Found a nicely priced 94 isuzu box truck, not sure on the mileage quite yet but, it seems as though it's in very decent shape. Just curious as to what to look for as far as problems or any potential issues. It's a 4cyl auto BTW. Thanks guys.
10 mpg Diesel is (HOW MUCH?!!) A lot to keep clean. $1000.00+ bill every time you have any repairs done. parking ! Transmission will give out. Last one was over $5000.00 Smokey, cough, wheeze,......... Seats not for westerners. Big doors on place to keep it inside. Other than those I liked mine.
10mpg Diesel Clean Expensive repairs To me, all those possible negatives, don't out way the positives of rolling around town with a 10-16' bill board. I know diesel out here is about 2.80ish, which is about the same as unleaded.
Buy a extended warranty insurance policy. I got a policy for 1,500 on my 2003 Box which had 43,000 miles from Penn Warranty Corporation. Had to use it once no problems. This is a 4 year unlimited milage and covers everything except maintance items (brakes, corrision ect) Takes the fear out of the purchase.
In 4 years it will be 20 years old. They ride like a pogo stick. If you have steep driveways there, stick with a 12'' box or get the long wheelbase version. The brakes do not wear. Unless you drive a lot of miles just get a gas.
I recommend the chevy W4500....not the 3500......the 4500 is a really heavy duty truck and will handle any weight you can put in it....very well built....extra large cab......the thing has power to spare....climb any hill with out having to drop a gear to get up...it runs an unleaded gas...the thing drives like a luxury car.....unlike my old diesel cab over...that thing drove like a log wagon...you could not climb a hill with out dropping down to almost the lowest gears...It is bigger then my old diesel cab over.....I get 2 MPG more out of it..and I am paying close to 50 cents cheaper per gallon of gas.........
you can run a PTO off of a regular gas engine/transmission..I know ford has many applications for both.......I think the biggest reason that A/T and Vortex went with the diesel engine was more for the exhaust diverter.....( not 100% sure )......
Jim, I did a search to learn a little more about the w4500 and some people, especially on commercailtrucktrader, claim that the npr and the chevy are the same. Reminded me of the Mercedes/Sprinter/Freightliner thing. What are the differences you found? Also, what year is yours? I'm about to start the truck shopping process, so thanks in advance.
mine is a 2008...to be honest I can only compare it to the nissian UD because out of all the cab overs that I have driven..the ud is the one that I drove the longest and got more familiar with....what I can tell you about the W4500 is that the thing is built to haul....it is extremely heavy duty and made to last...unlike most box trucks and some cab overs it runs 19.5 tires..heavy duty suspension and can carry anything we throw at it with out the slightest tilt.......very comfortable to drive...handles like a sports car...turning radios is about what you can expect in something this size...you can get it out on the interstate and set it at 75/80 mph and it just cruses right along...as mentioned before..it can climb hills with out even having to gear down....huge air dams on each front break to keep them cool...so the thing can stop on a dime....I can not tell you nothing about who made the box..there is no info no where on it...but I can say it is one of the best built I have ever seen...very will made...pretty air tight...as long as I keep my foot out of it...it is good on gas...as long as so texting teenager does not blow a red light and take me out...I expect to have this truck for a very long time...one of the best investments I have ever made for my company........
I had 4 cyl nprs back in 04 and 05 I had overheating problems with two of mine did an inframe rebuild on one cost-6,000 did a complete rebuild on the other one with a new radiator and turbo cost-13,000 swore I would never own another one lol their also pretty guttless on get up and go but I liked the turning radius,payload (gvwr), and cabs on them the gas version probably would be a better option if it were me I have a buddy that has a gas one and loves it.
I've got two NPR's (GMC W3500 and W4500) and love them! They both have 90K +/- miles on them and have virtually no problem with them. I only replaced brakes once (4500) and replaced brakes twice (3500 -- he's a bit of a hard braker) respectively. Sure, they're gutless, but with the maintenance costs that you would save, is worth the slow ascent up the hills. You mentioned that you have the 4 cyl, which means you probably have the 3.9L diesel engine. From what I hear, they are a bulletproof engine. Probably plenty of rebuilders out there available. As far as Diesel costs,........ sure! Do the math, and see if its right for you. For me, I would have had several thousand dollars in repairs on my standard vans vs. my Diesel cube vans. The turning radius on these beauties are also a life saver. Thankful for that everyday! So far, they have run forever without so much as a hiccup. Virtually NO maintenance. Just keep up on the oil changes, and they'll reward you forever. Here's my take on what to look for: 1. Is it the Allison transmission? If so, I would have alot of faith in its reliability 2. How many miles? If it has 300K+, I would want to pay a very LOW price if its clean and running well. Then, pile up the cash to rebuild the engine and transmission, when the time comes. I've seen one with 375K owned by a forklift repairman who hauled his tools and equipment with it. After all that abuse, it was still going strong! If it wasn't so visually hammered, I would have considered this truck. 3. Cargo floor. Plan on several drip pans if it is wood. OR, if memory serves, I think there was a guy who sprayed bedliner over his wood floor. -- just an idea. Make sure you apply plenty of varnish (add sand for traction) or, a good linseed oil bath before you install your equipment. 4. I'm running Prochem Everest (1st gen) slide-in units in both. If you're doing the same, look for a place to mount your aux. gas tank! 5. The tilt cab is sooooo cool! I can access any part of the engine without being a contortionist to get to the dipstick! Gas OR Diesel! I'm saving for my next cube presently, and would buy another NPR in a heartbeat! PS: Did I happen to mention that I REALLY like these trucks?
I have three Isuzus and love them. They run, and run and run. Also very low maintenance compared to other box trucks. The oldest I have is a 99 with 230k and runs like a champ.
