About the Isuzu D-Max
Sebastian Sporea purchased this Isuzu D-Max new with additional options for $57,000 (including all on-road costs). Sebastian Sporea would buy this car again because: “Despite paying a premium price for it because it was readily available, I’d pay it again, and again, and again. It really is the best lightweight dual-cab in its class. Does everything you want it to do and more. “
How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.
Just ticked over the 6000km mark and has not skipped a beat. Isuzu is reliability. Wheel alignment had to be done at first free 3000km service although that wasn’t the car to blame (likely wasn’t done on pre-delivery) otherwise a perfect vehicle.
Feels as if the diesel truck-derived engine will keep on purring for a lifetime and then some.
What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?
First week took some adjusting and warming up to the feel of the clutch, found I was a bit jerky with it but we just needed to acquaint.
I always needed a car that I can take camping on a Saturday, to church on Sunday, and back to work on a Monday to do it all again. This is that car.
How has the purchase and aftercare experience been with your car?
My circumstance meant I needed a car ASAP, so I had to suffer the consequences and give them whatever they were asking. Low $50k is what I should have paid for an LS-M. High $50k is what I paid, which as mention, I would pay again as the car is worth the green… but after a phone call to the service department to book in my first service, I just felt the customer service wasn’t where it needed to be, hence I chose another dealership to service through.
Paint is notoriously thin on these vehicles so expect scratches and swirls out the gate.
Are you happy with the price and features of your car?
I’m a tradie and a weekend warrior. I can only be so clean after a long day of work and so gentle with my gear. The LS-M for me is the perfect mix of functionality and durability.
All the tech and safety features you’d expect on a brand new car whilst retaining vinyl floors and plastic trimmings (dash, door cards etc). It just feels like I can take it through its paces without having to worry about scratching the leather or getting the floor muddy.
What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?
I went in with modest expectations and this car exceeded them. It’s so much more refined than its predecessor, remains quiet on the highway even with the Rhino Racks. Plenty of torque to get up and go.
It’s not a Ram so don’t expect it to pull off the line like one.
As for fuel economy, averaging 7.9L/100km per the onboard computer daily driving. Crept up to 9.0L/100km fully loaded on the highway from Brisbane to Melbourne. Could not be happier with the fuel consumption especially with ever rising costs (average $2.39). Kept in top gear for my overtakes and up most hills.
A touch more torque out of the box from factory would be ideal for towing. Nothing a remap can’t fix.
What do you think of the technology in your car?
Blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, autonomous braking, and all the other fruit you want and need.
The manual does lose out on the autonomous driving features (not familiar with the proper lingo) but if you’re buying a manual you probably like to drive yourself which I most certainly love to do.
Apple CarPlay, Androne Autobots as standard (wait, that doesn’t sound right). Decent sound system for it’s class.
What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?
The suspension is very well set up right out of the box, handles bumps on the road so well, while retaining a sort of stiffness that lets you throw it around corners comfortably.
The LS-M has stiffer springs in the rear making it the ideal choice for towing, which is a nice touch.
Do you have any additional comments about your car?
Have installed a sail plane and roller shutter, which are readily available for sub $500 which is a must have if you plan on keeping the tub.
Also have sized up tyres from 255 to 265 All-Terrains.