Questions about Rodeos

Okay guys, I need to get rid of my 81 CJ-7 because its way too costly for a daily driver, and I can't even afford to fix the axle to drive it.

I would like an SUV or Truck for the safety over a small economical car. And in Oklahoma, our gas prices are going to be lower than the average, so I'm not overly concerned about the gas milage. And safety is worth more than gas prices.

My mom owns a 2003 Rodeo v6 /w Chrome package and other goodies, though she hasn't ever let me REALLY drive it (i've moved it a few times to wash it) so I don't know how well they handle or anything. However, I only would have about 4-5grand to buy one so I'm thinking of an older one and try to get fewest milage possible.

So heres my questions, I don't really think I'll ever need 4wd but would it be worth paying a little extra if I find a nice one just to have the resale value later, or to offroad it whenever I can make it a non-daily driver?

I read a bit about the dana44s for the Rodeos and became REALLY confused. If i read correctly, they use a d44 carrier for a 3.73 gear or smaller, but they all came with gears higher than 3.73??? How does one go about regearing them later if I were to want to offroad it?

Are there 5 speed v6s available in (I guess) the first gen (91-97?)? I noticed the 4bangers are the kind of engine were if the timing belt goes you get to replace the engine, so I'm kind of hesitant, however, the gas milage may need to outweigh that factor, and I do want a 5 speed.

And are either the 4cyl or v6 reliable up past 150k? And how reliable are the auto trannys if I happen to have to get one? And lastly, who makes the engines?

Thanks guys

i have a 94 amigo 194000 still going strong ive heard that they do have head problems though consider a newer amigo with a v6 and a 5 speed you should be able to get 1 in your price range

Just checked cars.com for you. It looks like there are some decent choices, depending on how far you want to go. Near me there is a 1996 with ~85K, 4x4, 5sp, V6 for $4000. As with most used Rodeos, definitely something with great value for the $$. PayPal me your money and I'll snatch it up for you ;)

I've found many for sale on Ebay in the 5k price range. You may want to check that out.

yeah i found a bunch of them (rodeos) cheap thats why i was asking the questions. I haven't looked at the Amigos because if I want to DD I'd rather have 4 doors but I might take a look at them now. I know coming from a short wheelbase CJ I should leap straight to the Amigo :-P Who knows though, if I can get this Jeep sold and happen to run across a nice Amigo I'll consider it. Small SUVs without roll cages I don't feel safe in either ;) That's why I don't mind the Jeep lol.

Honestly, there are several 91-97 V6's available; I would not opt for a 4-cylinder personally. These vehicles, Rodeo's, IMHO, are too heavy and have too much potential to be geared with the 4-banger.

I had a neighbor friend who had a 1st generation 4-banger, who despised it simply because it wasn't powerful enough to get out of it's own way; aside from that, he loved the room, ride, etc. But, it really was worthless for them to take on a simple weekend trip.

I however, have had 2 V6/auto's, a 91 & 97 (currently still own) and dearly loved both. The 91-92 V6, 3.1L engines are built by Chevy; 93 (I believe) & up are Isuzu 3.2L engines.

My 91 had 140hp, if I recall; and my 97 has 190hp. However I believe the 93-95 has the 3.2L as well, but only 175hp.

Big difference overall from my 91 to the 97 in gearing and capability per power. I had 175K or so on the 91 when I traded her in in 2001, for a Dodge Diesel :p :p . I just simply needed a truck for the camper, there was no other reason for trading that Rodeo.

My 97 currently has 123K, tranny's in both trucks were stock with no prob's - however, it's VERY important to do 25-30K mile flushes on these tranny's.

Do keep in mind, however, that I was/am the original owner on both trucks and they were/are impecabily maintained from date of purchase.

If I could afford, and find another 96-97 V6, I'd grab it in a heartbeat, you bet! :iceslolan

I have a '97 V6 auto, 2 wheel drive with 127,000 miles. I, too, have done all the required maintenance and have not had any troubles. I do have to change my valve cover gaskets, though. I'm not giving it up Rambler!

Where are you located? I might be selling my 96, 3.2 4x4 , auto. Great truck and well maintained. I paid 11K for it less than 4 years ago.(and that was a good deal at the time)...they dont hold thier value well, thats the only negative, or a posituve for someone like you who is buying.

It has 107K miles, and everything works. Im in the process of fixing a couple things right now, but will be done soon. It needs new c/v boots and a 4wd vacuum solenoid, which I ordrerd yesterday. Runs great, all fluids changed regualry, and price is reasonable. if interested, let me know.

I have a '97 V6 auto, 2 wheel drive with 127,000 miles. I, too, have done all the required maintenance and have not had any troubles. I do have to change my valve cover gaskets, though. I'm not giving it up Rambler!


Noo?? Come on, I want that thing! :evillol: :naughty:

Honestly, as soon as we're done with our move, I'm gonna find me another.