Isuzu Trooper

bsmart1 · January 2002

Is your actual miles traveled per gallon up or down with the larger tire size??

paisan · January 2002

I dropped about 1-2mpg with the larger heavier tires.

-mike

keepontroopin · January 2002

Me too Paisan. That puts me in the 13-14MPG range with my 265/75-16 tires on my rig.

schulhof · January 2002

Chris,
I am in the same boat as you. Wife demands third
row and Isuzu has let me down.

I am delaying as long as possible, since I have a
paid off '96 with 99k miles that looks and run purrfect.

My advice to you is to wait as long as possible. We are in the early stages of an automotive golden era such as has never been seen before.

I really beleive this. If you do not really need the 4WD ability of a Trooper, the next generation
of MDX's, Pilot's, etc, etc may be some of the most versatile, dependable, clean running, decent mileage SUV's ever made.

Just my opinion. I told the wife I would get nothing larger than a Trooper. I am thinking Honda Pilot at this point, maybe MDX.

chris194 · January 2002

Wow,
We must be in the same boat. My Trooper is 96 Ltd with 98 K miles on it. Still runs fine, doesn't burn oil, (though I use M1 and change at ~3K intervals, my wife thinks I am obs compulsive about the cars) Any way, my wife has latched onto the MDX. We looked at Seq's, but they are to big plus more hassle to buy if you know what I mean. I am hoping that this will subside until the pilot comes out, and the 2nd MDx line puts more on the market so prices come down. Who knows what we will do. I prefer to keep the car longer if I can do it. We will see.

paisan · January 2002

Don't forget folks they are essentially mini-vans with the rear driveline added as an afterthought. (transversally mounted engine, FWD 100% untilyou break the wheels loose,etc. etc.)

-mike

paisan · January 2002

****Details*****

When: Saturday Jan 19
Where: Pine Barrens (Lebanon State Forest, NJ)
Meet: Intersection of Rte 70 and 72 near Whiting, NJ
Time: 10:45-11am
Who: AWD/4wd Vehicles (no 2wd please)
What: Off-road Trail Ride through the barrens, will be fun for all, we encourage Subarus, Rav4s, CRVs, Isuzus, Highlanders, 4-runners, Santa Fe, Explorers, etc.

****Details****

nahcire · January 2002

Need some advice. I have '00 trooper LS with limited slip rear diff. Lately, when I accelerate from standstill with moderately pressure on the gas pedal, I experienced a kick from the rear as if the rear is loosing traction. The road condition is clean and dry and I wasn't pressing down the pedal too hard. Is it related to an overly active LSD? can that be adjusted by a dealer? thanks

paisan · January 2002

Most likely it's the u-joint on the drive-shaft that is the problem. does it happen going into gear? reverse? It could be the lsd but I'd venture to say that it isn't.

-mike

bkaage · January 2002

I've finally decided to but a trooper. I've found 2 good used ones--any opinions would be appreciated.

1. 2000 Trooper S, 4x4, auto, cd changer--30,000 miles----$15900

2. 2001 Trooper LS, 4x4, auto, moonroof--29,000 miles-----$18500

I must admit i'm leaning towards the 2000 because of the price but I heard that not having the armrest on the 2000 is a real pain. Is there a an aftermarket option for that?

Thanks

Bill

paisan · January 2002

The LS is worth the extra money. I personally like mono-tone paint, which isn't available on the S model also the following features:

Heated, upgraded seats (much more comfy)
Moonroof (largest of any SUV)
In-glass antenna
in-glass tint (will never scrape off)
Mono-tone
Power Retracting mirrors

I feel the <3K is worth it for those options, but it's up to you what colors are they?

-mike

bkaage · January 2002

The 2000 is Black with the Tan bottom and Tan interior. The 2001 is all white with grey interior.
I think I'm beginning to be swayed

Bill

paisan · January 2002

Go with the 2001. I liked the Moonmist color in 2000 when I bought mine, but it only came in tan which stains/gets dirty easily, so I opted for the the silver/grey interior and have been very happy with that choice. My buddy with the moonmist has an interior that is dirtier than mine and he maintains the interior better than I do.

-mike

bkaage · January 2002

Does 18500 seem like a fair price--

Thanks for the interior points I hadn't thought of that and I have a 19 month old son so the interior will see some stains

paisan · January 2002

Is a good price, not excellent, but definitely better than average. If it is in good condition/near new-like, then it's a good price, IMHO.

