isuzu trooper?

[rb]

Hello

I am searching for a 4wd to travel in the near future in Marocco, Algeria and Lybia and Iceland (that is another forum I suppose ....)

I read the book of Chriss Scott. The Isuzu Trooper 2.8 td is mentioned in the chapter the best of the rest (I want to start on a small budget). Does anybody have any experience with this type of car? How much spares etc are available? Is it realy capable of traveling with 2 people?

Thanx

[Toby2]

Don't know to much on it but did have two mates travelling quite comfortably round Aus in one so think there is reasonable space (LWB model). Didn't see any throughout 7 months 22 countries in Africa so spares may be a problem. Depends whether it shares parts with small trucks (being an Isuzu there may be some cross compatability).

[rb]

Thanx for your info.
Looks good (apart from the fact that there are not much in Africa)
If it is possible, can you ask your mates about further info anyway?

Originally posted by Toby2:
Don't know to much on it but did have two mates travelling quite comfortably round Aus in one so think there is reasonable space (LWB model). Didn't see any throughout 7 months 22 countries in Africa so spares may be a problem. Depends whether it shares parts with small trucks (being an Isuzu there may be some cross compatability).

[Toby2]

They don't know much more thant that. It was a comfortable 4x4 for driving round Aus. It would fine in Morrocco / Algeria / Libya / Iceland as it is a 4x4. Its no where near as capable as a Landrover or Landcruiser but people take 2CVs / mercedes all sorts through these countries so any 4x4 is going to be reasonably good if an ordinary vehicle can get through. Would be fine for 2 people, would probably struggle with more unless you are going to keep the kit weight light and given the potential lack of spares, you might need to carry a few. Didn't see any in Morrocco but probably not a massive problem. Only saw one last time I was up in Iceland. Don't know about Algeria / Libya. One owner told me a couple of weeks ago that his 2.8 was more economical than some of the newer ones. Another option might be a Mitshibishi Pajaro / Shogun - there were a few older ones of those running round Morrocco and Iceland although spares may still be a problem.

[Kevin]

There are very few Troopers in West or North Africa, and spare parts can be a problem in most of these countries. That said they have usually good communication systems and flying in parts is no big deal.

I dont know what is meant about "the best of the rest" as I havent read Chris Scott's book but in my opinion the first series of Troopers with the 2.8 are crap, the post 93 newer model with the 3.1 engine which were sold in Europe as the Opel Monterey are a hell of a lot better. They (first series) have very big problems with weight in deep sand and I know of two which after a tour of Mauritania had to be literally taken apart and put back together again. I suppose other people will have had positive experiences and I accept that but I was offered a petrol engine one for free in Germany about a year ago and I turned it down. Buy something else.

[sunjan]

In the first or second Plymouth-Dakar, there was a team taking a Trooper.

It broke down completely in Dahkla (trouble with transmission/diffs), and spares were totally impossible to get.

AFAIR, they ended up having to PAY to get rid of it, since they had to get it cancelled from their passport. A customs official became the proud new owner of the wreck.

I agree with Kev that you hardly ever see them in Sahara, and there must be a reason for that. Go for a TLC, the older ones are getting cheap now.

Jan

[Chris Scott]

For what it's worth, Troopers are no longer listed in the 'Best of the Rest section of the book.

Ch

[rb]

thanks for the replys

i did not get a trooper ...
in stead i bought this year a mercedes 190d and drove to banjul and sold it there (i did not see a trooper on my way ...)

[GreenLaner]

Wish I had caught this thread when it was active....but it's never too late for another [informed] opinion.

Having owned and driven Isuzu’s for many years, I can shed some light on an otherwise dark subject. In a nutshell, they are great vehicles, eternally under-rated and superbly capable.

Let me also add that there are horror stories about EVERY vehicle; these mean nothing. You can read just as many stories about TLCs and many more about Rovers if you look for them. As for parts; well the same it true for many older vehicles in many countries.

I've owned 3 Isuzu’s with three different engines: 2.6 4cyl petrol, 2.8 GM V6, and my current 2.8TDi. I've travelled across Canada and the US, throughout Baja in summer heat (+40), around Alaska in winter (-20), and now throughout Hokkaido, Japan.

I've also camped in them, driven in off-road rallies, pulled down trees, hauled firewood, towed vehicles, and generally driven the s$@!te outta 'em.

The 1st generation Isuzu Trooper/Bighorn is without a doubt one of the toughest and most capable 4x4s available, with all due respect to CS and others 'in the know'.

Like any vehicles, they have some weaknesses and idiosyncrasies, but overall they are fantastic and will outperform many other similar cars in the worst of conditions.

GL

www.greenlaner.net

[patchlewis]

I have to agree with GL, my trooper (2.8TD)took me from London to Chad and back no worries whilst returning average 25mpg. Even gave a lift to stranded Disco owners! Every motor has its pros and cons.