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Isuzu Trooper

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  • nighter50nighter50 Member Posts: 127
    seems to me getting it for invoice and 0% financing is great. 0% financing alone is a steal! There are little things about the Trooper that could be better (like those you mention) but mine has 53,000 painless miles. Every mechanic I have had look at it has been impressed with what Isuzu has done. I liked my truck when I got it and I like it even more now! These things just grow on you. BTW - I upgraged tires to BFG All-Terrain KOs (265 70 16) - I love the look and the ride!
  • gpm5gpm5 Member Posts: 785
    Looks like a good deal since the 0% is a BIG money savings factor over the long run. You'll enjoy your new trooper I'm sure. Go to the Isuzu owners club link (see the top of this page) and put a pic into the the photo gallery when you get a chance.
  • johnny_ringojohnny_ringo Member Posts: 30
    I noticed in the owners manual that Isuzu provides roadside assistance. Has anyone had experience with it? I would like to drop my AAA membership if possible.
  • lfh3lfh3 Member Posts: 2
    karl972 Mar 25, 2001 9:53am
    Would you please post the name/location of the dealership where you made the purchase? Thanks.
  • toddallentoddallen Member Posts: 3
    I purchased a 2000 Trooper S in January 2001 with 10,000 miles. I have had several problems with it and I hope someone can help answer my questions since the dealer is clueless. First, I get poor mileage, averaging only 14 mpg and the dealer says it's within Troopers range and I need to break it in longer. The AM volume is half the volume as the FM. They dealer replaced radio twice and now say it's a normal characteristic of the Trooper. Finally, when I go above 40 mph the transmission slows the vehicle down. It feels like I'm driving in a lower gear. It took the dealer 3 times before they came up with an answer of: "The transmission has a break in it to slow it down". Why would a break be put into the transmission? Has anyone had these problems and what should I (or the dealer) do to correct them? Any information would be helpful. Thanks.
  • gpm5gpm5 Member Posts: 785
    14 mpg is on the low side but it is within the range seen for the trooper. These are heavy trucks and depending on how you drive them, 14 mpg is not unusual. Also, how accurate is your mpg determination, how many times did you test it, did the fill up of the tank go to the same spot each time etc. AM low volume? I never use AM much and on the Isuzu radio when I had it I noticed the reception was poor. I think AM is getting worse everywhere with all the cell phones and other frequencies flying through the airways. Slows down over 40 or under 40? The transmission does have a feature in which it stays in a lower gear at lowers speeds. Engine braking is the result when going downhill. If you want it to shift out you need to accelerate. If you are in low gear above 40 mph your rpm will be very high and the engine would be reved, and this would not be normal.
  • keepontroopinkeepontroopin Member Posts: 297
    Todd I to have a 2000 Trooper and also noticed how the engine will drop a gear when going down a hill. At first I thought maybe something was wrong with my tranny. I looked through my manual and found the section which talked about this very issue. It didn't make any sense to me. I live in Western PA and it is very hilly around here. Everytime I go down a hill the engine drops a gear to slow the vehicle but at the same time sucks gas out of my tank. If anyone can explain why Isuzu has this on the newer Troopers please explain it to me and Todd because I see no benefit of it at all unless maybe I was towing something heavy. It almost feels similar to a jake brake on an 18 wheeler.
  • toddallentoddallen Member Posts: 3
    I drive all highway miles. The AM is not a frequency issue, but actually volume. When I change to AM I have to raise the volume and when I change back to FM I have to lower the volume. The volume is half that of the FM. And the car slows down when its over 40. The faster I go the harder it slows. It doesn't matter if it's highway or side streets.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I never use the AM Radio, so I can't vouche for that.

    The Grade Logic transmission will drop the gear down to a lower gear if you take your foot off the gas. Basically, the computer interprets your taking your foot completely off the gas as "I want to slow down" and downshifts. This helps imensely in hilly terrain to not be hunting around gears when going up and down hills. Many cars and trucks have been getting this lately, namely the honda accord. If you gently keep your foot on the gas in those situations it won't downshift pre-maturely. I know it's hard to learn to drive in a non-"Gas-brake-Gas" routine which is how I drive myself, but the grade-logic does work well.

