Wonder has anyone purchased either the new Isuzu DMax or Mazda BT50 or considered buying one.
Or has anyone had a drive of either and what is your thoughts.
If you were to buy one which would you choose of the two and why.
Dougwe said
04:39 PM Oct 20, 2020
I know I have a Colorado but out of the two you ask about I would go with the Dmax. I had a Dmax lined up at the starting line along side the Collie when buying but the Dmax dealer wasn't helpful and a little on the not so friendly side plus the Collie was around $8,000 cheaper at the time.
I was talking with someone only on Sunday gone who has a 6 year old Dmax and went looking at the new ones but he said they are having a few problems with the newbie so might hold on a little longer. Probably worth looking into that further maybe.
Another little bit of info...my daughter up in Townsville always wanted a BT50 but ended up getting a Dmax and loves it more than food and that's saying something.
I have never come across a Dmax owner that doesn't like it but have a BT50.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
Craig1 said
05:49 PM Oct 20, 2020
When I had a BT50, Mazda did not care until it became a battle, about 28 times from 2013 to 2017. Had a relo chasing a DMax last year, reckons they are great.
iana said
06:54 PM Oct 20, 2020
Doug, the new D-max and the new BT50 are one and the same. Mazda had a hissy fit with Ford. Re Mazda repairs, it probably depends on the service manager, we had an oil leak from the rear seal, out of warranty, but reported within the warranty period. We were told we weren't taking our car home as it had to have a new engine, they supplied a new ute FOC for the duration. All no charge to us. Where as another service manager is pathetic.
-- Edited by iana on Tuesday 20th of October 2020 06:54:51 PM
dogbox said
07:04 PM Oct 20, 2020
i found the old bt-50 / ford ranger made the old d-max/Colorado feel and sound a bit agricultural will be interesting to see how the new bt-50/ d-max in the new revamped format comes up. i base that statement on the fact that i have a bt-50 son in law has a d-max both same age with almost same klm
Warren-Pat_01 said
11:54 PM Oct 20, 2020
Hi everyone,
I've been laid up in Toowoomba due to a medical condition. The condition that I would be released from hospital was that I could get into our car on the passenger side (just scaped in)!
A few nights before I was released, I had a dream that we swapped our 2019 D-max for the new one. The dream didn't come to a conclusion but left me with some questions as well as reasons.
Pros - a diff lock - whoopee, but did I go driving where I needed one anymore? No!
- an extra two inches of legroom in the back - very beneficial!!
Cons - I had spent a fair bit of time with other D-max owners on their forum in getting the idiotic shark fin aerial to work on the AM band (simple in the end but a lot of mucking around, & no help from the dealer).
- The new one comes with a digital radio - would it work 300kms north of Brisbane, I suspect NO!
- As well, I'd added a UHF Radio, LED Bar & second battery that would have to be removed.
- What was the life of the sealed front hubs, what happened if they needed replacing "out in the bush?" How long is a piece of string?"
- Rear suspension. We bought our car because of the "softer, smoother riding, 3 leaf suspension" - only to be told that within 6 months that these springs had a safety issue & had to be replaced. When I dug into it, this had been an ongoing issue on every model since early 2018! In other words, I paid a lot more than I wanted to get a standard car with user friendly vinyl mats, less flash head unit & with HD springs. No they wouldn't come to the party by me part buying a better alternative suspension! "You have to let us change the rear springs to the std HD ones."
So I will be watching whether the new vehicle has similar problems with the "3 leaf springset!" In two years, Isuzu did nothing about redesigning the dudd springs.
Isuzu has a reputation for good reliability, ongoing improvements, etc - I'm not impressed!
Which would I buy out of the new twins? It would come down to looks & service!
dogbox said
07:59 AM Oct 21, 2020
i had a lot of problems with the am radio in the bt-50 how did you resolve it in the d-max
Warren-Pat_01 said
08:52 AM Oct 21, 2020
Hi dogbox,
After I've done my medical, voting stuff this morning, I'll go to my post in the Isuzu forum & copy it.
I put an external aerial on the bull Bar, bought an adaptor for my head unit (the flash bit in the centre of the dash) & connected the two.
Can you let me know what year your car is? That is if you don't know the brand of the head unit.
Shark fin aerials are designed to work in the Upper FM frequencies +, not in the AM band of 500-1700khz.
When I raised the query, all the capital city users told me theirs worked fine - there was something wrong with my car!
hodgie55 said
09:48 AM Oct 21, 2020
Thanks for the information everybody.So far in my opinion the Dmax looks better than the Mazda but the Mazda has a few more extras in each model specification and just a bit cheaper.
