Any info on small trucks- Isuzu NPR200/Hino 300 ?

Brian
Mate I'd be going the Isuzu I have worked on all three you have mentioned and found the Isuzu to be the most user friendly in maintenance and ease of repair Isuzu almost felt if they were designed for the mechanic in mind. Parts are available aus wide and on par price wise between all three. Engines built strong have been designed off the larger engines just don't over heat one can cost lots to repair. If ya need more info please ask I may be able to assist you. Another thing to keep in mind Isuzu haven't been the market leader for no reason.

Cheers
Scott n lara

Yep another vote for the Isuzu brand, we bought a NPR 150 back in 1999 as a work truck for a crane repair company. Now the 150 is the same as a 200 but with 16" singles on the back, the 200 had duals but smaller diameter, can't remember the size. That little truck was driven by all and sundry for about 6 years and has since done duty as a general hack for another company that I owned. Sold that business a couple of months ago and retired and as the new owners didn't want it I have purchased it out of the company. Don't tell anyone else but never buy a vehicle owned/used by mechanics, that little truck has never missed a beat in all those years and still goes strong. If I was to buy another truck (unlikely..lol) it would be an Isuzu.
Having said that I know a couple of guys who have clocked up a lot of k's in Hinos without trouble. Yeah I know a lot of users go for Mitsubishi but not me.

Cheers
Pop

Hi Brian,

Another vote for the Isuzu. I drove a NPR200 trade pack (auto) today towing my boat it performed well on road.

Cheers Wilko

We have an isuzu NPR 200 'rippet' and a Mitsubishi canter 3.5.
The canter is more truck like to drive where the isuzu has a car like driving position and a raised dash. The isuzu's linkages haven't fared as well and the gearbox required attention at 20000 kms. The canter has been driven by the same workers and still drives like new.

The latest generation light trucks with autos and independent suspension are where I would be looking for a comfortable tourer. The only new one we have is an isuzu 500 which would be too big. It is a delight to drive though.

Current firetruck is a 4x4 Isuzu. Drives ok and is reasonable comfortable in the cab. Only critisim is that it lacks power and it is hard to keep the speed up on Code 1's.
So I guess you need to ensure you get one with anough power for the job at hand.

Brian,
Much for muchness. Having driven thousands of kms in both, my personal preference is actually with the Hino.

The gearbox in my opinion just has a smoother feel, especially when you get up around the 300,000kms + mark.

Other than that..there really isn't that much difference and perhaps the biggest leverage to sway your opinion may boil down to price.

Suspension (air ride) seats are great when they are working properly but terrible when not. I've become air borne plenty of times over rough roads when the seat is on the blink. Very back jarring. Most trucks (excluding the Volvo 520 which seems to be smooth all the time) travel a bit rough when unloaded but smooth out with a bit of weight.

Goodluck with you decission making.

Fab.

Thanks again for all the input.

I think to be fair to myself I'm going to give the local Hino outlet a visit just to compare what deals they may do.

I'm not too keen on the mitsibishi Fuso (mainly because I just dont like Mitsi's) but thats just me.

I think then a side by side test ride of the Hino and Isuzu and I should then be able to make the decision not just according to price.

Brian