5th Jan 2007, 14:43

My family and I have driven a BJ75 from Argentina, trough Bolivia, Peru and Chile, returning to Argentina after 52 days Troopie trip. Five people inside, riding 13.000 km. without any mechanical or electrical problem, and on all types of terrain (sand, mud, snow, salt and crossing many creeks and rivers. I can just say these vehicles are one of the best ever built.

Adrián Carmona L.

Meliquina - Neuquén - Patagonia Argentina.

13th Jan 2007, 20:34

Ask any Australian farmer or roo shooter what he thinks about his 'Cruiser. "Ripper Mate!! A legend!!"

15th Feb 2007, 22:26

The troopy is a great 4x4 to get through the worst conditions and still keep on going. We love our troopy and forgive the rough ride.

11th Oct 2009, 02:57

Trooper was my first driving vehicle, age at 18. I was part time school driver, and we used to bring students to remote mountains of Central America. It is definitely a purpose made tool, I used to fill it full of kids in the back and go thru mud, rivers, it has plenty of torque if used correctly can just go anywhere, It is also very good for learning to drive, with a experienced driver aside, you will learn tons of handing tricks, which later also apply to normal car. Today I drive an HDJ80, and W210, those cars are much more easier to handle, but with experience learned from Trooper, I haven't had any trouble at all with other vehicles.

10th Oct 2010, 14:04

The HJ75, HZJ75, HZJ78 and 79, are vehicles set apart in a world that is bowing to a recreational market vehicle design, rather than the true task at hand. Why do miners purchase Troopys and utility versions of the Landcruiser? Because they are built for the task,... reliable, bullet proof, and they work overloaded endlessly in appalling conditions, abused with no respect, and they just do the job without complaint. That is fact.

I myself have an older HJ75 utility version, 630,000kms on the clock, has the 2h diesel engine, has been completely under water overnight in a flooded creek, spent four years only in low-range on rock faces in mountainous terrain, needing half a ton of rocks in the back to give it weight and grip to climb, and to stop it floating away in fast flowing water. 6,000 kms to a set of tires was the best achieved and that says it all. Mechanically it has never cost a penny or let me down. Off road, it has the best driving position / visibility. Trees constantly are used to lean against for balance etc. Rough, yes, slow on the open road, yes, but indestructible. And it is not a yesterday's hero, but a current legend. It actually has 25,000 hours on an hourmeter. And yet it is still original. I love it.

I also have a HZJ78 Troopy, similar story, (500,000 kms and 17,500 hours) the 78 better to ride in and does more distance work. True, a turbo version would be nice, but I want it simple. They both have upgraded springs and fat tires, roo bars, lights and side rails, but nothing else other than the best oil, and regular changes. What have they cost me? The driver's seats to be refurbished from wear, that is all other than general maintenance. (Do the math on the kilometers and the hours of these vehicles, and come to an understanding of their true life.)

I am involved with HZJ75/78's living in the area of Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Sudan, Uganda, DR Congo especially, Chad, and these delivered by road from Europe. They operate and survive overloaded with wild drivers in conditions that give a nervous laugh, and they are expected to continue to do so. Because they are the real deal.

That is what these vehicles are made of, this is what they do. If that level of loyalty is not expected or wanted from a vehicle, there is an endless choice of softer, pleasant vehicles to purchase. But they won't have 25,000 hours on an hour meter and original, and still face the storm with courage and confidence.