Also in Qld i don't think there are Dmax's available for sale as the Dealers sold all their new stock immediately and basically no new stock until Jan/Feb 2021,whilst Mazda seems to have stock being a little bit later realeased.
I think other states also have little to none of the new Isuzus either.
dogbox said
11:48 AM Oct 21, 2020
Warren-Pat_01 wrote:
Hi dogbox,
After I've done my medical, voting stuff this morning, I'll go to my post in the Isuzu forum & copy it.
I put an external aerial on the bull Bar, bought an adaptor for my head unit (the flash bit in the centre of the dash) & connected the two.
Can you let me know what year your car is? That is if you don't know the brand of the head unit.
Shark fin aerials are designed to work in the Upper FM frequencies +, not in the AM band of 500-1700khz.
When I raised the query, all the capital city users told me theirs worked fine - there was something wrong with my car!
after they chased all the likely causes including checking all the earths ( they pulled the dash apart) an nothing made any difference i borrowed an Ariel off a cx-3 an it made a bit of improvement (cx-3 ariel smaller than bt-50 would have thought the bigger ariel would have been better?)
yobarr said
11:52 AM Oct 21, 2020
hodgie55 wrote:
I think other states also have little to none of the new Isuzus either.
Hi Ian....What does that tell you? Bit like a 70 series Landcruiser,where there is a 6 month waiting period. There has to be a reason for things like these,where quality products that command a higher price still seem to sell more quickly than cheaper options.Good luck with your purchase,whatever you choose.Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Wednesday 21st of October 2020 11:54:40 AM
hodgie55 said
05:29 PM Oct 21, 2020
Thanks Yobarr,With the Isuzu and Mazda now being the same vehicle except for looks i think it is just going to come down to personal preference.
Warren-Pat_01 said
09:23 PM Oct 21, 2020
dogbox, at least your crowd made some attempt to find the problem "my dealer said we know nothing of that gear, you'll have to go elsewhere!"
I did, with my past radio knowledge & that of some friends who left work several years after I did. AND, I also raised the issue on the OzIsuzu Forum. I also ordered the AERPRO adaptor that suited my head unit from a local company. Two of us on that forum were able to help other members,
There are two feeds into the radio section of the head unit - one for the GPS, one for the aerial. It was this feed that I connected the new AM/FM aerial on the rhs of the bull bar (well away from any issues with the 5w UHF cb radio). This aerial extends to about 1.3m.
The system is still not perfect, as I still get 50hz interference from power poles (el-cheapo radio, I think). One good trial was our last trip home from Toowoomba. We tuned into the ABC station at Roma - it petered out just south of Torrens Creek; a distance of around 450km as the crow flies (& radio signals travel). Just east of Pentland, we picked up our Local ABC - 4QN at Brandon.
My owners manual suggests that AM is no longer used by the majority of buyers as they now prefer down loaded music. Stiff cheddar if you're after road conditions & there is no internet connection available. I cannot remember how many times we've had to divert due to fires, floods. I'll try to locate the pictures, etc tomorrow - not being able to bend one's knee is not pleasant!
Going back to the original question - which is best? Do your homework well - especially comparing the rides with past BT-50s if you're after a smooth ride. And be aware that the 3 leaf rear springs could be proven faulty in the future - I hope not!
hodgie55 said
07:59 AM Oct 22, 2020
Have been trying to delete this post if anybody knows how please.Thanks Ian
Dougwe said
08:39 AM Oct 22, 2020
hodgie55 wrote:
Have been trying to delete this post if anybody knows how please.Thanks Ian
Morning Ian, You have me wondering why you want the post (Thread) to be deleted Why ask the question in the first place. The replies you have got have given opinions on both vehicles, maybe not the new one in full but it hasn't been around all that long really.
IMO the 'post' should stay. Reason...It could help someone else out maybe.
Maybe move it to the 'Techies' section. Cindy can arrange that if you ask 'Webmaster'.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Thursday 22nd of October 2020 08:39:57 AM
hodgie55 said
08:54 AM Oct 22, 2020
I was going to try and delete this and put up a new post.People may not be aware the vehicles are now the same except for looks and i was hoping to get information on the new ones so we could make a decision which one to buy as we are very close to getting a caravan and trying to travel around Australia.Thanks Ian
travelyounger said
07:19 AM Oct 23, 2020
hodgie55 wrote:
I was going to try and delete this and put up a new post.People may not be aware the vehicles are now the same except for looks and i was hoping to get information on the new ones so we could make a decision which one to buy as we are very close to getting a caravan and trying to travel around Australia.Thanks Ian
Hi Ian
I doubt you will get the info you are looking for as these models have just recently been released .I bought my dmax in 2017 and have been very happy with it why don't you test drive both cars and buy the one which suits you at the end of the day you'll be a Mazda man or izuzu man.
