
Originally Posted by
rna800
Sir toyotaparter,
I will give my insight on this topic as on owner of an 08 4x2 M/T Dmax DDI Iteq LS. I will try to give the most accurate insights as to my experiences with my rig for more than 3 years and hopefully this would help you decide once and for all if the Dmax is for you.
Fuel Efficiency: I am not as technical as sir hinDMaxsiado and incompetent to provide you figures or charts pertaining to its fuel efficiency. I don't also do computation each time I gas up in regard to the accuracy of information provided in the car's mileage reading. But in my experience, the average fuel reading of mine is 11+ kms/liter. The highest mileage that I have recorded was during its break in period when I brought it to our province and running between 80 to 100 kph only. I managed to get more than 1000+ km in one full tank. But I have never reached it anymore thereafter. After achieving more than 1k+ kilometers in 1 full tank, the lowest mileage recorded was less than 500 kms/liter in 1 full tank when I brought it again to our province. The reason was I kept on running more than 120 kph and I even reached 175 kph especially in SCTEX. So for me, the way I look at it is it's not the Dmax that is fuel efficient but it depends on how heavy your right foot is. It can be thrifty if you stay within the limits but it can be otherwise too. At present it is only registering around 9+ km/liter and reason will be provided in the next category which is durability and toughness. My usual full tank cost, talking at present, is around 2200 to 2500 pesos and it lasts roughly 650 kms (as always, it depends on how it was driven and where it was driven).
Durability and toughness: My rig is only 3.8 years old so I can't really vouch for its durability. Only time will tell, if I keep it long enough, if it is indeed durable. I have my fair share of experiences. The deepest flood that I have waded was about half tire deep and it managed to pass without any problems after. I have passed slight uneven roads without fear that the under chassis will get scratched, put heavy loads in the bed without any problem. So if that would be also your basis for durability, I could tell you that mine survived without any problems.
Now the more important question is: What are the mechanical parts that I have already replaced in my pickup most especially in the engine? Not in the engine but I have replaced its brake shoes way back. Till now I don't understand how my brake shoes needed replacement in its early stage. 2nd, I have already replaced its SCV. The reason was the MIL lit. 3rd is not yet replaced but I will do this soon, the EGR. The MIL lit again after replacing the SCV but it disappeared but it lit again. 4th is not yet fixed, the "floater" of my gasoline tank is assumed to be broken since my fuel needle doesn't go all the way up. It stops about a hair thick at the bottom of the topmost line even though I always tell the gas boy to fill it up to its max capacity. 5th is the rear shock or perhaps shocks is/are already squeaking. Given those circumstances and considering some of those problems happened within the 3 yr warranty or just after the 3 yr warranty, it will be up to you to decide, if my rig lived up or performed to YOUR understanding or belief of durable and tough. In fairness, I haven't experienced any stalling in the highway where the truck has to be towed already. To connect as to why mine is running around 9+ km/liter is because the EGR needs to be replaced or perhaps cleaned. Ever since the MIL lit again, the car's performance is a bit restricted thus the need for more weight on the accelerator.
Comfortability: It will be a mini workout or a little tricky for the elderly or for people with arthritis. When those people ride with you, expect to hear "hay or hay, antaas naman." Sitting at the back, it will depend on your level of dizziness but in my experience, I get a bit dizzy sitting at the back. Yes, the truck is bouncy especially with empty bed but if it's loaded, most especially the bed, it is like gliding. Sitting in front, I don't find any problems at all. In terms of its maneuverability, it will be require a bit of skill or intimidating at first but you'll get used to it.
Maintenance: I will post the cost of my PMS from my receipts since day 1 so that you could decide for yourself whether it is cheap or not.
1k kms -3,478.27
5k kms -2,226.33
10k kms - 5,643.29
15k kms - 3,912.31
20k kms -7,800.54
25k kms - 2,942.35
30k kms -7,380.49
35k kms -5,014.07
40k kms -9,706.66
45k kms -5,489.48
50k kms -17,029.97 (They replaced the brake shoe which cost 650-labor and 5,626.19-parts)
55k kms -5,779.56
57,880 kms -7,804.72 (Cost in replacing the SCV)
60k kms -11,816.39
For the a/c cleaning, I didn't avail of the services of Isuzu instead; I have my own a/c guy who cleans the a/c of our cars. I already had it serviced less than a month ago and the a/c was cool again since. I only paid less than 2k pesos.
Performance: It is not the fastest among the pickups but it can run up to 175 kph which I believe is already fast for a truck. Besides, I am a city driver and with the speed limit being implemented, the traffic jams all over the metro and the rising fuel prices, the specification of this truck is already enough for me. I couldn't go to technical details about the connection of hp and torque but I could feel its pull even in low rpm. Overall, I am satisfied with its performance. It has enough juice when I need it though, if it can be made more powerful, why not?
Pertaining to the size of the cargo bed, it is somewhat deep but the length is shorter than the other trucks.
Looks: It is subjective but I love the looks of the Dmax. It's manly to me. It is a plus most especially if you are in the 4x2 category, the tires, the fender flare, they are all in there already (talking about the 4x2 LS category). I don't need to make it look like a 4x4 anymore.
There you go! I hope this facilitates you if you are taking into account the Dmax. Please be reminded that these are based on my own observations and experiences with my Dmax with the said variant. Other owners might have different experiences with theirs and I am not speaking on behalf of all Dmax owners.
Good luck!