Isuzu KB still working hard after hitting one million km!
The owner of an 18-year-old Isuzu KB250 double-cab that hit one million kilometres almost a year ago says the bakkie is still working hard.
David Manley says that almost a year after hitting the milestone and then heading on a trip to the Kalahari and back, the diesel-powered bakkie is being used for “general transportation and farm work” at Ruiterbos outside Mossel Bay in the Southern Cape.
And there are more plans afoot. In fact, Manley and his wife say they are preparing to undertake another trip to Namibia in their bakkie in July.
“Our last trip to Etosha in Namibia was done in July last year, as we had a week to kill after Gillian and I hiked the Naukluft Trail and started the Fish River Canyon trail. We travelled up on largely now very bad gravel roads via Walvis Bay and the Skeleton Coast. The vehicle has been to Etosha before, so it knew the way,” said Manley.
“Our Isuzu has also travelled extensively around South Africa, mostly with a boat on the roof taking my son from regatta to regatta during his high-school years,” the retired ship surveyor said.
“The bakkie was bought new in 2000 from CP Nel Motors in Mossel Bay and has given me sterling service. The vehicle was serviced by CP Nel up to 200 000 km, and thereafter I did the routine services myself.
“The engine and turbo are original and have never been opened. I had the brakes and suspension serviced independently as required. The engine still uses no oil between oil changes,” Manley explained, adding that a replacement gearbox was fitted at 540 000 km.
“The vehicle is getting a bit rusty… I did not think it would last this long, so I stopped body maintenance around the 800 000 km mark. That is the vehicle’s body, not mine, which continues to age no matter what I do,” Manley said.
http://www.carmag.co.za/news/isuzu-kb-still-working-hard-after-hitting-one-million-km/
though i might get a chance on the weekend if the new owner comes so i can help him fit a new radio. 544186km
