We’ve featured a couple of first generation Impulses here, but this is the first time we’ve shown a second gen car. The second gen donated many bits to the Geo Storm, but only the Impulse came in AWD, Turbo form.
This car needs some cosmetic attention and the seller claims it has an intermittent starting issue. If there aren’t too many surprises lurking, this may not be a bad deal, but I’d whittle the price down to help pay for body and paint.
Click for Craigslist ad
San Gabriel Valley, CA
$2,700
I always liked these and only saw a few back in the day. The scoop was functional before the stock intercooler was removed and replaced with the front-mount unit.
I wonder if the front end can be de-hacked relatively easily and whether there’s a way to hide a front-mount intercooler and keep it looking more stock.
The seller gets bonus points for including a shot of the “handling by Lotus” badge, especially given the dings and scratches also visible.
Interior looks to be in pretty good shape, and I dig its styling.
Ad text (lots of it):
Barn Rescued Car from 2010
1.6L DOHC
4 cyl.
Turbo
AWD
160 hp, 150 ft/lb tq (from the factory, 23 years ago)
Front mount intercooled
Clean title in hand
143,813 miles
Power Mirrors, Windows and Doorlocks
Cruise Control
Dashmat
Rear Trunk Cover
Tint
Factory Front and Rear Floor Mats
Factory EQ Casette Player
Rockford Fogate Rear Speakers
Stock IHI turbo works excellent, no play
One of ~600 produced in the US
Lotus Tuned Suspension
Car is red, paint is old, few dings/dents
http://www.carlustblog.com/2009/01/isuzu-impulse-r.html
http://www.robietherobot.com/storm/isuzu_impulse_rs_91.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isuzu_Piazza
Under average retail via Nada Guides w/CLEAN TITLE:
http://www.nadaguides.com/Classic-Cars/1991/Isuzu/Impulse-RS/3-Door-Turbo-Sport-Coupe-Awd/Values
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New Stuff/Features/Things Done
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Transmission Rebuilt and Resealed
Transfer Case Resealed
Mobil 1 Synthetic for Engine, Transfer Case and Transmission
Royal Purple for Rear Differential
Clutch
Rear Main Seal
Fidanza Flywheel
Unorthodox Racing (UR) Underdrive Pulley
Front mount intercooler, 2.5″ heat wrapped piping
Real Greddy Type S BOV
Hallman Manual Boost Controller
3 Pillar Gauge Pod with Autometer Boost & Air/Fuel Gauges, and a Porsche VDO Clock
Water Pump, Timing Belt, Tensioner and Idler
Falken Ziex Tires @ 139,250
KYB Front Struts
Catalytic Converter
O2 Sensor
Starter Rebuilt
Alternator Rebuilt
Brembo Front Rotors, Front Brakes @ 143,235
All Motor Mounts
Front Passenger Axle R & R
EGR Valve and Gasket
MAP Sensor
Fuel Filter
Fuel Injection Service @ 143,255
Both Igntion Coil Packs
ICM for Coil Packs
Idle Air Control Valve
Thermostat
Throttle Body Gasket
Throttle Position Sensor
Radiator Fan Motor
Front and Rear End Links
NGK Spark Plugs
RTR 10mm Firebraided Spark Plug Wires
Oil Pan Gasket
Valve cover and gasket
Starter and ABS relays
Wheel Center Caps
Clear Front Markers
Close to you USB charge port
Battery Relocation to Trunk
Thermostat Housing Repaired
(Used) Power Mirror Switch
Many, many receipts and records
Many, many vacuum lines replaced
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Extras/Other
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Extra Single R & R Fuel Injector
Geo Storm GSI Sideskirts sanded down for paint
Isuzu Workshop Manuals
Original Alternator bracket with Belt
Original Crankshaft Pulley
Original Glove Box Owner Manual
All Stock Intercooler components for CA Smog
Original Amber Front Markers
Additional half broken front bumper
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Not So Good
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No AC
Power steering works, but due to a snapped bolt for the belt tensioner, the car is not power assisted
Rear passenger wheel bearing hum (when turning right)
Passenger and driver window track
Starts 85% of the time (possible Starter solenoid)
Transmission Fill needs teflon tape to stop a slow leak
Exhaust manifold crack
Trunk opens by key only
Front bumper cut for FMIC
Driver Seat Bolster Torn
Dash Cracked/Warped, covered with a nice dashmat!