BBslider-Every vehicle on the market has it's trade-offs and the only way to find out what vehicle you like the best is to ask questions and drive them. You have done the right thing by asking questions. I have only owned one first gen 1990 trooper and two Isuzu pickups(LUVs). I really had issues with rust but this may not be an issue for you if you live in socal. The 2.6L trooper had trouble keeping up on the freeway when going up hills. On flat ground i did pretty well. I think the 2.6 FI is better than the GM 2.8. The leaf sprung suspension was not as smooth as competitors coil sprung rear suspension. Since it has been over ten years since I owned that trooper I am unsure of parts availability. I remember having an alternator go out and the local auto parts store had one on hand. I know there was a place setup to sell dealer parts in Garden Grove, CA. So if that is close to you then it would make more sense to look at getting an Isuzu. I still recommend driving other vehicles like the 1st and 2nd gen Montero, 2nd gen trooper because they are very similar in appearance and it will give you a better idea of whats out there. I also know there is a large Montero contingency in socal that does a lot of trips together which is always a bonus. But I am sure they would let an Isuzu guy join because they are just nice that way. Drive them, see what the trade-offs are and it will help you form your own opinion more easily. Even my G500 has trade offs, as I have found out, it can be expensive to fix, it has a rare bolt pattern so getting aftermarket wheels are basically no existent unless you like running 24" rims. It lacks switch to unlock the power doors, you have to open your door to unlock door when you pickup a passenger. So stupid. The steering is heavy, but tight. But deep down I still love it because it has that great look like the troopers, montys and defenders. If I were to buy another first gen trooper, which I am looking for a really clean 1987 first gen with a 2.2 turbo Diesel with 3rd gen connecting rods, I would cover ever square inch of the underside with bedliner to prevent rust.
For those who were wondering even the legendary FJ80 has it's trade-offs and it's over-rated(I have owned two). Are they good vehicles, yes. Would I buy another one, possibly, do they have major shortcomings, yes. In stock form an FJ80 is not a serviceable offroad vehicle. To be be serviceable the spare tire needs to be relocated, it needs a small 2-3 lift and some larger tires so the rear end doesn't scrape on every rock. To do this you are looking at $3000-4000 which is a lot of money and that does not include the $6000-10,000 purchase price. I don't understand why that one guy a was so insistent they are perfect, cause it's just not the case. Other vehicles will be much more serviceable right out of the box. Buying a Trooper or something similar makes a lot of sense if you are on a small budget. How much will it cost to buy a 2nd trooper with and fit it with 33's? You could buy 2nd gen trooper and outfit it with 33" tires for $2500-3500 total. That's a lot cheaper than a Landcruiser. The Same goes for the Montero. You can get a lot of bang for your buck but you can bolt 35's on a stock 2nd gen Montero with out any concerns of breaking. I have never heard of a failure on a 2nd gen Montero with 35" tires even when locked in the front. Montero's for some reason don't have front end failures even when fitted with 40"+ tires. Logic would say they should fail but they don't. Do I know why they don't fail, No. But I have my suspicions Mitsubishi is using a stronger alloy on the front end components than their competitors. With the older Monteros the interiors quality is a problem area which is ironic because by the 3rd gen Montero the interior is like a Mercedes. The interior in the older troopers held up much better than the montero's interior.
From what I have been seeing you are on a limited budget and live in socal. Drive as many vehicles as you can within you price range regardless of brand. Where would we all be if we were closed minded and only drove what our parents liked. I would be driving a POS 1990 Chevy pickup if that were the case. The interior fell apart long before the truck ever wanted too.
When your looking for a 25 year old vehicle condition and maintenance history are everything. If I see one in your area I will let you know.
To give you a little idea if you are looking at first gen monty vs first gen trooper. This is not to say one is better than the other, it just gives you an idea of how they are different from my experience of owning both.
Purchase price: Even
Appearance: Even, it's just a matter of personal preference.
Engine: Advantage Montero, the 143 hp 3.0 v6 is very reliable and easy to find parts for. It was used in over 25 applications by Hyundia, Mitsubishi, Dodge, Chrysler and Plymouth.
Transmission: Advantage Montero, the 1990-91 automatic tranny with the lockup torque converter is so smooth and it is compatible with NP231/NV241 tcase. I can not say enough about how amazing this tranny is. It's bullit proof and smooth.
Tcase: Advantage Trooper, the trooper has a better low range ratio about 2.28:1. The Montero had a terrible low range ratio at 1.9:1.
Rear End: Even, both had an LSD
Front End: Advantage Montero, The components are pretty stout and 33" will not be an issue. The first gens Montero can only accommodate 33" tires with out serious rubbing issues. It's the second gen Montero's that can accommodate 35"+ tires.
Frame: Advantage Montero, the first gen Isuzu had rust issues and frames can rust right through. The Montero uses a fully boxed frame.
Body: Advantage Montero, it less prone to rust
Suspension: Advantage Montero because it used coils in the rear it this is more just personal preference. Leafs have there advantages, especially when carrying a heavy load. So the advantage could be Trooper depending on your needs.
Steering and handling: Even
Fuel Economy: Even, both take regular fuel and get the same MPG
Rear door: Advantage Trooper, the barn doors are nice to have.
Interior: Advantage Trooper, the fabric seems to hold up better, but the Montero did come with a drivers side bouncy seat. Bouncy seats are way cool.
Aftermarket Support: Advantage Trooper, with the help of Independent 4x4 the Trooper has the advantage, but most things can be had for the Montero
Dealer support: Advantage Montero, they still have a dealer network for the time being but that can change. Trooper parts can be had through aftermarket dealers
Safety: Even, Neither vehicle is all that safe when compared to newer vehicles.
Seating and cargo capacity: Even
