Here at the offices of DT, we are often apprehensive with seller submissions. Sometimes the cars are overpriced, or just not right for the site. Other times we feel bad as we rip into the submitters ability to hold a camera, write sentences, or paint his car with chop sticks. The next seller submission, however, is not at all horrible. It is an interesting car offered at a fair price. Not only that, but it is a Giorgetto Giugiaro designed 3-door hatch with a peppy DOHC engine mated to a 5-speed. Find this 1989 Isuzu I-Mark offered here on craigslist for $1,500 in Boston, MA. Seller submission from I.N. 
If this was a $25,000 Alfa on eBay, I could complain about the poor photo quality, but this is a sub $2k car on craigslist. Additionally, even if you take nice photos, craigslist nerfs everything down to 600pix wide Polaroid quality. Why did craigslist have to ban external image capability anyway, and what's next? Are they going to require their IT team to backup the servers on 8 inch FDDs? It was a serious step backwards for your list Mr Craig, if that is your real name.
The I-Mark was available with a 1.5 liter turbocharged engine in the LS model that made 120 horsepower, but in 1989 it was available as an RS with a 1.6 liter DOHC 16V that pushed out 130 horsepower without the aid of forced induction. Can't argue with more power in this version, but it is certainly easier to tease more ponies from the turbo power plant.
The I-Mark RS included some nifty Recaro seats, a suspension tuned by Lotus Engineering, 14 inch alloy wheels and a big tach that let you rev the engine all the way up to 7700 rpm. Not bad for 1989, and not bad for $1500 in 2014. Not bad at all.
Got your own classic econobox to sell for cheap? Send it in. We won't bite. tips@dailyturismo.com
Shopped those new way-back-when. Drove nicely.
ReplyDeleteBolster wear on the driver's seat, my detail guy would pull the seat and have it fixed for a couple hundred bucks.
Looks worth the money if it otherwise inspects as well as the pics look.
My first car was a used 91 Stylus XS, it was exceptionally fun - essentially a 4 seater go-cart with a useable trunk. If the I-Mark is half as fun/capable it would be a great daily driver.
ReplyDeleteThough I prefer the lines of the I-Mark sedan I'd pony up for one of these, if one came available... though that is not going to happen here on the isle of rust (Newfoundland).