Turbo Diesel 4X4: 1986 Isuzu Trooper
When it comes to fun times playing off the road, hauling cargo, or just being a reliable driver to get you from Point A to Point B, this 1986 Isuzu Trooper seems like a capable performer in all three of these areas. Appreciation for these square-body Japanese offerings appears to be on the rise, and while they may not yet have attained the interest level of similar offerings such as the Ford Bronco, well-preserved examples like this one here on eBay don’t seem to have much trouble attracting buyers as of late. If you’ve been looking for a 4X4 at about the $11k mark and live near the Saint Cloud, Florida area, this turbo diesel model may be well worth your time to check out, and if this one piques your interest it’s worth noting that the seller is also accepting offers.
Only one family has owned this Trooper since new, and though the seller doesn’t dive into a lot of specifics here the 4X4 comes across as a well-cared-for and solid example, not perfect but quite good for a driver. There’s a minor dent on the passenger’s front fender and a small area of rust on the smaller back door, but the body still looks more than decent for its age and has overall nice paint, with probably the worst-looking finish being an area on the driver’s side quarter. There’s also a bit of wear on the Trooper II decals near the rear, but to be nearing 40 years old this one still makes a pretty strong impression.
The Isuzu still looks fairly good on the inside too, again, not perfect, especially when you move to the back area, as there is no rear seat but an excellent cargo space, and this one’s been no stranger to hauling. There’s one small crack in the dash and some holes in the rubber floor covering, but the instruments seem to look A-OK and the tach shows the engine idling at about 900 RPMs. To have been driven 130,000 miles, both front seats have held up nicely and the headliner appears to be in fine shape as well.
This one’s powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel engine, and with the 5-Speed manual transmission and four-wheel-drive, I’m guessing it’s fun to drive pretty much anywhere, on or off-road. There’s also been some recent maintenance, such as new belts, a tune-up, a fresh oil change, along with lots of brake work. Those tires are also new, including the spare, plus a new A/C compressor has been installed so things are nice and cool inside. The closer I look at this 1986 Isuzu Trooper, the more I’m understanding why these have such a loyal fan base, and this one seems reasonably priced for what you’re getting. What are your thoughts here?
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Comments
No disputing the facts. Isuzu made great diesel engines and this is one rare beast. Question I have is there a person out there willing to spend around 11K for an old Trooper. These were good little rigs. Pretty reliable but underpowered which is why they got the GM 2.8 V6 to try and help. I’m sure even with the turbo acceleration is very casual.
To say “acceleration is very casual” is an accurate description. The N.A. engine puts out around 52 H.P. The Turbo version puts out about 82 H.P., and is absolutely essential to reach even the “casual” rate. The rears are geared low, so off the line is OK. Acceleration overall is sluggish unless you approach the max 3,500 R.P.M. for the O.E.M. rods between gears. It pretty much tops out at 65mph for 3,000 R.P.M. sustained. 2,800 R.P.M. for 63 M.P.H. gives the best mileage, at about 35 M.P.G. on the highway.
These are tough machines, although the 1986 and prior models have a half wishbone/rod for the lower front suspension, which was upgraded to a full wishbone afterwards.
Parts are becoming VERY HARD to get. O.E.M. exhaust components are non-existent, although a reasonable off the shelf muffler is still available. Engine and Turbo, and driveline back parts are virtually un-obtainium, with used being the lion’s share of what is out there.
These are great machines overall, and if you can accept the parts situation, are generally an economical driver. Yes, I wrote driver, as in daily.
This particular price is high for the dedicated group of folks that have owned these machines for a long time now. That group won’t touch that price.
Perhaps someone outside of it will.
Buyer Beware, however.
I’ve been maintaining a fleet of Isuzu Pup and Luv diesels, most of the engine parts are available for the C220 engines, as well as clutch parts. As for the future who knows? I feel the engine is too small for the heavy Trooper, but in some use would be adequate. On the plus side is that these engines last a long time, I expect all of mine will last another 20 years as unrebuilt. Leaky seals, and rusty bodies is why they reach end of life, not the basic mechanics.
Love it. Isn’t one of the staff at BF a Trooper expert ? 🤔
Yes please enlighten us to the ways of this trooper! I’m in the St Coud area but don’t know what type of engine that turbo diesel is. Is it next week acceleration? Or is it tie down the cargo full speed ahead? Reliable & lively performance are 2 different things!
Turbo diesel engines suck for off road ability. The torque is ALWAYS on so there is no finesse.
Dig a hole where you’re at because of the torque and then wait for your buddy to come winch/ pull you out.
But this is a cool rig for sure. I’d love to drive it, I’d just be super careful off road. Great to tow a camper with.
Mike, I believe that there is a rear seat it’s just folded down. You can see the seat belts. I bought one of these new. Mine was powered by a four cylinder gas engine. Very reliable vehicle. Wish I could get it again from the way back machine. LOL.
I worked for a multiline car dealer and drove a Trooper for 2 years. I really liked it but it was not a highway cruiser but very dependable.
I was hunting one day in the Flint Hills of Kansas going down a set of pretty deep ruts that were made by regular sized pickups. The narrow guage Trooper slipped of one side and was at about a 45 degree angle laying on it’s side. The rancher came and pulled me out without a scratch on it. I was really happy about that.
regular customer brought one in pre-sale. 1st shop visit here. Breaks were easy find, the off brand muff I fitted was fine (life X guarantee), easy fluid change’n minor tune-up. Sold to out-of-towner, non-turbo (they fit the last 2 yr’s Scouts, no? SD32 1979, nxt SD33 hada turbo? or wuz it datsun?) For off rd oomph (over a bump) Y nota shot of ‘pane @ intake?
?????
Uh huh, sure. My thoughts exactly.
I bought one of these with a gas engine [$500] in maybe 94/95 it was a 86 model, the familiar burgundy/champagne and honestly as a single guy with a bunch of buddies who all deer hunted every fall [one buddy had it’s twin] winter time and hunting trips were a lot more fun. unfortunately it started rusting in the rear floor at the small door side…..I gave it to my brother, and found a high school buddy with a 93 V6 5speed with an engine noise, turned out to be the timing belt tensioner so we did the belt/tensionor etc and it was good to go
I always liked the band, better than these trucks.
Beautiful looking Trooper II. I remember when Isuzu offered these vehicles. Although I’ve never owned or driven one, I remember when they were offered with Diesel engine and Turbo Diesel. I consider it damned unforgivable that Isuzu discontinued the Diesel engine option.