Isuzu Trooper (1996)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 343 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,088

£257/month

MOT Pass Rate

67%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3165cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

67% pass rate, £3,088/year to run. 15 points below average.

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Petrol3165cc30 years old343 tests155k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3165cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£3,088

Per month£257/mo

Per week£59/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

67% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Isuzu brand average of 78%.

67% of MOT tests on Isuzu Troopers from 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 343 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 155,226 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1996 models202nd of 243(bottom 18%)

Rank among Isuzu models96th of 101(bottom 6%)

vs average of all models-15%(82% avg)

vs 1996 models average-8%(75% avg)

vs Isuzu average-11%(78% avg)

Mileage Analysis

155,226

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1996 Isuzu Trooper had 155,226 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1993 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 81%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 67%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Isuzu Trooper by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2006	74%	68	199,672 mi
2005	72%	273	124,947 mi
2004	69%	434	135,304 mi
2003	69%	457	133,737 mi
2002	71%	543	134,189 mi
2001	76%	341	136,519 mi
2000	69%	363	131,546 mi
1999	72%	637	144,033 mi
1998	76%	786	153,276 mi
1997	76%	762	157,283 mi
1996	67%	343	155,226 mi
1995	68%	164	148,565 mi
1994	74%	158	155,794 mi
1993	81%	150	141,664 mi
1992	74%	94	134,392 mi
1991	69%	32	110,132 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW Z3

1998 · 2800cc Petrol

£2,888/year

77%

+10%

Porsche 911

1998 · 3596cc Petrol

£2,738/year

85%

+18%

Mercedes E

1995 · 3606cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

+12%

Volvo 900 Series

1997 · 2922cc Petrol

£2,888/year

74%

+7%

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About the 1996 Isuzu Trooper

The 1996 Isuzu Trooper is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3165cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 343 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 18% of 1996 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 155,226 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Isuzu Trooper owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1996 Isuzu Trooper Fuel Costs

The 3165cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1996 Isuzu Trooper?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,088 (£257/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 67% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Isuzu Trooper Reliability Trend

The Isuzu Trooper has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1996 Isuzu Trooper

At 30 years old, the Isuzu Trooper is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 30 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 155k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 67% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1996 Isuzu Trooper stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Isuzu Trooper(1996)	67%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£3,088
BMW Z3(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,888-£200
Porsche 911(1998)	85%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£350
Mercedes E(1995)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888-£200
Volvo 900 Series(1997)	74%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,888-£200

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1996 Isuzu Trooper

Is the 1996 Isuzu Trooper reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 67% of MOT tests on 1996 Isuzu Troopers ended in a pass, from 343 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1996 Isuzu Trooper cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,088 a year (£257 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Isuzu Trooper?

67% of 343 MOT tests on the 1996 Isuzu Trooper ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 202nd of 243 models first registered in 1996 (bottom 18%).

Which year Isuzu Trooper has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1993 Isuzu Trooper has the highest MOT pass rate at 81% and the 1996 the lowest at 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1996 Isuzu Trooper?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 Isuzu Trooper is 155,226 miles, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.