Troopy vs 105 for 3 people on same petrol engine

[trektheandes]

Hi,

Trying to decide between a Troopy and 105 and have three questions

1. If both have the same motor 4.5l 1FZ-ZE is the 105 faster or more powerful or more economic on fuel. Or are they equal aside from comfort? Very few diesels here in Peru so not really an option.

2. How much more space does the Troopy have inside than the 105? I need to seat 3, potentially 4 and want it for overloading/ camping in South America where I live ( as well as daily drive)

3. Has anyone seen any great 3 person Troopy camping setups? Most seem to be designed for two people.

Many thanks

Mark

 

[redthies]

The Troopy will have way more room. Not even worth comparing on that point. The 105 may get marginally better fuel economy, and will be definitely more comfortable to drive, but I'd still buy a Troopy every time over a 100 series if it were going to be used for any sort of camping or adventure travel.

 

[1leglance]

Having owned a Troopy and camped often with my wife and son the only issue is that with 2 doors the backseat person has to do some climbing to get out each time you stop.
Not a major thing but could be for some people...

Oh and my wife is from Arequipa and we love going back every few years, Hola!

 

[lugueto]

I haven't seen 3 person camping setups inside the vehicle, but I have seen a bunch of troopies with back seats added to them. They're pretty much set up like a 2 door, so as 1leglance said, it won't be comfortable to get into or out of. Remember that you'll also need a sliding right seat, one from a 70/71 preferably, in conjunction to the back seat you choose. The stock 79 seat doesn't slide forward to let people in.

The troopy is almost impossible to beat when it comes to interior/cargo space. It will be the best vehicle for "overloading" :sombrero: But the 105 will be considerably more comfortable, a better driver and more stable.

The 105 runs the same chassis as the 80 series IIRC, so you'll find spare parts wherever the 80 was available. The 70 series is still available and was sold almost all over latin america, so you'll be able to find spares pretty much anywhere.

I would go for the 105 over the troopy.

 

[Elbee]

105 would be more comfortable initially and would fit 3 people plus more comfortably. The troopy is a perfect overlanding exploration rig. Cant go terribly wrong with the two. Troopy is more of a pain if you carry more than 2 people. If it was 2 people I'd go with a troopy all day.

 

[redthies]

Troopies do have doors on the back for that "3rd wheel". Just sayin.

 

[trektheandes]

Thank you all- could not ask for a more comprehensive set of answers! Am heading up to the capital on Monday to see what is available so that may dictate it- Troopys only come up very occasionally here. Was thinking about a bench seat for the front, so the two kids can get out easier on short trips with another seat behind for longer trips. I can see crawling over seats could soon get old, especially when muddy wellies are involved. Back door is of course an option as redthies says, but I can see it being awkward too- as you cannot see where your kid is getting out.

And 1leglance- Arequipa- I like it for a few nights escape. It is the closest bigger place to us, 8 hours drive away, although we always seem to get hit by a snow and hail storm above 4500metres on the way across. Just reminded me that working heating, windscreen wipers that don´t overshoot and lights that actually illuminate well are on my must have list ( something I have not had on my last two cars).

Thanks again all.

 

[redthies]

Good luck in the search. Let us know what you end up with. You really can't go wrong with either one. I also think if you are talking about day to day life with kids, the 105 will be a much better choice.

 

[trektheandes]

Went and saw three cars. First the 2006 Troopy in a car dealers. I just had an instant distrust of them so walked away. That left me to choose between a 1995 Troopy and a 2000 105, both at the same price ( about half of the 2006 troopy). The second Troopy was very kitted out, but had a carbon bonnet and Stage 6 racing clutch, both of which put me off as over the top. Plus the engine was really quite noisy when idling. And after bumping around in the seat on a smooth tarmac road I was not sure I could be bothered to drive it every day.

So went and saw the 105. The owner said hop in, we are going to the beach. He turned it on and the engine purred away almost silently. But blimey did it roar as we flew past literally every other vehicle on the highway. It then flew down a bumpy beach track, with absolutely no bouncing around. Once he stopped grinning, he handed me the keys and told me to take over. All with a backdrop of the sun setting over the Pacific. I turned to look at my two girls who had hair streaming out the window and huge grins on their faces. They looked back at me, put their thumbs in the air and both said " This one". And that was it really.

I did actually apply some logic to the decision too- I have friends who know the guy I bought it from, he is a well known off road racer and runs a 4x4 school, and clearly looks after his cars. So there was a certain guarantee there. Plus he just came across as a good honest and very helpful guy. Currently having a rack and rear wheel carrier and lights put on it ( all of which he has basically sourced and arranged for me) then tomorrow heading the 1000km back home via a couple of days in the dunes with a group of people on a free trip he has organized.

Will add some pics in the next few days. Thanks for all your help.

 

[redthies]

Congrats! I think you made the right choice, especially if the girls are smiling!

 

[trektheandes]

Here are a few pics of the new purchase from a four day trip to the jungle last weekend. Very happy with it so far. Plenty of power in the mountains which also really showed in the dunes. And very easy to drive around town too.

 

[CanucksRedRocket]

now that is the way to buy a rig! awesome 105, and sounds like a great way to start your ownership of it!

 

[DarioCarrera]

Congratulations!

I turned to look at my two girls who had hair streaming out the window and huge grins on their faces. They looked back at me, put their thumbs in the air and both said " This one". And that was it really.

I bet that was the best part!


Felicitaciones, Disfrutala!

 

[Elbee]

Congrats! Great looking truck!

 

[lugueto]

You definitely made the right decision.

Enjoy it! Looks like a solid truck.