Faults:

Did not have very many problems with the Trooper, a wonderful, beautiful, head turning vehicle. A joy to drive, and hauled the kids and their friends everywhere. Even took it hunting a few times.

General Comments:

Probably one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. I wished I could find one in good shape, I would buy it in a minute and restore it to near it's original condition. I drove it to Utah and all over the mountain states. It handled like a dream, and would always get second looks from people. They should go back to that model and body. I would buy one in a heartbeat.

Faults:

It loses fuel pumps and alternators on a regular basis.

General Comments:

The main reason I'm taking the time to write this is due to the problems I've had with the 60 amp alternator. I lose one every two years and finally found that I needed to install the 75 amp alternator. This fixed my transmission problems!! With the low output of the 60 amp the tranny shifts poorly and switches in to the "winter mode" where the tranny is stuck in 3rd gear. This is no longer a problem with the 75 amp alternator!

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

In NZ it's called a Bighorn (ex-Japan), and the handling is by Lotus. Does handle well on road for it's size. Haven't been off road enough to comment yet. :-)

Seven seats are good, although the two in the rear are not that easy to get in/out of.

Big comfortable, built like a tank. The 4 wheel ventilated discs stop it very well though.

Factoring in more service (because it's diesel) it's still cheaper to own and run than the 2.0 litre petrol station wagon previously owned.

Very reliable so far, towed a caravan 1200kms in two days a couple of months back and it was superb. Slower on the hills, but masses of torque.

Turning circle not great, so you have to have a couple of goes at tight carparks, but the powersteering makes it a breeze. The Mrs loves it, so do the kids.

Good air-con, electric everything still working.

Overall this feels like a well made vehicle. Solid, quality parts and finish all round. The original paint is still very good. I think we'll drive this one till it stops, then go looking for another.

Faults:

Transmission kicks and goes into neutral on left turns or when gas is let off and then pushed again.

Bumpy on turns because of transmission.

Needed new starter at 100,000 miles.

Engine gasket leak at 125,000 miles.

Tires run out of tread fast.

General Comments:

This SUV has the coolest sounding engine, you can't even compare the solid sound of this engine with any other SUV.

0-60 in the upper 8s.

ABS is flawless.

Max torque can be felt at low Rpms.

Can tow boats like a truck.

The huge sunnroof is relaxing and a huge luxury.

Sub woofers sound awesome in this car because it is solid and has flaps for it in the back.

Looks great with rims.

Chrome lining and side mirrors.