Isuzu Trooper

ffxvw · February 2001

I'm about to buy a 1987 Trooper II with 96,000 miles on it. Its a 5-speed with the gas engine. Any particualr things I should look out for, or have checked before purchase?

Jason

paisan · February 2001

Check over at outdoor wire, they are very knowledgeable about 1st and 2nd gen Troopers. There's a link on my webpage

http://www.iace.com/isuzu/trooper

Also check out the Edmunds Owner's Club, we have an Isuzu Forum there.

-mike

bluedevils · February 2001

There are many knowledgeable older Trooper owners over there, and almost all of them are helpful and friendly. www.itog.com

offroader · February 2001

The previous posts partially summed it up. However, several things were not mentioned. The Trooper is much superior offroad and for towing - better ground clearance, and has a real FRAME underneath the body, unlike the newer edition Pathfinder which has unibody construction. Unibody is fine for cars, but is a cheaper method of construction. With a real box frame, the suspension parts are mounted to it to make it much more rugged and durable. This is not just another opinion...ask any serious offroader. With unibody, the suspension parts are mounted to the body and are more likely to "tweek" when encountering deep ruts and tall bumps. Likewise, if you mount a trailer hitch on a Pathfinder, it will attach to the BODY (yuck). You will notice that real TRUCKS and hardcore 4x4s are ALL body-on-frame construction. These vehicles are meant to be used hard. If you don't take your SUV offroad, the Pathfinder will do you just fine if you like its other features. I looked at every SUV before I bought. In terms of value, the Trooper wins hands down. The only vehicle I liked better was a Landcruiser, but didn't want to pay more than twice as much to get one.

regards,
offroader

paisan · February 2001

Most Trooper owners also like the Toyota Land Cruiser. Last weekend I was at the Philly auto show, and the only truck I liked more than my Trooper was the Landcruiser, but stickering @ $57K, it's well out of my price range...

-mike

john303 · February 2001

First, I want to say that edmunds.com and the edmunds town hall forum presented me with enough data to make the decision to buy a trooper over the other offerings in my price range. I bought a 94 AS' with 93,000, 4 $8000 from the one and only owner. I've only had it for about 3 weeks. Since then though i have had in 2ft of snow when the highway was CLOSED and on some of the gnarlest dirt roads I can find here in the western slope of the sierra nevada's. The things been great. Its functionality/ utility cant be compared to any other 4WD ive owned.

The truck did time as a 2nd vehicle for its 93K mile life. With this the tires were shot. I installed a set of 245-70-16 Pirelli Scorpio AT's on it to improve the on/off road ride. I didnt have the alinment done though, now i think i should have. Anyway the truck wanders at highway speeds (70 to 75mph). I have adjusted the tire PSi to izusu recommneded 30 psi in front and 35 in the rear. This helps some but it still wanders. i'd like to know if anyone else has had this problem, and how it was resolved.

PS: i'd love to post a pic of my truck but i guess i cant.

stever · February 2001

Showcase Your Vehicle in Town Hall!

Steve
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drew_ · February 2001

You may be interested to know that Toyota Land Cruisers can be had for far below MSRP. I just read about one (MY2K model) going for $45K in the Land Cruiser topic. FWIW, I like the Land Cruiser's front fascia a lot more than the Lexus LX470. The former is not sold in Canada though.

Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

ducatista · February 2001

my 28', 4,200 lb camper? If so, with ease or a struggle? Would appreciate any info from anyone with experience. Thanks.

aderose · February 2001

All things said and done, the Trooper is a great family vehicle. Ours, is a 2000 S-model-4x4. My wife complained about our 1995 Lumina mini van,it was at the dealers' shop almost monthly. We traded it for a Honda Accord,I complained about it,hard riding, numb-rubbery steering, the rack and pinion unit is mounted in soft rubber bushings. We traded it for the Trooper, and have been happy, no complaining. We test drove the Qx4 before the trooper;I felt as if I was in a car-wagon, not impressed. I went through the Jim M'Lady dealership last Sunday, and saw all those Troopers, It was a great sight, I was tempted to buy one of those puppies! The Trooper isn't the greatest vehicle in the world, but I feel it's the greatest, for the money.

paisan · February 2001

I tow a 3500lb boat trailer with ease on the highway @ 75mph, and the mountains upstate NY. I'd say a 4500lb camper would pose a slightly tougher job due to weight and crosswinds, but you shouldn't have a problem @ 65mph.

