My Jeep was recently stolen and wrecked in a police chase so I need a new rig. I keep coming across Troopers but I'm not sure if I should buy one. I am currently looking at a 2000 with 104K miles but I'm a little worried about buying one with this many miles. It has been maintained very well and is in excellent shape. Would I better off getting this or a 4 Runner (or something similar) with more miles? Any insight from Trooper owners would be greatly appreciated.

 

Buy the Trooper! I have previously owned a 3rd gen Toyota, and am currently the owner of a beautiful Trooper.

One of my favorite things about the trooper is that the back hatch opens like a regular door would, AKA to the side instead of up. I have found this to be much more convenient than a conventional SUV.

Troopers are also larger than the 4-runner, making it a more comfortable ride for all. There is much more backseat leg room in a Trooper, although if you have children, it is pretty impossible to put a car seat in the middle of the backseat because that part of the seat is generally raised.

The 4-banger Isuzu engine (I have one) is just as fuel efficient as a 22-re (from Toyota) and is actually a very similar engine in many ways. The Isuzu 6-cylinder is far superior to Toyota's crappy 3.0L that plagued the early to mid-90s. I am assuming that you are looking for a rig around this age as you stated $2000 in your post. 105k is practically brand new, especially if it has been well cared for. Mine is pushing 200k and I haven't had any major problems with it. Minor ones though, expected of a 22 year old car, such as the alternator needing replacement, slave cylinder going out...

Parts for Isuzus are cheaper than Toyota parts, too! Like Toyotas, you can work on/do anything on an Isuzu with a 9-16mm ratchet set. That's convenient and is one of the main reasons that I drive Japanese trucks!

As with most Japanese rigs, one major problem you will probably run into is your muffler/exhaust pipe crapping out on you and getting holes in both of those. It is a very easy fix, and personally I just saws-alled mine off and am awaiting on nice, quality exhaust system as a replacement.

 

Yes you should buy a trooper because it has this many qualities that makes it a good value for your money. It's very comfortable inside that you will always feel safe while inside or driving it. Its solid-looking and really tough as it can go whatever weather it is faced with. It's fast and great off the road. It function as its best with its unique truck parts, it won't be necessary to buy accessories to improve it.