I HAVE a soft spot for this chunky Tonka toy Isuzu Trooper because of its toughness, size and versatility, but it's not as fashionable as some of the others, and can therefore be cheaper.
Both short and long wheelbase versions are hugely able off-road, with immense mud-plugging and get-out-of-trouble traction, and they are competent on-road.
Imports ceased in 2003 and for the last years were only the five door. Good ones are getting harder to find and engines are 3.2-litre V6 petrol and 3.0-litre four cylinder turbo diesel.
The V6 has oodles of power - 174bhp up to '98 and 211 after - with a five speed manual or four speed automatic gearbox.
But these have a gargantuan thirst and the diesel, which outsold the petrol 10 to one, is a much better bet, giving an average 25mpg.
This is direct injection with 154bhp and performance is acceptable.
It's not particularly civilised on the road, but then, by car standards, neither are some others.
Interior
Like most of the other heavyweight 4x4s, the gearchange is notchy and slow, but the clutch is light and easy.
Light power steering takes care of the turns but doesn't give much back in the way of roadfeel.
A third row of seats was optional in all long wheelbase versions.
FAST FACTS
Isuzu Trooper T-D 5 door
Price: Pay about £3,900 for an '00 W-reg Standard, £6,700 for an '01 51-reg Citation or £10,300 for an '03 53 Insignia.
Mechanical: 154bhp, 3,059cc, 4 cyl diesel driving all four wheels via 5 speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 94mph
0-62mph: 15secs
Combined mpg: 25
Insurance group: 13
Marks: 8/10
Main Rival: Land Rover Discovery