D3 or Isuzu Mux

Mum & Dad purchased a new MUX 4-5 months ago. Top spec auto with all the fruit. They handed down their 2008 D-Max LS-M manual with 75k to me :)

D-Max is a utilitarian japanese 4WD dual cab that rides like a sulky with **** poor rear suspension ... but a GREAT engine & gearbox, strong chassis & generous tub. Isuzu build great engines. Period!

The MUX is nothing like the D-Max, even though it shares the same, slightly uprated engine, and chassis platform. It rides comfortably since they've fitted coils all around ... could do with better than the factory shocks. All reports I've read so far, and from the few times I've driven it, I'd call it a strong contender for your purpose. Seems as an off-roader it's very capable. The engine, transmission, and chassis look to be pretty bullet proof! (Truck!) The level of fitout is good. The seats are comfortable .... and the price and warranty are on the money.

I don't reckon you can go wrong buying one of these for your intended purpose !

0.02c

There are good buys out there, for $45k you should be able to buy a really good D4 for that price and a D4 is way ahead of a D3 I hate to say, but it is.

Recently I bought a like new one owner 59,000 kilometre MY10 V8 D4 for not much more than your budget and the V8 comes with every single option that is offered on a D4 fitted as standard.

If you have the bucks ready to go you can get some good diesel deals if your ready to move quickly, as for V8's they often move slowly, the V8 I bought had been advertised for over three months and I was the only person to call about it.

Good luck with what ever vehicle you decide to buy.

dukemasterpro is thinking of selling his D4
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/...-car-time.html

The agony of choice!

I saw a D4 2.7 TDV6 with about 100k at a dealer (not LR) this afternoon and stopped for a look. Almost unmarked white duco light interior and presents well and sticker price $46k.

There's plenty of stock around for those prepared to wait, as many corporate ex-lease cars come up, generally with a full service history. Decisions, decisions..

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Originally Posted by TerryO

There are good buys out there, for $45k you should be able to buy a really good D4 for that price and a D4 is way ahead of a D3 I hate to say, but it is.



Recently I bought a like new one owner 59,000 kilometre MY10 V8 D4 for not much more than your budget and the V8 comes with every single option that is offered on a D4 fitted as standard.



If you have the bucks ready to go you can get some good diesel deals if your ready to move quickly, as for V8's they often move slowly, the V8 I bought had been advertised for over three months and I was the only person to call about it.



Good luck with what ever vehicle you decide to buy.

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That's a great buy !!

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Originally Posted by Fluids

Isuzu build great engines. Period!

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My dad has a sitec 450 (5.4 litre 4 cylinder) ? Isuzu truck and he can't want to get rid of it. 60k has been nothing but a nightmare for him in the past 4 years, and has been towed numerous times.

He now displays a sign to stay away from Isuzu due to poor after sales support.

Brett....

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Originally Posted by discotwinturbo

My dad has a sitec 450 (5.4 litre 4 cylinder) ? Isuzu truck and he can't want to get rid of it. 60k has been nothing but a nightmare for him in the past 4 years, and has been towed numerous times.

He now displays a sign to stay away from Isuzu due to poor after sales support.

Brett....

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The scitec series are/ can be a little unreliable...however the 4jj1tcx in the mux is a fantastic engine, the 5spd auto is from the petrol v8 lc200, and the pcm software/ program is well matched engine to trans. They are no d3, but very good value and so far have been pretty much trouble free. Jc

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Originally Posted by gossamer

dukemasterpro is thinking of selling his D4
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/...-car-time.html

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Cheers mate - planning to trade but possibly open to another offer directly. New car eta 24th Oct

So, I've recently bought a D3 Tdv6 and its road holding is fantastic. Haven't tried it offload but pretty sure there's enough opinions here to tell you how capable they are. Oh, and the third row! It's fantastic! I've some mates who are a little on the large side and they fit comfortably in the back.

As for Pajero, their traction control is actually quite impressive. I have a mate with an '07 and it was travelling over wombat holes with ease. And this on bald H/Ts.

But it's up to you, an older D3 will need some maintenance (as mine has done) however on road/off road manners are great. All in that airbag suspension. Pajeros are generally reliable, only seen a few issues with their Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF).

If you have the cash, and feel its the choice for you, get an MU-X. My old men's actually looking at buying one. I look forward to comparing my D3 to a MU-X.

Ben.

Thanks Ben, Appreciate the opinion, in fact this is a great site for informative, well balanced discussion. Do you think the D3's are any more expensive to maintain than say a similar year Pajero?