Recently, an opportunity presented itself that I couldn’t refuse – a 1990 Daihatsu Rocky appeared on Craigslist in my local area. After sitting on the market for a couple of months, and following a thorough inspection and a conversation with the seller about its running condition and the availability of parts, I made an offer. To my surprise, it was accepted, and I am now the owner of a remarkably clean Daihatsu Rocky for under $1000. This compact 4×4 boasts four seats, an estimated fuel efficiency of 26 MPG, and an impressively tight turning radius, making it an intriguing addition to the fleet.
Alt text: Front three-quarter view of a 1990 Daihatsu Rocky, showcasing its boxy silhouette and compact size, parked on a residential street, indicating its availability for sale.
The immediate question is, what’s next for this classic SUV? The answer, undoubtedly, is repairs and restoration. My initial steps involved addressing the most basic needs. I began by siphoning out the old, likely stale fuel and replacing it with fresh gasoline. Further inspection revealed a need for a new air filter and an oil change, standard maintenance items for any newly acquired used vehicle. An O2 sensor replacement is also on the list, and a careful examination of the front axle is crucial, especially given some noises heard during the test drive.
The journey home was not without incident. The Daihatsu Rocky experienced a coolant expulsion issue, resulting in steam and water under the hood. Suspecting a thermostat problem, I replaced it, hoping to resolve the immediate overheating concern. Adding to the list of initial issues, the front axle emitted a grinding noise when making tight turns in 4WD under load, suggesting potential issues within the four-wheel-drive system. Finally, the temperature gauge persistently reads “C”, indicating either a perpetually cold engine or, more likely, a faulty temperature sensor requiring attention.
Alt text: Close-up view under the hood of the 1990 Daihatsu Rocky, highlighting the engine bay components during inspection, as part of diagnosing initial mechanical issues.
The primary objective for this 1990 Daihatsu Rocky is to transform it into a dependable daily driver. The aim is to achieve better fuel economy and increased passenger capacity compared to my current truck, while still retaining a degree of off-pavement capability. The idea of potentially selling the truck, which has proven to be an unreliable and costly vehicle, is also under consideration. However, the Daihatsu Rocky does present some limitations. Its engine might be underpowered for steep inclines, it lacks a truck bed for cargo, and the ability to use snow chains on all four tires is not possible, factors to consider when evaluating its suitability as a truck replacement.
Alt text: Side view of the 1990 Daihatsu Rocky, emphasizing its short wheelbase, high ground clearance characteristic of a compact SUV, and overall vehicle proportions.
For now, the focus is on addressing the identified mechanical issues and bringing this classic 1990 Daihatsu Rocky back to its optimal running condition. The journey of repair and potential modifications is just beginning, and promises to be an interesting project.
