So I've stumbled across a virtually rust free 1996 Trooper Limited. Which in Michigan is pretty rare. I checked it out today at lunch but didn't have time to go for a test drive. Body is decent shape for a 20 year old truck with 176k miles. Everything works inside (heated seats, power mirrors ect.). The owner said something along the lines of the transfer case works but something came unplugged? Like I said I didn't get a chance to fully investigate. What should I inspect should I go forward with buying this truck? Anything to stay away from? Thanks.
Potentially buying a 1996 Trooper.. what to look for?
- Thread starter Lake-O
- Start date
jeep-N-montero
Expedition Leader
See the first 3 links here https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=isuzu+trooper+what+to+look+for
BigSwede
The Credible Hulk
In general that is a pretty good year, just look at it like any other used vehicle. A few notes - the 3.2L is reliable, might have some lifter clatter that is more of an aesthetic problem than anything. Is it auto or manual trans? Manuals are stout, autos are okay if serviced regularly (but many are not). Unfortunately there is not a dipstick for the auto trans, you have to remove a plug from the side of the trans to see if the fluid is good.
Bodies are pretty rust resistant but check the frame for rust, especially rear crossmember up under the bumper. Part time MUA transfer case is stout, about the only thing that can come unplugged from it is the connector for the 4WD indicator dash light.
Bodies are pretty rust resistant but check the frame for rust, especially rear crossmember up under the bumper. Part time MUA transfer case is stout, about the only thing that can come unplugged from it is the connector for the 4WD indicator dash light.
Its an Automatic. I thought I read somewhere the transfer case is electronically actuated? Or is it a strictly linkage operation? Ill have to wait until I see it again if it has Shift-on-the-fly
onemanarmy
Explorer
The auto transmission will quit, if not so already. Ask for maintenance records.
auto trany
even if the trans has been maintained u r at/close to the end of it's service life, I commonly find these in the boneyard with no visible outside damage and have worked on many to include replacing the trany, I would keep in the back of my mind that a 3k bill is in the near future when making any deal. When u test drive the unit c how hard it shifts/slips between/in gears and u can get an idea of how soon it will need to be rebuilt (if it's bad then use that to lower the price and even if it's not u can still use the high miles as tool to bargain).
even if the trans has been maintained u r at/close to the end of it's service life, I commonly find these in the boneyard with no visible outside damage and have worked on many to include replacing the trany, I would keep in the back of my mind that a 3k bill is in the near future when making any deal. When u test drive the unit c how hard it shifts/slips between/in gears and u can get an idea of how soon it will need to be rebuilt (if it's bad then use that to lower the price and even if it's not u can still use the high miles as tool to bargain).
