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BateupSouth East Queensland, QLD
- 7 reviews
Tough and Reliable Ute
I have a 2013 Isuzu D-Max LSM - so it is about 6.5 years old. It has served me extremely well over the past few years and cannot fault it for the price. I have driven on long highway road trips, on the soft sand at the beach and offroad on dirt and gravel tracks - and never have I had an issue! The selling points for the D-Max would have to be the low price tag when compared to competitors and the reliable Isuzu motor.
During my time with the car, I have had 2 minor issues that have only kept me off the road for a couple of days:
1. One of th...Read more
Purchased in November 2021 at Isuzu Dealers for $38,490.00.
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Sam L.Sydney
- 5 reviews
It's got its good points and not so good
When people call it an honest workhorse, they mean devoid of creature comforts and rough as guts. And maybe tough. Which closely describes my 2016 D-Max LS.
I have had mine for three years now since brand new.
Its attributes?
No recalls, no major issues or breakdowns, all issues are due to its character.
Jumping right in: It really likes to rev before changing gears unless you are Sunday driving. In reality, the useable torque seems between 2400 and 3000rpm. It does not make sense why the ECU/ECT allows it to frequently rev past 3000rpm before ...Read more
Purchased in April 2021 at Isuzu Dealers for $40,000.00.
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RossSouth East Queensland, QLD
- 3 reviews
Dmax Auto
I have had two Isuzu Dmax's one manual and one auto. My manual towed a 3t caravan and I sold it at 150000km with the same clutch and brakes from new. The second which I still own is a 2014 Xrunner auto has a 5 speed automatic transmission which has done 115000km and I have never had a problem towing the same van. If you leave it in auto mode you should not get an overheat on your transmission towing. Let it choose the gear it wants to tow in and you will find it works great and the ECU learns. I tow my van a lot and at 90000km I had a transmiss...Read more
ion shop service it and he said it is good and the oil was only a bit cloudy. I added an Elocker for towing off road which I would like as an option and just recently upgraded my suspension. Both Dmax's have been great tow vehicles.Purchased in June 2021 for $48,000.00.
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Find out how Isuzu D-MAX RC.I compares to other Utes
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Dave CPerth, WA
- 3 reviews
- 6 likes
- D-MAX RC.I (2012-2016)
- Verified purchase
Is the D-Max a genuine tradesman type vehicle
Brought a 2015 D-Max Space Cab with alloy tray as a replacement for my 2010 PK Ranger (still the most reliable 4WD I have ever owned). The D Max is fitted with a steel bull bar (dealer fitted) and from day one vibrated. The whiplash was so violent when you hit rough roads that it snapped off 2 High Gain mobile aerials attached the bull bar mounting. The dealer has never been able to resolve the issue. In my opinion I think the steel bull bar is too heavy for the front suspension. Solved the issue of the High Gain aerial by shifting it to a fend...Read more
er mount. The next issue was the whole passenger side of the vehicle developed a 30mm lean. The dealer initially claimed that the vehicle was not loaded correctly. Put the vehicle on a weigh bridge and the loadings on front and rear axles were within the specifications and the total vehicle weight was at 72% loading. (tray rated at 1000kg). Rearranged the load (vehicle has a constant tray load of about 600kg) to no avail. Dealer could not resolve. Vehicle developed a vibration through out the drive chain that even at idle the bull bar and spotlights shuddered. Despite investigations it was never resolved. The vehicle has travelled 140,000km now and the motor is starting to shown signs of getting a little tired. The blue tooth connection is also failing despite a request to the dealer to investigate which was never resolved. Despite its shortcomings it has always had a good fuel consumption (approx 10l / 100km) and the ride is very comfortable. The space cab area is quite surprising in how much equipment you can fit. If you are looking a smart looking ute that sits on the driveway from Monday to Friday looking good then go camping / fishing or bush bashing on the weekends then it would suit your needs perfectly. As a hard working tradie ute carrying a constant load maybe not so.Purchased in March 2021 for $40,000.00.
