Looking to buy an Isuzu ute or SUV? Here’s our comprehensive round-up of the pros and cons of different financing methods.
Isuzu is a Japanese commercial vehicle maker. The company derives its name from the Isuzu river in Japan. It has a long history of building diesel engines and has produced over 26.8 million since 1936.
Isuzu owns multiple production facilities worldwide and has experimented with passenger vehicles in the past. Today, the automotive brand focuses on both light and heavy commercial vehicles, as well as supplying diesel engines to other manufacturers.
Isuzu Australia model range
Isuzu MU-X
The Isuzu MU-X is a large, seven-seater SUV, and owners get to enjoy a powerful, turbocharged diesel engine (originally based on a truck engine), and an upmarket interior. Not bad specs for a 4x4 that can tow 3 tonnes and tackle rugged terrain.
The MU-X generally sells with a six-speed auto transmission, and it’s the same gearbox you’ll find in the Hilux and Prado. There is a manual transmission available on LS-U 4x4 models. The MU-X was Australia’s best selling ute-based SUV of 2017. Isuzu MU-X rivals include the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Ford Everest, and Toyota Fortuner. The Japanese SUV also achieved second place in 4x4 Australia magazine’s 4x4 of the year award for 2018.
Features vary depending on the model you choose.
- LS-M. The starter spec LS-M model has a 7.0 touch screen that features USB, Bluetooth and a reverse camera. It is also equipped with LED daytime running lights, rearward parking sensors, LED projector headlights, 16-inch alloys and air conditioning.
- LS-U. Buyers opting for the LS-U model get an enlarged 8-inch infotainment screen, a chrome grille in place of gun metal front grille, matching chrome exterior accessories, rear cabin vents and 18-inch alloys.
- LS-T. The top of the range LS-T builds upon the LS-U model, with part-leather seats, a passive entry and ignition system, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat and a 10-inch DVD screen for passengers seated in the back.
Isuzu D-MAX ute
- Sat nav
- Roof rails
- Passive entry and start system
- Leather-appointed seats
- LED running lights and tail lights
- 18-inch alloys
- Hill descent control
- Climate control
The motoring media generally considers the D-MAX a good all-rounder. It’s not the cheapest ute, nor the flashiest, but it probably only really lacks a locking rear differential. Reviews agree that the 3-litre turbocharged Isuzu diesel under the bonnet is very punchy with bags of torque. The ute was also lauded for its durable interior and towing capabilities.
Compare car loans suitable for use to purchase a Isuzu
Isuzu financing options
Explore Isuzu financing options, including consumer loans, chattel mortgages, novated leasing or secure/unsecured car loans.
Buying a new Isuzu ute or SUV
- Investigate dealership financing. Although Isuzu Australia doesn’t have a financial services arm, its dealers should be able to arrange finance for you. This can include chattel mortgages, novated leases, contract hire purchases and consumer loans. You’ll need to speak to each dealership directly.
- Compare secured car loans. Offering up your new Isuzu D-MAX or MU-X as collateral on a loan can bring more competitive interest rates and lower monthly repayments. This is known as secured car loans and ates may be fixed or variable. For a lender, collateral means there’s less risk as they can repossess the asset if you fail to repay the loan, which in turn means they can offer you better terms. However, should you fail to make a payment or two, you run the risk of the vehicle being repossessed and auctioned off. Also be aware that typically you can only use the borrowed funds to purchase your new wheels. You can’t dedicate some of the money to paying on-road costs, insurance or building a garage to store your new purchase.
- Consider an unsecured loan. If you wish to use the loan to pay for your vehicle, as well as some other unrelated costs, you can look into an unsecured personal loan. As you aren’t offering up any security against the loan, you’ll have a higher interest rate to deal with. However, you’re not limited as to how you want to use the funds.
Buying a used Isuzu ute or SUV
- Dealership finance. As well as new vehicles, dealers should also be able to arrange financing for used Isuzu D-MAX and MU-X models. You can often negotiate a good deal if you’re prepared to use the dealer’s lender, as salespeople are generally incentivised to sign up buyers to the in-house financing company.
