1991 Isuzu Trooper review from UK and Ireland

Had an alarming noise from the diff (I've had front wheel drive cars for 20 yrs so this was guesswork) which an oil change (£18) sorted.

I've never owned a 4x4 before and only bought this because I desperately needed something which would transport my family of five and camping equipment.

Being the basic model, equipment is spartan - it's got everything you need, but absolutely no more!

Seats are upright like padded dining chairs and therefore comfortable, the high viewpoint and lots of glass all round also makes it a doddle to drive.

Performance on road is bus-like - you learn to be patient - hills are a problem due to the tall gearing between 2nd and 3rd, you have to change up much higher up the rev band so the turbo cuts in in 3rd, but off road it's a dream taking the steepest slopes and the muddiest fields in it's stride.

Running costs are surprisingly low, I get at least 25mpg around town and 30+ on a run even full and with loaded roof bars.

Decent tyres can be fitted for as little as £65, although I have not needed to change tyres so far.

It's very important to have it serviced regularly (e.g. engine oil change every 4000 miles or so to protect the turbo) but I've found that going to a good independent garage it's no more expensive than running a big car.