Isuzu Problems

If you suspect something has failed and allowed water in, and you want to take the issue further with Isuzu, you need to have it independently assessed but someone experienced either with diffs or off-roading.

The NPR 300 can be rated at 4500kg or 6500kg. If it’s rated at 4500kg you can drive it without a truck licence, but if it's rated at 6500kg you do need one.

They all have child seat anchorages in the second row, but you're right that the Everest has anchorages in the second and third rows. The Everest would be the one to go for; it's got the most up-to-date cabin and would be best suited to your needs.

It's an unproven brand, which is why they are cheap. It was the same with Great Wall and their resale values reflect the way owners and potential owners feel about them. I wouldn't do it.

It’s clearly frustrating you, but I don’t believe you’ve copped a lemon on the basis of what’s happened. Isuzu fixed the diff, end of story, they also replaced the first pump under warranty, again end of story. The issue is why have two pumps failed, and why didn’t Isuzu cover the second pump. These are questions I would be putting to Isuzu. I’m guessing that the second pump wasn’t covered because the warranty had expired after three years.

It would suggest it wasn’t the throttle position sensor that was faulty, but it could be a connector to the sensor that has caused the problem. If that isn’t the problem look elsewhere, and I would suggest the crank angle sensor.

You really need to work it out with the dealer and Isuzu. I'd be asking why they don't appear interested in your plight, and press them for some sort of action. Lodging it with the Office of Fair Trading is worth doing, and hopefully that will see some positive response. Beyond that I could suggest a lawyer's letter to the company demanding they take action.

Range Rovers are great, but they can be expensive to run and service.

I would strongly recommend the Sorento, particularly if you find it gives you the comfort and support you need.

Isuzu spokesman Dave Harding replies: Isuzu Ute Australia values all customer feedback. Our service team has confirmed with Mr Cooke his vehicle is not defective and that the phenomenon he was experiencing is in fact a characteristic and in no way detrimental to the safe operation of his motor vehicle".

It's not something that we have come across before, and it doesn't seem right, but it needs further investigation to find out if it is a normal function of the car or a fault. I suspect the latter, but couldn't say one way or the other without witnessing it do it. Take it up with your dealer again, and if he says it is normal with the MU-X ask him to demonstrate it on another car. If he can't reproduce it on another one press him and Isuzu to investigate why it's happening on your car. If he can show you that it does happen on others you have to believe that it is an in-built fault with the MU-X.