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Isuzu
D-Max
RA·
2008-2012
ute
Top pick
Price (AUD)
$10-22k
Body styles
Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
Drivetrain
RWD, 4WD part-time
Origin
Japan
Built in
Thailand
Overview
First Isuzu-badged D-Max in Australia (Isuzu Ute Australia established 2008 after GM-Isuzu split). Shares mechanicals with the Holden Colorado RC of the same era. 4JJ1-TC pre-DPF is the bargain pick of the segment — same engine family that powered Phil's TF Rodeo lineage. Pre-DPF Isuzu reputation is genuinely earned: 500k+ km common with basic maintenance.
Engines & variants
3.0L 4JJ1-TC (common-rail turbo diesel)
Engine
Isuzu common-rail
Config
I4
Displacement
3.0L
Power
120-130kW
Torque
360-380Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~11s
Economy
~8.5 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
3000kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
5MT, 6MT, 5AT (Aisin), 6AT (Aisin)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, inspect from 250,000km+
Pros
- Pre-DPF Isuzu 4JJ1 - the holy grail
- Tough as nails - 500k+ km common
- Same engine family as your Rodeo
- Easy DIY work
- Cheap on the used market
- Underrated bargain
Cons
- Only 3000kg tow
- Basic interior
- Slow auto box
- Holden-badged Colorado RC less desirable than D-Max
Known problems
medium
EGR carbon
Standard 4JJ1 EGR carbon - same as later D-Max.
Fix: EGR clean or block. Easy DIY.
low
Front lower control arm bushes
IFS bushes wear, vague steering.
Fix: Polyurethane bush kit. DIY-friendly.
medium
Body / chassis rust (coastal)
Examples used coastal develop rust on body mounts and chassis.
Fix: Avoid known coastal-history vehicles. Treat dry-state preventively.