-mike

gpm5 · February 2001

There is an Isuzu owners club with a new photo gallery at

KarenS "Isuzu Owners Club Photo Gallery" Feb 7, 2001 4:20pm

schulhof · February 2001

Just wanted to drop a note regarding my Isuzu experience:

My wife and I bought a Trooper 'S' back in '96. Back then, remember, they were all flippin' over (yeah right!) and we got $7000 off MSRP and walked out the door, no haggle style, for $23k.

The truck now has 76,000 flawless miles on it! Went to the dealer once for a leaking valve cover gasket fixed under warranty, otherwise nothing but self performed oil changes, independent mechanic performed maintenance at 30k mile intervals, front brakes at 75k, and a set of BFG AT's!

The vehicle has just been fantastic. Only complaint is poor gas mileage, hard to get 14 around town.

Down the road the wife would like a 7 seater. Isuzu seems not to be going this direction. This leaves the Toyota Land Crusier ($$$), or the Land Rover Disco II in the picture (I will not go the Ford/Chevy route). Can you imagine going from a perfectly reliable Trooper to a Discovery....

Oh well! Just wanted to advertise for Isuzu a bit, the truck is just a pleasure to own, and as a Trooper owner, I cannot imagine why people pay much more for lesser SUV's?

paisan · February 2001

Bite your tounge

and check out the Owner's Club area. I was at the philly auto-show last weekend and spoke with a rep. 2003/2004 Trooper: Isuzu V8, 3 Rows of seats, and built in Japan!

-mike

cburton58 · February 2001

I am planning on purchasing a 2001 Trooper this week. What are the experiences of others regarding the level of comfort for passengers riding in the back seat for an extended trip? I have two teenage boys (13/11) and we take several long trips a year. We have an extended cab Dakota now so this should be an improvement, but just curious about any other opinions. This forum hjas been a BIG help in deciding which vehicle to purchase. Also, I pull a camper, do the trailer pullers out there have any experience with after market side mirrors? I got a pair for my dakota but they weren't worth a hoot. One more thing... I have seen references to changing out the sway bar. What is that all about? If necessary what is the cost? Thanks

horseman5 · February 2001

I am considering a new untitled 2000 S purchase. The dealer has about 20 new ones in stock - all white with grey interior. Price is $21,470. I have read many messages here and feel real owners of vehicles have the best advice (certainly not the salesman). About the only two things I am concerned about this purchase is some discussion of oil usage (a quart of oil for 1k to 2k miles of driving IS NOT normal!) and all the hype about SUV tip over. I personally drive a Ford F350 Crew Cab Dually (reason I'm horseman'). I have not reviewed consumer reports and this purchase is for the wife and two kids. Any feedback is greatly appreciated as we will be making this decision within the next week. Thanks.

paisan · February 2001

Horseman,
Jump over to the Isuzu Owner's Club and pose your question there. We have a ton of people there willing to answer questions....

rollovers: Since you are truck person, you know if you drive it like a sports car, any SUV will roll. WIth that in mind, I am happy to say the chance of rolling the Trooper s near nil. I've had mine up @ 115ish and taken it through many twisties in upstate NY and at no time did I feel that it was in danger of rolling. I also feel the awd helps to keep you in control of the vehicle.

