D-MAX/MU-X's ?????

[Mako]

Ok people who has an Isuzu D-MAX or MU-X?

Any problems with them?
What do you love and what do you hate?

What do you use them for towing/off-roading?

Looking to upgrade and quite like them, jut looking for some first hand info.....

Thanks I advance everyone....

[knoath]

G'Day Mako, I've owned my 2013 DMax since new. LS-U Tour Mate, auto.
I fitted a bull bar and rear bar, winch and ditched the standard suspension after 20,000Ks for a 2inch lift (Dobinson's) with 450Kg rear leafs. I carry the 60lt fridge, battery and drawer with recovery gear, tools etc... we tow a 1500Kg camper trailer when holidaying.
Fuel consumtion averages mid to high 9's with the steel rims and A/T's fitted, mid 8's with the alloys and H/T's.
It has plenty of power for us, I was surprised how well it towed on our Melb-Flinders Ranges trip.
I've done a little off roading and it's never left me stranded... I don't go mud bashing but the High Country has been great so far.
I love it, the missus loves it. There's plenty of room for a 176cm 12 yo in the back (!!!) and the boys never complained about the seating position on our 4000km trip!
You'll hate the "key in ignition" beeper... everybody does.
The stereo could be better, but it's OK for a factory unit in a light commercial... remember these are a light truck first, passenger car second. They aren't finished like a Landcruiser Sahara or the like, they are plain in their interior finish, but I wanted something I could live with, not stress over the suede dash getting dusty...

Pics here...
http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=32524.0

[Mako]

Awesome, thanks for that.....

I took the mrs to have a look at them the other day and she really liked them, going to have a test drive of one tomorrow, hopefully it will sell it to her for me.....
We had heaps of trouble with her X-trail, which is now no longer with us, and all we have at the moment is my 89 GQ patrol, after driving to the dealership in the beast i'm sure the MU-X will feel like a Mercedes, haha.....

Cheers

[KingBilly]

Have a look here for mainly Dmax

http://www.newd-max.net

or, more MUX orientated

http://www.ozisuzu.com.au

I love my Dmax.  Highly underrated fourbie, great towing vehicle, bullet proof motor and gearbox.  Be aware that the current model Colorado is a very different vehicle with different motor and gearbox.

KB

[glenm64]

X2 what KB said

[V8CRSA]

I'm on my 4th dmax, and  no.5 is at the body builders as we speak.
Short of loosing a fan on the way home one night, never had any dramas at all.

Matt

[Elky]

Beware of the white ones......being a solid colour they don't get clear coat and lots are developing rust spots, IUA are saying it is "fallout" but the group grows by the day, I am happy I got metallic grey but still check it weekly

I had a oil seal on crank leak at 1000kms, a few have suffered this, otherwise no probs but I would of expected better lights in 2014...... They are no better than my 83 Gemini!

Cheere

[KingBilly]

Beware of the white ones......being a solid colour they don't get clear coat and lots are developing rust spots, IUA are saying it is "fallout" but the group grows by the day, I am happy I got metallic grey but still check it weekly

I had a oil seal on crank leak at 1000kms, a few have suffered this, otherwise no probs but I would of expected better lights in 2014...... They are no better than my 83 Gemini!

Cheere

The bloke on Faceache who first reported this "rust issue" started a group to gather info about others suffering the same problem.  The group hasn't attracted any further interest so I'm guessing Isuzu were correct in their "fallout" assumptions.  There has been no further chat on the main forums about this rust issue for weeks either.

Yes, there have been about a half dozen reports on the forums of a leaking rear main seal.  Pretty good I reckon considering how many are out there now.  What was never determined was whether this issue was from similar build dates indicating a casting issue or maybe a factory fitting issue.  All were covered by Isuzu under warranty.  The last reported one, which attracted a lot of comment, was finally diagnosed as being a dip stick tube leaking, not a rear main seal.  Sometimes you have to look further than the odd random rant on social media 

In relation to the lights.  What model do you have?  Is it the SX or a higher spec with the projector lights?  I find my projector lights pretty good,  not really any better or worse than mates with Toyotos and Nissans.