-mike

sbcooke · January 2002

Have you looked into new? I have seen some very good deals out there. I think you could get new 4x4 for well under 24,000 before tax, title, etc. With 0% financing you might be paying close to the same amount per month?

Edmunds TMV puts 18.5K about right for dealer sale (2001 and mileage). I would do a car fax You never can be too sure, and you can get several cars done for one price, in case the one you choose is "bad".

Also, climb underneath. You can get a sense for how it was used. Is there mud up on the body? What about rust on the frame cross members? Most likely it was used for grocery shopping, but that is what I am going to tell someone who (if I ever sell it) comes to look at mine :-).

I think the color is the biggest dilemma. Both Black and white are hard to keep looking clean. My grey interior (1999 S) has worn well.

paisan · January 2002

You probably bought a crossbread of S/LS. Almost all the ones on E-bay are off-car rental vehicles, which means they get the arm rests, and tinted windows and in-glass antenna. They were specially produced for fleet use.

-mike

bsmart1 · January 2002

As paisan said, I would go with the LS model. I recently opted for the S model, and already wish I had spent the extra for the LS or LTD. I also have a 97' LTD and it has a lot of convenciences not offered in the 01' S model. Spend the money up front and not regret it later.....Happy Trooping !!!!

tarman · January 2002

Hello everyone. It's a sad day in my household. Yep, we're selling the beloved Trooper. We needed something bigger and jumped on the new car deals at the end of the year (bought a 2001 Suburban)...not the same quality in my opinion but Isuzu lost me when they dropped the Trooper from their future production lines. Anyway, I wanted to ask you guys what would be a fair price to ask for my Trooper. Here are the specs:

'99 Trooper w/ the performance package (LS)
Monotone silver/grey cloth interior
Moonroof, running boards, 6-CD
Great condition, 24.6k miles
No problems whatsoever in 2 years of ownership

Also, should I list it with the online car services? Anybody have success with Autotrader.com or Stoneage.com(?)? I'm not advertising here...just want some info in order to move it fast without losing money...

Chris

paisan · January 2002

Sorry to see you go. I have to ask my dad if he is interested in it, he might be looking for one. Is it AT w/TOD?

-mike

stever · January 2002

Edmunds True Market Value tool can give you a range of what we think your Trooper is worth. We also have a Used Vehicle PowerShopper at http://applications.edmunds.com/products/ups/ where you can list it for sale for free. Plus there's eBay Motors (was $25 but they just raised their fee I hear). I'd do the freebie listings, but advertise in my local paper or "Nickel Saver" publication too. Good luck.

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

sbcooke · January 2002

bkaage was looking at a trooper, you have one for sale? If yours is auto is sounds like the perfect mix between the two he was looking at?

hmmm...

eschatfische · January 2002

Hey, Mike --

My 2000 S TOD is a Moonmist with the grey interior, not tan... so there were some out there (perhaps not in LS, though). I agree that the grey interior is far superior in terms of durability. I love the silver accents on the bumpers and fenders with the two-tone finish on my S -- honestly, I think it looks better than the monotone moonmists. I think the all-silver LS monotones look nicer than the silvers w/ moonmist accents, though.

(What I can't stand are the blue mica Troopers out there with silver hard-shell tire covers. What was Isuzu thinking with -that-?! Blue mica Troopers should have blue mica covers!)

bkaage --

I've had no problem with the seats or lack of armrest in my 2000 -- I actually find the S seats pretty comfortable. I personally would much rather have the CD changer and the cash than the seats, moonroof, tint and diversity antenna -- but the white/grey is a nicer look and will be easier to keep clean than the black/tan. If the money isn't a huge obstacle, and the changer isn't that important to you, go with the LS.

-Dave

paisan · January 2002

All S models get grey interior with the manually controlled seats. The LS is prettymuch thebest bang forthebuck as far as the trooperline. I refuse to drive a 2-tone car so it was the only option for me.

-mike

paisan · January 2002

Could try to get into a new Trooper.

-mike

tarman · January 2002

My Trooper does have AT w/ TOD. Basically, it's an LS w/ moonroof, running boards, and in-dash 6 CD changer. It also has the 5-spoke alloys which I prefer to the mesh alloys on current models.

Chris

boxtrooper · January 2002

My 1995.5 S Trooper is all white except for the unpainted dark gray bumpers. I like my bumpers unpainted so I can stand on them and scratches don't show. I do not have the extra body cladding wheel well flairs etc... So does mine count as monotone or two tone?

paisan · January 2002

I'd call itmono-tone. Thatis how my '97 Rodeo was. Dark Green with black bumpers.

