Asia Rocsta

#1 22-12-09, 09:59 AM

Hi there,

I am a newbie and I am looking at buying an Asia Rocsta - anyone have any experience with this vehicle?

Are parts available if needed?

I am looking at a 1996 1.8 petrol version?

It is going for R45k - is that reasonable?

Cheers
And thanks in advance

Ian PR · #2 22-12-09, 11:02 AM

Hi

Dont know much about them - they seem a bit prehistoric & slow though - I think they are originally early Kia family - In that bracket I would also look at a Lada Niva & the early Suzuki SJ...

Ian

ThysleRoux · #3 22-12-09, 11:36 AM

They are apparently as tough as nails, but for that kind of money you can get much more. I seem to recall some-one complaining about parts availability as well.

Frans · #4 22-12-09, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fury

Hi there,

I am a newbie and I am looking at buying an Asia Rocsta - anyone have any experience with this vehicle?

Are parts available if needed?

I am looking at a 1996 1.8 petrol version?

It is going for R45k - is that reasonable?

Cheers
And thanks in advance

If they paid me the R45k I might consider taking it.

Parts are a major problem. Indian manufacture, no longer distributed locally, and the engine is apparantly, AFAIK, a clone of one of the old Peugot's.For the type of vehicle in that price bracket, look for a CJ2 or a SVM (there were 5 SVM's advertised in the Junk Mail about 3 weeks ago). There is a Grand Cherokee parked a couple of blocks from me for R49k. You can pick up Cherokee's, Disco2's. Suzuki's, single cab Hilux SFA's or Sani's in that price bracket.

Benny · #5 22-12-09, 04:28 PM

There's a Wrangler in Boksburg going for R119000.00. Not sure of the year.

jasonh · #6 18-02-10, 01:21 PM

Frans: you're thinking of the mahindra jeep, or mayba a tata telcoline bakkie?
I have a Rocsta and so does my skoonpa.
Mine: 158000km (converted to toyota hi-ace 2.2 petrol)
Skoonpa s'n: 260000km (2nd engine rebuild)
They were made by Asia Motor company (South Korean), but discontinued in 1997.
They are mostly mazda and mitsubishi parts (engine is either 1.8 petrol or R2 Diesel from Ford/Mazda courier bakkie).
They don't have the quality issues of the lada's, but as I have already mentioned, the diesel has to work hard to get anywhere, and so doesn't last too long. Replacement parts are cheap enough though.
You will really struggle to find Diffs and body parts, but otherwise any old mazda bakkie part will work. There is a guy in namibia that replaced the engine, gearbox and rear axle with hilux.

stanh · #7 18-02-10, 01:32 PM

Don't ever go near a kaka I mean lada. I had one, the biggest mistake of my life

Reaper · #8 18-02-10, 02:11 PM

I have a 1996 Petrol Rocsta. It has a Mazda f8 engine in and all parts are availible from Midas . Brakes are Mitsubishi L300. Diffs are Dana replica's so bearings Etc should not be a problem. G box is Mazda replica so parts wont be a problem.

I have bought lights as well from midas

I have had no problems with this vehicle in the four years I have had it.

Its a bit slow but much faster and better ride than the Suzuki Sj.
I can do 140 KMPH no problem in 4x2 on the h way

All in all its not a bad vehicle for the price.

Biggest problem for me is space inside but I have a trailer that mine tows without any hassle.

I cant give much info on the diesel one .

Regards

jasonh · #9 18-02-10, 02:47 PM

The diesel is a donkey. Get the petrol.

On the other hand, a 3000 v6 colt / sani would be a better option.

That's unless you want to spend the same money on a smaller 4x4 with no aircon, no power Steering, no packing space just because it's compact and looks cute.

Hard Body · #10 18-02-10, 03:04 PM

From Wikipedia:
Asia Rocsta is Four wheel drive (4WD) vehicle from Asia Motors Corporation in Korea.
The Rocsta is derived from the Korean army's 4WD vehicle. Because this model was cheaper than other competitive 4WD vehicles, it contributed to the increase in popularity of offroad racing in Korea.
Asia Motors launched the Rocsta in 1990, and retired it in 1997. From 1998, the Rocsta's replacement, the Asia Retona, was sold under the Kia badge.
UK sales of the Rocsta ran from 1994-1997, which included both 1.8 litre petrol and 2.2 litre diesel models. Both could be purchased with either a hard or soft-top. Both models were distributed by Kia Motors and used Kia copies of standard Mazda engines, with five-speed manual transmission.