    Gas milage is dependent on 2 things:
    1)Driving Style.... If you are like me and do lots of heavy right foot manuvers you'll suffer poor gas milage. Getting a 5000lb vehicle going isn't an easy task (I know the dry weight is 4600, but add a hitch, people, gear etc. and you will be well over 5K easily) I notice if I drive gently, I will get better city milage.

    2) Speed. Speed kills peaches... Or at least kills gas milage. I have 20K miles on my trooper and did some tests. On the highway @ 60-65mph with 37psi in all 4 tires, I'll get aprox. 19mpg, which is dead on balls accurate to the sticker. As soon as I bump it up to 70-80mph and some hills, it drops off to about 15-16mpg. The reason is that the aerodynamics of the trooper are that of a brick wall!

    Overall, I have to say for the size, weight, and ability to carry square objects in the back, and the initial outlay of costs, it gets decent milage. If you compare it to durango, yukon, TLC, etc. that are in the large to XL size range, you'll see that the milage isn't that bad at all.

    Footnote, my milage figures are all in TOD mode, not 2wd. I got 1mpg better when in 2wd mode.

    -mike
  • toddallentoddallen Member Posts: 3
    Mike, thanks for explaining the Grade Logic Transmission. If that doesn't lower my gas mileage it must be something else. I drive no faster than 65 mph and accelerate smoothly to help on mileage and all flat surfaces and in 2wd. The dealer says I'm crazy for wanting what the sticker mileage stated. I have a ski rack on my trooper and the dealer said that was the reason for the poor mileage. They have also replaced the O2 sensor to see if that did anything. It didn't.
  • keepontroopinkeepontroopin Member Posts: 297
    Paisan I noticed on your website the link to the Isuzu accessorie place. Do you happen to have an e-mail address to anyone located there? If you take a look at the Troopers they have pics of on their pages, they all have the Isuzu Japan factory roof racks which are not available in the US. I want to send them a message to see if they are able to order them and to find out the possible cost if they can. Let me know.
  • keepontroopinkeepontroopin Member Posts: 297
    Oops I forgot to tell you which link!!! The link that has the racks pictured is for the place in iceland.
  • sdc2sdc2 Member Posts: 780
    One possibility is that your torque converter is unlocking when it shouldn't. That would create the "dropping a gear" feeling.

    I was disappointed when they went to the "grade-logic" on 2000s. Not anything against grade logic, but on my 99 one of the things I am most happy with is the way the transmission operates...
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Well, the only thing I've found with EPA ratings is that they are usually off. The problem is that the way they do the test is that the EPA goes and buys a car off a lot (probably 5 or 6 around the country) and then they test em brand new for a few weeks. They use em with optimal gas and optimaldriving conditions. Then they average them together. I wouldn't expect to get more than 1-2mpg less than whatever the rating is said to be. Also no manufacturer is going to back up the rates that they say that they say on the EPA sticker.

    -mike
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    The 2000 and 01 still have lockup in gears 3 and 4. I have no problems with it and it works perfect for me, same as my '97 rodeo (same tranny w/o grade logic)

    -mike
  • snaithsnaith Member Posts: 8
    Hi. I am close to buying a LS Trooper and last night I asked for and got the invoice for the vehicle. At which point the salesmen I could have it for invoice. The dealer cost lists the vehicle at $26,458 but then adds in the following items:

    Inland Freight $520 (fair enough)
    ADVTSG FD $331 (I pay for advertising?)
    Hold Back $923 (Doesnt make sense to me)
    Floor Plan $308 (a mystery)

    This leads to a total dealer "cost" of $28,540.

    What do you make of these extra add-ins? What do you think would be a reasonable offer. By the way, I am not trading in anything.

    Thanks,

    Sean
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    What year LS and what options?

