I arrived back in Arkansas on the 5th of March. I had with me my backpack, packed with a couple changes of clothes, my camera and lenses, laptop, toothbrush and other odds and ends. Just the necessaries. Other than a box of books that I’d left in the keeping of a close friend, this backpack contained everything I owned. Everything else, including my car, I’d got rid of before leaving in December. The plan on landing (which has since been quite disrupted, but this was at least the plan at the time) was to find myself another car, so that I could start working, and moving about again. And now, finding myself in the airport in Little Rock waiting on a friend to pick me up, the reality of this need was beginning to set in. I needed a vehicle.
Initially I’d planned on finding some old beater, something I could get for around a thousand dollars that would get me from point A to point B. After searching around however, and realizing that a thousand dollars wouldn’t get me all that much, the “car guy” in me started to dream. I did still love the old Jeep Cherokee XJ, the vehicle I had when I first arrived in Arkansas. That boxy old 4x4 was and still is a favourite of mine, and I figured it couldn’t hurt to look for another of those. It didn’t take much searching to remind me that those particular vehicles hold their value pretty well, and usually become little more than play trucks, lifted sky high and gutted for mudding and weekend joyrides. Finding one in good condition, stock condition especially, and with anything less than 200k miles on the odometer, would set me back a bit more than I felt was wise (or feasible) at this tight time.
However, thanks to the magic of internet algorithms, I found something else that I could enjoy at the top of my Facebook Marketplace feed. A 1992 Isuzu Rodeo. It was red, and looked quite clean, and the rear tire carrier, I must admit, caught my eye very quickly and prompted a few Google and YouTube searches to learn more about this old truck. The one in question was a 5-speed manual, had just over 138k miles logged, and looked as stock as can be. It seemed to be reasonably priced as well, so I decided to send the seller a message. I received a response promptly, and began figuring out a day I could go give the truck a look.
On the 11th of March, six days after reentering the country, I test drove the Rodeo, handed over the cash, and brought my new truck home.
Now, to say that I have an infatuation with this type of vehicle would be a bit inaccurate. But, it would probably get the point across. The point being that I really, really enjoy old four-wheel-drive SUVs. Before the 2000s came around and vehicles all started looking like siblings, cars had character borne out of a desire to stand apart from the competition. Designers and marketers needed more than good MPG and blind spot detectors to attract buyers. Cars from more than twenty years ago wanted to stand out. Today they want to fit in. Frankly, I think that results in very boring vehicles. For myself, the old stuff is much more exciting.
I am now the proud owner of another old 4x4. Ramie Rodeo is three years older than me, and in even better shape for her age. She’s red, with all original paint other than one quarter panel that was replaced and painted; she still has her original stereo and speakers, which really don’t sound all that bad; the interior is super clean, and all the fabric seats are in great condition and very ‘90s; the suspension is still holding up well (which is nice, because the leaf springs on my Jeep were totally flat when I got it); she has all original aluminum wheels, with manually locking hubs up front; all the buttons and switches inside are nice and sturdy, lights and electrical all work, transmission shifts smooth. And … she has a tailgate. Swing that full size spare out of the way, pop up the rear window, drop that gate and have a seat. So much fun. (The triangular vent windows up front are probably my next favourite feature.)
I would have been thankful to have any vehicle after getting back, anything that would free me up to move around and start working again, something to get out of the house with. Not only did I get that, but I ended up with a vehicle that I actually really like, and want to put work into. Something older, but in good enough shape to only need some normal maintenance. So far I’ve replaced two tires (because it really needed it), the air filter, the rear window lifts, wipers on front and rear, brake pads, and oil and filter. It’s been very difficult for me to not order new speakers, because music really matters to me and I can put new JBLs all round for less than $100, but I know I should focus on proper maintenance first. Next on the list is probably spark plugs, wires and ignition rotor. Maybe after that I’ll buy speakers.
I’ve been wanting to take some photos of the truck since I got it, and do a proper reveal, but only managed to get out and shoot a few days ago. I took a long drive, pulled over into a nice green spot, and fired off a few shots. With every intention of writing this and posting them. For those of you who are not so into cars this might be a bit of a boring post, but it’s a pretty big deal to me. I’m looking forward to putting some work into this truck and taking care of it. I think it was a really lucky find.
This is Ramie Rodeo, and she’s mine. I hope you enjoy the photos.
love,
— Joel
Geeky Things
Camera: Fuji X-Pro2
Lens: Fuji 35mm f/2
Location: somewhere along Route 16, Northwest Arkansas
Processor: Capture One 20
Notes: I really enjoy taking photos of cars in general, and when they’re my own it adds another layer of fun to that experience. More images of Ramie will come in the future, but these were the official “reveal” photos. You get bonus points (meaning any points at all) if you notice how many are in this set, and why it’s significant. Also, the Razorback sticker on the rear window was definitely not my choice, but as a friend pointed out, it’s vintage, so I’ll leave it on for the time being. It is pretty cool, I’ll admit.