Oil Consumption: Isuzu states in the manual that it may burn up to 1Q per 1000 miles. So far less than 50% of the owners I've experiened on here have this problem, most of the people who did have this problem had it go to 2500-3000 per Quart after break-in.I was burning a quart per 1,000-1,500 for the first 13K miles, now I switched to synthetic and only go through a quart every 2500-3500 miles. Most also feel that if the only problem with the vehicle is 1Q of oil every 1000 or so miles, that the other positive things that the Trooper has to offer, will more than offset the oil consumption.

Good luck with your purchase.

-mike

gpm5 · February 2001

The back seat space is huge on the trooper and plenty comfortable for adults. No comparison to Jeeps, Pathfinders, or even the Durango--these have hardly enough space to get your legs in the back. I have 3 kids that sit in the back and since they are <9 they have space to swim back there. The middle position of the back seat is a little less comfortable due to the armrest, but my kids fight over that position, anyways, because they get to see better toward the front.

gpm5 · February 2001

At about 21k this would be a good deal. Mine has burned a quart in 3400 miles, I'm getting it changed at this point. It seems to relate to how you drive it. It burned none at up to 1000 miles, and after that I took some road trips where I was doing 65-70 mph and a lot of passing with hard acceleration. That seems to have resulted in the burning of more oil.

gpm5 · February 2001

Actually, I mis-read the above, i.e. two of you one looking at a 2000 S the other a 2001 S. If your talking 21k for a 2001 that sounds good. You might (or should) be able to do better on a 2000 even at <20 miles due to it being a 2000 model and due to the large incentives that were available on the 2000 models. I think some of the 2000 models sold close to 20.2-20.5k.

paisan · February 2001

I just read through the dealer's binder on the Isuzu Trooper for 2001. The "S" model get's the Captain's chairs in 2001, which I would assume means arm rests and possibly power? At the least the arm rests.

-mike

schulhof · February 2001

My '96 with the 3.2l has essentially never needed oil in between 5000 mile oil changes? Maybe it is a new 3.4l thing?? I am at 74,900 miles.

On the rear seat comfort. I could not imagine many vehivles that are more comfortable for a long distance drive for the rear seat passengers than the Trooper. Perhaps a Benz S class or 740iL BMW?

paisan · February 2001

It's totally hit or miss. Some people with the 3.5l have no problems others burn oil. I had no problems in my 3.2l SOHC '97 but on my 2000 3.5l i take 1 Q every 2000-3500 miles. Not too big a deal IMHO.

-mike

troopernewbie · February 2001

My '98 3.5 uses virtually no oil between changes... 5000 miles interval w/ 39K miles.

bluedevils · February 2001

Oil Consumption:
Oil consumption may not be normal on most vehicles, but on the Trooper it is. That doesn't mean your Trooper will definitely burn oil, but it means there is a much more likely chance of it than with other vehicles. My Trooper burns a quart of oil every 2000-2500 miles and it doesn't bother me at all.

Rear seating:
The rear seating area is huge (objective) and comfortably firm (subjective).

Stability/handling:I don't consider the Trooper to be tippy at all. I had a 1996 Trooper, which was totaled in an accident in which I swerved to avoid a red light-running 98 Caddy Seville STS. I never felt uncomfortable in the vehicle in terms of unsafe body roll etc. Same goes for my 1998. Both vehicles are stock (no suspension mods).

cburton58 · February 2001

Supposed to pick up my new Trooper next weekend, all I have do worry about is which color...Apline White or Moonmist,(Black may be a sleeper) now all I can focus on is oil consumption!!!! If a switch is made to synthetic what is the interval between changes? I have gathered that it didn't really help with he consumption rates, is that accurate? I have never had a vehicle that uses any oil to speak of, so forgive me if i get sweaty palms.
Last question, has anyone changed out the stereo to a cd player and kept the factory speakers? Just curious if i need to shop for speakers also. Thanks.

schulhof · February 2001

Relax, my firend. the Trooper is a fine vehicle.

