Isuzu Trooper Swb (1988)

468 real MOT outcomes analysed • 5.7% first-time pass rate

1988 Isuzu Trooper Swb

CarHunch analysed 468 real MOT records for the 1988 Isuzu Trooper Swb. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

This 1988 Isuzu Trooper SWB is a significant reliability concern: only 5.7% pass first time against the UK average of 80%, and nearly one in five vehicles (0.6%) have recorded dangerous defects. The petrol models fare marginally better at 6.0%, but the difference is negligible.

At 116,000 miles median, these vehicles are typical for their age, yet they're arriving at MOT in poor condition with an average of 0.09 failures and 0.2 advisories per test suggesting accumulated wear rather than catastrophic flaws. If you're considering one, budget heavily for immediate remedial work and have a trusted mechanic inspect it comprehensively before purchase—this model requires hands-on scrutiny, not blind faith.

Below average reliability 74.3% below UK average
5.7%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
116,199
typical mileage
93,912–128,430 middle half
0.6%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.09
avg MOT failures per car
over 1.2 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1988 Isuzu Trooper Swb

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

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
Petrol (92%) 432 6% 0.09
Diesel (7%) 34 1.8% 0.06
LPG (0%) 1 0% 0
Gas Bi-Fuel (0%) 1 0% 0

Mileage Distribution

Most 1988 Isuzu Trooper Swb 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.

93,912
low mileage
116,199
typical
128,430
high mileage

Half of all 1988 Isuzu Trooper Swb vehicles fall between 93,912 and 128,430 miles.

MOT History Averages

1.2
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.09
Avg failures per vehicle
0.3
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Isuzu Trooper Swb?

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:

1987 1989 1990 1991 1992