Rottycar series #6- 1996 Geo Tracker

[beaky]

So back in summer 2001, I was desperately trying to find a good deal, while renting a car every day for work (ugh!$). Looked at some dubious Toyota pickups and Isuzu Amigos, then found this very nice Tracker with only 30K on the odo. First time I'd ever financed; had to borrow some money for the down payment. I sort of got hosed, but the rental was cleaning me out- I was desperate; a used-car dealer's dream customer. Here we are the day I took her home.
 It gets about 30mpg average, does very well in snow (but spins like a top on ice- ), and it's a convertible (best of all).
Check the alloy rims; phat, yo!  ;D









Still looking new, the first winter. Never any problems getting up and down the mountain in this thing...







This may look familiar: October 2004 I drove it all the way to New Mexico. The main bearing seal decided to let loose the first day, but as long as I kept 2 1/2 quarts in there, she ran just fine. Made it all the way out and back, and even did a little mild off-roading out there (still trying to find the pix of that).
I was able to change the seal myself (2nd time I'd done it), but what a job, especially w/o a lift. Everything has to come off the engine, then the front differential has to be removed. Once the oil pump is removed, it takes about 30 seconds to swap the flimsy seal: a $5 part.









Here's the latest pic, taken about a month ago. she's got 170,000 miles now, the top's been slashed a few times, and I need to finish  fixing the exhaust before it'll pass its long-overdue inspection . Then it'll need new shocks, I think, and a proper tune-up. It's nothing special, but as long as it keeps getting me to work and the airport, I'm happy with it...


 

[flyboy 28]

That is one uuuuugly car.


p.s.- It's "phat" rims.

[beaky]

That is one uuuuugly car.



p.s.- It's "phat" rims.

LOL, on both counts!!
I don't often type the word "phat"...thank you.

[flyboy 28]

Nor do I.

I was just commenting on your.. "non ethnicity"

[Ivan]

On our side of the pond better known as Suzuki Vitara...
Is your's made in spain?

[Fitter]

I dont think its an ugly car...

[Omag 2.0]

Hey, it looks way better than all his other cars!  ;D Looks like a fun ride, even in the urban jungle of the big apple!

[beaky]

Hey, it looks way better than all his other cars!  ;D Looks like a fun ride, even in the urban jungle of the big apple!

It's great amongst the potholes and road plates of the metro area; the chassis is basically that of a little truck. And best of all for urban driving: it's so short I can wedge it into parking spaces that other drivers give up on...

[jrpilot]

Heard those things role very easily.

[flyboy 28]

It's great amongst the potholes and road plates of the metro area

Isn't there a Geo Metro too? Wouldn't that be better?

[Craig.]

Hey a car is a car. Sadly the nice ones are usually out of our price range.

[beaky]

Isn't there a Geo Metro too? Wouldn't that be better?

The Metro is all of the bad things about the Tracker, minus several horses and no 4WD. I've driven one- not inspiring.
The Tracker will happily roll, especially when loaded up- if you're an idiot who can't tell what he's driving. Never came close to rolling mine...but as long as you take it easy turning, it's a fine little truck. The short wheelbase means it'll swap ends quickly in slippery conditions, too... But:
Even when it let me down by spinning off a slushy highway once, I was able to maneuver it out of a deep gully filled with snow and get back on the road. These things love snow, if your tires are up to it.

[beaky]

Nor do I.

I was just commenting on your.. "non ethnicity"

I'm extremely ethnic, like most Americans:
1/2 Irish
1/4 Polish
1/4 Ukrainian (Jewish)

But no, no African blood that
I know of...

[flyboy 28]

But no, no African blood that I know of...

That's what I was talking about..