    My dealer is selling a 2000 Black LS w/ Moonroof and running boards stickered at $32,677 selling it for $25,677. If you are in the NY area try calling em if interested. 718-979-9595 ask for Mark or Ira and tell em mike sent you. If it's a 2001, tell us what options and I'll let you know how much the true invoice is. Also I belive there is a $2000 incentive going currently. Also are you looking at 4wd or 2wd?

    -mike
  • snaithsnaith Member Posts: 8
    The Trooper has the following

    2001 AS

    Optional Installed Equipment:
    Fog Lamps
    6 disc changer
    Leather wrapped Steering Wheel
    Map light/ Roof light I delay
    Power folding outside mirrors
    Privacy Glass/Divers. Antenna
    Mar. Intermit
    r. Wiper/washers
    Heated power front seat I/ armrest
    Rear Footrests & Cargo Rails

    I will take the 0% interest and forego the cash incentive.

    Thanks. I am I the Boston area BOW.

    Sean
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Wow an LS with no moonroof. That's a first.
    I'll run the #s tonight.

    -mike
  • centralcentral Member Posts: 51
    http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/info.shtml#estimates


    The above site overviews the EPA mileage tests. The key seems to be that the tests are not done out on real roads. Instead they are done on a treadmill under very controlled conditions. Apparently they then try to make mathematical adjustments to that data to come up with more real world numbers.

  • snaithsnaith Member Posts: 8
    No moonroof and it is a4WD. Thanks again.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    snaith,
    W/o the moonroof and with 4wd, a Trooper LS should be invoicing @ $28,209.

    Here is my calcs on how to tell if it's a good deal:

    $28,209 Invoice
    -$846 Dealer Holdback
    $27,363 True Dealer Cost
    $0 Factory to Dealer/rebates (you indicated you would take the 0% financing)
    $1200 Dealer Profit (This I how much I'm willing to let the dealer make on the car, $1200 is about 4.5% profit for the dealer which he needs to pay salaries, lights, heat,insurance, advertising, etc. etc.)

    $28,563 Total Price I would tell the dealer I'm willing to pay.

    Hope this is helpful. If you don't follow any of my logic, let me know. The invoice price above includes shipping, prep, delivery, advertising, etc. etc.

    -mike
  • snaithsnaith Member Posts: 8
    Paisan,

    So for the vehicle I am looking at I subtract holdback from $26,458 and then add in 1200 for dealer profit?

    Should I initially go lower assuming the dealer will try to bid me up?

    Thanks,
    Sean
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Sean,

    Where do you get 26,458 from? I got 28,209 for the vehicle you are looking at.

    -mike
  • snaithsnaith Member Posts: 8
    This is the first Item on the copy of the invoice I got from the dealer. this is the number before the other things listed above get added in.

    I guess this is an atypical LS. Perhaps it is missing somethng else that is usually included?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Well 26458 for an LS is awfully low. I guess if you add in the dealer holdback and the destination charges it will bring it up to $28,XXX which is what I posted. The LS I posted up earlier in this thread was a bare bones LS, no moonroof, no options at all. But it did include the dealer holdback and the destination charges.

    If you get it with 0% financing for anything under $29K you are in good shape, IMHO.

    -mike
  • snaithsnaith Member Posts: 8
    I am headed to the dealer tonight. I will post the outcome. Thanks for your help!
  • jeff177jeff177 Member Posts: 3
    I own a 98 Trooper and have been very satisfied with the vehicle. Does anyone know if the 2002 models may offer seating for 7?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    jeff,
    In 03 or 04 (probably 03 launched in early 02) the Trooper will get an Isuzu DOHC V8 and 3rd Row seating. So far that is what has been confirmed by Isuzu on numerous occasions to me. It will also be produced in the Japan plant for world wide distribution as the Trooper currently is. I'd expect it to also have a GPS option, and an upgraded stereo system similar to the one found in the Axiom.

    -mike
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I'd go as far as to say I'd pay $1000-$1500 more than I paid (I had a $2000 rebate on it when I bought) :)

    20K miles and every time I get in it, I feel like i'm driving it for the first time.

