Used Isuzu D-Max review: 2008-2012
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What we like
- Designed to handle the tough going
- Gutsy turbo-diesel
What we don't
- Might lack the bling of some others
What we like
- Designed to handle the tough going
- Gutsy turbo-diesel
What we don't
- Might lack the bling of some others
When GM split with Isuzu it lost access to the Isuzu-built Rodeo ute that had won such an enviable reputation for toughness and reliability with Australian ute buyers. The Japanese truck maker, the biggest selling truck brand in Australia, saw an opportunity and launched its ute as the D-Max, hoping to take advantage of the popularity of the Rodeo and Isuzu trucks.
New
Isuzu offered the D-Max in ute and cab-chassis forms, with dual-cab and single car, rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, with a broad range of models to cater for most buyers needs.
Its looks were workmanlike rather than flashy, but that's what the D-Max was all about. It was designed to handle the tough going, be that in the bush, the farm or the jobsite in town. At the same time it had a range of features that would meet the needs of most townies or grey nomads on the road with their caravan in tow.
The top-of-the-range models boasted things like air-conditioning, cruise, wheel arch flares, alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and shift knob, trip computer and front fog lights. One of the appeals of the D-Max was its three-tonne towing capacity, which was at the cutting edge at the time.
On the road it was comfortable and competent in all environments, whether weekday townie or weekend bush master
There was just one engine offered, an Isuzu 3.0-litre four-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel that delivered 120 kW and 360 Nm over a wide rev range for smooth, easy driving. Backing up the turbo-diesel was a choice of five-speed manual or 4-speed auto, and there was a choice of rear-wheel drive and dual-range four-wheel drive.
On the road it was comfortable and competent in all environments, whether weekday townie or weekend bush master. With its dual-range four-wheel drive system it was capable of tackling the most challenging offroad tracks, its gutsy turbo-diesel happy to slug it out on steep climbs and rough tracks.
Now
Most D-Max owners love their utes, few complain about them, and those who do usually complain about fairly minor things, like the power windows needing attention. One issue that does come to light occasionally is a high-pitched whistling noise, which is caused by the grease used on the oil seals on the front hubs by the factory drying out. Isuzu issued a service alert on it to address the problem.
Most owners acknowledge that there is nothing fancy about the D-Max; that the reason they bought it was its reputation for reliability and capability to get the job done. While the build quality from the Thailand plant is generally satisfactory, the complaints that owners do make would appear to be largely due to lapses in production.
The power windows are reported as one problem area, they regularly need attention for sticking or dropping.
One owner complained about the paint fading on the upper surfaces. This is a common problem with the paint used on most of today's cars, and regular cleaning, waxing and polishing is the way to combat it.
Regular servicing is also the way to ensure long life from your engine. Changing oil and filters regularly will help extend the life of the Isuzu diesel.
Some owners report problems with the DPF filter not automatically regenerating. It's usually because the vehicle is not being driven in a way that allows the filter to go through its regular automatic regeneration routine. When the light comes on the way to fix it is to drive the vehicle at 80 km/h or more for an extended period. The alternative is to have the dealer do the regeneration, but that can be a costly exercise.
Pricing
Year | Price From | Price To |
---|---|---|
2012 | $10,890 | $38,830 |
2011 | $9,020 | $26,510 |
2010 | $9,240 | $25,520 |
2009 | $8,910 | $23,320 |
2008 | $8,470 | $21,780 |
Pricing guides
Range and Specs
Vehicle | Specs | Price* | |
---|---|---|---|
EX (4X4) | 3.0L, Diesel, 5 SP MAN | $9,130 – 12,870 | 2008 Isuzu D-Max 2008 EX (4X4) Pricing and Specs |
SX (4X2) | 3.0L, Diesel, 5 SP MAN | $10,560 – 14,520 | 2008 Isuzu D-Max 2008 SX (4X2) Pricing and Specs |
SX (4X4) | 3.0L, Diesel, 5 SP MAN | $12,430 – 16,610 | 2008 Isuzu D-Max 2008 SX (4X4) Pricing and Specs |
LS (4X2) | 3.0L, Diesel, 4 SP AUTO | $12,540 – 16,720 | 2008 Isuzu D-Max 2008 LS (4X2) Pricing and Specs |
$9,130
Lowest price, based on third party pricing data