Nicest One Left? 1986 Isuzu Pup 2.2L Turbo Diesel – Sold?

November 29, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Committing to restoring a vehicle not often cherished by collectors takes a bit of a leap of faith, as the seller of this minty 1986 Isuzu Turbodiesel Pickup (or, P’Up) has poured quite a bit of time and money into this obsolete model. The truck is a two-wheel-drive long-bed pickup with a nifty factory turbo diesel engine, originally listed in November 2021 on Craigslist in Huntington Bay, Long Island with a complete engine rebuild and lots of cosmetic refreshes for $13,900. Comparing this price against the NADA Price Guide confirms this private seller has factored in his investment to the asking price, as a “High” retail price is listed as just $2,175, which admittedly doesn’t factor in the turbodiesel engine or the meticulous condition.

The Isuzu P’Up was a familiar face on the import truck scene in the 1980s, cherished for its impressive durability and low price. It was known overseas as the Isuzu Faster (a very big slice of irony considering the relatively low power output) and also sold as a captive import under the Chevrolet LUV nameplate. Like some of our other entries this week, the LUV and P’Up were part of a once-expansive class of small, light-duty pickup trucks that were very popular with consumers. The Isuzu stood out for offering a variety of drivetrain options, from two- and four-wheel-drive to gas, diesel, and turbodiesel options. The Turbodiesel added the memorable hood scoop, as seen on this example, along with additional badges and cosmetic touches to make it stand out from the crowd.

We’re fairly certain the truck featured in this 4EverDiesel YouTube Channel Walk-Around video is the same one listed for sale in this post:

The seller includes a meme in their list of photos to affirm that they don’t intend to waffle on the asking price, which is certainly within their rights. But as someone who has fallen down the rabbit hole more than once of over-spending on a car model with a limited following, I can’t help but sense the same thing will happen here. The seller has certainly done the work, noting that the little Isuzu benefits from a rebuilt engine featuring upgraded rods and pistons along with a new injection pump and injectors. The paint has been completely redone, and there’s a new chrome grill up front. The tires have been replaced, and the interior appears to be a very nicely preserved original cockpit. There’s plenty of evidence of the hard work being done on this truck, but I’m not sure the asking price is realistic given the limited pool of buyers. What do you think – is the juice worth the squeeze in this case of a restored P’Up?

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1986 Isuzu Pup,
2.2 L turbo diesel,
5 speed,
RWD
Long bed
A/C
P/S- P/B
Tinted windows.
Rust free Texas truck.
Totally restored.
New rebuilt engine from top to bottom with 3rd generation rods, pistons, etc.
New injection Pump, injectors, etc.
All fluids replaced with Mobil 1 synthetic.
New fuel and air filters.
Beautiful new paint mirror like finish.
New tires.
New chrome grille.
It starts, runs and drives like new.
Clean title in my name.
No rust or rot anywhere on this truck !
$13,900, please don’t ask “what’s your bottom price” !
I have no rush to sell it or a need.
Sold As Is.
Low ball offers, tire kickers and scammers will be ignored and deleted.
No trades, don’t ask !
If the ad is up, it is available, it will be deleted when sold.
Replies with phone number will only be answered, no phone – no reply from me, due to scammers and spammers.
Serious questions ? Feel free to ask.
Have a blessed day!“

Do you have an Isuzu P’Up story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!