1st Gen Montero versus 1st Gen Trooper

[RandomCA]

Which of these do you think is the better vehicle? Why?

For offroad?

For basic daily driving?

(For the above which engine/transmission combo).

 

[Bennyhana]

I think those 2 rigs are so close, the decision would come down to spare parts availability. Although since I used to own a classic 1st gen Trooper.......
I'm a little bias.

 

[off-roader]

Def close call. Like Benny, I'm also biased since I've owned 3 gen I Montero's.

 

[Squatchout]

That one is easy. Hands down 1st gen Trooper. Of course I'm a lot biased. I've been driving them since they were new. You'll hear alot about bad heads ect. Not a huge problem. It's an easy fix for a diy'er and makes for cheap easy to find bomb proof trucks. The bottom end on the 2.6 is good for 300k easy and even with efi are easy to work on. They are amazingly capable stock and that just gets better with a few mods. Lot's of room. Just check out the frames for rust. They are 20 years old and have box frames. They can collect salt and rust from inside out as any box frame will. Both engines for the 1st gen Trooper are fine though I'm biased to the 2.6 4cyl. There is no performance difference to speak of between the 4cyl and v6. Though the 2.8 v6 can be swapped for a later 3.4 gm Camaro motor. 5spd is pretty much the same as a Yota pick up-Bombproof. The aisen auto in the 1st gens is a power robber in an underpowered truck but as far as autos go you won't break it.

One of the best things about Isuzu's is the people who own them. Typically great folks. Laid back crowd. We've got a pretty good support network built for parts and mods these days which goes a long way when driving a no longer made vehicle.
The faithful gather here.
http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/

They are not for everybody. If 0-60 times are your thing keep looking. If tough,fun to drive, pratical,hard working trucks are your thing you've found it.

1st gens on danial @ Uwharrie.