1st Mar 2006, 20:27
Hi guys.
Looking at buying a 1992 2.8 td. but the drivers side window button has given in, is it hard to fix or costly? Am a struggling Uni. student. the previous owner has spent $4000 in the last year on brakes, injectors, alternator etc. is this the normal running costs (hope not). most of your reviews have been encouraging, but would like an affirmation on the vehicle it has done around 188k.
Cheers
Jason
P.s what about fuel consumption on average.
14th Jun 2006, 23:34
I have the 2.8 in mine and the best I have done is 800km on a tank on the open road. it get thrashed on the beach and I haven't had any head problems.
28th Jul 2007, 01:48
The Mu is a very reliable vehicle that can handle the abuse.
The 2.8L ones are a near bullet proof engine. Problems are alternator, turbos with no turbo timers do crap themselves, and the rear calipers do give problems if the person changing the rear pads does not know what they are doing.
The 3.1 Mu heads do crack, and have alternator problems.
Both also have hand brake cables that seize if they've been in water.
In saying all that, I have owned my 2.8l Mus for 8 years now, and only had to do both alternators. I refuse to sell them as they are great vehicles.
18th Mar 2009, 22:01
I have an Isuzu Mu 1994 and it has not missed a beat in 5 years!
The 3.1 is a great power plant (9 litres per 100 km)
You do need to service this type of engine every 5000km.
If you don`t have a turbo timer, after a decent workout, let the truck idle for a minute or two. (saves the turbo)
The seats are not that comfortable for long trips.
13th Aug 2009, 17:25
Hi Guys.
I'm looking at buying a Isuzu MU. The owner says it needs a new turbo; just wondering if it costs a lot?
3rd May 2010, 04:36
Our 1994 3.1 LTD turbo diesel has always been reliable, though it did blow the turbo shortly after I bought it at 80,000 Km. Fortunately the after market warranty sorted that out. Around $2,800 for the genuine product at the time.
Fuel consumption is 30 MPG on a highway run, and as little as 22 MPG when towing our one tonne caravan. I did expect better figures than that, but it has taken me everywhere I ever wanted to go - on or off road, and is good on the boat ramp and on the beach.
It smokes a little at times and has been diagnosed as leaking valve stem seals. My mechanic says keep driving and don't worry, as it does not do it all the time. Around $1200 - to $1500 would sort it out. Oil consumption is minimal.
Otherwise I find the Mu is great for the outdoorsman (when I can prize my wife and her dog out of it).
29th May 2010, 18:19
Hi all, I have a 1996 MU that I purchased in Jan this year.
Before that I had two 2.8 l Big Horns that I had a very reliable run out of. They were just too big for what I want now, so hence the downsize.
The MU is much nicer to drive and a little more fuel efficient. I am getting as much as 850 kl/per tank out of it, and a lot of this is in rush hour traffic.
Have just had to do the alternator, but that's life. LOL $450 on Trademe buys a new one.
PS I think that I have the EFI version of the 3.1 motor, so that would help the fuel consumption figures. Also heaps more power than the 2.8 L engine, which is prone to bad blow by. My first Big Horn was a shocker for this, but very lucky second time around.
If you can find a good one, the 2.8 is a fantastic motor, even if it is under powered. Also the 2.8 is direct injection and the 3.1 is indirect injection. Therefore the 2.8 should be more fuel efficient. EFI should even this up somewhat.
22nd Aug 2010, 04:45
Hey there, looking at buying a 95 3.1 diesel with 209000 on the clock. Just had cambelt done and already has a turbo timer. Any feedback would be great, cheers. NZ.
17th May 2011, 18:35
Hi, I am a prospective MU owner. Interesting comments here, however no one seems to reply to any info requests.
I see several comments about alternators failing. What breed are they and do other makes and models fit?
Thanks.
David N Putaruru NZ.
28th Nov 2011, 01:37
Check out http://www.clubisuzu.com/
You'll get answers from these guys...
24th Feb 2016, 01:20
Hi, I am currently looking into a small 4x4 to purchase, and came across the Mu and it looks like a good lil beast.
Just wondering if anyone owns an automatic Mu and if they have had any major issues with them? I'm really interested in the Mu, but I can't drive manual due to medical reasons, and it really sucks because most of these vehicles are manual.
Any help would be greatly appreciated :D
Cheers, Smithy.
3rd Feb 2006, 04:32
I have a 1994 MU and I'm getting around 600-620KM/tank on a run and around 500 about town and would get in it and drive anywhere in Aus. without a worry, one of the most reliable vehicles I've owned.