    -mike
  • keepontroopinkeepontroopin Member Posts: 297
    In fact I already have......twice. First had 86 Trooper. Then a 94 Trooper and now I own a 2000 Trooper. No need to sell me....I'm already sold.
  • sdc2sdc2 Member Posts: 780
    While I occasionally yearn for something even roomier (I go about 6'3" and am always headroom challenged), I am also aware that to move up in size to a Tahoe or Expedition would have cost me about $10,000 additional, at which point I become well satisfied with my Trooper.

    Of course you are asking this question to a bunch of people who like their Troopers, otherwise they wouldn't be here...I will say we have had one or two disgruntled parties come by in the last year and a half that I have been frequenting this board. That's a pretty small number, even given the limited number of Troopers sold in this country. Take a look at the competition's boards and you will see a LOT of problems by comparison.
  • sdavitosdavito Member Posts: 71
    My 2000S Trooper is my 2nd Isuzu. The 1st was a 1992 PU. The PU was the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. 8 1/2 years, 90k and I only had to replace the front brakes & a few batteries. When you figure that Isuzu cost much less than comparable vehicles, the decision to buy again was easy for me.

    David
  • nighter50nighter50 Member Posts: 127
    yes all things being the same. If the Sequoia had been out a couple years ago I would have looked at that and I am considering one now. That is not to say that I dont love my Trooper. I have 50K miles on it and no problems whatsoever. You will see a few gripes on this board with suggestions to make it even better (one for me is getting V8 gas mileage with V6 power). With a V8 engine due out in a little over a year...I might have to wait for that!
  • andrewinlaandrewinla Member Posts: 15
    I have been trying to sell my Trooper for the last 5 months and not one taker. This is my second Trooper so I know they are hard to sell unless you give them away. After driving a 4Motion VW Passat wagon I am sold on that!

    I have no kids and dont tow anything so this fits the bill for me. But I just can't get rid of this Trooper and the way the value falls on it I may have to lose money to sell it.

    Andrew
  • gpm5gpm5 Member Posts: 785
    You can not buy a better truck for the buck. This SUV has got the others beat hands down IMO.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Why not post up your truck in the Owner's Area. I'm sure there are some prospective owners out there that might be interested in a slightly used one since it's probably barely broken in! :)

    -mike
  • radman6radman6 Member Posts: 81
    Yetiracer, We love our 2000 S 4WD. It's just the ticket for a tough Northwest winter. It works great with our family of 4, car seats and all. I drove everything on the market and couldn't find anything close to it for the money. It's roomy, has tons of cargo space, has a great power train (TOD rocks on winter roads), and a real solid feel to it. The warranty is awesome and if you do your homework you can get a new Trooper for a great price. It blows away the mid-size SUV competition. Mine was 24K nicely equiped and there was nothing under 30K that came close. Looking forward to camping with it this summer. Funny thing is I didn't even seriously consider a Trooper until my sister encouraged me to test drive one - and it only took about 5 minutes to realize this was a great SUV with all the stuff I needed. Good luck with your search.
  • gpm5gpm5 Member Posts: 785
    Around here they sell like hotcakes and are hard to get a hold of. Where are you? If in good shape and low miles, you should be able to sell at $19k no sweat.
  • sahara111sahara111 Member Posts: 51
    Yes, for sure. I have 32k on my '99 automatic and have had good luck. I paid $23,800 brand new - with no bickering - and feel it was a FAR better buy than any other comparable vehicle out there. My Dad just bought a used (rental, but NOT a ski rental) 2000 model with only 8,000 miles for $19,995. That's pretty hard to beat for that kind of warranty, reliability, carry capacity, performance, etc.

    My only major critique: the original, factory suspension (at least for U.S. models..) is junk and IMO, dangerous. You can maybe get by with the original torsion bars up front, but all 4 shocks and the real coils need to be replaced.

    The TOD works great on the snow and ice; haven't had it in the dirt much. My large size Sugar 3 mountain bike fits like a champ in the back, the back seat is wonderful and lays down, the vehicle has good power, I really like the auto tranny, and my wife and I really enjoy driving it.

