Trooper question

[Mrknowitall]

The Trooper is definitely a bargain. Its as capable as anything comparable. Room is awesome- same interior space as an FJ80 (a little narrower). It all depends on your budget and how nice a vehicle you want- The one you linked is certainly cheap. I would find the local price for a heater core and window regulator. I'd take that off the asking price. Poke around and make sure everything seems solid. Oil consumption is no big deal, if you kep an eye on it- my Accord commuter uses a quart every 1000mi- I add some from a glugg-jug every other fill-up.
If you want to get on the trail for under 3 grand, with lots of space, its one of your best options. If you have about 5 to spend, I'd look for a Monty for around $3500 and use the rest for parts.
To those who have had both, how does the cargo capacity compare between the two (w/ 3rd row seats removed)?

[Kenny Olson]

Quick trooper question, first gen with the GM 2.8 V6, Avoid?

[Squatchout]

Quick trooper question, first gen with the GM 2.8 V6, Avoid?

Not really. Some like the 2.6 Isuzu 4 cylinder. Myself included. Some like the 2.8 GM v6. They make about the same power and torque. Both are long lasting and reliable if well cared for and both have their quirks. For many it's really about what you are used to working on. The GM v6 gives you the option of replacing it with a 3.4 Camaro motor which can be built to make some real power. They are the same engine family. GM 60 degree bell housing pattern. The 2.8 v6 is pretty much the same as the motor used in countless GM's so parts are cheap and plentiful. It's a TBI engine where the 2.6 4 cylinder is a multi-point batch fire fuel injected engine. There are no good direct bolt in engine swaps to upgrade from a 2.6 4cyl. Except an imported 2.8 or 3.1 turbo-diesel. That requires a diesel transmission as well. The 2 engines use a different bellhousing pattern.

[Kenny Olson]

Thank you squatch. I`ve had a longtime dislike of the GM 2.8 after having an 84 pontiac 6000 wagon many years ago. I never have seen an engine have issues that snowballed so fast and left me stranded. I`ve never owned a trooper but am looking for an older import SUV for a toy. My 84 Bronco II just doesn`t have long enough legs for decent trips to where I want to go.

[jeffs_62]

Just to add my $.02 to this thread.

I currently own three Troopers. An '89 2.6 four cylinder, a '91 w/ a camaro 3.4 swap, and a '95 with a 3.2 DOHC. Every one of them has broken down and cost me money, but I wouldn't hesitate to hop in and take any of them cross country(on or off road). I had a montero that gave me nothing but issues the entire time I owned it, and seemed like the only time it tereated me well was when I was offroad, flogging the $#!+ out of it. That being said, I have a friend who has the same year make and model of Montero that I did, and has been driving daily for 18 years. I am an avid offroader, and love the Troopers. My favorite out of the three is the '91. More power and torque than the '95, and it's got all the goodies. ARB's front and rear, rock sliders, HD bumpers, winch........

One thing I will say though. parts are sometimes hard to find, and expensive when you do.

[High Center]

http://www.expeditionswest.com/vehic...per/index.html

When I was searching for an SUV similarly. Scott (of local fame) puts together a good overview of the Trooper and it comes away smelling like roses.

Best of luck-
HC

[Kermit]

We have a 2002 with the 3.5, bought because it was cheap. The previous owner took exceptional care of it since new.

Has 95K on the ODO, the automatic tranny is acting up. Auto was not my choice though, much prefer manual, but since it was cheap...(oh well)

Honestly, I don't like it....power is good, but the seats do not fit me...I find it very uncomfortable, and the controls oddly laid out. Good thing I do not drive it much...more or less a daily driver for the girlfriend. It sits mostly, because I much rather drive my Tacoma.

Just waiting for the tranny to go...hoping it will go 2 years though, but I have my doubts.

[double moo]

http://www.expeditionswest.com/vehic...per/index.html

When I was searching for an SUV similarly. Scott (of local fame) puts together a good overview of the Trooper and it comes away smelling like roses.

Best of luck-
HC

Also the highest rated of those posted at that time... Several years ago.

http://www.expeditionswest.com/vehic...les/index.html

[BigSwede]

Has 95K on the ODO, the automatic tranny is acting up.

Mode switch is a common problem...it's a GM tranny.

[Kermit]

Mode switch is a common problem...it's a GM tranny.

We got such a screaming deal on it, is why we settled on an auto. Otherwise it would of been manual.

Just needed a daily driver for her to get back and forth to school. I doubt if I'll fix it when it goes, probably just sell the whole vehicle, and buy another Toyota.