KB

[dlncooke]

Hi Mako. We have an LS-U Auto with very similar mods to "Knoaths" Dmax. We ese EFS 300 constant rate rear springs and tow a 1650 van.
I bought mine for peace of mind, if i wanted to stress out getting it dirty i would have bought something else.
It's a great truck/ute and I'm very happy with it, the only problem i have had is keeping my wife out of the drivers seat,
I like taking it on long trips as 850 -900 Kms easy out of a tank makes me very happy, prob could go to the 1000 Kms if i tried.
Tows well and is easy to drive around town.


Cheers
Dave

[ehsc]

only had my mu-x Lsu auto for a week done 1500 Klms more than happy , But as I'd drive 800 or more Kim's a week ask me in a year .  ehsc

[grantxx]

Also have MUX - LSM, no complaints at all, been great, have towed our 1200kg camper to top end of Fraser no issues, more ground clearance would be ideal in certain areas, as far as torque to pull trailer through soft sand no worries ever. Suspension is a little floaty (is that a word), if you hit a few consecutive bumps and ditches she starts bouncing quiet a bit, so for me next upgrades will be 2" lift with OME suspension or similar quaility, bigger tires and new side steps that tuck in a little closer to the body.

Is a little basic inside but that was a positive for me less to damage and easy to keep clean, great value when compared to others, overall loving it. Just make sure you drive both.

[Wortho]

I'm also considering a DMAX but have come across reports of cracking in the engine bay that is a bit of a concern. The threads seem to suggest the cracking issues are with the later models that have 5 star ratings. Might be worth doing a little more research to try and determine if there is an issue in later models.
http://www.exploroz.com/Forum/Topic/117774/Cracks_in_Engine_Bay_Izuzu_MuX.aspx

[Nay-DMAX]

I'm also considering a DMAX but have come across reports of cracking in the engine bay that is a bit of a concern. The threads seem to suggest the cracking issues are with the later models that have 5 star ratings. Might be worth doing a little more research to try and determine if there is an issue in later models.
http://www.exploroz.com/Forum/Topic/117774/Cracks_in_Engine_Bay_Izuzu_MuX.aspx

Maybe contact Isuzu and chat to them about your concerns?  I would buy another in a heart beat or test drive an MUX to see if we wanted a wagon.

[KingBilly]

I'm also considering a DMAX but have come across reports of cracking in the engine bay that is a bit of a concern. The threads seem to suggest the cracking issues are with the later models that have 5 star ratings. Might be worth doing a little more research to try and determine if there is an issue in later models.
http://www.exploroz.com/Forum/Topic/117774/Cracks_in_Engine_Bay_Izuzu_MuX.aspx

There have been 4 reported incidents that appear to be totally unrelated and not a manufacturing/design fault. There has been speculation/guessing that the issue is related to a change in front guard strength to comply with a higher crash rating but not all reported cases fit this speculation.

Now for the known facts.  One was an abused mining vehicle, make your own assumptions.  One had struck a creek bank when exiting a water crossing.  One had struck an emu and done some extensive damage.  The other has disappeared off the forums and nobody knows any further info.

Now I'm not saying the Isuzu is without fault but please check the facts before adding to the internet  myths.

KB

[Wortho]

Now I'm not saying the Isuzu is without fault but please check the facts before adding to the internet  myths.

KB

Hang on a minute! The OP asked if anyone was aware of any issues and I was just pointing out what I had found when doing my own research. As you pointed out there may be issues with cracking on some later models due to mods to acheive crash ratings. Sorry if your an existing owner and don't want to hear any negative stuff but in my view I did nothing wrong in raising a possible issue, after all thats why we have these forums isn't it.

[KingBilly]

Hang on a minute! The OP asked if anyone was aware of any issues and I was just pointing out what I had found when doing my own research. As you pointed out there may be issues with cracking on some later models due to mods to acheive crash ratings. Sorry if your an existing owner and don't want to hear any negative stuff but in my view I did nothing wrong in raising a possible issue, after all thats why we have these forums isn't it.

