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Opinions on Rocky
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Opinions on Rocky
New to 4wd and was looking for a cheap first 4x4. Was wondering if people could give me their opinion on a turbo diesel daihatsu rocky. I don't mind the look of these and you seem to get a fair bit for what you pay e.g. air con, power steer etc. It won't be used for any hardcore stuff and will be used on road regularly. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
rockys are not a bad little truck, but like all small diesels, even turbos, you don't want to be in a hurry. You do get a lot of icing on the cake with a rocky but consider carefully what you want and whether or not you want something more modifyable - there isn't a lot of bolt on stuff for rockys so if you want to go crazy at a later date you might be sorry. on the other hand if you think you wll probably want to go crazy with mods in a couple of years, maybe a hilux or a zook or even a rangie would serve you better, for a similar buy price.
There are more than a few Rocky owners on this board, maybe post in the Daihatsu section and see what those guys have got to say about Rockys.
cheers
Brian
There are more than a few Rocky owners on this board, maybe post in the Daihatsu section and see what those guys have got to say about Rockys.
cheers
Brian
Free air locker to the first 20 callers!
Thanks for the advice Brian. I don't mind the fact there isn't much aftermarket stuff as I like making what I need anyway. At this stage I don't want to modify to the extreme and if I do catch the bug(which doesn't seem that hard from what I've seen on this forum) I will upgrade to something else anyway.
My frank and honnest opinion.
The Rocky like most cars are good roundabouts car and if u have no intention to climb 90 degree hills.
But if u want to modify them once the off road bug bites, stay clear away from it unless u wanna spend big big $$$$.
My opinion of it offroading since it's my off road vehicle.
It's reasonable and i'm using it to learn and hone my skills.
But what i find that's crapy is gearing.... My crawler ratio is 34:1 on a F85 petrol Rocky.
Engine is still lethargic even though mine is probably 1 of the more moded 3Y engine around.
4wd parts are limited. I dont think u can still get Detroit Lockers for them.
Suspension sucks big time if it's stock.
But from where i am Rockys are getting pretty popular here in Malaysia but i believe to build them to similiar specs to what some have done, u're better of with a Toyota, Nissan, Rangie.
The more extereme Rockys i've seen in Malaysia run Toyota axles, transmission, Supra 1JZ/ 2JZ, 7MGTE engines, 1KZTE to the most common extreme by running Volvo C303 portal axles.
Rocky sucks if u're playing around with what u have.
My next rig is either going to be a Defender 90 or a Bundera.
The Rocky like most cars are good roundabouts car and if u have no intention to climb 90 degree hills.
But if u want to modify them once the off road bug bites, stay clear away from it unless u wanna spend big big $$$$.
My opinion of it offroading since it's my off road vehicle.
It's reasonable and i'm using it to learn and hone my skills.
But what i find that's crapy is gearing.... My crawler ratio is 34:1 on a F85 petrol Rocky.
Engine is still lethargic even though mine is probably 1 of the more moded 3Y engine around.
4wd parts are limited. I dont think u can still get Detroit Lockers for them.
Suspension sucks big time if it's stock.
But from where i am Rockys are getting pretty popular here in Malaysia but i believe to build them to similiar specs to what some have done, u're better of with a Toyota, Nissan, Rangie.
The more extereme Rockys i've seen in Malaysia run Toyota axles, transmission, Supra 1JZ/ 2JZ, 7MGTE engines, 1KZTE to the most common extreme by running Volvo C303 portal axles.
Rocky sucks if u're playing around with what u have.
My next rig is either going to be a Defender 90 or a Bundera.
My RIG sucks big time.
dumbdunce wrote:RoJaWa wrote:I thought opinions were like assholes, everyone has one. Guess not when it comes to a Rocky.
maybe everyone's mothers have taught them "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all"
I reckon they're a good solid truck without the huge running costs of the larger buses. Just gotta realise that they hit the build up wall sooner than a hilux or zook 
Re: Opinions on Rocky
LFT wrote:It won't be used for any hardcore stuff and will be used on road regularly.
Seeing as that was part of the original question there should be nothing wrong with a Rocky.
David
Utter shite!
Seriously, have friends who were newbies to 4WDing and purchased a late model petrol Rocky ... underpowered, poor ground clearance, poor articulation, and limited upgrade potential (without spending big dollars).
Will PM you their email address if you want. They have since sold and purchased both a Bundy and an 80 series.
If you want small with off-road cred in abundance, heaps of upgrade potential, consider perhaps a Suzuki Sam or modded Vitara.
