Thinking of buying a 2001 Rodeo.So thought I would ask people who own them if I should buy of not buy.It has 115000 LS 4x4.The defects I have found so far is the Gas gauge bouces around cel is on it appears to be leaking coolant somewhere at the bottom of fill tank.And I noticed the Radiator on the top has some kind of clear plastic glue.I think the Radiator may have been cracked or something.But seeing how its leaking coolant makes me wonder if it might have overheated leading to cracked radiator.IT drives fine plenty of power good take off.when I turn left I hear a slight roar of something for front passenger side maybe ball joint or somthing.THe tires are bad and pulls to left.Interior is in good shape.Price is 5000.So you guys being the experts let me know buy or not buy thanks.

 

I dont think I would pay that much for it. With the radiator in that shape and the sound when turning (probably wheel bearings never been repacked) I would suspect it has not been well mantained. As it is now you know it needs a radiator, probably needs wheel bearings, possibly has never had diff, trans, xfer case fluids changed. If its an automatic they dont like being neglected, fluid needs to be changed in them every 30k. I would also check the cv boots to make sure they arenttorn, if they are thennew cv axles are in order.So there is probably some $$ needing to be put in it.


If you can get it for $1500-2000 cheaper then I would think it would be ok, knowing going in its going to need work.


I bought my '99 last september for $5000 and the work I've done on it so far would have been $2-3k if I had a shop do it. Mine has 91k miles on it.


Oh, the CEL might be because of the fuel gauge. Most likely the fuel sending unit is failing. Its attached to the fuel pump inside the tank. The FSU itsself can be replaced without buying a whole new pump but the tank still has to be dropped to do it. If you get to test drive it take it to autozone and get the CEL codes read, the will do it for free. Should give you an idea of whats wrong.

 

I will try to get them down some more because right off the bat it needs new tires.But their asking price is 6500 but will take 5000 cash so I dont think they will come down that much.

 

Having just sold my '01 at 64,000 miles and seeing the writing on the wall...unless you just love working on the vehicle I wouldn't do it.


My experience on the '01 is that the fuel level sending unit is part of the fuel pump assembly and not available separately. It will cost you about $200 in parts to replace.


Mine needed an computer flash to fix a pinging problem and then gas mileage and power suffered badly....I never saw over 16 mpg after the fix.


I'm a toyota owner now!


Joe

 

i think you should go for a newer rodeo, i think the 03 or 04 has 250hp.

 

I just bought a 99 S plain Jane model but with just over100000 km's (63000 mi)and it is mint. There is no rust, dirt, squeeks, pings, knocks or anything...Except the dire need for shocks and bigger tires and Paid $10,000 even canadian from a new car dealership. I'm guessing they paid about 8k as a trade in and they put some work into it. Looking in the Kelly blue book for a cherry 99 should go for no more than about 6500.00 us. Sounds like the one you are looking at probably has seen better days and I would haggle a lot or walk away. There are a ton of these vehs out there, you just need to look a bit. I looked at about 13 before I found the one I was happy with.


Good luck