Advice for buyers
What should I look for in a used Isuzu Trooper 4x4?
There have been two recalls on the Trooper, but both affect only the diesel models. The first concerned possible fires caused by the ceramic heater terminal, and the second was a result of problems with the fuel injectors.
Apart from that, there aren't too many problems to worry about. According to figures from Warranty Direct, the Trooper is one of the better 4x4s, with reliability levels above average.
However, when things do go wrong, there are three usual suspects - the fuel system, engine and brakes. Failed fuel injectors can be costly to fix, problems with the gearbox are not uncommon and the steering can wear rapidly if the car is used for towing.
Certainly, owners seem reasonably happy with the car. Reviews online barely mention any problems, and in its last appearance in the JD Power survey, in 2002, the Trooper was rated as fifth-best 4x4, with above-average ratings for its quality and reliability.
