SECOND-HAND SENSEThe Isuzu name is not so well known in this country. While it has become a favourite for those who need a vehicle for work, it's not a big producer of popular cars. Its big strength is its 4-wheel-drive vehicles, which have made a name for themselves as workhorses for farmers, vets and other self-employed people.
Many consider the Trooper, the main 4-wheel-drive model, to be far better value, more reliable, sturdier and longer- lasting than many competitors. Traditionally it has had fairly crude diesel technology, but it represents a good package in terms of economy and standard equipment levels.
The commercial version is a fairly standard piece of work with a big engine, comfortable seating and enough room to take lots of equipment. It doesn't have too many frills. Unlike other vehicles, it doesn't use 4-wheel-drive all the time, rather using a shift on the move system to engage 4-wheel- drive when necessary.
Now almost 20 years old, the Trooper has established its reputation as a farmer's favourite. It's a reasonably good vehicle to drive but its abilities are more obvious when it comes to towing horse boxes and trailers. The engines seem to go on for ever but earlier models showed, as many Japanese cars and jeeps did at the time, a propensity to deteriorate fast because of the quality of the metal used for the body and the way in which it was treated.
The Trooper saloon has also been a popular choice for those seeking something along the lines of a Land Rover or Range Rover, without the lines or the cachet, but with all the abilities. The saloon is also considerably cheaper than most competitors, and sometimes better equipped. Some versions have as much standard equipment - multiple airbags, air conditioning and stereo systems - as many executive cars.
The saloon is not going to make the same impression as a Mercedes M-Class or a BMW X5 and is a rarity in the suburbs. A big and necessary 3-litre engine is loud and takes time to work itself up into performance mode, but again we need to remind ourselves that these are working vehicles. The M-Class and the BMW are not.
There are no published Euro NCAP crash test results for the Trooper (it's surprising how many cars are not covered by the tests) and no significant record of recalls. However, the Trooper is a heavy vehicle and solid enough but, like other 4-wheel-drives, it should be driven with respect and not at very high speeds. Those who drive them have no major complaints on dependability.
An owners' survey for Car Buyer's Guide gives the Trooper a reliability rating of 61 per cent and an overall score of 70 per cent for performance, comfort, image, interior, security, dealer service and value for money.
A 2002 commercial version with a 3-litre diesel engine and 42,000 on the clock has an asking price of €18,500, while a 2002 passenger version with the same mileage will go for about €20,000. The latter, however, should have extras such as air conditioning and a CD player. A big 2003 7-seater with 42,000 on the clock and all the extras will cost about €35,000. FOR: Good, serviceable and dependable workhorse
AGAINST: A serious image problem compared to the rest of the four-wheel drive line-up