1997 Isuzu Trooper diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1997 Isuzu Trooper diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1997 Isuzu Trooper diesel than on all cars registered in 1997.

• Rigid brake pipes2.1× usual
  Isuzu Trooper

  31% All 1997 cars

  14.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 2.1% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints4.2× usual
  Isuzu Trooper

  19.1% All 1997 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.4%, against 1.9% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Chassis rust or damage3.4× usual
  Isuzu Trooper

  19.8% All 1997 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 2% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Wheel bearings2.8× usual
  Isuzu Trooper

  18.7% All 1997 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.2% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Ball joint dust cover3.1× usual
  Isuzu Trooper

  10% All 1997 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 1997 Isuzu Trooper diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1997 Isuzu Trooper diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  44% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  42% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  34% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Rust and bodywork
  29% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  19% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Tyres
  19% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1997 Isuzu Trooper diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1997 Isuzu Trooper diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 1997 Isuzu Trooper diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 1997 Isuzu Trooper diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?