One local for $1200. I don't know what it is (looks like a geo or something) but something about it makes me want to go see it (the "suspension by Lotus" badges, perhaps?)
So, what's the deal with these cars? There's almost nothing on wiki about them, a google search turns up pretty much what is on wiki as well. I'm gonna guess that parts availability is nil, that it's a lousy car, and that nobody would ever want one. Am I wrong?
like a geo, but with turbo and AWD options, IIRC.
hmm....my research didn't say anything about AWD or turbo. Seemed to be a 1.6L 120ish hp FWD.
turbo and AWD would make me definitely want it, lol.
Sample:
http://nmi.craigslist.org/cto/2543208077.html
Sort of a 4 door Geo Storm
They are quite exclusive. Very few people own one.
Another picture from here:
http://www.isuzone.org/forums/showthread.php?t=19010
ok, so now I knwo what it looks like (and there are a few nice modified ones on cardomain)...
now, what are the major issues, major plusses or minuses, and why should I run away screaming (other than the look my wife is giving me right about now)?
The Stylus XS or RS has the same engine as the Geo Storm GSi either a 1.6L DOHC (90-91 XS) or 1.8L DOHC (92 RS). The Stylus XS/RS has a better handling sway bar setup than the GSi, though it is probably a bit harsher. The Stylus was never offered here with a turbo or AWD, but it possible to swap the required Impulse RS parts on to any of the FWD Storm/Impulse/Storm/Sunfire/etc. models.
The Isuzu rear struts are more expensive than the Storms. The sway end link bar tabs on the struts is different. The tabs on the rear KYB for the Geo break off fairly easily (at least with this bar they did.)
The rest of the suspension is very strong--all tubular steel arms in back. I try not to compare it to the stamped junk pieces on the back of my BMW.
They are a bit front heavy. The GSi is definitely slower than a DOHC Saturn around an autocross track. I expect the Isuzus would be a good deal better than the GSi. Steering ratio on the GSi was probably too fast, but it felt great. The 1.8L DOHC was wonderful. The GSi always seemed fast.
Body rust is a big problem for these cars at least around here. Southern cars seem to all have peeling clearcoat.
http://www.isuzuperformance.com/
This guy has a built turbo AWD hillclimb Stylus (known as the Gemini everywhere else), he also has a monopoly on the aftermarket for the Stylus/Impulse in the USA. It is basically a 4-door Impulse. They are really underrated for what they are. I think it's the RS model that has the 1.8 Lotus Elan engine. The XS is just a neat-lookin ecobox, though the suspension is the same.
There is not really anything to be afraid of. It is an uncommon Japanese car, sure, but it is not a Maserati BiTurbo. isuzone.org is the only forum still around for these, but it is admittedly a great forum with some real die-hards.
Was the Stylus really available with AWD? I know the Impulse RS, was and the AWD Impulse was only available for one model year ('91 I think).
A Stylus was the first car I ever lapped . . .
Neat cars.
holy crap that thing is pretty slick lookin
bigdaddylee82 wrote:Was the Stylus really available with AWD? I know the Impulse RS, was and the AWD Impulse was only available for one model year ('91 I think).
- Lee
To my knowledge, it was never officially offered in the US. However, it was everywhere else. I'm not 100% sure if the floorpan will accommodate the Impulse AWD system, but I wouldn't be surprised if it is the same between FWD and AWD models. Isuzu doesn't strike me as a company with enough money to engineer a separate floorpan for AWD. The Isuzuperformance dude with the AWD turbo hillclimb Gemini would probably be the guy to ask.
SlickDizzy wrote: The Isuzuperformance dude with the AWD turbo hillclimb Gemini would probably be the guy to ask.
+1 Kip Anderson
Also, try isuzone.com....the guys there have some fast ones
In reply to SlickDizzy:
Yes, the floor pan for all the cars is the same. All the parts that bolt up in the rear are different.
There were also some Wagonbacks converted to AWD.
HStockSolo wrote:The Stylus XS or RS has the same engine as the Geo Storm GSi either a 1.6L DOHC (90-91 XS) or 1.8L DOHC (92 RS). The Stylus XS/RS has a better handling sway bar setup than the GSi, though it is probably a bit harsher. The Stylus was never offered here with a turbo or AWD, but it possible to swap the required Impulse RS parts on to any of the FWD Storm/Impulse/Storm/Sunfire/etc. models.
The Isuzu rear struts are more expensive than the Storms. The sway end link bar tabs on the struts is different. The tabs on the rear KYB for the Geo break off fairly easily (at least with this bar they did.)
The rest of the suspension is very strong--all tubular steel arms in back. I try not to compare it to the stamped junk pieces on the back of my BMW.
They are a bit front heavy. The GSi is definitely slower than a DOHC Saturn around an autocross track. I expect the Isuzus would be a good deal better than the GSi. Steering ratio on the GSi was probably too fast, but it felt great. The 1.8L DOHC was wonderful. The GSi always seemed fast.
Body rust is a big problem for these cars at least around here. Southern cars seem to all have peeling clearcoat.
WAIT A MINUTE.... THAT'S MY OLD GEO STORM ^^^^ !!!
Look at my Avatar lol.
Sorry to steal the thread but I had to bust in. Those are pictures of my $2004 Challenge effort!
OK, resume thread.
In reply to fornetti14:
Well, Tony, not exactly. It had a few different parts at this point. :)
I always thought the Impulse was MUCH better looking than it's Geo counterpart
The Stylus had "Handling by Lotus" badging, didn't it?
I always wanted one of these... rev happy motor, reasonably light, handle well, and the interior is pretty awesome in it's own right.
For $1200 in decent shape? No brainer. GO get it!
92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: The Stylus had "Handling by Lotus" badging, didn't it?
Just the XS/RS model. The base Stylus S got the same crappy suspension as the base Storm (i.e., no rear sway bar).
HStockSolo wrote:92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: The Stylus had "Handling by Lotus" badging, didn't it?Just the XS/RS model. The base Stylus S got the same crappy suspension as the base Storm (i.e., no rear sway bar).
Ah ok... Well i think the OP is looking at an XS, so win!!!!
well, I emailed the guy a list of basic questions about it:
And his response, 2 days later, was "it's 140k miles and in good condition." and that's it....
Not a seller I want to deal with if it's too much trouble to provide a few details to a prospective buyer.....
here's the link to the post, it's Washington DC area, if anyone is interested
