My M-i-L just bought a Passport with 4WD (Isuzu Rodeo) and there is so much you can't do with a 4WD, I just had to ask the question... What's the draw? Do go over ___ MPH, you can't use it when it's dry, etc...

Why bother? Just something else to break...

Now they think the front axel may be shot...
If I knew how to disconnect the 4WD, I certainly would.

 

You live in texas, i live near Buffalo NY (tons of lake effect snow storms). It's real simple why we HAVE to have a 4x4. I have the rav4 which is full time 4x4 always engaged, wet, dry, whatever. But for the real big storms i have the F-150 4x4 and its a bear, there is just no way around it here, its a 4x4 or be stuck....

PS i have a friend with a rodeo and man that truck is bad, front brakes and rotors, 4x4 problems (front axle) and tire worn out at 25k. Now cel light is on and vibration is back when at 50mph gas mileage under 20 on the highway. He is trading it in soon!!!

 

It's simple for me, no 4wd = no getting up my driveway in the wintertime.

 

Yep same here Karen... no ticky no washy

 

Because I can afford it.

 

'Cuz it's soooooooooo much fun in the winter.

 

I have a 4X4 because I need to go places a 4X2 wouldn't make it, especially with a trailer.

My wife has her Amigo because she has a 70 mile commute to work, and in the winter it's the difference between getting to work and not getting to work.

Your friend with the Rodeo must have a lemon, my wifes Amigo has been one of the better vehicles we've had, and the other Isuzu owners we know have been very happy with theirs as well except for the power issues with the 4 bangers. We get decent highway mileage, a 4X4 system that's at least as good as my trucks, and with the four wheel anti-lock disc brakes and airbags, I feel a lot better with her having to drive down deer alley at night.

 

Just cause I'm an American and I love spending my money on trivial things to make me look better.

But really, for the few times that I use it in the winter the extra price is worth it to me. There have been too many times that I have needed a little help with my old '95 2wd just backing out of a slightly inclined iced over parking spot, for instance. Not fun spinning out when you have someplace to be.

 

Well Hersh you live in Texas...that is reason enough ain't it?

I have it for the 3 times a year that it snows enough to play in and the few times a year I go camping and off-road.

Besides I'd bury my head in shame if it snowed and my truck was as useful as my mustang

 

I use it for 4-wheeling. Duh.

With rear-wheel drive; it's gotten me through some rough ice spots in the city as well.

 

Folks, I wasn't challenging your decision to buy one, by all means- spend that money!

No, what I was asking is with all the extra problems that have the potential of going wrong, is it worth it. If you live in the snow belt, then there's no avoiding it; I'm just wondering for those of us that really don't need it, but choose to get it anyway.

We got together and acquired a 1998 Passport (Rodeo) for my 17 year old.
Picked it up for a cool $4,000.00; clean as a whistle, and rides like a dream- until somebody (I don't know who, but I told 'em not to eff with it) decides to push the freaking 4WD button. With all this hot, dry asphalt, there's no reason for him to push that button. He must think the "POWER" button means it'll go faster. OF course, he didn't do it.

We're getting the front axles replaced today $700.00 + parts, because the truck made a horrendous clicking sound and the 4WD wouldn't disengage. We took it in Saturday, and that's what the problem was. He said the axel could last another year, or it might go tomorrow, there was just no way to tell.

But, for a car that clean, and paid for, with 196,000 miles on it- I guess a $700 repair is not that bad...

With 196,000 miles, and a clean CARFAX; I don't think it'll qualify as a lemon in anyone's book!

Go Honda/Isuzu!

I just wish it had been 4 x 2, then we wouldn't have had any problems...

 

There's your problem right there; auto locking hubs. Go Manual or Go Home.

 

The same theory applies to plumbing....

Go Outhouse or Go Home

Sometimes new is better....

 

That's simply not the case when it comes to 4x4 hubs. sorry.

 

I have a 4-wheel drive vehicle because everyone around me has one. It's called'Keeping Up With The Joneses".

It does come in handy when we get about 2 feet of snow in an hour, though.