I'm looking at a 2002 Rodeo LS. Using a VIN decoder, I see it has the 3.2L DOHC 6VD1 engine. This one has 168k miles. I know the oil was changed fairly regular, and it has sat for most of the last 3 years.

Questions:
-- How many more miles might this engine be good for?
-- Is this an interference engine?
-- How big of a job to change the timing belt / chain?
-- Whilst in that deep, what else should be done?

Also:
-- It has an add-on package of front bumper, side steps, roof rack, and square hitch receiver. Was that a factory option?
-- The transmission has been either replaced or rebuilt. How do you test a transmission for acceptability?
-- Other than bad rubber (bushings, hoses, etc), what else should I look for?
-- What is a fair test drive for this vehicle?

Thank you!

 

Found some answers here: https://www.ericthecarguy.com/forums...-belt-install/
And here: https://www.2carpros.com/diagrams/isuzu/rodeo/2002
And this guy has a 10-part series on this:
So it's a non-interference engine. And the timing belt is reasonably complicated, but doesn't require pulling off the heads or any such thing. It can be gotten to from the front, so that's a good thing. A bit more complex than my Chevy Aveo, but I did that three times. And the water pump is also in this loop, so do that, too (and of course the idler pulley and belt tensioner). (With my Aveo, the water pump was circular, and you turned it to tension the timing belt. That was a new one on me!)

Still wondering how far this engine might be able to last?? At 163k, is it only halfway home? Or dodging death with every mile?

 

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