Help Me Decide.

[scudman]

I have narrowed down my choice on a used truck to two.

06-08 Toyota Hilux Vigo Prerunner 4 dr. or 06-08 Izusu D-Max HiLander 4dr.

I really like both. Which would you choose and why?

[gobs]

Hi Scudman,

Isuzu is said gas savy, but IMHO cheap plastics and fabrics built inside... I saw some young D-Max in very bad condition inside... There are a lot of designed/engineered details (seats, dash-board, center armrest/box...) that don't fit me in the Isuzu. But it's a good value in LOS.

And ,oh yes, I do like the "sound" of the engine: very metallic!

Toyota has a more "modern/personal-car" engine-technology with a better plastics and fabrics quality... Young Vigo not so damaged inside... Better designed/engineered inside although the dash-board is too fat... Good value in LOS.

But I don't like the Vigo (although I'm a Toyota trucks fan): fat, "flush-shaped body", tall and small windows. Through my eyes it looks like a buffalo...

The engine sounds like a truck one: good...

In fact, 2 months ago I was going to buy a brand new truck 4WD/4D. And as you, my choice was Toyota or Isuzu... I checked all the brands by myself to make my own idea about the market...

At the end, you know what? I bought a very, very nice and cared 6 y.o. / 56000 km Toyota Tiger 4WD/4D, the previous Toyota model.

And I saved (in the next years/kilometers, I hope not to be desapointed!) a lot of money...

IMHO: too many cheap plastics and fabrics in the new trucks and too much electronic gadgets...

Pre-2004 Toyota models have strong plastic parts, comfortable velvet-type fabrics on seats and doors, clear interior, a not-so-inflated dash-board and, for me, the body is more smartly designed: not needlessly fat and with some pretty stretch and firm lines slowly falling down onto the bulby front side...

In my eyes, the Vigo is too much... over...

Well, I'm Gobs and you are Scudman...

There are pros and cons for everything!

Good luck in your choice and happy driving!

Gobs

[Jareddiving]

Dont like the steering from the Tiger.. Too light.. The Vigo is much better.

Had a Tiger, now a Vigo.

[peterd1961]

I have narrowed down my choice on a used truck to two.

06-08 Toyota Hilux Vigo Prerunner 4 dr. or 06-08 Izusu D-Max HiLander 4dr.

I really like both. Which would you choose and why?

Hi Scudman,

I had the same problem! and I choose for the toyota because the give me a better offer!

Discount 45000 and a lot off freebees.

Peter

[rolypie]

The toyota there is no competition i have one its a real comfy workhorse

[dave_boo]

I bought a new Pre-Runner last August. Love Toyota's boring reliability and have not been disappointed with the truck. Compares favourably to the Chevy trucks I've driven in the States, but the engine sound is a bit 'tractor'-ish compared to a 350....

[BigSnake]

Go Chevy, same thing, same engine, better style with the Toyota or Izusu you are just pay for a BRAND name.

[torrenova]

I hired both the Toyoto and Isuzu and bought the Isuzu in 2007.

The Toyota is too "bouncy". The suspension feels like it is set up for freeway driving. The size is deceptive. Not so easy to park or know where the corners are.

The Isuzu (Highlander 4 cab) sits better on the road and feels more glued to it. More compact means easier to drive and I found it more responsive through the steering wheel.

Both were auto boxes. I initially thought the Toyota auto box was better but now I'm not sure. Perhaps still slightly.

I prefer the Isuzu seats but that is personal.

VGS engine on Isuzu is on par with Toyota and might actually have more power.

There is no auto option on the Prerunner. Non Prerunner or 4x4 models have skinny tyres and sit too low - they look daft.

Overall not much in it. If I was buying another one and the auto box (which I highly recommend over the manual), I'd test them both again.

[angiud]

Go for Isuzu, the best engine (3000 VGS turbo DDI)

[Dave the Dude]

Go for Isuzu, the best engine (3000 VGS turbo DDI)

Agreed and its more economical

[Phil Conners]

Just look at where the US motor industry is now. Buy Japanese.

[dynabob]

Toyota on top of everything else also has the best RESALE value,a fact often overlooked

[Gary A]

The Isuzu is the most fuel efficient versus the Toyota as the worst. I view fuel efficiency as the the result of being the best design.

[Searcher25]

I have narrowed down my choice on a used truck to two.

06-08 Toyota Hilux Vigo Prerunner 4 dr. or 06-08 Izusu D-Max HiLander 4dr.

I really like both. Which would you choose and why?

Not sure what your most important criteria is. But, if dependability is high on the list - Toyota is the hands-down winner. Take a look at JD Powers dependability ratings for used Izusu vehicles - consistently 2 out of 5 (not good) versus Toyota used vehicles (5 out of 5 and at worst 4 out of 5 in one or two categories).

[luckyboy]

Toyota Hilux Vigo double cab 4x4 manual, had it for almost 2 years now, HORRIBLE SUSPENSION. It just skips and bounce as if the tyres are not round..most of the people I knew has sold their's off and got Isuzu, I took a short drive in one of my friend's new Isuzu, very nice to drive and handles very well on road.I find the manual gearstick better to row the clucth and steering is lighter. The Vigo would have been dancing all over the same road.

[BSJ]

Try Nissan or Mitsubishi. Isuzu are primitive and Toyota are overrated. Pity Honda don't make a pick-up, it would put the others to shame!

[Gary A]

I have narrowed down my choice on a used truck to two.

06-08 Toyota Hilux Vigo Prerunner 4 dr. or 06-08 Izusu D-Max HiLander 4dr.

I really like both. Which would you choose and why?

