I might go look at a 96 Rodeo this weekend and have a few questions. The add had little info and I know very little about Rodeos. Here goes:

I know its the 3.2 V6, is it SOHC or DOHC or either that year?

Any major/common problems with that motor or vehicle in general I should look out for? I know its a used car and can't be perfect, thats not what I'm looking for, I just need a decent DD. Read my sig line.

Whats the auto tranny mated to the 3.2? Is there more than one? Any common problems with the autos?

Any other input on this year Rodeo is also appreciated both positive and negative. I plan to have my mechanic and I go over it if I really consider buying and if he has some info to go on we can give it a more thorough check out.

Thanks in advance
Craig

I do know that it is an SOCH. I do not know what specific auto tranny is in them...even though I have one. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" /> As long as you keep the engine oil and tranny fluid changed, then you should be good to go (assuming there is no current problems) for a long time...I know some people have 200,000 miles on their Zus, me, I plan on going for 300,000!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" /> Oh yes, there is the infamous valve tick that starts around 90,000 miles...if you keep up with the oil change and use slightly thicker oil this won't be a prob.

Awesome. I thought it was only the SOHC but wasn't sure.

300,000K, yeah thats the reason my 86 Trooper has the engine out of it. with 323,241 on the odo and 2 rebuilds the motor is finally shot. Got a new rebuilt motor on the bench but no time to do it.

I don't even know the mileage, vague add, but its local so I'll learn more come Sat/Sun. Just want to have an idea on what I'm gettin into.

Check the firewall for the code G80, that means there is a Limited Slip differential in there.
Pretty aluminum rims usually means 4.30 ring and pinion.
Isuzu tick will go away with the right oil.
Nice thing about the 96 is you get a couple more ponies than previous years.

Bad thing is that you have air bags. (who needs those anyway).
95.5-97 were kind of the weird model years. Just a few more quirks to deal with.

Yep, 96 rodeo has the sohc, and it also has the more powerful version. It has a slightly different ignition system that gives you 190 hp vs my 175.

I believe the auto tranny is the 4l30E?

Input on this year rodeo: As i stated, has slightly more powerful engine, it also has the better front suspension with more travel, has the nicer interior/dash. IMO 96-97 rodeo is the best you can buy.

Mike

ps- you live in MILFord. Hehehe <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Yup 4L30 auto.I agree with the interior...I have a 95.5 which got the interior change and it's my favorite...LOL.Good runner all the way around.As long as you keep up on maintanance the motor will keep going.I am at 140,000 and hoping it'll last many moons from now.Hopefully it'll work out for you.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

I bought my Rodeo new in 93 and now have 205,000 miles on stock engine and stock auto tranny. Although, the tranny acts up ocassionally, but it seems to have cured itself a couple of times. I only have to add about 1 quart between oil changes. My valve tick started around 80k, it seems to have gone away lately.

With any other used car - See if you can view the vehicle with the engine cold, that way you can open the radiator and check for the color and see if there is no garbage in there - you can't do this with the engine hot. Of course check the oil, belts, etc.. Ask when/if the timing belt has been changed. Test drive, and if you feel nervous pay $75 to have an mechanic give it a once over.

have a look here if you have the VIN, and see if it sync's up(this is a trooper page, but seems to match up pretty well with my Rodeo):
Trooper VIN

Compare: Edmunds and Kelly Blue Book to see if you are getting a good price for the truck.

Good luck.

-Robert

Love mine, the only thing different then what you are talking about is I have the MUA5C manual, and you like everyone said will have the 4L30E Transmission. But I recommend it, mine has been good to me except the clutch blowing out, but at 100,000 miles it was bound to some time. I did have a slight tick after I first got it around 85k, but just did a nice 5w30 Mibile 1 oil change, and never have seen it since. I am on 10w30 now and all is going great.

i agree with everything said here, cept for the fact that my 96 started ticking around 65k(no big deal once mobil 1 came into the picture) also has the thing where the altimiter(sp) battery voltage thingy <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> dips under acceleration but it doesnt hinder anything so i cant say its a problem. aside from that its a great truck, and ill get back to you on driving in snow conditions since we got 6" on the ground with another 6-10 tonight <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

cory
96 rodeo s
3.2L sohc 5spd

Thanks for the quick responces.

I knew about the possibility of the engine tick and from what I read here and knew in general I wasn't to concerned if it had it or not. As always I'm good with periodic maintenance except my current DD, F250, bit me in the a$$ with this emissions deal. What was legal for years is now illegal even though the truck is near mint with 109k on the truck and 25K on the crate motor.

96isuzoom, you hear anything on if/when emissions tests are going to reach allentown? Milford is 2-3 hours straight north and Pike county is starting to phase in strict emissions guidelines similiar to CA. Motor swaps, vehicle age , and overall conditions are really going to be problems up here and soon across the state if it gets approved. I am all for clean air I just am mad that its w affecting my only two vehicles at the sme time. Oh well can't have both and in the long run I would rather have a cleaner enviroment, cars can be replaced. Sucks to be broke.

Hopefully this Rodeo is all stock exhaust/emissioins wise and meets the guidelines for 1996. See what happens Sat.

Thanks again
Craig