Faults:

Had to replace the alternator. Can call that maintenance, just like I have had to replace the tires and brakes.

Did have a strange starter problem, but it turned out to be a poor connection at the ignition switch.

General Comments:

Love this little truck. I put a small lift on it, and have done general cleanup and maintenance for the last few years, and racked up some miles.

Actually was on Craigslist and found another one yesterday, and bought it this morning. Put another 160 miles on it in 3-4 hours this morning to go check out the one I bought.

I have taken my kids to the hills, to camp and play in the snow, and love my lil rig every time I go. Couldn't be happier.

Faults:

Normal wear and tear. I did have to replace the distributor, which runs about $1000 at about 50000 miles, and I just replaced the pitman and idler arm at a cost of $300. Other than that, just the usual maintenance.

General Comments:

I bought the SUV in 1992 after Hurricane Andrew blew my house down on my Pontiac in Miami. I then moved to Washington DC, and had to put up with the weather, but the Rocky responded very well with the 4WD. I never had to shovel snow; the Rocky just drove over it. I had to drive 100 mile every day; if you know anything about DC traffic, you will understand. The Rocky performed very well.

In 95 I moved to Georgia, where I got to experience Hurricane Floyd, so me and the Rocky drove to Knoxville Tn to get away. I wasn't about to experience another hurricane.

I have been droving it back and forth to work and about ever since, and think it's the best vehicle I have ever had; it is part of the family history, and I just can't bring myself to get rid of it, but why should I, the Rocky keeps on running and running and running. Nothing will ever replace it.

I wish they were selling new ones now; it's been great for 21 years. I love the vehicle. Thank you Daihatsu. The reason I bought the Rocky was that while I was stationed in Japan, I had a Daihatsu Van, and I liked it for 2 years. I can't believe I have had the Rocky for so long. I wish all my other cars had been so reliable. Yeah, Rocky.

Faults:

Timing belt at 187k.

New clutch plate at 177k.

New brakes/shocks at 125k and 230k.

Rebuild alternator at 159k and 210k.

That is all the repairs except oil changes (I use synthetic only).

General Comments:

This is probably the best car I have ever had. I live in the mountains and people don't believe how it just climbs over things. It's true it could use more power, but I pull my 1300 lb boat, 1100 lb camper, and also a box utility trailer with it all the time through thousands of miles.

It is boxy, but I doubt seriously anything made today could replace it for reliability, toughness, and overall utility at the cost. I have a grand total of around 6500 in it over the last almost six years, including the purchase price.

I wish I could buy a new one, but you can't get new Daihatsus in the United States.

Like my 1996 Jag (before Ford bought them), you can have it when you pry out of my crying fingers.