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allanwarragul, vic, 3820
- 2 reviews
Isuzu canopy
the Isuzu canopy is no good, after 3 years the side glass on the r h side of lift up window started to come out of holder, Isuzu would not fix it as canopy is warranted for 3 years or 100,000 km, the repairer told me the frame is buckled and needed a new one. so I will have to keep window closed.not good enough when vehicle is 5 years warranty, I had it back to Isuzu a few times to stop it leaking .
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BigbadalGisborne
Tough
Without doubt the most genuine workhorse out there, if you want refinement get an Amarock, if you want reliability and an engine capable of 600k, D Max all the way, I had the first one 240k still on original clutch, rotors and only replaced pads once towing 3 ton regularly.
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DAVOWando Bridge
- 2 reviews
Best truck on the market
These vehicles are built to last,I know of allot of farmers who had Rodeos and ran them around for 10-20 years in the paddock so to speak, with minimal problems.
The D Max is basically the same thing.I regularly tow 3 tonne trailer and its still good on fuel.
currently at 60000km after 2years .
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A good ute
Ive read the reviews here. Interesting. Such diversity.
I've owned 4 x 4wd's (Hilux's and now Dmax) and grew up with Toyotas including Troopy's, 80 series wagons, 3 x Hilux's between 2001 and 2015, 75 series utes and 100 series Wagons in my family. My last 4bie before the Dmaz was a 2004 SR5 TD Hilux. I loved it. We did trips to Simoson, Cape York and other outback areas and Fraser, Moreton nad Bribie regularly.
I like the Dmaz best.....not because its the latest.
Ive had it now 2.5 years and 40,000k's and have used it towing and offroading...Read more
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CharlesNerimbera
- 3 reviews
A great ute
WE love our d-max that we have now had for seven years. It is totally reliable and is just great and does every thing that we ask of it. The only replacement parts have been front shocks beside replacement tyres and normal servicing. We tow a tractor on a two ton trailer and it handles the job with ease.
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Find out how Isuzu D-MAX RC.I compares to other Utes
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AlexGold Coast
- 8 reviews
When everything fails you, your D-Max won't
I bought my D-Max in October 2014 and it never failed me. With 86,000 kms on the odo, I embarked on a risky journey across Australia, moving from Adelaide to Gold Coast for work. I towed 2.5 tonnes over the 2000 kms and the D-Max did it all no fuss. Along the way, I hit three kangaroos without bullbar, however, there is barely any damage on the truck. I also picked up contaminated fuel in Cobar, but the D-Max powered through without any issues. You cannot get a more reliable vehicle.
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No fuss ute
Bought my 2015 Dmax second hand. Still had 3 years warranty on it (2020). I have travelled all of the state of NSW and Victoria without an issue. I've driven it on sand and through the Vic High Country. Thes are mechanically sound vehicles. The 5 speed automatic isn't bad but it could use the extra cog (2017 onwards has a 6 speed). In saying that it cruises under 2000rpm at 100 and has excellent fuel economy. The car can feel a little under powered at times but this may be fixed with the extra 50NM from 2017 onwards.
All these people are c...Read more
omplaining about little things. You knew the car had those seats, didn't have a rest for your right arm etc. That's why you test drive a car. These are no surprises. That's what you get with a Dmax, it's mostly basic but it is unlikely to surprise you with any major issues unlike the Ranger I had. Yes the seats are a little uncomfortable but for me they are just hard and I don't have any issues with my back. The interior is hard plastic, like every other ute bar the Amarok. I agree that the Bluetooth is rubbish. If you want to buy a personal ute that you plan on keeping for ten years and putting 250k on the clock, then buy one of these or a Hilux. If you are buying a brand new company car that you will trade in after three years, buy a Ranger. The Ranger is more comfortable, drives better and has more power. However, I trust my Dmax more than my Ranger and I know it will still be running after those ten years.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Warranty ambiguous and misleading
2014 4x4 60000kms and the diff-axle housing exploded 700km east of Alice Springs what a nightmare sitting in remote Australia on three wheels Had to activate recovery and pay for it as sat company had not activated our renewal even though we had paid for it,so couldn’t contact isuzu assist
Eventually got back to Alice Springs and discovered that Isuzu would not warranty the claim even though the dealer had suggested to upgrade the GVM to legally carry the weight,Isuzu denied the claim because the suspension had been altered
It was fitted b...Read more
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BillCanberra
Really good ute let down by very average dealers
I've owned my D-Max for nearly four years and have found it to be a very good ute that does everything asked of it without a fuss. It has done a lot of trips from southern NSW to far north Queensland and back on highways, dirt tracks and everything in between and has never missed a beat on these long runs, while being comfortable and easy to drive. It's quite capable on 4wd tracks too, though I've never really had a need to bother with low range 4wd.
