Isuzu Trooper Swb Turbo Diesel (1987)

557 real MOT outcomes analysed • 0.4% first-time pass rate

1987 Isuzu Trooper Swb Turbo Diesel

CarHunch analysed 557 real MOT records for the 1987 Isuzu Trooper Swb Turbo Diesel. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

This 1987 Isuzu Trooper is a serious reliability concern, with only 40% passing their MOT first time against the UK average of 80%—that's half the pass rate. No dangerous defects were recorded across the 557 vehicles tested, which is the one bright spot, but the stark failure rate suggests these old diesels need significant work to pass inspection.

At a median mileage of 158,556 miles, these Troopers have covered serious distance for their age, yet the data shows zero recorded failures or advisories per vehicle on average—a statistical anomaly that likely reflects incomplete testing records rather than actual condition. If you're considering one, budget for a full pre-purchase inspection by someone familiar with 1980s Japanese 4x4s, as the MOT data alone won't tell you what's actually wrong.

Below average reliability 79.6% below UK average
0.4%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
158,556
typical mileage
122,768–158,556 middle half
0%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0
avg MOT failures per car
over 1 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1987 Isuzu Trooper Swb Turbo Diesel

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a Isuzu Trooper Swb Turbo Diesel

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (100%) 555 0.4% 0
Petrol (0%) 2 0% 0

Mileage Distribution

Most 1987 Isuzu Trooper Swb Turbo Diesel vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

122,768
low mileage
158,556
typical
158,556
high mileage

Half of all 1987 Isuzu Trooper Swb Turbo Diesel vehicles fall between 122,768 and 158,556 miles.

MOT History Averages

1
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0
Avg failures per vehicle
0
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Isuzu Trooper Swb Turbo Diesel?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Isuzu Trooper Swb Turbo Diesel:

1988 1989 1990 1991 1992