What about this Trooper??

[fjatheart]

http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/2666476974.html

Could you guys tell me about this Trooper? Is this a fare price with this kind of mileage? What would be cause for concern or something that would need to be looked at on a Trooper of this year in particular??

 

[metalryder]

I don't see any v6 badges, so I'm going to assume its a 4 cylinder.

First thing Iwould do is change the timing belt. 200k is way too long if he hasn't changed it.

I'd also change the head gasket while I was there. The 4 bangers are know to blow gaskets, overheat and crack the head.

I'd talk him down to around 800 to 1000.

 

[84F150]

i had an 88, i liked it ok. The 4cyl in mine was a trouble maker, had overheating and head/head gasket issues several times. I believe the 88 and older only came with 4cyl. Mine had the 5spd which was pretty solid. 4wd always worked, i never got stuck.

I would ask if the head or head gasket had ever been changed before he got it. I'm betting at that mileage both have been done at least once before this guy got it. It looks pretty clean, $1,200 seems a little high but the early troopers are getting a little harder to find these days.

Check the frame for rust, probably wont be an issue in nashville but further north they are known to rust and break especially behind the rear doors back. The bumpers are really flimsy and at least one of the caps is usually gone.

 

[BKCowGod]

I've had two 4-banger Troopers and one pickup with the same engine. Loved 'em all. They got great mileage and were nearly as fast and torque-y as the 6cyl.

That particular one seems okay. In the SFBay, it would be either $800 or $2500 depending on the seller, but a good running 4x4 for $1000 seems like a good deal to me. The rust concerns me. I have never seen any rust on a Trooper, so it makes me wonder.

 

[fjatheart]

Good to know. I'm going for a low buck project, not sure this is the one. We'll see if this guy responds to my email.

Thanks guys!

 

[BKCowGod]

In that price range, also check out Isuzu Rodeo, Mitsubishi Montero, Ford Bronco... all are pretty low buck and simple tech. What are you looking to do with them? Looks like you already have a pretty serious wheeler in the FJ.

 

[fjatheart]

In that price range, also check out Isuzu Rodeo, Mitsubishi Montero, Ford Bronco... all are pretty low buck and simple tech. What are you looking to do with them? Looks like you already have a pretty serious wheeler in the FJ.

Looking for a wheeler I don't have to stress about bruising on the trail. I would also like something to learn on when it comes to fabbing bumpers, minor body work, etc.

Being able to find something I could flat tow would be nice too. Found a $800 samurai, but it's a bucket. Here is a link: http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/2671182146.html. This is nice because is small and I can basically lift the drivetrain out by hand.

Thoughts?

 

[Vandiesel]

I had a 90 trooper with the V6. It burned oil but otherwise was bulletproof. I love the flat windshield. I've seen the 4 banger go 390k with a buddies rig. They are tough trucks.

 

[cronk]

Looks pretty nice. As stated above, head gasket and frame rot. Fuel pumps go out from time to time too. See if the head is the AMC casting, they tend to be the better heads. I know a guy with 33" tires and an automatic who is running the 4 banger. He regeared to 5:38 gears and is still getting 17 mpg.

BTW, there is a real nice Black one down in Florida right now. You could plan a vacation around it.

http://daytona.craigslist.org/cto/2613942806.html

 

[fjatheart]

Now if I can only get the owner to call me back!