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Isuzu

D-Max

RT· 2012-2020 ute Top pick
Price (AUD)
$15k-$32k
Body styles
Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
Drivetrain
RWD, 4WD part-time
Origin
Japan
Built in
Thailand

Overview

Second generation of the AU-market D-Max. Same bulletproof 4JJ1-TC throughout, but two distinct phases: pre-MY17 was limited to 3000kg tow rating, MY17+ unlocked the full 3500kg with revised gearing and a torque bump to 430Nm. The MY17+ is the sweet spot of the entire used-ute market for value × reliability — same engine that's been proven over decades, modest DPF that's not problematic, and excellent regional parts/dealer support.

Engines & variants

3.0L 4JJ1-TC (pre-MY17, 3000kg tow)

Engine
Common-rail TD
Config
I4
Displacement
3.0L
Power
130kW
Torque
380Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~10.5s
Economy
~8.1 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

  • Bulletproof 4JJ1 engine
  • Cheaper than MY17+ but otherwise similar
  • Simple DPF that mostly works fine
  • Easy DIY work
  • Strong used demand

Cons

  • Only 3000kg tow (not 3500kg until MY17)
  • Some EGR carbon buildup
  • Interior basic

Known problems

medium
EGR carbon buildup
Standard 4JJ1 EGR carbon - rough idle, hesitation, fuel economy drop.
Fix: EGR delete plate or walnut blast clean.
From 100-150k km · ~$300-600 DIY
medium
DPF clogging on short trips
DPF fails to regen on short trips. Eventually limp mode.
Fix: Highway speed drives. Force regen with scan tool.
From Any · ~$0-2000
low
Front lower control arm bushes
Bushes wear, vague steering.
Fix: Polyurethane bush kit.
From 120k+ km · ~$200-400

3.0L 4JJ1-TC (MY17+, 3500kg tow)

Engine
Common-rail TD
Config
I4
Displacement
3.0L
Power
130kW
Torque
430Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~10.5s
Economy
~8.1 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
3500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
5MT, 6MT, 5AT (Aisin), 6AT (Aisin)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, inspect from 250,000km+

Pros

  • Bulletproof 4JJ1
  • Now full 3500kg tow rating
  • Same DIY-friendly mechanicals
  • Excellent regional parts supply
  • Strong used demand = good resale
  • Genuine sweet spot

Cons

  • Auto box can be lazy
  • EGR carbon over time
  • Interior basic

Known problems

medium
EGR carbon buildup
Standard 4JJ1 pattern.
Fix: EGR delete plate or walnut blast.
From 100-150k km · ~$300-600 DIY
medium
DPF clogging on short trips
Fails to regen on short trips.
Fix: Highway drives, force regen.
From Any · ~$0-2000
low
Front control arm bushes
Wear over time, especially after off-road use.
Fix: Poly bush kit.
From 120k+ km · ~$200-400

Common problems (all variants)

low
Front lower control arm bush wear
IFS lower control arm bushes wear, causing vague steering and uneven tyre wear.
Fix: Polyurethane or OEM bush kit replacement. Easy DIY with basic tools.
From 120k+ km · ~$200-400 DIY
medium
Body / chassis rust (coastal examples)
Examples used coastal develop rust on body mounts and chassis rails. Dry-state examples (Vic/NSW interior) much better.
Fix: Pre-purchase underbody inspection. Treat dry-state preventively with cavity wax.
From Any · ~Varies
low
Power window regulator wear
Plastic regulator clips break, window drops into door.
Fix: Replacement regulator (aftermarket fine). Door card off DIY job.
From 100k+ km · ~$150-300