Replaced starter at 90,000, and again at 160,000.
Replaced transmission at 80,000 - my fault for not attending to transmission oil leak sooner. Manual transmissions on the Trooper have a breather tube that will slowly leak fluid when driven at high speed (70 mph or higher). The manual transmission uses 5W-30 motor oil so this leak can be confused with a rear seal leak on the engine. Just keep the transmission fluid topped up.
I have had the ticking sound but regular oil changes combined with using an oil change solvent seem to help.
All other maintenance I would characterize as standard interval replacements (brakes, tires, battery, etc.). I have never even replaced any of the light bulbs.
The Trooper is a reliable utility box on wheels. It is sure footed in the snow and holds its own in off-roading situations. I use it to tow a small trailer without any issues.
Yes it is a bit underpowered, and fuel mileage could be better (17 city/20 hwy for the 14 years I've owned it). But it is amazingly rugged and can always be counted on.
I am looking to replace it with a Toyota 4Runner, but I just can't get rid of it when everything continues to work so well.
You'll be disappointed with the 4runner after the Trooper - particularly in off-road situations.
"You'll be disappointed with the 4runner after the Trooper - particularly in off-road situations."
The 4runner is EXCELLENT in offroad situations. If you get a 4runner stuck, it's because you just have no idea how to drive. And at least the 4runner's frame won't rust in half like the Isuzu's.
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