Seat comfort is an individual thing, but I've done 10 and 12 hour days in the driver's seat...Read more
- over multiple days - and been very happy with the comfort. Fuel economy is good, about 7.5 to 8.5 l/100 km on average with premium diesel. An aftermarket steel bullbar and decent lightbar tidied up the front end and gave a bit more defence against the suicidal western plains kangaroos, though they knocked about 0.4 l/100 km off the fuel economy at highway speeds. Aftermarket side steps were much cheaper and tougher than the Isuzu variety, stopped the stones on dirt roads chipping the sills, and fitted on within about half an hour. The manual gearbox had an early issue with jumping out of 2nd/3rd gear on long downhill runs, fixed under warranty after about a month total for diagnosis (it was related to the synchromesh mechanism) and repairs. Dealership took a bit of convincing to fix it, they (a) tried to tell me nothing was wrong with it (b) clutch adjustment would fix it (c) problem would be fixed at next service, before finally conceding that (d) the box would need to be pulled out and substantially rebuilt with new parts by a specialist gearbox workshop (which took a week). No problems in the three years since, but after one further service where the bash plate under the sump was left barely attached (three bolts missing and the fourth only finger tight), following a non-oil change service, I've given up on the dealership, so it's being better maintained as well. Engine is strong, a bit noisy, definitely more like a commercial small truck unit, but under-stressed and happily runs all day with no load, half a load, or close to GCM when towing. Handles pretty well for a dual cab ute, suspension is a bit jiggly when empty, but that's expected with a live axle. Interior is no great shakes, lots of hard plastics, bluetooth for the phone needs a bit of work with the mic gain and still isn't great, and I fitted an aftermarket reversing camera to make life a bit easier. Plenty of room, though, lots of places to put small items and mostly pretty comfortable. All in all, I'm still very happy with my D-Max, coming up on 80,000 kms. If not for the gearbox issue (which, to be fair, never stopped it) and the very average service from the dealership, it would have been five stars. Very likely to buy another D-Max, but next time I'll buy an auto and take it to a decent mechanic from the very start!Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Reliable work ute
2014 model auto I've found nothing wrong with the d-max a lot better to drive than the triton feels the same as the hi-lux interior as plenty of room front and back drives well
The only thing I've found that's annoying is if you take of quickley the Tyers spin
And the canopy leaks but that's not an Isuzu fault
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BlueyDarwin
Good reliable ute in remote area
As a repairer with over 39 years in the industry I will chime in. Regional & remote Australia. No frills Isuzu utes are one of the best value for money units arround for remote area use. Tyres & suspension will need a upgrade if you spend more time on corragated unsealed roads. But, this cost still out weighs in long term value over other brands that can't handle off road conditions. I won't mention them because I make money on repairing them. Even those $80,000 + & over Dmax class, suffer from broken or cracked chassis & mounts, radiator supp...Read more
ort panels, apron panels & wheel arches, battery trays, windscreen pillars & door apertures. Never seen this on a Dmax ute. My opinion is for value they punch well above their weight & knock the most popular ute in their class out cold. Engines seem more a commercial unit & very reliable. My hope is Isuzu don't give up on a good reliable town or remote work ute & buckle to unreliable gadgets or weight saving by compramising chassis strength. PS. I had to select make/model in drop boxes but my post relates to all model Dmax utes.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Isuzu D-MAX RC.I compares to other Utes
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Unreliable
Had to be repaired after 3 days, still not repaired can't tow as not enough power many electrical breakdowns now after 23 months Isuzu have give up so I am left with a vehicle that I can't use and needs a new engine after 20,000 miles. Unlucky for me I spent £30,000 on a Isuzu.
