1999 Isuzu Trooper

[JWP58]

I'm going to go look at a 99 trooper tomorrow with 136k miles. What are some things I need to look for as far as mechanical issues.

I understand these engines burn oil if you don't use rotella synthetic. Are the transmissions good? This one is an auto (i'd rather it be a 5sp, but whatever).

It appears to be in good shape and well taken care of. I'm not familiar with troopers, what is the suggest service window on the water pump, timing belt (I assume its not a chain)????


Thanks, these rigs have always appealed to me, and now that I'm looking to replace my not paid for Tacoma with a paid in cash vehicle...they appeal even more lol. (same with the Cherokees)

 

[JWP58]

Or would I be better off going with a 1991 4cyl with 89k miles on it (rough paint job though)????

 

[jl8088]

Sounds like you've done some good background reading. Both vehicles should be very affordable and should work well as isuzu has poor resale value but is also made in Japan.

The 1999 will be considerably larger and more comfortable; the 1989 will be pretty basic which is also nice. 1999 will most likely drink a quart of oil or more between oil changes. 1989 will be underpowered by today's standards.

Check the oil level on the 1999 to see if it is maintained and then just do regular maintainence especially tranny fluid every 15k. Starter will be on its last legs if not already Replaced. Clean the egr passages & valve if engine burns oil. Stick with oem branded parts as they're better.

Can't speak much to the 1989 but the 1999 is pretty much overbuilt in stock form in terms of gearing/axle/rear travel. You'll pretty much be able to go anywhere within reason with a decent set of tires and factory skid plates. Don't expect more than 16mpg.

Both sound like good options, choose what fits you the best and maybe someone else can chime in on the 1st gen model specifics.

 

[jl8088]

100k for timing belt/water pump

 

[JWP58]

Ok I'm kinda gun shy now after reading all of the horror stories about oil burning engines. I'm now going to go look at a 91 and a 96 (i'd prefer the 96). Are these oil chuggers also? Both are 5spds.

Are these generally reliable vehicles????? That's my main concern, I don't want to get out in the middle of now where and be stranded.

 

[Storz]

Very reliable just keep them full of oil. Isuzu is the best kept secret in expo trucks!

 

[JWP58]

Did Isuzu ever fix the piston/oil consumption problem? Can it be fixed? Say I buy one super cheap, is there a way to fix the problem if the engine ever craps its pants?

 

[jeffryscott]

2002 model year (last year of the Trooper) the 3.5 was supposedly fixed. My 2002 doesn't use oil between changes, my 99 did a bit but not too bad.

Did Isuzu ever fix the piston/oil consumption problem? Can it be fixed? Say I buy one super cheap, is there a way to fix the problem if the engine ever craps its pants?

 

[JWP58]

Did they improve the auto transmission for 2002? I've found some low mileage great price deals on 2002's, but all have auto trans

 

[jeffryscott]

Did they improve the auto transmission for 2002? I've found some low mileage great price deals on 2002's, but all have auto trans

same transmission, no better/no worse. I've had two auto Troopers, so far no issues with either.

 

[Mrknowitall]

Not all 3.5's burn oil. it was supposed to be fixed somewhere through the run. You can tell by the grommit PCV instead of the screw-in (IIRC). But again- not all early ones burn oil- the oil return holes in the pistons get plugged with poor maintenance and force the oil-rings to leave too much oil on the cylinder walls. It's not that big a deal- carry a glug-jug and check the oil frequently- start with every fill-up, and you'll develop a sense for how often you need to add some. For the over all value of the Trooper, an extra $50 in oil a year (at the very very most) still leaves you with an unbeatable bargain.

 

[Storz]

My Rodeo has an 02 Trooper motor swapped in and it doesn't burn any oil...

 

[JWP58]

I went and test drove an 02 yesterday. Wow, the Trooper is off my list. It felt like I was driving a bus, making turns felt like I was piloting a 747 in a full banked turn. I honestly couldn't imagine lifting one.

They look nice and perform, just not my cup o' tea.

 

[jeffryscott]

Sounds like the stock suspension is shot. They are very stable with a good suspension. Put an Old Man Emu suspension on it and I bet you'd have a very different opinion. If you like them, except for the driving part of this one, try another and see if your opinion changes. It may or may not but it might be worth it as I've not heard that complaint about them before. Good luck in the search for whatever you might buy.

I went and test drove an 02 yesterday. Wow, the Trooper is off my list. It felt like I was driving a bus, making turns felt like I was piloting a 747 in a full banked turn. I honestly couldn't imagine lifting one.

They look nice and perform, just not my cup o' tea.

 

[Storz]

My rodeo felt like a boat when I first bought it. Changed out the 13 year old stock shocks for a set of KYBs and its a totally different animal. Next on my liar is a art of OME 913s

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747