2003 Isuzu Trooper 3.0L Diesel · ST53 RZB

The November 2024 MOT at 87,330 miles shows a worsening structural trajectory for this 2003 Isuzu Trooper. The vehicle passed on 28 November 2024, but only after failing ten days earlier on 18 November at 87,313 miles with two corrosion-related failures on the rear suspension component mountings that the tester judged to be excessively corroded and significantly reducing structural strength. The subsequent pass retained identical advisories for front suspension ball joint play across both lower arms and the offside upper arm, severely deteriorated dust covers on all front ball joints, and both front CV boots severely deteriorated. The chassis corrosion advisories from the pass mirror the fail items exactly, with rear and front vehicle structure corroded within 30cm of mountings. This pattern indicates that while the immediate structural failures were addressed to achieve the pass, multiple front-end mechanical issues remain unresolved and the corrosion is advancing. The mileage profile supports intermittent use rather than sustained regular driving. Between March 2022 at 82,573 miles and November 2024 at 87,330 miles, only 4,757 miles accrued over approximately 32 months, averaging under 1,500 miles annually. The gap between November 2020 and March 2022 shows similarly modest use of roughly 2,321 miles in that period. Such low annual mileage on a 23-year-old vehicle raises the probability of prolonged stationary periods, which accelerates corrosion on a body-on-frame 4x4 of this era and can degrade rubber components and lubricants through age rather than wear. The corrosion progression demands particular scrutiny. In March 2022 at 82,573 miles, the tester noted sills, floor pan and chassis corroded with rustproofing applied, advising treatment to prevent further decay. By November 2024, this had advanced to corrosion within 30cm of mountings on both front and rear structures, with the November 2024 fail recording excessive corrosion significantly reducing structural strength at the rear suspension mountings. This is not surface rust; it represents structural degradation at load-bearing points. The front suspension ball joint play and CV boot deterioration appearing consistently across both 2024 tests suggest front axle components have seen little recent maintenance. A prospective purchaser should commission a thorough underbody inspection prioritising structural integrity, specifically the chassis rails, outriggers, and all suspension mounting points, with particular attention to whether the November 2024 repairs to the rear mountings were executed to a durable standard or merely patched for test purposes. The front suspension arms, ball joints, and CV joints require immediate assessment for replacement need, as the advisories indicate advanced wear. Wheel bearings should also be checked given the slight play noted at both front wheels in 2020. The rustproofing history warrants examination for whether it masked developing corrosion or was applied proactively. Given the vehicle's age and corrosion trajectory, budget for ongoing structural maintenance should be factored into any purchase decision.