Gerhard Du Toit, a resident of Oudtshoorn, South Africa, had purchased his Isuzu KB in 2003 from his brother to use for his courier business, Road Runner. Du Toit’s brother had originally purchased the truck in 1997 as a demo model with just 7,000 kilometers. Today, the KB’s odometer sits at 1.5 million kilometers, which is just under 1 million miles (930,000 to be exact). Kudos to that.
In order to make it this far, the truck had to face the harsh conditions of the dry Karoo deserts. Du Toit claims that the key to getting his KB to last is to make sure that it’s fuller serviced every 10,000 km, and to use genuine Isuzu parts only. “I might not be able to take on the Dakar Rally but when I get into my Isuzu I have complete faith that it will take me where I need to be and back without any problems,” said Du Toit.
It’s impressive to see a vehicle of this age in this shape, especially after such heavy usage. Du Toit also says he has a good understanding with his “bakkie,” talking to it nicely every day, as a rider would a horse. It just goes to show that if you take care of your vehicles they’ll take care of you.
Comments
Still would like to see an S10 sized pick-up. Gotta be a market for the compact truck.
Totally agree. I see a number of late model Ford Rangers around here and wonder why GM or Ford doesn’t reintroduce this size. At first I was thinking the Colorado would be that size and was disappointed to learn how big it is. Between contractors who just need a small truck and homeowners who want a truck but don’t need to tow stuff, surely the market is bigger than that for, say, the Encore.
Mike D,
I’m going to be blunt. Ppl are overweight.
guys and women like the bigger size vehicles.
A compact truck would most likely not sell well.
I am with you as I prefer the smaller trucks. I drive a compact car and am trading in my Camaro for the 2016 just to have the smaller body style.
But unfortunately ppl like ourselves are in the minority.
I also think you answered your own question in a way.
The Compact CUV cuts into hypothetical compact pick up truck sales with out a question. Most ppl can make due with a small or midsize CUV.
Back when the compact pick up was around there were barely any SUV’s that were small. station wagons and vans were around but hey this is just an observation by me.
It is not only about how fat people are, it is also the fact cars have gotten so expensive people just can’t afford to have several vehicles to fit a family. If you buy a small truck and a family sedan or CUV you’re in it around 40-50K at least for both. The Colorado of now and Silverado can haul, tow, and accommodate a family of four or five and be a primary vehicle because they have gotten safer, more comfortable and way easier to drive than a truck used to be. Me personally, I would love a modern LUV or S10 sized truck with the new 1.6t or even the 2.0t to run around in. I think it would be awesome, but unfortunately it probably won’t happen.
Had an early 2000s Isuzu box truck I got at the Chevy dealership used. A great vehicle!
Can’t get ANY replies to the NCM Motorsports park and yet we have this?? Really people? Shows me what the GM Authority site is really all about, PATHETIC!!!!