Had some problems with my Trooper with the smoke etc, after much work on the garages part & a lot of smoke we found the heads knackered (even after a Isuzu tech told us it was fine) which isn't a big deal as I'm not paying!
But, the garage concerned have given me a Disco TDi auto (Jap import - mint & no rust) for the week while the new head is fitted. I find the on-road manners a little more soft & less predictable. The trade off for slightly softer suspension I suppose. The one thing that hit me right between the eyes is the build quality of the interior & some of the exterior is shockingly bad in places. My Trooper is 12 years old & looks like a new motor in most ways, the interior is solid with no rattles or dropping off trim items, this is a 'P' reg with similar miles but is in a lot worse condition. I don't mean it's been abused, far from it, but the things literally dropping apart!
The drivetrain feels a lot more modern than the trooper, but I only use the Trooper in 2wd anyway on road & 4wd is off road only really on the Trooper. I do like how it drives though & I'll see how she performs off road in the woods later on!
Have I got one that's been a bit abused (it's cleaner than a whistle & not damaged if you know what I mean) or are they all like this?
Another thing, the Trooper feels HUGE at the side of this!
Still, here's to the Trooper returning with a new head soon!
Nige