2003 Isuzu Trooper: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Isuzu Trooper?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Isuzu Trooper than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Engine oil leaks1.9× usual
  Isuzu Trooper

  28.5% All 2003 cars

  15%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Chassis rust or damage3.9× usual
  Isuzu Trooper

  14.1% All 2003 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1.1% of all 2003 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 bearings3.3× usual
  Isuzu Trooper

  12.6% All 2003 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 1.3% of all 2003 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.2× usual
  Isuzu Trooper

  14.7% All 2003 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.5%, against 2.9% of all 2003 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.1× usual
  Isuzu Trooper

  10.7% All 2003 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.2% of all 2003 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 2003 Isuzu Trooper MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Isuzu Trooper MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  42% 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
  41% 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
  33% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  32% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  23% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  17% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Isuzu Trooper

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

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2003 Isuzu Trooper as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 2003 Isuzu Trooper as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2003 Isuzu Trooper as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?