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Isuzi D-Max

Posted: August 14th, 2017, 8:39 am
by Black Countryman
Having decided that the demountable lifestyle is definitely for us, I am thinking about getting a replacement for our 2.5L 2007 Ford Ranger which was purchased as a (relatively) inexpensive short term vehicle to see how things would pan out.

I quite like the Ranger but it seems a little under powered and it has now got 125,000 miles on the clock so we're looking for a fairly new (or maybe even brand new) replacement that will be our vehicle for the next ten years.

I was looking at the new model Ranger but fear that will be under powered unless we go for the larger Wildtrack model and have also seen an almost identical Northstar to mine sitting on top of a Isuzu D-Max in Scotland. The owner said how pleased he was with the truck, they are competitively priced and seem to have more BHP than the Ford.

Have any of our members got experience of these pick ups and would they like to share their views?

Re: Isuzi D-Max

Posted: August 14th, 2017, 8:46 am
by rubberrat
I've had two DMax. They are built for work and distance not to be just a lifestyle truck.
Recommended

Re: Isuzi D-Max

Posted: August 14th, 2017, 9:34 am
by earthman
I've got one, bought it second hand just under two years ago now, it's my first pickup period so can't say how it compares comfort wise etc to the rest.

Very pleased with it so far, it certainly seems well built and capable of hauling/towing large loads.

I think the top of the range version is the 'Blade'?
A crazy sum of money but I gather that all the other brands are equally as expensive when you are looking at the top of the range version. The good news is that even the 'Utility' model comes with central locking, electric windows and air conditioning.

Re: Isuzi D-Max

Posted: August 14th, 2017, 11:23 am
by whisht
I have a 62 plate DMax Yukon with Tischer Trail 230. Very happy with it. Better fuel economy than some I undstand. Suspension hard when empty. Have fitted air bags on rear suspension for when loaded with camper - well worth it. All in all very recommended. I have manual box whichbis good but after talking to several others would probably think about auto box on eventual replacement.

Re: Isuzi D-Max

Posted: August 14th, 2017, 6:38 pm
by sabconsulting
I'd certainly be interested in an Isuzu for my next truck.

The numbers certainly look good (decent payload, good fuel consumption, decent power). Are they now a 1.9 litre engine?

I also notice they do a extra-cab as well, which is a configuration I really like - extra storage space in the cab, but also more payload weight forward of the rear axle, which is a good thing when carrying a demountable.

Worth test driving one yourself. I wouldn't rely on other people's judgements about how powerful the truck feels to drive since people have different opinions on this. If asked about the 2007 2.5 Ranger I would say it had plenty of power, and I am carrying over a ton when the camper is loaded. But I do have multiple vehicles, all much more powerful than the Ranger. If the Ranger was my day-to-day transport then I might find its performance frustrating.

Steve.

Re: Isuzi D-Max

Posted: August 14th, 2017, 7:53 pm
by FinAde
Isuzu did offer the fitting of rear air bag suspension and re-plating to 3.5t as an option. Covered by their 5yr warranty.

Re: Isuzi D-Max

Posted: August 14th, 2017, 9:44 pm
by earthman
sabconsulting wrote:
The numbers certainly look good (decent payload, good fuel consumption, decent power). Are they now a 1.9 litre engine?
Oh wow, I didn't know that they dropped the 2.5 litre, that's what they all had. I'm guessing that it's something to do with making them Euro 6 compliant then??

Re: Isuzi D-Max

Posted: August 15th, 2017, 7:46 am
by Black Countryman
Thank you to everyone who has replied either on here or facebook. I've contacted Isuzu to ask for a test drive. I'll let you know what happens.