2000 Isuzu Wizard LS from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Absolutely nothing. No problems so far.

This is the 2nd Wizard I've owned. The first gave me no problems in 4 years, and I'm confident this one will be the same.

The 3.0 litre 4JX1 motor has been the subject of recalls to do with the injector seals. Just make sure you buy one that has been recalled, or was made after the problem was rectified. In any case, they MUST have 5-30W or 5-40W oil in the engine, to prevent injector problems.

This truck has a good tough interior that stands up to dirt and mud well. The surfaces are easy clean plastic that doesn't mind muddy boots.

The rear seats can fold flat giving heaps of carrying space.

The engine is rated at 118KW (160HP), and performs very well. Keeps up with nearly everything else in normal driving. Economy is not too bad for a heavy vehicle, about 11 litres/100km around town. (26 mpg) Maybe 9 or 10 litres/100km on the highway (30 mpg).

Off road it's almost unstoppable. Haven't driven it in snow or ice yet, but everything else, and it just goes!

I have done several trips in this truck of over 800km in one day, and arrived feeling fine. The ride is fairly firm, of course, but perfectly acceptable.

I'd recommend one of these to anyone who wants a good reliable tough 4 x 4.

I agree. My Wizard is a beaut. Much more grunt than the Surf I had before. Tows the boat (16' fibreglass with camping gear) as though there is nothing on behind. Most noticeable extra performance is towing up the Kaimais or Bombay hills etc.

I agree with all the comments thus far and I read these surveys before purchase of my 1988 Wizard. It goes much better than I thought it would. Heaps of acceleration with the turbo. I have been pleasantly surprised. I changed shocks all around to Munroe as the factory ones were single action and she wallowed in corners. Great now. This vehicle replaced my V6 3 litre Nissan Terrano with no regrets. I gather also if you do not use the correct oil in the engine you can have difficulty starting as it relies on oil pressure on a sensor to allow it to start. Mine has been trouble free thus far and yes it has been off road!

My 2000 Model Wizard has now covered 60,000 kms, and is proving to be a reliable, comfortable and strong vehicle.

I have previously owned "Surfs" and "Hi-Luxes", and find the Wizard has more power and stability. It also has more leg-room in both the front and rear - great for taller people! It tows my 16 foot jet-boat easily.

When first purchased, I experienced starting problems, but this was cured with an oil and filter change, including the by-pass filter, fuel and air filters (- all genuine Isuzu filters and not cheap!) I have changed to Castrol Magnatec 10W-30 oil, which seems to be O.K. and change the oil and main filter every 5,000kms. (Others at 20,000 kms). I'd appreciate reading what oil others use / recommend.

Hi I am hoping someone can help me I need a wiring diagram for a Wizard LS 3.o Automatic year 2000 Right Hand Drive its the page with the Injectors info I need can anyone help please

if so please reply to e:mail ashcroftkevin@hotmail.com.

Thanks.

I owned a 1998 Diesel which I purchased in 2003 and kept for 3.5 years. Everything that could go wrong with this model did go wrong and I spent about $3000 New Zealand on running problems, rear axle seal and handbrake binding. However, it was a great motor and $3k NZ is not that much over 3.5 years for a car that went anywhere and everywere. I believe that later models have the problems all sorted.

I enjoyed the long journeys, they were comfortable and the cab is spacious.

I'm looking at petrol Wizards to replace the Prado I have now. Would like to know if there are any problems with the motor?

I just brought a 1996 Isuzu Wizard that has done 230.000ks, and it's still running like brand new and has never missed a beat. Only ever had a problem with the ABS, but it turned out the sensor was dirty, and one new alternator later it was fine.

Cheapest SUV I have ever owned to run around in, and yet still is quite fast and can tow pretty much anything, mine has all the extras like heated seats and heated wing mirrors, and a 6 stacker CD player etc, but no cup holders!!!

Off roading is great in it, it can handle a 1 meter drop without breaking anything, as I found out the hard way, but it just drove back up the other side of the ditch and just kept on going. Also great through water, I highly recommend them.