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AF Enthusiast
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Unknown
Posts: 2,679
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Thnk U, & I should introduce myself. . .
I'm in Colorado, actually born & raised, however left for 5yrs for life in the desert. Not bad, but can wreak havoc on a vehicle in terms of hoses, belts, batteries, and tires especially.
13 years ago, our 1st SUV was a 1991 V6, 3.1L 4x4 XS, Auto, Black Rodeo, bought from Tynan's Isuzu with 9K on the OD.
Damned good truck she was, served us well for 12yrs - we bought that thing when the general public didn't know what "Rodeo's" were, let alone Isuzu.
In 1994, we sold our old very solid beast, (a 79 3/4 chevy 4x4), it was getting REAL high on mileage, close to 300K, original engine, however couldn't quite afford a new full size truck. That left the 91 Rodeo as our main tow vehicle for a 4K pound boat; for 3yrs she did a really good job - however, certain transmission computer chips (thankfully covered under powertrain) didn't like towing over the continental divide, with good reason.
That's a lot of weight for a moderate V6 to be hauling, even in 2nd gear. Her last towing adventure (over the mountains) came on our move out to Vegas, NV, in 96.
Car insurance in Vegas, NV, even if you've never had a ticket or accident - knock on wood, is off the charts; unfortunately another 4x4 was out of the question and owning a full size 4x2 truck was just a no-no in my book. We were not using the 91 Rodeo as trade, we were keeping her, just not as a tow vehicle.
In March of 98, we acquired one of the last 1st generation Rodeo's sitting on the lot. She was a 1997, Burgandy, 4x2, 3.2L SOHC, 16" tires, with only 11K miles. I needed the ground clearance of a 4x4, even if it was a 4x2, and the package the truck had to offer was so much more then anything selling at the time.
However, I've never felt held back by any means, even after coming back to Colorado 3yrs ago. This 4x2 is probably the only 4x2 in the state of Colorado, however, she's been/gone to a lot of 4x4 areas, and has come home with no scars, bruises.
Aside from many old ghost town trails, 4x4 routes, she pulls a 20' boat quite well, and can still roll on down the highway with 4K behind her like it's nothing.
In 2002, we were finally able to afford another full size 4x4, an 01 Dodge Diesel Cummins HO, and this time, we did use the 91 Rodeo as trade in. She had close to 155K and her value was at 5K, due to being in incredible shape.
It, however, will be a long time before I part with the 97 Rodeo, and there are times I do miss the 91, she was a good truck as well. I sure do wish Isuzu would come out with full size open bed trucks!
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