Isuzu Mu-7: End Of Production Of A Model Line?

[Ahnsahn]

Does anyone have any info about the end of production of the MU-7 'Super-Titanium' model lineup?

Is it being replaced with the 'Choiz' model lineup with only (2) exterior color selections: Black or White?

And is a 4x4 model still being offered?

- Also, besides upgrading the brakes, to help improve the ride quality of a MU-7 to that of the Pajero and Fortuner, exactly what brand - model of gas shock / rear coil spring would you recommend to replace(?) the leaf springs?

- Can the MU-7 4x4 transmission use (100%) 'synthetic' ATF transmission fluid?

[mogandave]

I think both the Super-Titanium' and the 'Choiz' are not significantly different and they are both the same platform that will be replaced with the Isuzu version of the Chevy Trailblazer in the next year or two.

Changing the rear suspension from leaf to a coil springs may result in some ride improvement, but whether the improvement is worth the considerable expense is questionable. If you are unhappy with the way it drives now (assuming it’s dialed in correctly), you’re probably not going to like the way it drives with coil springs on the back. I drive a 4dr d-max and while I think it rides okay, If I were going to try to improve drivability I’d work on the front end, not the rear.

If you’re considering buying a new MU7, why not test-drive the new Trailblazer?

As far as the ATF, were it me, I would go with whatever fluid the manufacturer recommends.

[Ahnsahn]

I think both the Super-Titanium' and the 'Choiz' are not significantly different and they are both the same platform that will be replaced with the Isuzu version of the Chevy Trailblazer in the next year or two.

Changing the rear suspension from leaf to a coil springs may result in some ride improvement, but whether the improvement is worth the considerable expense is questionable. If you are unhappy with the way it drives now (assuming it’s dialed in correctly), you’re probably not going to like the way it drives with coil springs on the back. I drive a 4dr d-max and while I think it rides okay, If I were going to try to improve drivability I’d work on the front end, not the rear.

If you’re considering buying a new MU7, why not test-drive the new Trailblazer?

As far as the ATF, were it me, I would go with whatever fluid the manufacturer recommends.

Thanx!

I am happy with the MU-7 as it is. After reading another thread in this forum, MRO got it just right about this SUV, in that I plan to own it as a 'keeper'. In light of that, I'm trying to 'mod' it and improve on its 'weak points' or 'short-comings': brakes and leaf springs being the major ones, IMHO, so I don't mind paying reasonable costs for any upgrades.

I did google the Trailblazer after reading the narrative about it but it has 2 or 3 immediate draw backs to suit my tastes, in my estimation, though I will definately check it out if it's in the show room before I pick up a MU-7.

So, I would like any suggestions of what specific hdwr upgrds would be recommended to improve the riding comfort of the MU-7 and also, whether its transmission is compatible with 'synthetic ATF' transmission fluid.

[MoonRiverOasis]

The 'Super Titanium' series (which has 5 different variants) continues, for now.. The 'Choiz' is only a single, special, model variant.

Both will be replaced by an updated series later this year (Diamond Encrusted Titanium Plated Unobtainium* maybe? )

4x4 is still being offered in the top-spec model, and always will be.

The ride quality is not as bad as it looks on paper - the leaf springs used are not the same as what's used in D-Max pickups, and they have been tuned for comfort... Yes, not as good as coils can be, but pretty close... e.g. 'Tuna's have coils, but I'd still rate them about the same for comfort as the MU...

If you really want to improve ride quality, IMHO the very first step will be upgrading the tires - going to something more comfort focussed (and expensive) like Yokahama or Toyo will make a huge difference. They will also improve braking, wet weather traction and lower noise - so a multiple whammy

As for brakes, Runstop BJ have upgrade kits with bigger discs in the front, and rear disc coversion available - which will make a MU outperform any stock SUV under 2M Baht on braking, for around 40K Baht.

Agree with mogandave re: ATF - if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Nothing will be gained by it, except for risk of damage/loss of warranty.

* Yes, in case you were wondering, my tag here on TV is not me being vain - it's a direct poke at silly Isuzu series names, heh.

[angiud]

So, being a happy owner of a 4 year old MU7 Gold, I would like to change it with a new SUV.

Mmmm

Fortuner NO, I don't like

Pajero? seems a bit small to me

Nissan? Not yet a SUV in Thai

Another MU7??

Yes, could be, but when a real new model will get out? somebody say during 2012.

Any info?

