New Vehicle For New Town

New town requires new tools, so I decided to get something a little different. I've always been an economy car kinda guy. Cheap and plentiful, the Ford Escort ZX2 was my go-to car, but here in Flagstaff I wanted something a little more rugged to get me out into the bush, and something I could sleep in would be nice too.

Meet my new 1997 Isuzu Trooper 3.2l 5spd!

One of the benefits to western living is forest service roads right out my back door, so what better test of a new vehicle?

My wife fully supported something that would keep her 2012 Fit from getting beat up on gravel roads.

I didn't waste any time in testing the Trooper's credentials.

Picked up after work today. ADOT had closed at 5pm so I couldn't get over there for a new plate.

I think we're going to have fun with this one.

At 182,000 miles, she ain't exactly young, but the 5psd with a good clutch and recent timing belt and water pump services gave me a bit more confidence that it would hold together for a little while. These engines are known for burning oil, but otherwise pretty stout mills.

Should be fun!

Awesome man! I was actually looking at those when searching for a capable midsize suv that's not a 4Runner. That and the Rodeo.

Curmudgeon knows more about these than joe Isuzu. Great rig

In reply to Fueled by Caffeine:

I think Tom will also have some positive input when he reads this as well.

Cool, nice purchase.

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!!

Finally, another person flying the Trooper flag!

Get ready for lots of this:

And even more of this:

Judging by those pictures, you aren't selling it on Craigslist are you?

Can't blame you on the change. I enjoyed berkeleying up the undercarrage of my Zx2 when I got the chance.

Tim, your flag pole is bigger than my CB whip. Could you have gone any higher?

Appleseed wrote: Judging by those pictures, you aren't selling it on Craigslist are you?

Hey man do you want pictures immediately after purchase or are you going to wait for me to bust out the DSLR?

You'd need hamburger grease on the lense to pull off the effect completely.

Hooray, my ideas are affirmed!

A friend had one of these a long time ago (3.2 5spd 4wd) and i REALLY liked it.

Those must have been very popular here in the SW back in the day. Vegas Craigslist always has tons of Troopers and Rodeos.