I have been pretty happy with my 93 Isuzu Trooper. But in 8 years I have had 3 electric window motors go at $300 a pop. Last year the starter motor. This year new water pump, timing chain, tie rods, exhaust system. This SUV has only 60K miles on it and is babied in every way and maintained to the nth degree by the original dealer.

But parts are ridiculously expensive ($1,200 for a STARTER MOTOR!) This year alone I spent $6,000. Mind you, Canadian dollars. Still, I earn C$.

I could not afford to buy another since they have upped the price beyond reason into the luxury SUV range. I would take a long hard look at all the competition first.

I originally chose the Isuzu Trooper because it seemed very well built and I figured it would last a long time. Now I'm not sure I can afford to keep it going if much else goes wrong.

My last car was a 1978 Celica. It did not cost me $3000 in 15 years.

Maybe the newer Isuzu Troopers are more durable. Still I lIKE it a lot. To be fair it still looks and drives like new (mind you I seem to have replaced half the car).

From now on I will be going aftermarket for parts and repairs. At the dealer no repair is ever less than $1000 it seems.