Isuzu Trooper Owners Club UK™

[JohnN]

Today I keep reading subtle but insidious posts suggesting that Trooper diesels are unreliable. Allow me to correct matters a little.
I have had the pleasure of owning three Troopers from new since 1991, with my friend's two that makes a total of five. Combined mileage is around 350k mixed driving including the annual trip to the Italian Lakes with large tandem axle German caravans and kids requirements for a month.
The 2.8td was (is) a delightful engine, crackly due to direct injection but economical and fast. The 3.1td was Isuzu's attempt to be trendy with a quiet, refined motor. However, this meant indirect injection, slightly less oomph! and reduced economy. The post '98 3.0 combines the best of both worlds being quick and quiet as diesels go,as well as returning favourable mpg figures.
As with all diesels, to get the best out of them, oil changes MUST NOT be missed, neither filters. They should also never be allowed to overheat.
Admittedly there was a batch of faulty injector seals used in early 2000MY cars and these should have been dealt with by dealers.
This recall apart, Trooper diesels regularly go through the 6 figure odo unremarkably.
I have read of many instances in the US where the 3.5 petrol engine chews up it's cam followers at low mileages.
Finally, it is worth noting that Isuzu built it's first diesel engine in 1912. I've just ordered my fourth (one of the last) for delivery in the New Year. I trust this post redresses things a little.
PS: My fourth diesel (one of the last) is due for delivery in mid December.

[Google]

[Leo]

I totally agree with you regarding the reliability of diesel Troopers. My '88 2.8lwb clocked up 178k miles before I sold it on to an extremely satisfied buyer. It started first time - immediately - and never missed a beat. As you say though, oil changes are a must. I changed mine every 3000miles and the filter every 6000. I used/use a semi-synthetic oil which kept the inside of the engine looking like new. Yes, this will cost a few bob, but think about what a replacement engine will cost if your cheap oil and 3-year old filter finally give up! Keep burnin' and turnin'.

[Chris Atkinson]

The Trooper Diesel certainly is very reliable. My '95 3.1TD is still going strong at 222,000 miles with minimal oil consumption and plenty of power. The vehicle has not been pampered, but servicing has been by the book.
The only problem is that the rest of the vehicle tends to erode away (slower than wearing out) due to the wear and tear that inevitably accompanies such high mileages. If I can manage to keep the chassis hanging together I don't see any reason why another 100,000 should not be possible