FWIW, as stated previously my Trooper uses zero oil between changes. I had switched to Mobil 1 synthetic and continued 5k mile oil changes. Then recently I switched back to Valvoline in an attempt to cure some "tap,tap,tap" valve noise. The oil did not make a difference and the noise comes and goes with no apparent loss of power, so I am not terribly concerned about it.

My '95 BMW 318i uses ALOT of oil in between changes.Maybe two quarts between 6k mile oil changes (also Mobil 1). The car runs like a screaming banchee (sp?) though. Maybe better now, at 85k miles than when I bought it at 40k. Seems very common with these 4 cylinder 318 engines, and none of the other 318 owners I talk to are concerned about the oil usage.

Just relax, and DOYOUSELF A FAVOR AND DO NOT BUY THE BLACK ONE

nighter50 · February 2001

I have a 98 Trooper (3.5 engine) - no oil loss between oil changes (3-4K). Just thought I'd second schulhof that not ALL troopers burn oil.

Happy Troopin'!

pat_pending · February 2001

I have a '99 LTD, 30k miles.

Mobil 1 synthetic oil. Virtually no oil consumption: maybe a 1/2 quart per 5,000 mile oil change interval.

DEFINITELY change at least the front speakers. I and several others put in Polk ex602s. They are excellent speakers, well worth the $99 from Crutchfield, and will greatly improve the sound.

-Ken

gpm5 · February 2001

I haven't run it enough to be sure. I bought my '99 trooper at 16100 miles and now have 19500 miles. No oil usage in the 1st 1000 miles I drove. I had since driven it with hard acceleration form 55 up to 70 doing passing etc. Burned a quart by the 3400 mile change. I have switched to Valvoline duroblend (not pure synthetic) and will see how this does. Paisan's seems to burn less with synthetic. Supposedly, the claim with synthetics is that they work better at the high temps that one would encounter under hard acceleration/ speeds of 70+ mph. I agree I've never had a vehicle that 'consumes' oil. Odd thing is there is no sign of it burning it--no smell nothing. I tend to think if the engine lasts 100,000+ I'm not going to worry about it. If the durablend helps it bascially is not a big deal since it will get changed before adding a qt is necessary.

horseman5 · February 2001

Well, I talked to a Trooper owner in the parking lot the other day. 1999 4x4. He liked the Trooper fairly well except for one thing...TERRIBLE GAS MILEAGE! Said if he babys' it, it will get 13 in the city and best he every got is 16 on the highway, YIKES. This is going to be the wife's vehicle and she keeps the roads red hot all the time in town. My F350 Crew Cab PowerStoke diesel actually gets better than that. Can't figure it out...Trooper only has a 3.5L. So, I'm back to the Camery, Accord or maybe the CRV. Thought about the Taurus, but it's just amazing the number of "blown engines, rotors every 3000 miles, etc.". And Thanks for the feedback, I also thought $21,470 was about $1000 over what it should be!

paisan · February 2001

It's far better than a CRV, you'll like the milage and the build quality.

-mike

PS: it handles like a sports car too.

schulhof · February 2001

Horseman,
I guess it depends on what you need the Trooper for?

If you just need it to be a Ford Boarus or Honda Accord than the additional utility may not be worth the mileage penalty.

I will be the first one in line to bemoan the mileage. My wife "Lead-dy foot" gets about 14 mpg hauling kids around town. On the highway we can get close to 17, around 16 towing our 2500 lb boat.

That is what I need the Trooper for, I needed a real tow vehicle with plenty of cargo space. No Powerstroke in my garage to fulfill the heavy pulling.

My other cars get high 20's, so on average it is not too obscene.

By the way, we traded a perfectly adequate Accord in for the Trooper. The car is boring in its appliance like perfection, however it needed brakes at 20k miles. My BMW, just a lowly 318i, is 10X an Accord, FWIW.