Cheers
iana said
01:56 PM Oct 23, 2020
Enquire about the subtle differences between the two, for instance, the present Ranger has electric steering, but the present model BT50 has hydraulic assist. I don't know what else is different.
Mike196 said
11:02 AM Oct 24, 2020
G'Day All, From what I've read so far the new Isuzu and BT50 have the electric steering assist. (Haven't looked at the rear springs.) The Mazda seems to have the higher pricing of the two. I'm looking at the MUX, very impressed with it, and haven't heard anyone say a bad word about them. Regards,
Warren-Pat_01 said
09:55 PM Oct 24, 2020
G'day Mike196,
By all means look at the MUX - the new one isn't coming out until sometime next year, though.
One advantage the Mux has is that (if required & used carefully) airbags can be added to the rear coil springs).
The other main thing to consider is the load capabilities. Most wagons can carry around 600kg, including driver, passenger(s), bar work, fuel, while the ute with leaf springs can carry around 800+kg.
yobarr said
11:09 AM Oct 25, 2020
Mike196 wrote:
G'Day All, From what I've read so far the new Isuzu and BT50 have the electric steering assist. (Haven't looked at the rear springs.) The Mazda seems to have the higher pricing of the two. I'm looking at the MUX, very impressed with it, and haven't heard anyone say a bad word about them. Regards,
Hi Mike....without knowing the ATM of the van that the OP wishes to tow,it is not easy to comment on your suggestion of an MUX. While the MUX is undoubtedly a fine vehicle,it needs to be noted that it has nowhere near the abilities of either a DMax or a BT50.Long story short,an MUX cannot safely tow any more than 2500kg,assuming 10% towball weight, and it has a much shorter wheelbase than the other two vehicles being discussed,which can both safely tow up to around 3100kg.Recently,I met a chap who owns an MUX,and had just returned from an extended trip in his MUX,with the car well-loaded and "towing 3000kg mate..no worries." He was horrified when I showed that he was overloaded,unsafe and uninsured.Weights are a minefield for those who are happy to believe what they want to hear,or what is written in various sales brochures.Of the two vehicles being considered,I would take the DMax....Cheers
Mike196 said
11:14 AM Oct 25, 2020
G'Day Warren,
By the time I buy the new one will be pretty close I reckon, although it may well go up market like the DMax has to take on the Ranger and Hilux. Not too fussed as the current one will do what I want. We're looking at a Van with a tare of 2000-2100Kg and around the 120/140Kg on the ball. They are out there just have to find one we both like.
I'll be doing a GVM upgrade on it right from the start, with probably only a nudge bar on the front, so that should take care of load carrying/towing etc.There's enough to do with wiring, electric brake unit, and 2nd battery etc, without the added expense of Canopies etc.
I have done the Ute thing with our last van and want to have a Station Wagon /SUV type vehicle this time round. Lots of things to consider, like the demand for vehicles and Vans means there's no real discounts to be had at the moment, so I'm prepared to wait.
Regards,
Mike.
travelyounger said
06:28 AM Oct 27, 2020
hodgie55 wrote:
Wonder has anyone purchased either the new Isuzu DMax or Mazda BT50 or considered buying one.
Or has anyone had a drive of either and what is your thoughts.
If you were to buy one which would you choose of the two and why.
I had a quick look at the new dmax the other day and was not all that impressed with the three leaf springs there is no way you could carry a one ton payload stock standard.When I bought my 2017 dmax with 5 leaf springs I put a aftermarket canopy on with a fridge and some tools and that flattened the springs out.Also did not go much on the fancy new profile on the door panal and all the driver assist technology. They say never buy the first model of the new model and I might just keep mine as I have put lots of extras on it and the warranty runs out soon and will be free of the bulldust I get from most Izuzu service centres.
Cheers
hodgie55 said
08:16 AM Oct 27, 2020
Thanks travelyounger greatly appreciated.That's the sort of feedback i'm chasing as gives me ideas on what to look for.
yobarr said
01:20 PM Oct 28, 2020
hodgie55 wrote:
Thanks travelyounger greatly appreciated.That's the sort of feedback i'm chasing as gives me ideas on what to look for.
Hi Ian...you might be interested in a recent post in 'Techies Corner" on this forum? Cheers
Wonder has anyone purchased either the new Isuzu DMax or Mazda BT50 or considered buying one.
