Parts for Isuzu Trooper

[jmday]

Hello
Today I found I will need a new radiator for my 1995 Trooper…if the old one can’t be repaired.
Well I got the price from my mechanic..who is a new contact…the price was 890,000 colones ($1,500.00). Thats right, considering the whole car cost $6,000.00 3 months ago the price seems incredible.
I checked online and the most it sells for in Canada or the U.S. is $250.00.
Can anyone out there tell me if this seems reasonable and perhaps where to shop for used parts just in case of future problems.
Thank you all.
Michael

[Andrew]

It would appear that that $1,500 price would include the return trip to Miami for the mechanic and his wife when they go pick up the spare part for you…

Do you speak fluent Spanish Michael?

Where are you located?

Scott

[jmday]

Hi Scott
I just want to say what a great site you have made this…truly first class.
In answer to your questions NO I do not speak fluent Spanish just learning 2 or 3 languages in my life took it all out of me I guess…not much call for French or Thai here.
I live in Turrialba.
I have many english speaking Costa Rican friends that do help with the more technical needs I run into though.
Any suggestions you have on parts will be greatly appreciated.
Michael

[DavidCMurray]

So how soon do you need this new radiator? And how soon can you get it if you buy it here in Costa Rica? Maybe you should just import it from the U.S. Even if the duty were 100% (which I’m sure it’s not) and the shipping were also 100% (which I’m sure it’s not), you’d still be a half the quoted price.

Have you checked the cost yourself? There must be an Isuzu importer and the local independent car parts places have access to parts. Maybe it’s the mechanic who’s gouging you.

[Andrew]

Try my mechanic Mauricio – I’ve used him for years… His workshop is up in Heredia “somewhere.”

Mauricio Artavia 8849-7244, 8386-8669, 2236-9348 He does NOT speak English well but I believe his wife does.

To be frank, I have no idea where his workshop is because he always sends someone to pick up my car (a Toyota), they take it away, they do the work or the RTV or whatever service or repairs and they bring it back to me when they’re finished.

They have saved us (my girlfriend’s family and I) a fortune with our Honda’s, Toyota’s and Mitsubishis.

Yeah I know, I’d love to buy a British car but I don’t think the Brits actually manufacture anything any more…

PS. The car is always immaculately clean when they bring it back too…

Scott Oliver – Founder
WeLoveCostaRica.com

[jmday]

Hello David
There is no doubt the mechanic is gouging, he says he just happens to have one in his shop and can put it in immediately.
My guess is he has some heavy Christmas expenses coming up.
Needless to say he is not my mechanic any longer.
I’ve checked on the price in the U.S. and Canada as I previosly stated and it is about $250.00, but I have not received the shipping and import costs yet.
Thanks for your input.
Michael

[ticopaz]

I personally think you are being had… even with installation. You need to go to Guacamaya. Closest for you is probably the one at the rotunda just past the Parque de la Paz as you are headed towards Escazu from Zapote. They have tons of spare parts for everything. Good prices. Also, Are you sure you don’t just need it refurbished. I wish I could come up with a name of a reputable Radiator Shop but I can’t. They are all over the place so shouldn’t be to hard to get a couple more estimates. I would definitely shop around.

[jmday]

Thanks for your reply. The only problem is that the radiator is leaking and will not make it there to repair….even with constant refills it would be hard on the engine.So I’m left with a bus ride at this point.
Thanks.
Michael
[quote=”ticopaz”]I personally think you are being had… even with installation. You need to go to Guacamaya. Closest for you is probably the one at the rotunda just past the Parque de la Paz as you are headed towards Escazu from Zapote. They have tons of spare parts for everything. Good prices. Also, Are you sure you don’t just need it refurbished. I wish I could come up with a name of a reputable Radiator Shop but I can’t. They are all over the place so shouldn’t be to hard to get a couple more estimates. I would definitely shop around.[/quote]

[Minuit]

Hello,
I had my Mitsubichi radiator changed last year. I usually buy new parts when something needs to be changed, but I don’t know if my mechanic bought a new one or not. Anyways, he changed it, charged me 120 000 colones and I never had any other problem.
I’m not in San José area, but I think Scott’s mechanic could take your car to his taller himself, and the price range should be more like mine than yours
Good Luck:!::)

[costaricafinca]

When we lived in Turrialba, we had to have a radiator changed. My husband checked around locally, and had another one custom built at a local [i]’taller[/i]’ within two days for him at less than half of the cost to purchase a new one.
So look around your neighborhood…

[Author]

Posts