May 6th 2018 Update: Keeps breaking down
Only 23months old has been back to dealer many times now a non runner at 20000 miles and not getting repaired. Had to be towed in by a ford sadly. Dealer has give up seams that the warranty is worth less and I am left with n...Read more
o vehicle that I can use. September 6th 2018 Update: Non stop problems Brought new, problems from new had to sell at a massive loss as never worked properly and brought a ford had new clutch at 20,000 MLS engine and electronic problems that warranty did not want to repair. Warranty is such a battal to get, fuel filters are always need changing. Brought 4 D-MAX but the later blade was good as useless and had to get towed in by a ford at times, bit bad for new vehicle.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Victoriamelbourne
- 5 reviews
- 7 likes
Beautiful Car to drive and ride in
Just purchased a Isuzu Dmax and love it . Good on fuel easy to drive and very comfy.
The towing capacity was what sold us on this vehicle and we have no problem reccomending it to other caravan owners. Only thing lacking was an inbuilt gps but we can live with that. Love the reversing camera and the blue tooth. Should be standard in all new vehicles.
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AusbornBrisbane
- 2 reviews
- 1 like
2012 D-Max SX 4X4 excellent for my needs.
My 2012 manual SX 4X4 Spacecab has done over 55,000ks and the only fail was the driver's side seat belt stalk which was fixed under warranty. It has taken me 25,000ks around the country including Cape York and remote areas of the Kimberley and Pilbara without any problems and fuel consumption was excellent given the load. Accessories included a bull-bar, lights, tow-bar, jack-off canopy, fridge, and a roof rack, so by the time you add tools, spares, camping and retrieval gear, plus water and spare fuel you're up to your GVM. The stock rear susp...Read more
ension appeared at its limits so was replaced by Kings Springs (excellent job). I bought 2nd hand rims and I had them fitted with Bridgestone A/T Light Truck for outback work which are fine, and have retained the originals for city. The Isuzu bull-bar has proven effective against an unfortunate kangaroo. I had initially considered a Mazda BT50 but didn't like the gearbox, plus Isuzu has a reputation for building good engines. Despite a bad back I have found the seats to be good, but I have fitted canvas seat covers to protect against dust and mud. If I have a complaint it is the cost of servicing but I think that is true of all dealers, it's where they make their money so that's not going to change soon. Now long out of warranty so am considering options.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
RachelPicton
- 4 reviews
Absolutely love it
Bought brand new in 2014 and couldn't not be happier 4 years on, great fuel consumption and will go anywhere.
I have two young kids both in car restraints, one forward facing and one rear facing, I was concerned that a rear facing seat would not safely fit although it does, and while the MU-X has isofix sadly the dmax doesn't in my model
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emuman_30AU
- 8 reviews
great vehicle
It's the best decision we have made. The D Max drives and runs like a dream. We have a Ford Ranger and a Hilux at work and would buy the D Max anyday. We have owned the cr since 2016 and have 40k on it so far, we are getting around 8.6lt per 100km.
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Questions & Answers
vicki m.asked
6spd auto would like to change fluid done 65000 km a lot of toweing no fill point in trans does it get filled through the trans cooler lines. the plug i thought i could fill in was the breather section between the gearbox and reduction box, any help would be appreciated. scott
No answers
leigh jasked
on cold mornings it takes 6or 7 goes to go from 1st to 2nd ok after car has done 10 km
No answers
Michael L.asked
My radio won’t turn off when key taken out of ignition or when door is opened. Does anyone know what this might be. It’s only just started to happen
No answers
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