Kate Nelson · #11 22-03-11, 06:31 PM

Anyone able to help with where we can urgently get hold of the following parts (or replacements) - we've just bought a Rocsta and are already having problems just getting it home!

Front wheel bearings
Shackle rubbers
Brake & clutch cylinder kits

Many thanks for your help

Charlie1800 · #12 23-03-11, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kate Nelson

Anyone able to help with where we can urgently get hold of the following parts (or replacements) - we've just bought a Rocsta and are already having problems just getting it home!

Front wheel bearings
Shackle rubbers
Brake & clutch cylinder kits

Many thanks for your help

Hi There

Not sure what area you are in but I had no problem getting any parts in JHB.

Wheel Bearings got from Bearing man

Shackle rubbers ? Not sure what shackels you talking about ?

Break and clucth kits I got from my local midas , Its a mazda B 1800 bakkie's kit

If you ask for Asia Rocsta parts you wont get it , You will have to match it up.

I have a little book and every party I have to buy I write down in the book
The parts are mainly Mazda B 1800 Bakkie and Mitsubishi L300 bakkie parts.

Hope you come right

Kate Nelson · #13 24-03-11, 01:55 PM

Hi Charlie,

Thanks so much for your really helpful reply. If it's OK then I'll PM you for your email address as I have a couple more questions re wheel bearings and also have a feeling that the contents of your notebook will come in handy in the future. We plan to do the same, so maybe we can help you in return one day.

And for all those who have shown interest in this thread, I have to say that this little car ROCKS!! As the name suggests. Sunny day today, so roof down and cruising around. Luckily my fiance is mechanically-minded and knows how to 'make a plan'. Based on what we've discovered so far, I would say that if you have access to someone like this then the rocksta is a really fun little car, good on fuel for a 4x4 and (so far) is easy to drive and goes anywhere. BUT if you would have to take it to a garage every time you wanted it fixed, then I would probably avoid, unless as previously stated you have the kind of local mechanic who is prepared to think outside the box and modify parts when required.

But much happier with the new buy today - LOVE her in fact!

Charlie1800 · #14 24-03-11, 03:01 PM

Pleasure Kate ,

You are correct , you cant go down to a garage everytime for small stuff ,
and this seems to the only thing going wrong on these , Little bit of technical knowledge and you will love the rocsta.

In fact I have had less hassles with my 1996 Rocsta than my Wifes 2003 Ford Ikon !

When I was looking at the Rocsta I was advised against it by all "in the know" I have said this many times , you where all wrong this is a great car for the price and runningh cost.

I am so glad I bought the rocsta and not a Suzuki like I planned , I would not have enjoyed the zuk as much. They are terribly slow and even smaller than the Rocsta not even to speak about the looks The Rocsta turn heads

Enjoy and feel free to contact me I will gladly assist where I can

Kate Nelson · #15 25-03-11, 09:39 AM

You are so right about it turning heads. In the 3 days we have had the car we have already had no less than 7 offers to buy! People have even been taking photos of it as they walk down the street. Very proud of my cheeky baby!!

Drove back 45km from town last night with the roof down under the most amazing stars.....

Charlie1800 · #16 25-03-11, 02:09 PM

Do you still have the original Softop ? Mine was replaced with an after market one so my windows can zip out and leaves only the roof , (learned my lesson with sun stroke!) I beleive the original was a huge mission to get back on , Mine doesnt take 5 minutes , I still want to make a Bikini top for mine .

#17 03-07-11, 12:18 AM

Charlie, where did you get the soft top? I am interested in that as well as any other parts for the Rocsta. Thanks!

Charlie1800 · #18 04-07-11, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lon

Charlie, where did you get the soft top? I am interested in that as well as any other parts for the Rocsta. Thanks!

Hi There

It was made by Softop manufaturer in Baccleuh

Kate Nelson · #19 04-07-11, 02:09 PM

Hi, mine has got a soft-top in reasonable condition - not perfect, but serviceable. I am looking for a hard top if you know anyone who has one or who wants to Exchange/PX for soft top. I love the soft-top, but it doesn't quite work in our snowy winters; even though the heater is very good it's not quite up to dealing with minus 12 at night!!

RasMan · #20 21-07-11, 07:53 PM

Hi everyone

I recently did a trip of 9133 km through Namibia with my Asia Rocsta. Having it in for repairs after the trip and I need to replace the diff, completely banged up and unrepairable. I have been looking everywhere for a diff that will fit, cannot find anything. Is there any other vehicle whose diff is the same as the Asia Rocsta's diff. It is the 1.8 petrol, 1996 model.

Thanks for the help.