Good luck.

gpm5 · February 2001

At 14 mpg vs let's say 22 mpg and at 10,000 miles a year + $1.60 a gal, one would save $400 a year on gas. $400 is easily worth the extra space, utility, towing, offroad capability, and endurance of a trooper, but if its just a vehicle for one person to go around town, it may not be worth it.

sdc2 · February 2001

The two closest SUVs to the Trooper in terms of interior volume are Durango and I suppose Explorer, both of which are slightly smaller. The Trooper gets as good or a litttle better mileage than either of these.

BTW, I get 14-15 around town, and 17-18 highway. Doesn't burn any oil, either.

Horseman5, if you are just shocked at the poor mileage of SUVs in general, keep in mind that a Trooper weighs something like 1,500 pounds more than Camry etc. It costs to move that mass around!

paisan · February 2001

Also Horseman, did you ask the guy if he kept it in TOD 24x7 or if he kept it primarily in 2wd. That will make a difference, especially around town. I know if I leave it in 2wd, I get about 2-3mpg more out of it, but I prefer the safety of the TOD so I generally leave it in TOD exept on an empty highway.

-mike

talasca · February 2001

I have had my '96 LS for about a year now (bought it with around 45K miles) and its time for the 60K service. What does the typical 60K service entail, and is there anything in particular I should have done that maybe isn't included? The main concern I have is a clicking noise (valves?)in the engine. I was told once that this noise is the fuel injectors, but it does seem a bit loud for that.

I would also like to know if others have to use mid-grade (89 octane) gasoline in order not to have the engine knock? I get lots of engine knock if I use the regular (87 octane) gas.

Thanks

schulhof · February 2001

This expensive event is still fairly fresh in my mind, I am at 75k.

The 60k is the timing belt, all fluids including power steering and radiator flush, spark plugs, air filter, new drive belts, etc. The owners manual has a fine maintenance schedule, by the way.

My local dealer seems to know less about Troopers than I do, so I have had decent luck at an Independent. I recall I spent something like $700+. It doesnt really bother me to pay some $$ to service this reliable vehicle every 30k miles, everything else I do myself.

The 120k mile service is a bigger one, that includes a new water pump and belt replacement.

I too have a "clicking" that comes and goes. Does not effect mileage or power, just an annoying tic..tic..tic. than it goes away.

nighter50 · February 2001

recently I have noticed on drives of a few hours that when I come to a stop the engine keeps reving at 1500-2000 rpms. This keeps the engine pulling a little while i am braking. After sitting for a minute or so it goes back down to below 1000. I don't think it did this before. Has anyone else experienced this? Any ideas on what is causing this? Thanks in advance.

paisan · February 2001

Could be your O2 sensor is malfunctioning and dumping too much fuel when you slow down like that. You also might want to wander over to the Isuzu Owner's club here on Edmunds and post up there.

-mike

sdc2 · February 2001

is the intake manifold gasket. They have had an unusual number of problems with them on the 3.5L engine, although the problem usually is noticable upon initial startup and at idle, not just after a long drive.

nighter50 · February 2001

Thank you both for your suggestions. It is strange because it has only happened 2 or 3 times on long trips. Around town or 1 hour or so drives it has not occured. I am going in for an oil change in the next week or so and will have them look into it. I will post anything that I find out. Thanks again.

bluedevils · February 2001

Don't let one person's account of fuel economy scare you off. This person may not be calculating their fuel economy correctly, they may have a lead foot, they may be driving with TOD on all the time, etc. I get about 16.8 mpg overall. Highway between 70-75mph, about 18 mpg. Straight city, about 16 mpg. In cold weather or with TOD on all the time, things decrease about 10%.

If fuel economy is pretty important to you, then you shouldn't buy a Trooper. But you won't find a good-sized SUV that gets significantly better fuel economy than Trooper. After all, Trooper weighs 4500 pounds and is built like a box so it's not gonna be great on gas.

paisan · February 2001

As my one engineering buddy says:

"The Trooper has the aerodynamics of a BRICK WALL"

Hence over 55-60mph the milage goes WAY WAY down!
But such is the penalty I'm willing to pay.

