Speed_Racer's New Used Rig

[Speed_Racer]

Story time.

A week and a half ago, the MR2 decided to snap its timing belt (ahead of schedule) and strand me in the Vegas sun. Thankfully, it's a non-interference engine so it's not totaled. Also a plus - it wasn't when I was driving it down from Utah last month. But putting that much money into a former New England car (rust) didn't seem like a wise move so it'll be posted for sale as-is on the MR2 Owners Club website.

I've been looking for a suitable replacement. I thought of financing a newer hatchback/wagon, or getting another motorcycle, or several other options. Then I found this on Craigslist, looked at it today, and I'm buying it on Tuesday. I've got a soft spot for mid-80s Japanese cars, apparently. So its from sports car to sports ute.

It's an '86 Trooper II. 118k original miles, 5-speed, 4x4. Unbelievable to me is that there's no rust anywhere. Desert cars are the way to go!
Aside from having meticulous maintenance records, I love that it's not trying to be anything other than a truck. It rides rough, it has gear whine, and the shifter throws are long. But it rides smooth and is a tough little do-everything machine, which is exactly what I need right now.

[ifcar]

Congrats!

[S204STi]

I dig.

[Payman]

I like it. Isuzu 4-cyl engines are found in aviation ground power generators, and are bulletproof and easy to work on. You done good. May we ask how much $?

[Laconian]

Don't count your chickens, but congrats anyways. It's as idiosyncratic as the MR2.

[Speed_Racer]

May we ask how much $?

$3500. A bit more than other Troopers or 4Runners, but this one doesn't look beaten to death, plus he took care of the 100k maintenance - all new belts, tires, brakes, shocks, tune up, etc. It's nice knowing it won't need anything for a while.

Don't count your chickens, but congrats anyways. It's as idiosyncratic as the MR2.

Knock on wood! One of these days I'll buy something normal.

[Colonel Cadillac]

Knock on wood! One of these days I'll buy something normal.

Never!

[Payman]

Don't count your chickens, but congrats anyways. It's as idiosyncratic as the MR2.

At least now he has something to transport his chickens.

[2o6]

That is COOL!

[Colonel Cadillac]

That is COOL!

Indeed

[2o6]

I didn't even know they made three-door Troopers.

[Speed_Racer]

They even made them with diesels, too. (This one's a gasser though.)

[ifcar]

I didn't even know they made three-door Troopers.

Me neither. It seems they didn't even redesign the front doors between versions.

[280Z Turbo]

It rides rough...But it rides smooth

[hotrodalex]

Nice!

Needs some manly tires.

[Secret Chimp]

I like gear whine, so long as it doesn't mean something is about to break.

[CALL_911]

Wow, the thing looks mint. Very cool find, best of luck with it.

[Cookie Monster]

That thing is ridiculously cool! Awesome find.

I love the 3 door body style. And it's so mint too. Take good care of it!

[CJ]

Head gaskets.  Be aware of them.

[93JC]

1) I didn't even know they made a two-door Trooper.
2) I can't remember the last time I even saw a Trooper, let alone a first-generation Trooper.


Cool!

[Speed_Racer]

Head gaskets.  Be aware of them.

Duly noted. Thanks!

[TurboDan]

Cool truck!

[Rupert]

Nice! I have a soft spot for Troopers (see my sig list). I assume it's 4 cylinder (no six in '86, I think)? I still want to buy one to fix up. Maybe when the Exploder explodes.

The diesels were really super cool, but I believe they were also super gutless. I think one year had a tolerable turbodiesel, but I don't remember. I always wanted one with a Chevy 4.2L V6 or with a more modern/powerful small diesel.

[veeman]

That truck looks amazing for a 25 year old vehicle.  25 years and > 100,000 miles in the northeast where I live, and you would be able to see the road through the floorpan.

[cawimmer430]

Congrats!


But how are you going to Speed Race in it?  

[Eye of the Tiger]

Nice chickens. I want some.

[Mustangfan2003]

Just be careful going around sharp curves. 

[hotrodalex]

Just be careful going around sharp curves. 

In Vegas? Ha!

[Mustangfan2003]

In Vegas? Ha!

Well just in case he ventures in the mountains.  I found the roads in Northern Arizona to be fun to drive on. 

[cawimmer430]

In Vegas? Ha!

Yep. Take it slow around the curves in Vegas. Don't want these guys showing up.