[MoonRiverOasis]

Yes, could be, but when a real new model will get out? somebody say during 2012.

Any info?

Well, back at the new Isuzu D-max launch party a few months back, the Isuzu bosses were saying that the next-gen MU would be "at least 2 years away". AFAIK, that's the most recent info anyone has.

[angiud]

What about a Nissan one?

[Ahnsahn]

The 'Super Titanium' series (which has 5 different variants) continues, for now.. The 'Choiz' is only a single, special, model variant.

Both will be replaced by an updated series later this year (Diamond Encrusted Titanium Plated Unobtainium* maybe? )

4x4 is still being offered in the top-spec model, and always will be.

The ride quality is not as bad as it looks on paper - the leaf springs used are not the same as what's used in D-Max pickups, and they have been tuned for comfort... Yes, not as good as coils can be, but pretty close... e.g. 'Tuna's have coils, but I'd still rate them about the same for comfort as the MU...

If you really want to improve ride quality, IMHO the very first step will be upgrading the tires - going to something more comfort focussed (and expensive) like Yokahama or Toyo will make a huge difference. They will also improve braking, wet weather traction and lower noise - so a multiple whammy

As for brakes, Runstop BJ have upgrade kits with bigger discs in the front, and rear disc coversion available - which will make a MU outperform any stock SUV under 2M Baht on braking, for around 40K Baht.

Agree with mogandave re: ATF - if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Nothing will be gained by it, except for risk of damage/loss of warranty.

* Yes, in case you were wondering, my tag here on TV is not me being vain - it's a direct poke at silly Isuzu series names, heh.

...ha-ha-ha, humour and wit! Did you see that little light they put in the center of the grille on their 'Choiz' models? It's the option called 'Blue Sapphire'!

...I also noticed how close the MU-7's ride was to the Fortuner's.....thanx for clearing it up with the 'tuned suspension' explanation!

What about a Nissan one?

They talked about this version being released in 12 days by Chevrolet: http://www.pocary.com/2013-chevrolet-trailblazer

[2unique]

I have the Choiz it's the same car as the Super Titanium but comes with black leather seats, rather than beige and black dash trim rather than plastic wood trim. Fog lights are different in appearance and has only a single reflector at back in centre rather than the 2 at each side of the Titaniuum. Grill has 2 pieces chrome rather than 3 and roof spoiler is two tone with car.

I added:

20in Lenso Rims with Falken tyres- my tyre offset was 0.9 inch bigger

Runstop Rear conversion kit - 27k

Runstop 4 pot caliper and 340mm discs - 25k

Subwoofer - the car comes with 10 speakers and dual zone control for monitor in back

Interior foot well blue lighting ala Civic

Angel eyes or ccfl

Door lights so my child can see when climbing the 53 inches down to the ground

Daytime running lights

White bulbs for side lights

Xenon headlights

Replaced rear reflector with red led switch operated lights

Eco Club claim to have

an ECU converter that doesn't void your warranty and provides 40% more hp I've not added this - 40k

anti sway bar - 8k

coil spring conversion - 40k

some more info in this thread - http://www.thaivisa....e/page__st__100

[Ahnsahn]

I have the Choiz it's the same car as the Super Titanium but comes with black leather seats, rather than beige and black dash trim rather than plastic wood trim. Fog lights are different in appearance and has only a single reflector at back in centre rather than the 2 at each side of the Titaniuum. Grill has 2 pieces chrome rather than 3 and roof spoiler is two tone with car.

I added:

20in Lenso Rims with Falken tyres- my tyre offset was 0.9 inch bigger

Runstop Rear conversion kit - 27k

Runstop 4 pot caliper and 340mm discs - 25k

Subwoofer - the car comes with 10 speakers and dual zone control for monitor in back

Interior foot well blue lighting ala Civic

Angel eyes or ccfl

Door lights so my child can see when climbing the 53 inches down to the ground

Daytime running lights

White bulbs for side lights

Xenon headlights

Replaced rear reflector with red led switch operated lights

Eco Club claim to have

an ECU converter that doesn't void your warranty and provides 40% more hp I've not added this - 40k

anti sway bar - 8k

coil spring conversion - 40k

some more info in this thread - http://www.thaivisa....e/page__st__100

Your MU-7 must really look spectacular!

Where did you have your electrical (lights) and audio work done? What subwoofer did you get and add any other audio component?

Did you do the coil spring conversion (or install those gas shocks)? Does your car ride any smoother now?

