This is a rather painful and awkward post to be typing, but yes, you read the title correctly. I've been doing some thinking about the Trooper, and its numerous problems, and I've come to the conclusion that it is time to say goodbye to the car. As much fun as I've had with it, it's obvious that it's on its last legs, and I can't deal with the issues it has anymore.
I'm usually a pretty patient person, especially with cars, but its too difficult living with a car that struggles to reach the speed limit of a neighborhood, has violent gear changes, and sounds like it rolled out of Farmer Jenkin's old shed for the first time in twenty years.
I understand that the car has potential, and it sure didn't receive the name Trooper for nothing, because it certainly is one. Of all the hell I've put it through, and all of those miles that have racked up on it, it sure says something when it continues to run and drive. I've just never been as much of a big car person as I am a small, compact car person. Lightweight, agile, fast acceleration. Those are the things I love most in my cars. Yes, I can make exceptions, obviously, because I adore classic Volkswagens. But the Trooper just doesn't reach out to me the way I was wanting it to. Not to mention the lack of availability of specific parts that I both wanted and needed for it.
I don't want to say things are set in stone, because I'm known to be somewhat indecisive, but I've definitely thought this through, and I'm pretty serious about it. It's a smart choice to be making. This car was going to most likely fall apart before it was healthy again, and that's what worries me.
When I'm in the mood to do so, I will drive around quickly, and take corners like an idiot. I don't take it to the point where it's dangerous, though; I do have self-control. The Trooper, though, does not like corners, or turning in general, unless you're going under 10mph. I know this is part of the suspension that needs upgrading, which is, in most aspects, a simple fix, but it's all added up too quickly, and I've decided to just let go of it. No more dealing with malady after malady. Gotta fix this, gotta fix that, oh, that's leaking again, damn, I almost rolled the car, I'm doing 35mph after ten seconds of 3/4 throttle. I can't put up with it. And it's not just because I don't feel like dealing with the repairs; that would be stupid. I genuinely want something new; something exciting (to me).
I will miss the car, and I'm glad I have pictures of it to remind me of the fun I had with it in the future, but this is the wiser choice to make on my part. Thanks for the support and interest, it would have been fun, but much too expensive. I'll see you in my next car's thread.