And I didn't dispute your "research"' I simply pointed out that your "research" was not based on fact.

I also corrected your "research" by saying the cracks do NOT appear to be related to mods associated with an increased crash rating.

Mate, don't care what you say about the Isuzu Dmax or MUX.  No barrow to push on my behalf.  I just get a pissed when people spread myths which are to the detriment of a good product.  Have a nice day.

KB

[dlncooke]

And I didn't dispute your "research"' I simply pointed out that your "research" was not based on fact.

I also corrected your "research" by saying the cracks do NOT appear to be related to mods associated with an increased crash rating.

Mate, don't care what you say about the Isuzu Dmax or MUX.  No barrow to push on my behalf.  I just get a pissed when people spread myths which are to the detriment of a good product.  Have a nice day.

KB

I agree KB, to many people with not the right info or misleading info.
I checked mine and NO cracks in mine and i plan on taking it to Cape York, So if i was worried I wouldn't be taking it up there.
$40,381 Dmax's only sold in the last 3 years, not to bad a ratio even if they are bogus cracks !!

Cheers

[MrNoodle]

Beware of the white ones......being a solid colour they don't get clear coat and lots are developing rust spots, IUA are saying it is "fallout" but the group grows by the day, I am happy I got metallic grey but still check it weekly

I had a oil seal on crank leak at 1000kms, a few have suffered this, otherwise no probs but I would of expected better lights in 2014...... They are no better than my 83 Gemini!

Cheere

What is the face book page called? Mine got delivered like this too. Still fighting them

The bloke on Faceache who first reported this "rust issue" started a group to gather info about others suffering the same problem.  The group hasn't attracted any further interest so I'm guessing Isuzu were correct in their "fallout" assumptions.  There has been no further chat on the main forums about this rust issue for weeks either.

Yes, there have been about a half dozen reports on the forums of a leaking rear main seal.  Pretty good I reckon considering how many are out there now.  What was never determined was whether this issue was from similar build dates indicating a casting issue or maybe a factory fitting issue.  All were covered by Isuzu under warranty.  The last reported one, which attracted a lot of comment, was finally diagnosed as being a dip stick tube leaking, not a rear main seal.  Sometimes you have to look further than the odd random rant on social media 

In relation to the lights.  What model do you have?  Is it the SX or a higher spec with the projector lights?  I find my projector lights pretty good,  not really any better or worse than mates with Toyotos and Nissans.

KB

[Elky]

Dmax owners group on FB

mine is a SX, so yeah maybe the higher spec lights are better, moot point really as every car I have had were poor in the factory issue light department, just the max-d is noticeably poor.i haven't bothered to fit driving lights as my 200 series gets that love.....off to the cape next week oh yea!

Funny how that journo cadogan has labelled buying a dmax a monumental mistake! Wow
Proves you can't trust a expert sometimes

Cheers

[oldmate]

whats the colour got to do with rust spots?

[MrNoodle]

Easier to see on white

[KingBilly]

Easier to see on white

Also think somebody said the white doesn't have a clear coat like the other colours.  Not sure if correct but may explain.

KB

[dales133]

I find it hard to believe they didn't clear coat the white ones unless they are majorly cheaper and sold as a commercial version...just dosn't make sence

[KingBilly]

Yeah mate, I really have no idea, didn't make sense to me either.

KB

[Bookleaf]

As I understand it, in general (not Dmax specific), plain white is standard "duco" auto paint like has been around for years.  The colour and hardness comes from the characteristics and pigments of the paint.
With other paints the "sparkle" ones are 2 pack coatings. The base coat is softer and not very durable and contains the "sparkly" elements, that do not shine and sparkle on application. It needs a clear top coat to bring out the sparkle and to provide the toughness equal to normal "duco".

Plain white is cheaper as it is just plain "paint".  Others are dearer due to the added sparkle elements and I assume, due to the need for 2 different coats.
I would assume both get the same number of coats overall, so should be of "equal rest poof"