Not sure what your most important criteria is. But, if dependability is high on the list - Toyota is the hands-down winner. Take a look at JD Powers dependability ratings for used Izusu vehicles - consistently 2 out of 5 (not good) versus Toyota used vehicles (5 out of 5 and at worst 4 out of 5 in one or two categories).

How did you manage to review two Thai built diesel pickups with JD Power?

[scudman]

Thanks for all the input.

Bought an 08 Toyota Prerunner today.

[Searcher25]

Thanks for all the input.

Bought an 08 Toyota Prerunner today.

Scudman,

Enjoy your Prerunner, I'm sure it will treat you very well for many years - provided you do two things (you probably already know what they are, but I'll say it anyways):

1) Feed it quality oil and oil filter changes at least as often as the owner manual directs - nothing wrong with doing it a bit more often. Go to a Toyota dealer to have this done. They will use the proper supplies - their reputations depend on it. The surest way to shorten a vehicle's life is to skimp on oil and oil-filter changes.

2) Feed it quality fuel. That means none of the bullshit fadish fuels like B5. Give it real diesel fuel from suppliers whose very lively-hood depends on providing quality fuels: Caltex, ESSO, Shell, etc.. Stay away from retailers such as Lemon Drop, PTT, etc., these latter are government playthings that are more interested in pushing a political agenda than they are in providing quality petroleum products (this particular phenomenon applies to many countries not just Thailand). Yes, you will pay a little more at the quality retailers but, your car will pay you back handsomely for that little extra loving care.

I have usually kept my vehicles for 8-9 years with 300,000+ km on the odometer by following those 2 simple rules. I've had mechanics take me into the the service bays and show me the difference in the engines they were inspecting and, if need be, servicing/rebuilding. Insufficient oil/oil-filter changes and cheap fuel caused no end of problems with fouling (read: destroying) what should of otherwise been perfectly functioning engines. Engines that had been fed properly, on the other hand, looked practically brand new. Clean and with minimal wear and tear.

Happy motoring!

[dave_boo]

I'm sorry searcher25, but I have to disagree with you about the B5 comment (although I do agree that there is a difference between various suppliers). B5 does attack non-synthetic gaskets, but overall it's a better fuel. It burns cleaner, has fewer carcinogenic compounds released, and was what Mr. Diesel used in his first models. I haven't seen any decrease or problems from using Shell B5 exclusively....

[soundman]

And in addition to the B5 comments, all "regular" diesel in Thailand is now B2, irrespective of whether it comes from the PTT, Shell, ESSO, Thai Oil or IIRC refineries, delivery stations.

The fuel quality in Thailand is fine from the major depots, it is the dodgy retailers and jobbers that are mixing diesel based fuels with cheaper additives ranging from un-processed vegetable oils to straight animal fats such as chicken fat.

[sibeymai]

I rolled my Vigo 4x4 dual cab at 100kmh and walked away. No question which one I'd choose.

[Dave the Dude]

I rolled my Vigo 4x4 dual cab at 100kmh and walked away. No question which one I'd choose.

Same here. I'd go for one more stable than yours

All those elks in sweden cannot all be wrong

Dave

[sibeymai]

Didn't see an elk at the time...but that doesn't mean there wasn't one hiding in the bushes.

[BSJ]

If my memory is correct the first "Otto cycle" engine run on linseed oil. Dozens of people here are running all sorts of diesels on processed recycled cooking oil.

[solent01]

And in addition to the B5 comments, all "regular" diesel in Thailand is now B2, irrespective of whether it comes from the PTT, Shell, ESSO, Thai Oil or IIRC refineries, delivery stations.

The fuel quality in Thailand is fine from the major depots, it is the dodgy retailers and jobbers that are mixing diesel based fuels with cheaper additives ranging from un-processed vegetable oils to straight animal fats such as chicken fat.

I would tend to agree with this, when I have brought fuel from small local stations (because of the time issue) for my diggers, I always get fuel filter problems, yet if I take the time to purchase from a big supplier, no such problems.

With regard to the original post, for work I run a 4X4 Vigo, never had a problem with it, but yes, without a load, it is some what bouncy, but it is a true work horse. I feel that Toyota makes great trucks for working, Izusu make trucks for people who don't want to pay the full car tax...... yet want the ride of a saloon.

Izusu for me is far to soft, plus I don't like the electronic 4X4 selection, more to go wrong.

I think you have made the right choice going with Toyota.

[torrenova]

With regard to the original post, for work I run a 4X4 Vigo, never had a problem with it, but yes, without a load, it is some what bouncy, but it is a true work horse. I feel that Toyota makes great trucks for working, Izusu make trucks for people who don't want to pay the full car tax...... yet want the ride of a saloon.

Izusu for me is far to soft, plus I don't like the electronic 4X4 selection, more to go wrong.

I think you have made the right choice going with Toyota.

A 4 cab is about the same or more tax than a car ! Mine is about 7k a year

Not all Isuzu are 4WD.

Just what percentage of truck owners in LOS actually do anything more than carry the shopping and occasionally some of the family in the rear Oh yes, and when moving house.

I guess if I were using my truck as a workhorse then I wouldn't be that interested in an auto box, electric this and that, leather etc.

[dave_boo]

torrenova; mark me down as one who's truck is used exclusively as it was intended. I.E. taking advantage of the Pre-Runner's substantial ground clearance, hauling capacity, and nice (!) rear seat. I really feel sorry for those forced to ride in the 1 1/2 model's back seat--vertical seatback ain't comfortable.

It does kill me every time I walk to the rear and read the Pre-Runner's sticker that exclaims "Ultimate Urban" or something.