What have I done

[milehitrooper]

I am freaking out and need some advice/reassurance.

I just purchased a '99 Trooper S with 85,000 miles as I needed something bigger with my second child on the way. I had read reviews at various places that gave the Trooper overall high marks. People seemed to give personal reviews that ranked it up there with the other Japanese products. So, I thought I had found a gem. The vehicle is in outstanding condition with a 5spd, 18 inch wheels, and spotless interior but...I am now reading about all of these engine problems. Wish I had found this forum earlier and I would have stayed clear of Troopers...but I didn't.

Now the previous owner told me that the vehicle burns about a quart of oil every 1500 miles or so but I haven't had it long enough to guage for myself. He told me to check the oil every month so I am fearful that it is more like every 500 miles or so. Yes, the tailpipe has some black soot at the tip. Therefore, in preparation of the impdending engine failure should I: a) purchase a used vehicle warranty that covers the engine (looks like it would cost me about $1,000) or b) dump this POS, take a finacial hit and buy an actual reliable vehicle.

Feeling like I purchased a fat assed pig wearing lipstick. Talk about buyers remorse. Sorry for such a negative first post but I am not sleeping well at night with visions of my pregnant wife and child stranded in the middle of nowhere. Is it a sign of bad luck that the check engine light came on? It is the evap emissions code that I have read some about but I am pretty sure it isn't the gas cap because two came with the vehicle.

Are people who post on forums reprsentative of the overall experience of Trooper owners or is this a select group that have sought out assistance/advice? I have been watching other Trooper owners as I pass them driving and they aren't crying or giving me a knowing glace that I just got screwed.?

Any advice or words of encouragement welcomed.

Chris in Denver

[directory]

you actually have bought a great vehicle. one that will get you where you need to go, be it over rocks or road.

the oil burning is an issue, juat keep an eye on it--check it every weekend. this thing will last 250000+ miles.

you may need minor maintainence--but what doesn't?

i would first go change ALL of the fluids. trans/ diff/ oil/ radiator hell..do the window washer also.

[amigo-2k]

A gallon of gas costs 2.50 and will take you 20 miles.

A quart of oil costs 2.50 (less then that) and you may have to add a quart every couple tanks of gas.

Be happy that you know that they do burn oil (I don't burn much, but have alway had black soot at the tail pipe since new).

The key to a long life is to change the fluids like the tranny every 30-35k. Clean the EGR and tube once a year (30 minute job and costs 2-5 bucks) and cleaning out your PCV with some carb cleaner every couple of thousand miles. And to get into the habit of checking the oil (every saturday morning pop the hood and check and top it off).

The folks with engines dieing are the ones that never check the oil until it is too late.

Read the FAQ's there is a lot of good info.

The are very solid trucks and are a great value. Smile and enjoy it!
-Ryan

[marcre]

You'll grow to love the Troopper, you just need to get to know it.

The oil burning issue is a pain, but manageable. Don't check it once a month, do it every few days until you get an idea how much it burns. Even then, check it every two weeks at most. Try and use seafoam or auto rx to slow the oil burning a bit. Use a good oil too. If you keep the oil full, it will survive.

Clean the EGR and change the PCV valve. Get the CEL fixed (it may be the gas cap) and you will be happy. It is a 99, so it's not new, there will be repairs.

Read over the FAQ's and then go get to know the vehicle. This forum is here to help, so if you've got a question, ask.

Also, congratulations on the second child.

Marc

[rodeo02]

Chris, no need to panic! You get a lot of truck for the money with a second hand trooper. Like the other fellas said, keep an eye on the oil level until you get a handle on it. The 1998+ 3.2/3.5 usually consume oil on long hywy runs. You may burn none with your driving habbits. You wont know until you get into a routine. All 4x4 trucks require lots of maintenance. This forum is a great source of info for that!! If you find yourself adding LOTS of oil, go thicker. You will use less. Isuzu specs 15w40 or even 20w-50 is okay for temps 10degF and above. Gallon jugs of (heavy-duty truck) 15w40 can be had very reasonably.

G/luck
Joel

[milehitrooper]

Thank you guys! That is what I am needing to hear. Reading through some various posts it seemed like the engines just arbitrarily stopped running. I can handle topping off the oil. That I can control. I will be exploring the seafoam option. The wife and I love the truck and hopefully, I can just relax and enjoy it. I will be lurking and asking for advice. Thanks for the welcome.

Chris in Denver

[two dogs]

A litre of oil every now and then is very cheap maintenance.....lucky you didn't buy an X5 or Merc 4wd....then you would know about expensive maintenance!!! They are good trucks and despite the scarey stories on here are quite bullet proof....and comfortable. Good luck.