Howdy -

I was the proud owner of a 98 Trooper Limited, purchased new. I loved that beast - it reliably hauled my band gear and my Golden Retrievers up to around 115k, when the engine crapped out - oil leaks. I had a local shop rebuild the bottom. Eventually I got 249k miles out of it before I traded it out during Cash for Clunkers in '09. I have an opportunity to buy a 2000 Limited with under 90k. Having been away from Isuzus for quite a while and knowing that Cash for Clunkers took a lot of refurb-able parts off the road, I'm wondering about the availability of parts and mechanics' willingness to continue to work on them.

I currently drive a 2003 Kia Sorento and am also considering buying an '07-09 EX with similar miles and I'm pretty sure that parts would probably be easier to get, but I really LOVED my big ol' box on wheels.

Opinions and advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Hey Cheesehead,

I own a 2002 Super Trooper with 150k miles. Here is the problem with these beautiful boxy beasts, the parts are expensive and difficult to find. I am down to 1 working window. I managed to find parts for the window, but they are not original and break soon after purchase. I recently put almost 4K into my trooper. Don’t be like me. Having said that, I love the darn things. Easy to drive and so much space in the back, especially when you lift the back seats. My 2002 leaks oil, despite the repairs. I use it for short trips and never ever use it on the highway. I drive it like its made out of glass, driving miss Daisy style, know what I mean? Again, I really love the Trooper. If you have money to waste, and you love the Trooper like I do, then get one. But it will make you spend lots of money. I am not rich or anything, I am just crazy for the box on wheels. You are probably better off buying a used 4Runner or something that can go 300k like its nothing. I have a mechanic that supports my fascination with the Super Trooper, probably because he is supplementing his income quite nicely with my repair money.

Well, hope this helps.

 

I've got a 94 and I find that parts are still pretty easy to get on Ebay. There are actually quite a few outside of the USA.