Seriously, have friends who were newbies to 4WDing and purchased a late model petrol Rocky ... underpowered, poor ground clearance, poor articulation, and limited upgrade potential (without spending big dollars).
Will PM you their email address if you want. They have since sold and purchased both a Bundy and an 80 series.
If you want small with off-road cred in abundance, heaps of upgrade potential, consider perhaps a Suzuki Sam or modded Vitara.
I liked the bit when he ran up the stairs and then jumped up and down at the top. and the bit when he yells "Adrian!!!" awesome
oh wait wrong subject
If you really think that there is any possibility of wanting to modify the Rocky and you have no fabrication skills then don't buy it. It will be a nightmare. As a standard car they are fine for easy stuff, well built and reliable but as has been mentioned there is no aftermarket support. Yes it is possible to make custom $$$$ stuff so you can be different and that is great if you have the money and know how but in the long run it is a great way to waste money and get really pissed off.
If you want a good, cheap easily modified vehicle then look at a Sierra.
PS I didn't like Rocky IV
oh wait wrong subject
If you really think that there is any possibility of wanting to modify the Rocky and you have no fabrication skills then don't buy it. It will be a nightmare. As a standard car they are fine for easy stuff, well built and reliable but as has been mentioned there is no aftermarket support. Yes it is possible to make custom $$$$ stuff so you can be different and that is great if you have the money and know how but in the long run it is a great way to waste money and get really pissed off.
If you want a good, cheap easily modified vehicle then look at a Sierra.
PS I didn't like Rocky IV
Ransom note = demand + collage
Leithfield wrote:Utter shite!
Seriously, have friends who were newbies to 4WDing and purchased a late model petrol Rocky ... underpowered, poor ground clearance, poor articulation, and limited upgrade potential (without spending big dollars).
Will PM you their email address if you want. They have since sold and purchased both a Bundy and an 80 series.
If you want small with off-road cred in abundance, heaps of upgrade potential, consider perhaps a Suzuki Sam or modded Vitara.
Where abouts do you live? Australia or overseas?
The reason I'm asking is the 1.6l petrol Feroza is sold as a Rocky in some places overseas (eg. USA.); and from the way you called an Aussie Sierra a Sam (Samarai) I'm guessing you're not an Aussie.....
Don't forget it won't be used for hardcore stuff and will be driven on road a lot.....
By all accounts the turbo diesel Rocky's go very well power wise and you'll be hard pressed to find a stronger built and reliable medium 4WD. Yes, aftermarket accessories are a problem (lifts/ shocks aren't- but diff locks, snorkels etc will be.)
David
Hi Murcod,
Sorry for the break in transmission.
Am a Kiwi, so that may answer your questions per model nomenclature.
"Don't forget it won't be used for hardcore stuff and will be driven on road a lot..... ". Only problem with this statement is I have heard so many nw 4x'ers make this honest claim, then get hooked on the enjoyment of offroading, only to soon experience disillusionment as they quickly outgrow the capabilities of their vehicle. That is why I did and do recommend a more intermediate vehicle ... greater upgrade potential without breaking the bank.
Can't comment on the diesel Rocky's, but my friends late model petrol 1.6 had less puff than an asthmatic on abestos. On a positive note, the many limitations of their vehicle did result in positive driver gains, as technique was paramount.
To each their own, but I personally classify the Rocky as a 'pretty toy', and for shear value and capability would take the pedigree of a Suzuki, Hilux, etc, any day.
Sorry for the break in transmission.
Am a Kiwi, so that may answer your questions per model nomenclature.
"Don't forget it won't be used for hardcore stuff and will be driven on road a lot..... ". Only problem with this statement is I have heard so many nw 4x'ers make this honest claim, then get hooked on the enjoyment of offroading, only to soon experience disillusionment as they quickly outgrow the capabilities of their vehicle. That is why I did and do recommend a more intermediate vehicle ... greater upgrade potential without breaking the bank.
Can't comment on the diesel Rocky's, but my friends late model petrol 1.6 had less puff than an asthmatic on abestos. On a positive note, the many limitations of their vehicle did result in positive driver gains, as technique was paramount.