- Secured loan or car loan. You can take out a secured car loan for any used vehicle that qualifies. As with new vehicles, secured loans for a used car provide competitive interest rates, but there are a few more restrictions. For example, some lenders require the car to be no older than 12 years old at the end of the loan term while others may not let you purchase a vehicle older than five years old at the beginning of the loan term. Check the restrictions of the secured loan when you apply.
- Unsecured loan. When you want to purchase a pre-loved Isuzu older than six or seven years at the start of a loan, an unsecured loan may be the better choice. You’re free to choose any vehicle you like, it can be any age, and you can put some of the monies towards on-road costs or additions such as fitting out the tray with racking. The downsides include higher interest rates, as no collateral means the lender is taking a bigger risk giving you the money. In addition, you may not be able to get pre-approval, making the buying process a little more complicated.
Isuzu D-MAX loan case study
Dean is interested in an Isuzu D-Max EX manual 4x4, but needs to decide whether to buy a new 2018 model retailing for $34,800 or take advantage of a five-year-old model that is almost identical and is being sold privately for $16,400.
If Dean chooses the new model, he could apply for a secured car loan similar to those set out on this page. He could put up the car as security, and take advantage of competitive interest rates starting from 5.29% p.a. with a fixed term.
If he buys the older model, Dean would be unlikely to be approved for a secured car loan since the car is already five years old. He could consider an unsecured car loan but would need to be prepared to pay higher interest rates due to the increased risk to the lender.
Alternatively, Dean could consider a secured personal loan if he had another asset to put up as security, such as a business asset or residential property.
Isuzu running costs
According to RedBook’s vehicle information website, the Isuzu D-Max is the more fuel efficient of the two Isuzu models available in Australia, with an average cost of $118 per 1,000km compared to $131 per 1,000km for the MU-X, based on national average metropolitan fuel prices.
The average cost per full tank of fuel based on the same national average fuel prices came in at $123 for the D-MAX and $105 for the MU-X based on the D-Max's greater fuel capacity. Autotrader calculated the average costs of registration and CTP insurance to be $957 per year for the first three years, with tyres costing $243 per year and servicing amounting to $317 per year on average.
What’s the best financing offer for purchasing an Isuzu?
As with any loan product, there is no one finance offer that will suit everyone. With different lenders offering different loan terms and rates, the finance offer that suits one person may not be the better choice for another person.
When comparing Isuzu financing options, consider the following:
- The amount you want to borrow. Do you want to finance the full cost of the Isuzu only, or are you looking for an extra amount to purchase accessories and upgrades? Do you have a deposit to contribute to reduce the amount of the loan? Consider the amounts different lenders are willing to lend, and whether this suits your needs.
- The cost of the loan. Interest rates are important, but should not be the only consideration when comparing finance options. Some loans will include a combination of charges in addition to interest, which can include application fees, ongoing fees and early exit fees, along with hefty penalties for late or dishonoured payments. Make sure you’re aware of all applicable fees charged by each lender so you can compare the total cost of the loan, rather than just the interest rate.
- Flexibility. Is it possible you would want to pay out the loan early? Could you be interested in trading in your Isuzu for a newer model before the end of the loan term? If so, you’ll need a loan that offers flexible terms, including not imposing penalties for early repayment.
Commonly asked questions about purchasing an Isuzu ute or SUV
What is the fuel tank capacity?
The D-MAX ute has a fuel tank capacity of 76 litres, while the MU-X SUV’s fuel tank capacity is 65 litres.
Do I need to use an approved Isuzu service centre to keep my warranty intact?
Not necessarily. While having your Isuzu ute or SUV serviced at a non-Isuzu-approved centre will not automatically void your warranty, the terms of the warranty must be adhered to. In particular, service parts must comply with the specifications listed in the Isuzu Owner’s and Driver’s Manual, and must be of equal quality to the original fluids and parts. The maintenance procedure must also be completed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, otherwise your warranty could be in jeopardy.
