1989 Isuzu Trooper

Isuzu Trooper (1989)
for sale

Price: US $1,000.00

Description:

I have a 1989 Isuzu Trooper RS for sale.
I bought this vehicle last year on Ebay from a guy who sold it to me with no title. Of course, he bought it from someone else and it wasn't his fault he sold it to me with no title (never is). It took awhile but I got a title from TX DMV and am in possession of it. The title reads as salvage because when it was originally converted to diesel the state it was in would only recognize the vehicle as such. Due to the age of the vehicle, it is exempt from emission testing in just about every state.
Regardless, the vehicle originally came with a C223 diesel engine which was complete garbage and the vehicle wouldn't go over 45-50 on flat ground. The seller lied about the vehicle's top speed (Yeah you James Vienup) and wouldn't refund my money.
I liked the vehicle so much I bought an engine from an importer in Miami, shipped it to El Paso, and paid a company to install it and do the necessary modifications to include modifying the driveshaft, motor mounts, and installing an aftermarket hood scoop to accomodate the intercooler. I also installed a lift kit with new shocks from Independent 4x4. As you can imagine, this was not cheap. The cost of the lift kit and the installation alone was more than my reserve price on this vehicle.
The issue I had was, the engine was not in the best of shape, and after running well for several months, it stopped running abruptly. I shipped the vehicle to my brother who is a diesel mechanic in Massachusetts and he originally was going to rebuild it but has no spare time on his hands.
I understand a buyer's concern since, due to the title, it is not covered by Ebay protection policies. The fact I am pointing this out, have a 100% buyer satisfaction rating, and am selling for such a low price should be comforting to any potential buyer. This is being sold as is, with the clear intent of the buyer knowing exactly what they are getting.
This vehicle was converted to diesel before I bought it, and when I had the other engine put in, the mechanics rechecked all the prior work done when they installed the 4JB1TC engine.This model is a very reliable economical engine, please google it to read various reviews, and it has an intercooler with turbo.
Something interesting about this engine is it is completely mechanical. There is no wiring harness or ECU. For doomsday preppers, this means the vehicle is electromagnetic pulse (EMP) proof. Very few vehicles in the US fall in this category. A left hand drive diesel is also extremely hard to come by (Except for the newer Jeep Libertys and Grand Cherokees)
This engine came in the vehicle stock on some models overseas. It is a huge improvement over the C223T engine offered here in the US.
An interesting fact about this vehicle is it came stock with 4.77 gearing. this is great for off road applications, and for turning big tires. If you are looking for something to go 95mph on the highway with, this is not for you. But if you want something trail worthy with the proper gearing, this is it.
Engine was purchased along with manual transmission from Just Jap Imports of Miami Fl and engine swap was done August 2016 by SVS Performance of El Paso.
Vehicle has added turbo boost control with gauge, adding total boost to 12 PSI.
33inch tires with Independent 4x4 suspension lift kit installed professionally. Tires are almost brand new.
New Battery, radiator recently recored.
Just passed safety inspection, registration current.
It drove well, until the engine stopped working. It got great gas mileage (25-35mpg) when it drove, and is in excellent condition mechanically other than the engine. There are a few spots of rust, but nothing that can't be fixed. It is very hard to find left hand drive Diesel SUVs in the US. It is also rare to find a SUV with an 89 inch wheelbase, something that people who go off road on smaller, twisty trails can appreciate.
Engines that will fit this include a 4JB1T and 4JG2T. Other engines might fit as well, I'm not sure.
It still needs a little work here and there, a couple spots of rust on body but it's solid, no rust on frame, and you can call SVS Performance of El Paso with any questions you have about the vehicle's condition. Also, the vehicle is located in Massachusetts with my brother who is a certified diesel mechanic. He is too busy right now to work on it but can answer any questions you have, and I am about to start grad school in June, with no time either.
If you have been looking for a solid left hand drive diesel classic SUV, this is a great, rare vehicle. Like I mentioned, the engine needs to be rebuilt, or a new engine can be placed in it. The same company I bought the motor from sells other used 4JB1T engines and a new engine from a sister company to Isuzu in China manufactures brand new 4JB1T engines for around 3-4 thousand. This is a great project for Isuzu lovers or someone with a little mechanical skills.
I guarantee there is not another vehicle for sale like this in the US.
I have gone through the vehicle, tried to upgrade/replace as much as I could. The seats in front were a little worn but I have seat covers that work well and match the interior. The radio and speakers work great. Paint is not perfect but it's an 89 SUV. For the price of the vehicle and a rebuild or a used engine replacement, you could be on your way to having your own unique reliable SUV for less than $7, 000.
Lastly, the windows in the back slide back horizontally. This is great for dog owners, as the seats in the back fold up, and the windows can be opened so the dogs can stick their heads out without having to roll down the entire window.

update: 2017-05-20

Features:

Condition:Seller Notes:
Used
“Used, in good used condition, other than engine issue.”
Year: 1989VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): JACCH57E1K8910408
Mileage: 184,000Transmission: Manual
Make: IsuzuBody Type: 2 Door SUV
Model: TrooperWarranty: Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty
Engine: Diesel 4JB1TVehicle Title: Salvage
Drive Type: AWDOptions: 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type: DieselSub Model: RS
For Sale By: Private SellerExterior Color: Red
Disability Equipped: NoInterior Color: Black
Drive Side: Left-hand driveNumber of Cylinders: 4

Click to enlarge