    My minor critiques are: slightly noisy, would enjoy a little better gas mileage, would like a redesign of the center console area, would like a little more powerful a/c, and it needs a full set of gauges. That's it.
  • cobbocobbo Member Posts: 34
    Aloha...
    Just been reading the prior thread b/w Snaith & Paison re the LS 4x4 above and I'm curious about the outcome 'cause I'm going into a similar deal in a week or so (they had to locate a black one in the SE)...not sure what the numbers will start out as yet, but I figure it's the time to do it b/c they've got both a Dealer's Cash incentive and a customer 0% going on...I'll write more when I know more next week...so far my only complaint is the dealer's unwillingness to let me know a price list on any available options/add ons...

    -Fred
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    You might try autotrader.com for a free internet ad. They encourage these ads, unlike Town Hall:-)

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • andrewinlaandrewinla Member Posts: 15
    I am in the Los Angeles area. If I did use all the things this SUV if for it is great! But I realize I don't need it all and we have 2 other cars in the family so thats why I am selling it.

    it's a 99 TooperS with auto. It has rubber mats up front, Lether steering wheel, shift knob, and 4WD knob. It has WAAG center guard with Bosh 500 series round fog lights. The milaege is about 13.5K Just email me at allegria1@hotmail.com if you know anyone.

    I also tried Autotrader.com and got no results so gave up.

    Andrew
  • duktrooperduktrooper Member Posts: 78
    Just curious what you're asking? I bought my '99 Trooper S(mint cond) with 12K miles with trailer hitch, running boards, auto., 4WD, etc from local dealer in Memphis for $16,990(advertised price). It was an orig. owner trade in. I bought it the first day the ad ran and several people came in later wanting it after I had done the deal.

    Pricing is key to moving it...just depends on how low you can go. I wouldn't give up on Autotrader....I'm looking for a 95 Trooper or Rodeo currently for my son.
  • cd1000cd1000 Member Posts: 16
    I have a 1992 LS with moonroof, leather, auto, 105k miles. I am second owner, have all the maintenance records, just had brakes done, has Kenwood cd with Polk front speakers. The leather is super and the paint is very good as well. Vehicle was garaged all it's life until recently and is in great condition. It is green and has the DOHC V6. All power and has goodyear AT'S with plenty of miles left. Also has factory tint. Just bought a 2001 LS so I need to sell. $7800 obo--email cd1000@home.com---chris
  • konghhkonghh Member Posts: 20
    I am onto my 3rd Trooper. 1st is a 2.3 diesel UBS52, 2nd a 2.8 Turbo Diesel UBS55 and now onto my 3rd 3.1 Turbo Diesel Intercooled UBS69. I buy them because they have the best value for money around if. They simply beats the competitors hands down when you consider what you are getting for the money. From my experience in selling my first 2 Trooper, it not the resale value that bothers me (yes, they do sucks a bit but not by much) but rather it will take a lot more effort and time to sell them. In another word, you can sell a used Toyota in a flash but takes a couple of months to sell a Trooper.
  • cd1000cd1000 Member Posts: 16
    Sorry steve--didn't catch the message about the ad. Chris
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    No biggie--lots of our members don't care for them though (too "spammy") and this conversation-based format doesn't lend itself to having ads stuck in as well as someplace set up to search ads by model or area or whatever. Did I mention autotrader.com? :-)

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • jayboreedjayboreed Member Posts: 14
    Any of you guys had any trouble with skipping with the CD changer on the 2000 Trooper or any other model for that matter. By the way, me and my wife love our 2000 Trooper. Great deal for the money. Also, switched to Mobil 1 synthetic oil, and got 16.5 MPG with City/Higway driving. Please reply back about the Changer if you have any information about it. Thanks, JR
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I've heard about skipping problems. Seems that they either skip or don't skip. I'd have it replaced @ the dealer. I have a 2000 LS and drive in NYC all the time, and it never skips no matter how bad the pot-holes get.


    -mike

    http://isuzu-suvs.com

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