Isuzu Trooper 3.0 TD DUTY - opinions

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Shutterbug

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Buying a car next week and want something reliable that can tow - narrowed it down to a Isuzu Trooper 3.0 TD DUTY which is available locally with reasonable mileage for good price but before i go see it would like some opinions on reliability from anyone who drives and tows with one.

I have read they can have problems with the steering if used for towing, and that the fuel system, engine and brakes can be issues and wondered if this was a true reflection?

So can I have a HHO review on this vehicle please :)
 
I had the older version but when I went to change I was advised against buying the 3.0 by my mechanic as they were so problematic. The older version was a brilliant jeep for towing.
 
Good golly never had any probs with mine at all except for an early recall for fuel injectors. Mine is a SWB 2002 model.
No problems with fuel engine brakes and as for steering trooper has best turning circle I have come across for towing.
 
The one to have is the 3.1 TD, which stopped production on an 'R' plate. After this, Isuzu swapped to the 3.0, and had no end of problems with the engine. I am carefully looking after my 3.1TD, I love it, it tows like a dream, and is a great car. Having seen several 3.0 versions on the workshop ramp having a rebuild, I would NEVER swap mine for a later model!

Sorry, probably not what you wanted to hear.
 
We have a 3 litre 02 plate Insignia Long wheel base which we have had for two years specifically to tow our Equitrek trailer. OH was a transport manager and had a choice of towing vehicles to tow very long dental caravans etc. Isuzu Troopers were the best and stuck to the road, no snaking etc. We are going back to a wagon so will be selling ours .
 
I have a W reg (2000) 3.0 td citation which is the one above the duty and it towes very well. I tow an Ifor HB506 and a 16.3 warmblood and our gear and sometimes a 17h ISH too and ti has been fine. Yes if you read reviews there have been horror stories and engine fails due to injectors going but what i did was as soon as i had mine take it to ISUZU and they will check it has had the injector work done. If it has fine, if it hasnt then they will do it any any other recall work Free of chareg. mine has been very good, make sure you have it serviced and use a good fully synthetic oil like 5w 30 do not put 10w30 or anything thick like that must be 5w 30. they are VERY good in snow, i have not had to use low ratio in mine as 4wd is enough but dont drove normally in 4wd as it will scrub the tyres as it is sooo grippy in 4wd mode. the turning ciclre is better than most cars i drive. i take it shopping, etc and it has been fine. the only thing is they dont make them any more. I have had to have new brakes and exhuast on mine and new batteries in 2 years thats it.
 
Thank you for your feedback guys, its very much appreciated :)

I have been told only to avoid the SWB model as the LWB is better - I cant find any 3.1 models for sale unfortunately but if anyone can locate one please let me know. :D

Will be taking along a mechanic friend, car has 12 month MOT and a warranty with it so its worth a looksee if nothing else
 
Gloria Victous said:
Avoid the SWB 3litre Duty like the plaque, I had a W reg and I has nothing but problems.
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I have read that on the WhichCar link that ROG posted for me earlier and heard it from quite a few other sources too so will definitely be actively avoiding that one.

To be honest I need a LWB anyway as have a very large dog and we do a lot of camping as a family so need the extra space. How on earth I have managed with a Nissan Almera these last 2 years I have no idea but at the time it was what we could afford. I had a Mitsibushi Pajero a few years ago and loved it but the mechanic put a battery in the wrong way and blew up the engine. Have looked for another one but the only trade places selling are dodgy as hell and have various negative reviews so avoiding
 
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