do u know any Isuzu parts distributors in SYdney?? I have done a search on the internet and couldn't find any...

TINo.

Joined: 22 Jun 2003

Gday Tino.

Well I would have my MU anyday over a Frontera. The 3.1 turbo diesel is a joy to drive even with the 1000 kilo van on the back. Parts are easy to find........very easy.........most are compatible with Jackaroo/Frontera/Rodeo. Mine is a 96 model that came with 41000 ks on the clock. It was in 9.9/10 condition when I bought it and came with heaps of great options including LSD. I have had the exhause modified to 2.5 inch and instantly gained 10 percent on the Dyno.

Hope you enjoy yours as much as mine

Cheers
Geoff

Joined: 22 Jun 2003 Location: Brisbane

Hi Tino

I would recomend getting the MU, being a proud owner, I have got the 2.8td but it still goes hard against the 3.1td, the parts are fairly easy to get just need to know a few things like the chassie is much the same as a 91 SWB jackaroo so all your brakes bearings are the same, engine is much the same as Rodeo or Jackaroo except it has a timing belt instead of chain but these are easy to get they are listed in the Gates belt book, the hardest part I think to get is the front guards but even these can be ordered from New Zealand from http://www.4x4isuzu.com/.

And as for the Frontera don't know much except have heard that the motors were not very good (but it's only a holden Camira motor) Wink

where as the MU has an engine from a family of trucks!!!

Cheers
Yarno

Joined: 19 Jun 2003

Hi Fellas,

Thanks for your replies.

I'm quite a pendantic person, hence I still don't feel confident that getting parts is that easy......

Yarno, u said the front guards are hard to get...do u mean the panel of the ute? (The actual body of the ute)

How long have u guys owned MU's for?
What has been the worst case for parts or mechanical problems during that time????

If not, what would be the worst case scenario? I mean, they are a farily old vehicle (90-93 model) and it's inevitable that parts will wear out.......???

I'm not very mechanically minded so this may seem like a basic question: What about regular parts like clutches and brake pads and disks, cv joints ?? Are they compatible with local Holden 4wd's?? or how easy is it to source these parts??

Fellas, thanks for your time.

Joined: 22 Jun 2003 Location: Brisbane

Hi Tino
well with the guards I was talking about the front ones, but you could replace them with the frontera ones the only difference is the blinker is behind the arch not in front or you could replace them with rodeo ones but they don't have as much flair outwards, thats why if I damaged mine I would get it fron NZ where I would get one exactly the same without any hassel.
As for other parts like drive train, you can get it from Holden just as long as you know what you want, cause they wont help you if you ask for an MU part, for instance I reasently did up my steering box, and got the seel kit from holden just asked for a rodeo kit for the same model or I could even probably asked for a kit for a 91 jackaroo SWB with the same chassie... all you really need to know is what to ask for!! And if you keep comming to forums like this one you should always have people to ask. I personally have been using http://www.harbourcitynet.co.nz/forums/Club_Isuzu/
for info I didn't know.
Anyway I have owned my MU for two and a half years now and have had not to much trouble.

Cheers
Yarno

Joined: 22 Jun 2003

HI Tino,

Ive had my MU now for nearly two years. If you deal with a reputable dealer you can get MU models up to 1999 models. Mine is a 96. It had a genuine 40000 ks on the clock (one thing to check) and was in Excellent condition. An Isuzu motor if serviced correctly will give you half a million Ks before a rebuild.

As I said and as Yarno said parts are pretty easy. I have actually found my Holden dealers interested in giving me parts as they think its a neat little vehicle. Just take the vehicle in.........show em the part and bingo (usually) you have the right ones. ARB 4wd also was good for my high flow air filter......which is the same as a Rodeo. As for the front panels there are many importers over here in WA willing to get the correct ones if required. You only have to ask!!!!

If you get a good nick MU with low Ks.........you should have any probs.....check for oil burning from the rings and valve guide seals...if you have no oil burning (apart from the usual bit of fuel smoke on start up) you should have a pretty bloody good vehicle. Mine cost $17000 2 years ago, and it was one of the best I had seen so that will give you some price comparasin.........there is an older black model for sale over here at the moment in perth.......If you would like I can find out about it for you.........

Cheers
Geoff

Joined: 19 Jun 2003

Geoff & Yarno,

thanks for your comments......quite pursuading....

now, the only question I have left is INSURANCE??

I am currently 24 and turn 25 in September...which insurance company do you guys go through? & how much do you pay??

Tino.

Joined: 22 Jun 2003

Gday Tino.

