Seller Submission: 1988 Isuzu Trooper II LS
It might have originally been launched as the Isuzu Rodeo Bighorn in 1981, but we know it as the Isuzu Trooper (also as Trooper II, but there was not a Trooper I…so I’m not sure where the II designation comes from). With its distinctive boxy shape, robust construction, and dependable four-wheel-drive system, the Trooper became a reliable companion for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of off-road vehicles. Find this 1988 Isuzu Trooper II LS offered for $6,900 in Hanover, PA via craigslist. Seller submission from EG.
From the seller:
1988 Isuzu Trooper II
condition: good
cylinders: 4 cylinders
drive: 4wd
fuel: gas
odometer: 195754
paint color: custom
title status: clean
transmission: automatic
type: SUV
1988 Isuzu Trooper II LSI acquired this 1988 Isuzu Trooper II LS in April 2012 from a relative of the original owner. I’ve owned this for over 11 years and am begrudgingly selling it due to storage space being tight. Title is clean, no liens, and in my name.
The Basics…
Trooper is finished in two-tone Burgundy and Gold with Brown/Tan cloth upholstery. Powered by a 2.6-liter SOHC inline-four with minor performance modifications (see below) with a four-speed automatic transmission and dual-range transfer case. Standard equipment included a vertical-split tailgate, manually locking front hubs, four-wheel disc brakes, dual mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, a split-folding rear bench seat, reclining front seats with folding armrests. Factory stereo was replaced with a modern unit, speakers, and subwoofer during my ownership.
The Details…
Being 35 years old, it does have your typical minor areas of surface rust, paint chips, and minor dings as shown in the photos. Having said that in the interest of full disclosure, the paint on this Trooper truly shines and gets compliments wherever it goes. The interior is in very nice shape with the exception of the rear side panels. Mechanically, this thing has been regularly maintained, never left me stranded, and is the without a doubt the most reliable vehicle in the fleet.
Modifications and Service History are listed below. Oil changes were performed roughly every 3,000 miles or annually, whichever came first. With the exception of the rear dome light and a finicky fuel gauge, all accessories work even the cruise control and A/C! Service records since I purchased it in 2012 are included in addition to various Trooper memorabilia. Also included are a small number of replacement parts, such as belts, plugs, gaskets, etc.
Thanks for your interest and please let me know if you have any questions or want specific photos not shown as Craigslist limits the number which can be posted.
I am not interested in trades nor do I need help selling. If the post is up, it is still available.
If you have any questions, please send via CL e-mail. If you would like to come see and/or make an offer, send me your telephone number and I will call or text you back. Sorry to have to do it that way, but there are too many scammers out there. Cash only and in person. No exceptions.
MODIFICATIONS
ARB Front Bumper with Warner M8000 Winch
SmittyBilt Rear Bumper (refurbished in 2020)
ARB Rear Springs
Calmini Front Torsion Bars
16″ Oversized Rims w/Locking Hubs
Surco Safari Roof Rack
Chassis Mileage (195K); Engine Replaced @ 130K from 1994 Amigo Donor
Calmini Header
Delta Cam Reground Camshaft
Rebuilt Head w/Minor Porting
2.5″ Custom Exhaust
Darlington Off Road (DOR) Rear Spring Perches
Radiator Replaced with New Isuzu OEMMAINTENANCE
5/2012 – Rear Main Seal Replaced
5/2012 – Replaced Air/Fuel Filters and Replaced Plugs/Wires
8/2012 – Replaced Cylinder Head Gasket and Bolts
8/2012 – Replaced Radiator Fan Clutch, Thermostat, Cap
8/2012 – Replaced Water Pump and Gaskets
8/2012 – Replaced Timing Belt and Cover Gaskets
10/2012 – Removed Air Pump Assembly (still have parts)
4/2018 – Replaced Front Axle Shafts and CV Assemblies
5/2018 – A/C Service – Replaced Accumulator and Converted to 134a Freon
5/2018 – Front/Rear Shocks Replaced (KYB)
7/2018 – Replaced Fuel Line
4/2020 – Rust Repair of Lower Rear Qtr Panel, Rockers, and Rear Floor ($2,000)
4/2020 – SmittyBilt Rear Bumper Refurbished and Rhino Lined
5/2020 – Removed Resonator and Replaced Muffler
5/2021 – Replaced Power Steering Pump
KNOWN ISSUES
Minor Leak Front of Engine (suspected from P/S System)
Interior Rear Dome Light Missing Cover and Works Intermittently
Exhaust Resonator Removed When Muffler Replaced. Breathes Better but Exhaust Slightly Louder. I prefer a softer exhaust note so I guess this is subjective.
Smog/Air Pump Removed – retained most if not all of the removed components so could be reversed if needed
Rear Suspension Bushings Should be Replaced
CarFax history shows one minor front impact in March 1997; looks like front fender was resprayed.
See a better way to drive something 4X4? tips@dailyturismo.com
My parents owned two of these. Hugely popular here in California as weekend transport to the mountains for skiing. Honda rebadged them and sold them as the Honda Passport. Gutless but tenacious AF.
Love these. I had one in the 90s on Maui. 5-speed. Awesome ride. Rust swallowed it whole.
@PRNDL, I believe it was the ‘rodeo’ that was rebadged as Honda vs this generation of trooper. My buddy had one of these with the v6 (GM’s mill) and a 5spd that we drove from the Bay Area to Durango, CO for a bike race. Not quiet, comfortable or good on gas but it got us there and back w/a stop over in Moab to rent mtn bikes for a little slick rock riding.
You’re right. It *was* the Rodeo. But, you know…. Joe Isuzu couldn’t tell them apart either