To each their own, but I personally classify the Rocky as a 'pretty toy', and for shear value and capability would take the pedigree of a Suzuki, Hilux, etc, any day.
i had a turbo D rocky for a while (rolled it and got a zook).... absolutely loved it when i had it!!!
engine/gearing: 2.8L turbo D, same size as in lux's, so goes quite well in the lighter truck. had no dramas cruising at 110 and with the engine-breaking and torque of the diesel it was good in low range going up and down hills. still goes damn well on 31s... would struggle a bit on 33s i think
suspension: earlier ones (up til mid 90s) had solid front axle, leaves all round. i got 2" lift to fit and ranchos, ran nice and smooth on the road, and flexed pretty well offroad. if ya go custom springs or SPOA ya could get a decent bit of lift and flex
other points: fair bit of room in the back even with rear seats in, much more than in a zook (zook=nothing behind seats). decent seats, aircon and power steering!!!! sunroof kinda thing that comes out! can even take the top off if ya wanna i think....
i rate them as a first 4by.... quite capable stock, will outdrive feroza's and similar small 4bys, and possibly a stock zook. awesome to learn in, and still good on road and travelling. sounds pretty much perfect for what u want.
if the bug bites, keep it and buy a cheap zook 
engine/gearing: 2.8L turbo D, same size as in lux's, so goes quite well in the lighter truck. had no dramas cruising at 110 and with the engine-breaking and torque of the diesel it was good in low range going up and down hills. still goes damn well on 31s... would struggle a bit on 33s i think
suspension: earlier ones (up til mid 90s) had solid front axle, leaves all round. i got 2" lift to fit and ranchos, ran nice and smooth on the road, and flexed pretty well offroad. if ya go custom springs or SPOA ya could get a decent bit of lift and flex
other points: fair bit of room in the back even with rear seats in, much more than in a zook (zook=nothing behind seats). decent seats, aircon and power steering!!!! sunroof kinda thing that comes out! can even take the top off if ya wanna i think....
i rate them as a first 4by.... quite capable stock, will outdrive feroza's and similar small 4bys, and possibly a stock zook. awesome to learn in, and still good on road and travelling. sounds pretty much perfect for what u want.
if the bug bites, keep it and buy a cheap zook ___,,,,_('o')_,,,,____
part of the newy conspiracy...
part of the newy conspiracy...
Leithfield wrote:Can't comment on the diesel Rocky's, but my friends late model petrol 1.6 had less puff than an asthmatic on abestos. On a positive note, the many limitations of their vehicle did result in positive driver gains, as technique was paramount.
To each their own, but I personally classify the Rocky as a 'pretty toy', and for shear value and capability would take the pedigree of a Suzuki, Hilux, etc, any day.
Hello again, if your friends "Rocky" was a petrol 1.6 then it was an Aussie Feroza- not an Aussie Rocky! Read what I posted above about the different names in different countries.
The Aussie Rocky came out with a 2 litre carby petrol engine, the 2.8 diesel and 2.8 diesel turbo. Feroza's only came out with the 1.6l engine and are a different vehicle.
David
As a fairly heavily modified Aussie Rocky owner, I think I am eligable to comment here.
To answer the original question, it should suit your purposes. For well under $10K, you should get a later model turbo intercooled Rocky with the lot, air/steer/tint, ect. Forget the 2 litre petrols, they are a bit gutless. If you want to stand out from the crowd, get one. They are fairly capable stock standard off road. Suspension travel will pull you up mostly, even more so with the later IFS models.
On road, they will cruise all day at 110-120km, with a trailer or camper in tow, and return around the 10km/litre mark.
Modifications are limited off the shelf. Some parts earmarked for the Ferozas will fit, (Bullbars) as the mounts are the same or similar. Other stuff, suspension ect, are available off the shelf from some smaller manufacturers. Forget ARB, they dont know what a Rocky is, or even a Daihatsu for that matter. If the bug does bite, and you want to start modifying, then its possible with some enginuity. You can always trade up to something else, if it really bites, or as stated elsewhere, go buy a cheap Suzi or something. Wheels and tyres are interchangable between the two.
To see what can be done to a Rocky, click the link below.
To answer the original question, it should suit your purposes. For well under $10K, you should get a later model turbo intercooled Rocky with the lot, air/steer/tint, ect. Forget the 2 litre petrols, they are a bit gutless. If you want to stand out from the crowd, get one. They are fairly capable stock standard off road. Suspension travel will pull you up mostly, even more so with the later IFS models.
On road, they will cruise all day at 110-120km, with a trailer or camper in tow, and return around the 10km/litre mark.
Modifications are limited off the shelf. Some parts earmarked for the Ferozas will fit, (Bullbars) as the mounts are the same or similar. Other stuff, suspension ect, are available off the shelf from some smaller manufacturers. Forget ARB, they dont know what a Rocky is, or even a Daihatsu for that matter. If the bug does bite, and you want to start modifying, then its possible with some enginuity. You can always trade up to something else, if it really bites, or as stated elsewhere, go buy a cheap Suzi or something. Wheels and tyres are interchangable between the two.
To see what can be done to a Rocky, click the link below.
Mud makes excellent toothpaste.
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