2020 Isuzu D-MAX 250 Hi-Rider D/Cab Auto

[MR_Y]

Hi,

A family member (over 60) is considering an almost new 2020 Isuzu D-MAX 250 Hi-Rider D/Cab Auto.
This is the 100kw/320Nm version, not the "fleet" spec 2.5 version (58kw or so). By the way, said family member does have that fleet spec version as his staff vehicle.
Previous bakkie was an NP300 2.5TDI manual (it was written off recently - those reports on safety issues on these vehicles are true).
Bakkie is to be used on mainly (steep) gravel roads, with occasional (say, 30% of the time) highway use. The vehicle may be laden occasionally - oil drums and mechanical parts. 
Being the resident "car guy" in the family, I was asked for my views.
Being a non-bakkie guy, I do not feel I am too qualified to make an informed opinion - so, I am asking for advice on this forum.

Through a process of elimination, my thoughts are: 
- I feel that a Ranger 2.2 Auto may be too modern for this application and may not be robust enough for this particular use case. Also, can it survive on a diet of 500ppm diesel?
- The Hilux 2.4 Auto is a solid choice, but you cannot squeeze dealers as hard as you can for a discount compared to an Isuzu. Also, I feel that the Hilux has become more SUV-like instead of a workhorse.
- The Triton is another contender, but no dealer support in the buyer's location
- Mahindra Pik-up/Scorpio is maybe too hardcore and does not come in Auto. (Note the Auto requirement for the buyer is due to health reasons).
- Nissan does not make a Navara at the D-Max price-point, so that rules it out.

I think the D-Max is a solid choice, based on a process of eliminating the competition above. 
Budget is R400k and for business/tax/VAT? reasons, that I don't fully understand, the vehicle has to be a 2020 model with low mileage.

Thanks.

 

[PaKiMoNSTeR]

We bought 2 of these in manual in 2016. No major issues thus far considering these are used for business and personal use by myself and my partner. We load steel items in them from time to time, up to 1ton and travel quite frequently between PE/EL for work. Only issue thus far was clutch release or battling to get into gear at around 15000km and this was resolved by dealership. Concern did return around 11500km but it's only slight and not really that much of an issue.

This concern was on both of the vehicles. Mine is now sitting at 165000km and I have not yet considered trading it in for a newer model. My dad has a 2.2 Ranger also in manual and your comments on it being not robust enough for a more workhorse type of vehicle is also in my opinion true. It's 'soft' on the inside and it also does not have the low range loading/towing capabilities of the Isuzu. We have towed our race cars with both and we both prefer mine over his.

However if I was in the market for a bakkie to only load garden refuse now and then and use it more for recreational vehicle I would look at the Ford from a comfort point of view. Can't comment on the rest of the rest of the players in the market as I have not driven many of them.

Hope the above helps...

 

[MR_Y]

thanks @"PaKiMoNSTeR"

 

[MR_Y]

Update.
The buyer decided on a brand new 250 X-Rider Extended Cab (apparently, works out for VAT purposes instead of a D/cab?).
Given that the D-max is being fully revised/changed in 2021, there are some massive discounts to be had with nice goodies also thrown into the deal (reverse camera, touch screen radio, leather etc).

 

[Yulz9081]

Yep cannot claim VAT on the double cab as it is considered a passenger vehicle.

Ranger is my pick of the lot but agreed more for soft use. Isuzu/Hilux is definitely the pick of the lot for the use intended.
I'm in the same boat but thinking of going Ranger SuperCab for the VAT benefit.

 

[PaKiMoNSTeR]

I also disagree on the VAT thing. Law states that all passengers needs to have a seat belt and you can only transport 1 additional person even with a Super/Extended cab. So do you need to drive all of the guys to and from where they need to be or buy multiple vehicles to ferry them around when you can do with a DC?

I do however think that if your accountants can motivate this point perhaps SARS will allow the VAT to be claimed back or so I heard. Not sure but will definitely try this when we renew the fleet.