Lowzone,
I like the VW diesel hybrid suggestion, just make it biodiesel and it's even lower emissions.
As for the 2.6... Finding a living 2.6 is getting difficult around here. I did drive a 2.6 yesterday. It just needed some tlc, It had 275k on the speedo. The owner had pieced together the engine and replaced it with a used engine, also replaced the head with one he had kicking around. The tranny grinded into 3 gear unless you timed it just right and then as we drove it the idle started racing over and over. But it was really clean under the hood and in the interior and the older guy selling it was really into the 1st gen Troopers. He also had a 2 door 2.3 that he drove daily. It was good to talk to him, he really knew a lot, was very personable, and definitely wasn't trying to put one over on anyone.
I just want something with less wear to start with, not a major project, no time for that. 2nd gen Troopers are common around here in the auto trader, but none with stick. Now I'm just leaning towards a 2.8 LS 5spd(power windows, being able to open all the windows when you're driving is key). Like I said a few times before I guess I'll see what the best one I can find will be. But it's gonna be first gen for sure.
The blue car you described is the exact same car I had, except it was 2.8. It was a good one.