-mike

cburton58 · February 2001

Yahoo.. took the plunge today and finally chose the Alpine White/Gray interior, I pick it up tomorrow morning. Now for the final hurdle.. should I purchase the extented warranty? It is an after market, offered through the dealer that will extend the bumper to bumper to 120k/10 years. I have always purchased the factory warranty, i.e., from Chrysler for example. It seems pretty legit but I just am not sure. This dealer is a highly regarded, I have purchased 3 or 4 vehicles from this dealer, Jack Miller in Kansas City and have nothing but great things to say about them. The way I understand it,the warranty is guaranteeded through the dealer, not the factory. What does anyone think, does anyone have experience with something like this? Repairs are so expensive these days... My real concern is if I am on the road. If I am in the area then the dealer honoring it will be no problem.
I am so jazzed about my new Trooper, thanks to all who have answered questions and offered re-assurance.
I also posted this on the Owners page under maintenance and repairs.. thaknks again

duktrooper · February 2001

Well, I just got my OME springs put on yesterday to my 99 Trooper, along with replacing my K&N airfilter with the Calmine Hi Flow filter kit. Currently have Edelbrocks IAS.With only a day's worth of driving, I'm very pleased with these mods. I really like the increased ride height(about 1 1/2"), and the handling characteristics of the OME's, especially around town. It actually seems softer over potholes, bumps, etc. just as the ARB guys told me(springs are progressive).

My filter kit doesn't really come into play until your mid range rpm's(ie,3000-3500+), but once you get on it, it jumps. It has a subtle throaty sound that nicely coincides with its improved pickup. I'm obviously anxious to see how my gas mlge is affected, if at all, though it may go down if I continue to womp on it. Next up... nudge bar, bushings, light kit.

danmar · February 2001

I have a 98 lux pkg w/ 48k miles now. last friday the dealership installed a new Cd changer free of charge because my old one will not play nor would it spit out the cd's. Service was good but I'll have to wait for about 4 weeks to get by 6 favorite cd's stuck inside the changer- they have to ship the whole unit intact to corporate Isuzu. Last year they also replaced my speakers. Overall I really dont have anything to complain about this truck, Im pretty happy and satisfied w/ what I got for the price I paid.

bluedevils · February 2001

I'm waiting for a replacement CD changer to arrive for my 98 Trooper w/Performance Package. I was able to get my CDs out of the current CD changer, but it very rarely would actually play a CD. Most of the time it showed an error code and refused to play.

If sound matters to you at all, I would suggest replacing your factory speakers. There are several companies that make 6.5" round speakers and 4" round speakers that will fit in the factory front and rear locations, respectively. My opinion is that the best sound quality for the money, assuming you want a super-easy install, is Polk Audio EX602 in front ($100 a pair, rarely on sale for $90 a pair) and EX402 in rear ($80 per pair).

afconway · February 2001

I just traded my '99 Trooper (w/Lux Pkg) in for a 2000Ford Excursion. Yeah I know it's a big monster!..But I needed something bigger to tow my Travel Trailer with. I was only looking for a Expedition size unit, but the deal on the leftover 2000 Excursion was too good to let go. ($29900 sale price for a $42183 MSRP vehicle).

I can only say that the Trooper was great. It never gave me any problems, didn't burn any oil and I got 13-15 MPG around town and 17-19 on long highway trips. It just couldn't handle the size of my Trailer. I know I'm gonna miss it.

If anyone is interested, I am selling my 3 volume set of Repair Manuals for the '99 Trooper. You can contact me directly at "afconway@att.net".

nighter50 · February 2001

afconway - I will be buying a new truck in a couple of months and was wondering how you did on the trade of your trooper. If you could let us know your mileage, state, and how much you got for trade it would be very helpful. I think I am going to sell it myself because I don't think I will get alot for my trooper in trade. Thanks in advance.

Isuzu Trooper

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