Or has anyone had a drive of either and what is your thoughts.
If you were to buy one which would you choose of the two and why.
I was talking with someone only on Sunday gone who has a 6 year old Dmax and went looking at the new ones but he said they are having a few problems with the newbie so might hold on a little longer. Probably worth looking into that further maybe.
Another little bit of info...my daughter up in Townsville always wanted a BT50 but ended up getting a Dmax and loves it more than food and that's saying something.
I have never come across a Dmax owner that doesn't like it but have a BT50.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
Doug, the new D-max and the new BT50 are one and the same. Mazda had a hissy fit with Ford.
Re Mazda repairs, it probably depends on the service manager, we had an oil leak from the rear seal, out of warranty, but reported within the warranty period. We were told we weren't taking our car home as it had to have a new engine, they supplied a new ute FOC for the duration. All no charge to us.
Where as another service manager is pathetic.
-- Edited by iana on Tuesday 20th of October 2020 06:54:51 PM
I've been laid up in Toowoomba due to a medical condition. The condition that I would be released from hospital was that I could get into our car on the passenger side (just scaped in)!
A few nights before I was released, I had a dream that we swapped our 2019 D-max for the new one. The dream didn't come to a conclusion but left me with some questions as well as reasons.
Pros - a diff lock - whoopee, but did I go driving where I needed one anymore? No!
- an extra two inches of legroom in the back - very beneficial!!
Cons - I had spent a fair bit of time with other D-max owners on their forum in getting the idiotic shark fin aerial to work on the AM band (simple in the end but a lot of mucking around, & no help from the dealer).
- The new one comes with a digital radio - would it work 300kms north of Brisbane, I suspect NO!
- As well, I'd added a UHF Radio, LED Bar & second battery that would have to be removed.
- What was the life of the sealed front hubs, what happened if they needed replacing "out in the bush?" How long is a piece of string?"
- Rear suspension. We bought our car because of the "softer, smoother riding, 3 leaf suspension" - only to be told that within 6 months that these springs had a safety issue & had to be replaced. When I dug into it, this had been an ongoing issue on every model since early 2018! In other words, I paid a lot more than I wanted to get a standard car with user friendly vinyl mats, less flash head unit & with HD springs. No they wouldn't come to the party by me part buying a better alternative suspension! "You have to let us change the rear springs to the std HD ones."
So I will be watching whether the new vehicle has similar problems with the "3 leaf springset!" In two years, Isuzu did nothing about redesigning the dudd springs.
Isuzu has a reputation for good reliability, ongoing improvements, etc - I'm not impressed!
Which would I buy out of the new twins? It would come down to looks & service!
After I've done my medical, voting stuff this morning, I'll go to my post in the Isuzu forum & copy it.
I put an external aerial on the bull Bar, bought an adaptor for my head unit (the flash bit in the centre of the dash) & connected the two.
Can you let me know what year your car is? That is if you don't know the brand of the head unit.
Shark fin aerials are designed to work in the Upper FM frequencies +, not in the AM band of 500-1700khz.
When I raised the query, all the capital city users told me theirs worked fine - there was something wrong with my car!
Thanks for the information everybody.So far in my opinion the Dmax looks better than the Mazda but the Mazda has a few more extras in each model specification and just a bit cheaper.
Also in Qld i don't think there are Dmax's available for sale as the Dealers sold all their new stock immediately and basically no new stock until Jan/Feb 2021,whilst Mazda seems to have stock being a little bit later realeased.
I think other states also have little to none of the new Isuzus either.
after they chased all the likely causes including checking all the earths ( they pulled the dash apart) an nothing made any difference i borrowed an Ariel off a cx-3 an it made a bit of improvement (cx-3 ariel smaller than bt-50 would have thought the bigger ariel would have been better?)
Hi Ian....What does that tell you? Bit like a 70 series Landcruiser,where there is a 6 month waiting period. There has to be a reason for things like these,where quality products that command a higher price still seem to sell more quickly than cheaper options.Good luck with your purchase,whatever you choose.Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Wednesday 21st of October 2020 11:54:40 AM
Thanks Yobarr,With the Isuzu and Mazda now being the same vehicle except for looks i think it is just going to come down to personal preference.
I did, with my past radio knowledge & that of some friends who left work several years after I did. AND, I also raised the issue on the OzIsuzu Forum. I also ordered the AERPRO adaptor that suited my head unit from a local company. Two of us on that forum were able to help other members,
There are two feeds into the radio section of the head unit - one for the GPS, one for the aerial. It was this feed that I connected the new AM/FM aerial on the rhs of the bull bar (well away from any issues with the 5w UHF cb radio). This aerial extends to about 1.3m.
