1997 Trooper

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Steve - 12 Jul 2006 04:11 GMT

I'm considering a 1997 Trooper S w/90k miles on it and wanted to get a
few more opinions good, bad or ugly about it. I like the size of the
Trooper both inside and out. A new SUV is out of the question. Not
enough cash and they seem for the most part to be more show than go.

Are there certain things to look for, did the '97s have a good
reputation or were there problem areas with it?

Thx!

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Kaz - 13 Jul 2006 01:24 GMT

> I'm considering a 1997 Trooper S w/90k miles on it and wanted to get a
> few more opinions good, bad or ugly about it. I like the size of the
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>
> Thx!

97's have the 3.2L engine which eats a lot less oil than the 3.5L in the
98+. I also dont like the 99+ torque on demand, so also, the 97 is good
there. Replace the hub flanges with manual locks and you are golden.
97 is my choice of all Isuzus.

Kaz

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Wesley - 19 Jul 2006 23:15 GMT

I would recommend a Trooper to just about anyone!

That 95 (or 96? Or is there a 95.5?) thru 97 body style is probably my
favorite... We have a 94 and an 02, I like them both in different ways.

A few points to ponder...the 3.2 v6 uses oil. That's just the way it is.
If you're not willing to keep tabs on it, don't buy a Trooper. Some do so
more than others, can't say why though... Unless it's already been
replaced, you'll likely be putting a starter on it in the next 20-40k miles
or so. The 3.2's seem to like to eat up starters - probably due to the long
cranking time for whatever reason.

Aside from that, there's not much to not love. It's a rugged vehicle that I
think would serve you for a long time (as long as you keep a check on the
oil and don't let it run too low!) One thing you might check is to see if
it has the limited slip differential on the rear-end, that's a nice feature.
If you can't tell any other way, look for a "G80" (if I'm remember
correctly, pretty sure that's right) option on the engine code plate.

Good luck!

Wesley

> I'm considering a 1997 Trooper S w/90k miles on it and wanted to get a
> few more opinions good, bad or ugly about it. I like the size of the
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>
> Thx!

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Steve - 14 Aug 2006 18:04 GMT

I ended up buying a 1996 w/107k miles on it. My local mechanic is doing
a complete fluid change, plugs, wires, cap, etc. and replacing an axle
seal. There's a few degrees of play in the steering - I've heard this
is common on Troopers - is this so, or is it a steering box adjustment,
tie-rods?

Otherwise it seems good - all power stuff works, A/C - maybe it needs
shocks/struts.

Thx!

> I would recommend a Trooper to just about anyone!
>
[quoted text clipped - 28 lines]
> >
> > Thx!

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Wesley - 15 Aug 2006 02:18 GMT

Sounds nice! I think that particular style is my favorite...I think they
had that style (boxy front end, but different grill and fender flares, vinyl
tire cover) from 95 (was there a 95.5 Trooper like there was in the Rodeos?)
to 1997. All the older Troopers (a 93 and 2 94's) I've driven have that bit
of play in the steering. After a short time, you forget it's there. I'm
sitting here and can't decide if I've noticed that in our 2002 or or
not...but it's only got 26k on the clock. If there's an adjustment, I've
never heard anything about it.

If it hasn't already had a starter on it, keep some money aside, I'd bet it
will need one in the next 10-20k miles. Does it tend to crank for a short
time before it fires up? I know the 93-94's with the 3.2 tend to do that -
I think it wears on the starter. Also, don't forget your timing belt - it's
due at 120k if I remember correctly.

Tell us some more...what's it look like, etc? Any photos you can share?

Wesley

> I ended up buying a 1996 w/107k miles on it. My local mechanic is doing
> a complete fluid change, plugs, wires, cap, etc. and replacing an axle
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
> Thx!

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