-mike

boxtrooper · January 2002

The ECB alloy "Big Tube Bar" with winch option in "silver hammertone" would match the color of my unpainted gray bumpers very nicely. I wish ECB also offered a matching rear bumper that fits like it belongs there and provide step surface, lift points and a class III 2 inch hitch receiver. If I had the bumpers it would be almost impossible not to also get the silver hammertone expedition roof rack. Then I'd probably want bigger tires, the ARB air lockers, snorkel kit, high lift jack, 4x4 camper trailer, etc...

If I only had the time to use all that stuff.

glenn2 · January 2002

I was sorry to read that Isuzu is replacing the Trooper with the Ascender, which is built by GM and will be basically a Trailblazer. I'm not saying these are bad vehicles, but I test drove one and I can tell you it wasn't as tight brand new as my 96 Trooper is with 104,000 miles. Sure hate to see it.

gpm5 · January 2002

Did anyone see the Jeep liberty commercial where they show very quickly the rodeo stuck over a cliff. The family above says, well its time to help them get out, or something like that, and they proceed to get in their jeep liberty.

bobertv · January 2002

I was reading some previous posts and thought I would share an experience I had. I picked up a used 2001 trooper a couple of months ago. Well, I noticed that when I hit about 70 mph, I would hear a whistling sound coming from somewhere near the dashboard. It drove me nuts for about 3 weeks. After 3 trips to the dealer and 10 feet of masking tape, I found out that the sound came from the passenger side vertical windshield trim. Apparently the windshield had been replaced by the previous owner and the trim piece had been bent in the process. The dealer replaced the trim piece free of charge. The moral of the story, my dealer told me that if I ever have to replace the windshield again, make sure that I request that the trim pieces also get replaced.

Otherwise, the wife and I love the truck.

basketballkid · January 2002

Any chance that a spray on wheel cleaner (Castrol) could lead to premature rotor rusting? Just a thought. I know nothing about brakes, so please take this as an inquiry rather than an assertion on my part.

I may need a 2nd vehicle and am thinking about a 1997 vintage TLC. Seems like it has a lot in common with my 99 Trooper. Have seen them for about $22K used with 50K miles. Seems like a good deal given the Toyota reputation and the MSRP for this vehicle when new. I REALLY like my Trooper but I don't want two and I could benefit from the 3rd row. Any thoughts?

Phil

schulhof · January 2002

Hey all,

Trooper is going to hit 100,000 in the next day or so.

To celebrate I changed the oil, washed it real good and created a little website in its honor.

Enjoy, but don't expect too much!!!

http://www.geocities.com/techstockjock/trooper.htm

hraatz · January 2002

While driving on light snow (1" or so) in 4H I experienced poor performance ot the ABS (antilock brakes). It appeared as if the performance was worse as it would be without ABS and frankly it appears to not working properly on our model. We had a coupel of similar experiences under more critical conditions (snow, rain..). Can anyone share similar experience with it?

Thanks

Holger

gpm5 · January 2002

That's a great testament to a quality truck. Have you replaced the timing chain yet?

paisan · January 2002

We have belts on ours. I think they are due for change at 90K.

ABS: How do you know it wasn't working? Symptoms? Desription, maybe one of us can compare. Is it 4wheel ABS or just the rear? I had some ABS use yesterday in the snow so we can compare.

-mike

paisan · January 2002

Hey guys, here are the pine barrens pics from saturday.

http://isuzu-suvs.com/events

-mike

schulhof · January 2002

Yes,
The belt was replaced at 60k, hence the $800 60k mile service.

g159 · January 2002

I don't know if the 94 had had four wheel ABS. I have a price guide from 95 that says that rear wheel abs was standard on the base model, with four wheel abs an extra $1,100 (the limited did have 4 wheel abs standard though)

Also, the website and maintence costs for the 1996, one hundred thousand mile Trooper are interesting. Could you describe what services you got for 200 dollars, or 800 dollars. Thanks.

burtonvalley2 · January 2002

Phil,

We own a 95 Trooper LS and a 97 TLC. While the TLC is a big gas pig, you'd be surprised at how well it handles in the twisties, much better than the Volvo Cross Country we traded in. The LS has more interior room and easier to toss around but the TLC feels more planted and "vault-like". Although I love both SUVs, I'd pick the TLC if I can only have one. Good luck.