Did you install any diesel engine power boosting module?

I went to an Isuzu dealer today and was given this price list, a 2 month wait to take delivery and offered freebies consisting of: THB 1000 of free gas, 1year's insurance, window tints and vents.

I initially had been leaning toward a 4x4, but the 2 month delivery wait makes me want to consider buying a used, late model year 2011, 2 wheel drive Choiz for just a few baht over 1 million baht........unless the new Trailblazer's features surprises me at its debut next week - I do like its (Dubai model) styling.

[2unique]

Your MU-7 must really look spectacular!

Where did you have your electrical (lights) and audio work done? What subwoofer did you get and add any other audio component?

Bankenn on Rama 4 for all my lighting apart from my xenon headlights which i did at Hi-Tech on Puttamonthon Sai 2 just off Petkasem Rd. I'll be back to Hi- Tech for painting the headlight array in black (900 baht) to give the whole front a black look.

Audio from FML on Rama 4 nearly opposite Bankenn at the Tobacco Monopoly entrance.

Did you do the coil spring conversion (or install those gas shocks)? Does your car ride any smoother now?

Did you install any diesel engine power boosting module?

The coil spring conversion is based on the D-Max - The MU7 leaf springs aren't as stiff as the D-max and are much more flexible so I haven't done anything there but am interested to go to EXO with a native Thai speaker to fully understand how their ECU chip doesn't void the warranty. Not had the time to do this.

I went to an Isuzu dealer today and was given this price list, a 2 month wait to take delivery and offered freebies consisting of: THB 1000 of free gas, 1year's insurance, window tints and vents.

From my previous post in December: on a price of 1.2M (I bargained a 30k discount) Baht interest rate 1.3%

you can get:

Mu-7 Choiz or Super Titanium (I don't like plastic wood effect so went Choiz for the black interior)

IGenie Garmin Navigator with built in USB bluetooth (phone and stereo) plus front and rear camera

2nd Screen with dual zone control

150kg Roof Rack

Rear Sensors

Weather mats and rear cargo weather mat

Scuff Plates (non LED)

Full body kit inc upper rear spoiler

Running boards

3 in 1 spare tire lock, engine and pedal immobiliser

Free Insurance - 1 year

Free License plate frame

Tint/Film

Wind/Rain Shields

30,000 baht off - 50,000 if you decline the insurance

Car Cover and Parking Sunshade

Caps, T-shirts and clocks for the family (yeah i ran out of things to ask for)

I initially had been leaning toward a 4x4, but the 2 month delivery wait makes me want to consider buying a used, late model year 2011, 2 wheel drive Choiz for just a few baht over 1 million baht........unless the new Trailblazer's features surprises me at its debut next week - I do like its (Dubai model) styling.

[Ahnsahn]

Yes, you did your SUV good.....it looks nice!!

Will you post back your findings about Eco's diesel power booster?

[2unique]

Yes, you did your SUV good.....it looks nice!!

Will you post back your findings about Eco's diesel power booster?

I'll get someone to give them a call as the wife is less than enthused about spending money on a new car :-P

http://www.exo4x4.co...rgetAction=home

added direct links

http://www.exo4x4.com/bizCommerce/manageMain.do?targetAction=productList.detail&productID=ecu-001

http://www.exo4x4.com/bizCommerce/manageMain.do?targetAction=productList.detail&productID=BB-001

[Ahnsahn]

Yes, you did your SUV good.....it looks nice!!

Will you post back your findings about Eco's diesel power booster?

I'll get someone to give them a call as the wife is less than enthused about spending money on a new car :-P

http://www.exo4x4.co...rgetAction=home

It would be the 'icing-on-the-cake' if this works out! Otherwise, the 'piggy-back' will just have to do.

Since the Chevy Trailblazer is due to be released in just 5 more days, it looks as though I will get to actually see it before buying my next SUV.

Knowing Chevy's motto as being the car 'for the working man', I am assuming that it won't out-class the MU-7 in luxury appointments, options and interior space - I want to have the ability to transport 7 adults (and their bags) comfortably on long trips. Like the Captiva, I am also assuming it will carry a much higher sticker price. My third concern was the (long term) availability of spare parts and nation-wide knowledgeable repair personnel, though association with Isuzu somewhat reduces this last set of concerns.

We shall see......

[Ahnsahn]

.....just noticed that there already is a current 2012 Trailblazer thread in this forum!