2004 Rodeo - Anyone know anything

[Ramblin Fever]

about this particular year?

I found one at Tynan's for $14K only has 18K miles.

It has the 3.5L engine, but is it the same troublesome one as in the Trooper?

Any info would be great.

Aside from this one, I found a 95 1/2 Rodeo 3.2L for $6K - from the dealer with only 90K miles. PERFECT condition!

[rodeo02]

From what it looks- the 2004 direct injected 3.5L shares much of the same parts, but the heads will be different to accomodate the DI system. This engine is mated up to an awesome trans, the asian warner AW 3080LE. It's got a dipstick and a drainplug. Oh and the driveshaft is one pc. no more 'troublesome' slip-yoke. I'd trade my 2002 for one in a heart-beat if the right deal came 'round !
G/luck
Joel

[Ramblin Fever]

So the whole truck is a bit different?? That could be COOL!

I've heard the 3.5L in the Rodeo's were neat.

Just don't want a big payment, though - we shall see.

[rodeo02]

Originally Posted by Ramblin Fever

So the whole truck is a bit different?? That could be COOL!

Well, in a sense. The body & interior are the pretty much the same as previous years. The hi-lo range 4x4 floor shifter is gone (went away in 2003) replaced by a dash knob. The power and winter buttons went away with the 3080LE trans. The DI engine is supposed to get pretty good fuel mileage on low-sulpher gasoline. Something in the low 20's for MPG's

[Ramblin Fever]

Have an appt to test drive the '95 tomorrow. If that don't pan out I'm headed over to the 2004 - different dealership.

I'd go straight for the 2004, first, if I was ready to turn in the current 97 Rodeo - but she's got a lot more good years left. I'm still stuck on the old original Rodeo looks - I know, I'm boring.

But I just can't let her go yet, can't see the point when it's not giving me any problems - and I'm a bit leary of a payment on a new truck, with full coverage on all vehicles.

I'm not finding very many reviews on the 2004's - I've read up on them though, I'd love one for sure.

I'll keep you posted - need to find another daily driver, just don't want to be out too much $$$$.

Kind of trashed the idea of that 97 Tahoe - didn't want the hassle of an older vehicle that I don't know anything about.

At least with an older Rodeo, I'll know a little bit of something.

[amigo-2k]

How come you are looking for a new truck?

[Ramblin Fever]

Need another daily driver to help keep the miles down on the current Rodeo. My company moved further away and I'll be back to putting 20K or so yearly on the Rodeo - just going to/fro work.

Moving closer is not an option, have no desire to live in town.

This same truck is also used for vacations, boat hauling, and random day/weekend sightseeing trips and such, and don't want to have to part within the next 3-5 yrs, it's been a good one.

I'm not necessarily looking for a "new" truck, I just noticed a heluvah low price on the 2004's over at Tynan's in Aurora.

I'm leaning towards an older Rodeo as long as it has a good history, as the money saved could be quite a bit, and I don't necessarily "need" a new vehicle.

If I didn't do so much darned leisure driving, I wouldn't worry - but, can't give up my R&R just because I want to keep mileage down.

He$$, I'm already planning on where to go next Saturday.

I'm plain terrible, in all honesty, if there's a chance on a weekend for a day or overnight trip, I'm out at 1st light. And I'd honestly say that at least 60% of the miles on the 97 Rodeo are mostly leisure driving, camping trips, etc.

[rodeo02]

Ramblin, if the body is good on your 1997, I'd hold off until she's just not reliable enough for you! It sounds like you need to stay with a full framed, RWD/4x4 truck for your DD needs. A rodeo of your year/mileage is pretty much worthless to dealers or those not familiar with isuzu's. Second-hand rodeo's will be around for years yet. As much as I love the thought of that DI 3.5L, I don't see how even a thousand of them could have been produced. Certain parts *could* be hard to find later on. That 3080LE trans has been around for years, used by toyota trucks and others, so that would not be a problem. This is a tough call. Try to find a comparable truck to that 2004 rodeo for $14K. Not gonna happen!
G/luck
Joel

[Ramblin Fever]

Yep, think I'll heed your advise. I am a bit leary of that 2004 year, being the last year of production on the Rodeo's - as far as I'm aware of - and with the new engine design.

YES - I am afraid of a shortage in parts, if I were to get the 2004. I'm even afraid of that possibility with the 97 Rodeo

I have already made arrangements for this 95.5, as it is the same exact truck I already have, and it would only cost me an extra $150 a month to own. A LOT cheaper then buying a $14K dollar truck.

Which yes, even if they only made a thousand of them, I couldn't truly see the need for buying one right now - though they are at one he$$ of a low price.

I do like the sound of that engine though - but just can't justify spending the money when, you're right, I have a truck with only 1 spot of rust

Let you know more in a few hours on this 95.5.