Ok Im with the RAC here in WA........It costs around 400 a year to insure. Not sure of the age difference for you but you can check it out! Also it might help to go to a broker. Oh and dont let an insurance company tell you they cant get parts cause thats absolute CRAP!!!. Its far more compatible than the Toyota Surf with Aussie components.

Cheers
Geoff

Joined: 22 Jun 2003

Gday Tino.

Ok Im with the RAC here in WA........It costs around 400 a year to insure. Not sure of the age difference for you but you can check it out! Also it might help to go to a broker. Oh and dont let an insurance company tell you they cant get parts cause thats absolute CRAP!!!. Its far more compatible than the Toyota Surf with Aussie components.

Cheers
Geoff

Joined: 19 Jun 2003

thanks again geoff.

Does anyone know what the part number is for the MU timing belt?? is it the same as the Rodeo??

ALso, what type of water pump does the MU use? It uses a water pump right?? (Correct me if I'm wrong)

I just want to ring a holden parts supplier and see how easy it is and how much it costs for these items.....

Does anyone know of a good supplier of holden parts for 4wds in SYDNEY??

Thanks in advance,

Tino.

Joined: 22 Jun 2003 Location: Brisbane

Hi again

Here are some pages that will help you out

http://harbourcitynet.co.nz/forums/Club_Isuzu/posts/2042.html

http://www.bizcity.co.nz/clubisuzu/

With the timing belt you will not be able to get this from holden because neither the rodeo or jackaroo came out with one they have chain... I picked mine up through Auto 1 $57 if I can remember correctly, it was listed in there Gates catalog P/N. T844, and depending which motor you get is to what you ask for
ie. 3.1td MU is a 4JG2 (engine model) which is a standard Jackaroo engine or
2.8td MU is a 4JB1 (engine model) which is a Rodeo engine.
You should be able to ask you local Holden dealer for the water pump using info above.

Cheers
Yarno

Joined: 19 Jun 2003

yep thanks Yarno,

the timing belt is pretty cheap......I guess as everyone has mentioned, you just gotta know yourself what part is needed.

the link for insurance was helpful as well..

As soon as one question is answered, I come up with another!!

Does anyone know where to get a hold of an MU manual/book??

Joined: 19 Jun 2003

WHat are the main areas of the MU I shoud focus on when inspecting the MU before purhcase??
Besides making sure it idles ok, that there is no major oil leaks, rust.....

I have never owned a deisel powered vehicle, so I'm assuming that the engine is structured differently??? I am aware that oil changes are required every 5,000km & filter every 10,000..

TINo.

Joined: 09 Nov 2002 Location: Traralgon Vic Aust.

Change the filter when you change the oil. I can't seen the good in pumping clean oil through a dirty $10 filter.....

Joined: 19 Jun 2003

Thanks Dazz.

Ok I've made my mind up.....I will go ahead with the MU.

Just gotta find one to buy now!!

Here is something that some of you may find interesting (or Probably already know) I was chatting to a Sydney Vehicle Check inspector (He inspects cars prepurchase for a fee - Like NRMA) and he has done a few MU's, and says that they are begning to have problems due to the quality of diesel in Australia. The lower quality of fuel in AUstralia compared to Japan and Europe been pumped through the vehicle is affecting some of engines (don't remeber the details though).
So have anyone here experienced this kind of fuel related problem?

Anyway, he seemed to have a bit of knowledge, and I think I will use him to inspect the MU before I buy it. He charges $180 for 90minutes.

Joined: 22 Jun 2003 Location: Brisbane

Ah good to see you are going with the MU...

With the diesel I have had no problems but I only fill up at BP unless I cannot. I have had trouble with my old 2.8td rodeo I use to have, was filling up at a cheep servo (metro).

Quote:

Anyway, he seemed to have a bit of knowledge, and I think I will use him to inspect the MU before I buy it. He charges $180 for 90minutes.

It sounds like a good job $120 an hour!!! Laughing

Cheers Yarno

Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: North Sydney 'ish

Nah get a Frontera LWB. V6 151 Kw.

Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Location: Carrum Downs V Posts: 3330

CJ Burns Esq wrote:

Nah get a Frontera LWB. V6 151 Kw.

you are thinking the ues model, they are talking about the older ut model,

i work at a holden parts dept, if you know what parts are the same, most parts are available thru us.

Joined: 09 Nov 2002 Location: Traralgon Vic Aust.

CJ Burns Esq wrote:

Nah get a Frontera LWB. V6 151 Kw.

I agree, nuffin like gettin the tail out on the dirt then pushin the little button to get it all straight again when its all out of control........

Haven't you got one to sell CJ???