CarCostCheck

ISUZU TROOPER (2003)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 457 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,735

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

69%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£735

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

3059cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

69% pass rate, £2735/year to run. 13 points below average.

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Diesel3059cc23 years old457 tests134k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 3059cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245
Road Tax

Based on 3059cc

£735
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700
Total per year£2,735
Per month£228/mo
Per week£53/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

69% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the ISUZU brand average of 78%.

At 23 years old, 69% of ISUZU TROOPERs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 457 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 133,737 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 cars319th of 445(top 72%)
Rank among ISUZU models90th of 101(top 89%)
vs national average-13%(82% avg)
vs 2003 cars average-3%(72% avg)
vs ISUZU average-9%(78% avg)

Mileage Analysis

133,737

Average miles

vs

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2003 ISUZU TROOPER has 133,737 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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?

The most reliable year is the 1993 model with a 81% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2003 sits between the two at 69%.

ISUZU TROOPER by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200674%68199,672 mi
200572%273124,947 mi
200469%434135,304 mi
200369%457133,737 mi
200271%543134,189 mi
200176%341136,519 mi
200069%363131,546 mi
199972%637144,033 mi
199876%786153,276 mi
199776%762157,283 mi
199667%343155,226 mi
199568%164148,565 mi
199474%158155,794 mi
199381%150141,664 mi
199274%94134,392 mi
199169%32110,132 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 2003 ISUZU TROOPER

The 2003 ISUZU TROOPER is a performance with a 3059cc diesel engine. 457 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 133,737 miles at 23 years old, ISUZU TROOPER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 ISUZU TROOPER Fuel Costs

The 3059cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2003 ISUZU TROOPER?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,735 228/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £735 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% 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 2 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2003 ISUZU TROOPER

At 23 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. If you're flexible on year, the 1993 model has the highest pass rate at 81%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2003 ISUZU TROOPER's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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 134k 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 69% 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 2003 ISUZU TROOPER stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
ISUZU TROOPER(2003)69%£1245£735Grp 35-50£2735
BMW 3 SERIES(2005)78%£1245£250Grp 30-42£2050-£685
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(2005)78%£1245£250Grp 30-42£2050-£685
FORD MONDEO(2005)69%£1245£250Grp 30-42£2250-£485
FIAT DUCATO(2005)77%£1245£250Grp 30-42£2050-£685

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Related Isuzu Models

Explore other Isuzu cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

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