Faults:
1st Petrol tank rusted (poor fuel quality suspected)
Automatic choke replaced by 2nd hand part twice.
Drivers seat cloth tore early.
Radiator reconditioned twice.
Rust beginning to appear in roof gutters.
General Comments:
This car war purchased new in our family and has been serviced every 5,000 kms.
Original engine still runs extremely well, although fuel consumption is poor, and the small tank allows for a max range of around 330kms. Slow acceleration, but very acceptable torque for off-road situations. Uses approx 500ml of oil every 5,000kms.
The most noticeable shortcoming since new was the standard suspension and this has not been changed. A very bumpy and firm ride, but on-road handling is good. Power steering. Excellent brakes.
Off-road ability is good, limited only by ramp-over angle in very challenging terrain. Manual front-locking hubs. Low range transfer case.
Uncomplicated design and good visibility.
Well suited to tight mountain tracks. Less suited to open desert tracks.
A good, if thirsty, city car.
14th Oct 2014, 04:34
I am the second owner of a 1985 petrol Rocky, and I will tell you now that there are not very many brand new 4x4 factory standard vehicles that can follow me, as I have had many prospectors with me in their $100,000 vehicles who really struggled due to their power and weight. And also the gearing in my Rocky is so low that it will almost crawl up a wall without even spinning.