The system is still not perfect, as I still get 50hz interference from power poles (el-cheapo radio, I think). One good trial was our last trip home from Toowoomba. We tuned into the ABC station at Roma - it petered out just south of Torrens Creek; a distance of around 450km as the crow flies (& radio signals travel). Just east of Pentland, we picked up our Local ABC - 4QN at Brandon.
My owners manual suggests that AM is no longer used by the majority of buyers as they now prefer down loaded music. Stiff cheddar if you're after road conditions & there is no internet connection available. I cannot remember how many times we've had to divert due to fires, floods. I'll try to locate the pictures, etc tomorrow - not being able to bend one's knee is not pleasant!
Going back to the original question - which is best? Do your homework well - especially comparing the rides with past BT-50s if you're after a smooth ride. And be aware that the 3 leaf rear springs could be proven faulty in the future - I hope not!
Morning Ian, You have me wondering why you want the post (Thread) to be deleted
Why ask the question in the first place. The replies you have got have given opinions on both vehicles, maybe not the new one in full but it hasn't been around all that long really.
IMO the 'post' should stay. Reason...It could help someone else out maybe.
Maybe move it to the 'Techies' section. Cindy can arrange that if you ask 'Webmaster'.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Thursday 22nd of October 2020 08:39:57 AM
Hi Ian
I doubt you will get the info you are looking for as these models have just recently been released .I bought my dmax in 2017 and have been very happy with it why don't you test drive both cars and buy the one which suits you at the end of the day you'll be a Mazda man or izuzu man.
Cheers
G'Day All,
From what I've read so far the new Isuzu and BT50 have the electric steering assist. (Haven't looked at the rear springs.) The Mazda seems to have the higher pricing of the two. I'm looking at the MUX, very impressed with it, and haven't heard anyone say a bad word about them.
Regards,
By all means look at the MUX - the new one isn't coming out until sometime next year, though.
One advantage the Mux has is that (if required & used carefully) airbags can be added to the rear coil springs).
The other main thing to consider is the load capabilities. Most wagons can carry around 600kg, including driver, passenger(s), bar work, fuel, while the ute with leaf springs can carry around 800+kg.
Hi Mike....without knowing the ATM of the van that the OP wishes to tow,it is not easy to comment on your suggestion of an MUX. While the MUX is undoubtedly a fine vehicle,it needs to be noted that it has nowhere near the abilities of either a DMax or a BT50.Long story short,an MUX cannot safely tow any more than 2500kg,assuming 10% towball weight, and it has a much shorter wheelbase than the other two vehicles being discussed,which can both safely tow up to around 3100kg.Recently,I met a chap who owns an MUX,and had just returned from an extended trip in his MUX,with the car well-loaded and "towing 3000kg mate..no worries." He was horrified when I showed that he was overloaded,unsafe and uninsured.Weights are a minefield for those who are happy to believe what they want to hear,or what is written in various sales brochures.Of the two vehicles being considered,I would take the DMax....Cheers
G'Day Warren,
By the time I buy the new one will be pretty close I reckon, although it may well go up market like the DMax has to take on the Ranger and Hilux. Not too fussed as the current one will do what I want. We're looking at a Van with a tare of 2000-2100Kg and around the 120/140Kg on the ball. They are out there just have to find one we both like.
I'll be doing a GVM upgrade on it right from the start, with probably only a nudge bar on the front, so that should take care of load carrying/towing etc.There's enough to do with wiring, electric brake unit, and 2nd battery etc, without the added expense of Canopies etc.
I have done the Ute thing with our last van and want to have a Station Wagon /SUV type vehicle this time round. Lots of things to consider, like the demand for vehicles and Vans means there's no real discounts to be had at the moment, so I'm prepared to wait.
Regards,
Mike.
I had a quick look at the new dmax the other day and was not all that impressed with the three leaf springs there is no way you could carry a one ton payload stock standard.When I bought my 2017 dmax with 5 leaf springs I put a aftermarket canopy on with a fridge and some tools and that flattened the springs out.Also did not go much on the fancy new profile on the door panal and all the driver assist technology. They say never buy the first model of the new model and I might just keep mine as I have put lots of extras on it and the warranty runs out soon and will be free of the bulldust I get from most Izuzu service centres.
Cheers
Thanks travelyounger greatly appreciated.That's the sort of feedback i'm chasing as gives me ideas on what to look for.
Hi Ian...you might be interested in a recent post in 'Techies Corner" on this forum? Cheers