Isuzu Trooper (1992 - 2003) 3.0 TD Duty 5d (2001/X) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I don't buy a 4x4 as a fashion accessory or a chelsea tractor. This truck is form & function at its best. It does not have an image to fulfil.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They love it as you know you will get to where you are going through just about anything the weather can throw at you. Surprisingly comfortable inside and a very good heater.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes. But buy wisely from a knowledgeable previous owner or get advice from the owners forums. Superb value for money.

What are you likely to buy next?

Another Trooper. Shame they discontinued the Trooper though - they have a very loyal following.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,400

When did you buy the car?

January 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

I bought from ebay after plenty of research on the owners club forums.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

For what you get for your money the Trooper is superb. It's solid looking and solidly built. Practicality and purpose over style and street-cred.

What was the dealer like?

Private seller.

What's it like to drive?

Drives like any 4x4 - don't treat it like a sportscar!. I can keep up with everything on the roads and often faster. I do not hold up traffic when towing because this truck pulls like a train and will break all speed limits when towing if you're not careful.

What's it like to park?

Easy to park with power steering, its massive side mirrors and excellent rear visibility through all the glass.

Have you had any problems with the car?

All second hand cars need some maintenance after purchase. I do my own servicing and repairs so a good service was first with new filters (oil, air & fuel) along with 5W30 fully synthetic oil (essential for this DOHC 3.0 4JX1 engine). Also replaced the gearbox and transfer box oil, differential oils and antifreeze. Head gasket needed doing after 3 months but not a big problem and has been excellent since. Injector problems have the potential to wreck an engine, however, and this is a huge however, Isuzu has issued two recalls to get the troublesome injectors replaced free-of-charge and still stand by these free replacements even though these trucks are getting on for 10 years+ old now. how many other manufacturers would do this?

What's most practical about your car?

Elevated driving position. Powerful (157bhp)engine. Superb tow vehicle. Drivetrain bombproof. 4wd able to be engaged at up to 60 mph.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Few luxuries, but that's less to go wrong. No ABS - that's good as it's useless off-road or in the snow anyway.