Rob

tkevinblanc · January 2002

I find that the ABS brakes in my 98 Trooper activate sooner than I would expect. I also find that they are noisy as hell and flip out my passengers.

However, I think they operate correctly. The truck is heavy and I think that the way it moves forward makes you think the roads are in better shape than they are, so you are driving quicker than you would in another vehicle, and think you can stop that way, too. Perhaps with new tires more suitable to the snow the ABS wouldn't activate as often... it's a fair bet, though, that without the ABS you'd just be skidding...

bir999 · January 2002

Happy to join the club,
Flew in from pennsylvania to chicago paid $26000 for a '01 trooper limited with gold package (demo with 3800 miles)and drove back 600 miles and i love it already, though got only 14 miles to a gallon, The dealer forced me to buy a safeguard pkg for $199(window etching/theft shield)-give me your input thanks

schulhof · January 2002

First off, only the 15k mile service on my 96 Trooper was done at a dealer.

My two local Isuzu delears are a Ford/Isuzu dealer and a Dodge/Isuzu dealer. Can you guess who is the underdog here? I lacked confidence in the Isuzu program at both these dealers.

In addition to that they were unresponsive to the needs of a knowledgable owner. For example I like to pick and choose what services I want done, they had one offering "30k mile service" and that was that. So I go to a Independent shop that allows me to specify the maintenance items I want them to do versus the "check this, check that" type stuff I can do myself, without paying $65/hr for them to do.

If I recall correctly the $800 service was:

1) Replace Timing Belt
2) Engine oil change
3) F/R/Differential oil change + transfer case
4) Transmission fluid change
5) Power Steering flush and refill
6) Spark plugs
7) Radiator drain and refill

May have been more too I don't remember. I may have done the drive belts too?

At any rate the Timing Belt relacement was a good $400.

The moral to the story is that although the required maintenance is not cheap, very little unexpected problems have occurred and IT HAS NEVER LEFT ME STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. Never.

dielectric7bb · January 2002

If in 4 wheel drive then in theory all 4 wheels are locked together. Not quite true, but under snow and ice conditions while braking probably true. I have a '95 with rear wheel ABS (I think the LS had 4 wheel ABS in '95 so I would assume the same in '94). While in 2 wheel drive it will keep the rear end from skidding out, but the front wheels are still locked and the axle doesn't spin, then the rear axle won't spin. The only way to unlock the rear tires from one another with the axle locked is to have one tire spinning forward and the other backward (pretty tough to do I would think). In a full time 4 wheel drive system with a center open differential it is possible for the ABS to work like you were in 2 wheel drive, but with the part time system you have the ABS isn't worth much when 4 wheel drive is engaged IMHO.

justdrivin · January 2002

Well, I was having the same noises coming from my windshield that others on this board have had.
I mean, it was loud! I put my hand on the windshield a few times because I thought it was going to come crashing in or something.
Luckily, I read on this board about putting screen spline or silicone in the A-post gap. I looked at the spline, but it looked like it might not fit. Instead, I spent $4.00 on some good silicone sealant and ran a bead along the A-post gap....drove it today and the noise is gone! Thanks a lot, I can quit feeling the windshield to see if it is cracking or something.

paisan · January 2002

I have noticed that with the new Pirelli Scorpion ATs my ABS actives less. The only real place I have a problem with the ABS is in sand/dirt/gravel. Last weekend at the PB it was pretty behaved only activating if I really pressed down on the pedal hard.

-mike

peterisme · January 2002

Hi, Mike!

I want to upgrade the shocks of my 99 Trooper to Rancho 9000. As you are an expert of Trooper, can you recommend a good place to order them? And is it difficult to install them? Does it require special power tools? My mechanical experience only includes oil changes and replacing belts and radiator hose

Thanks a lot!

Peter from Chicago

mkaye · January 2002

I can't speak for Paisan, however, I bought through http://www.hotrod-offroad.com/frames.html and couldn't be happier. I received the order correctly and promptly and for a great price. It may be good to see if someone ordered recently as I haven't ordered in almost a year.

MK

paisan · January 2002

I ordered from the same place, similar experience. I had a local shop install them, and they had problems getting the fronts off, so I'd suggest that if you are non-mechanically inclinded like myself. Also try http://independent4x.com I know matt over there carries em now.

-mike

Isuzu Trooper

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