Well I guess I just signed on for another ten year hitch. That’s about how long I keep a work truck. I ordered a new ’05 Sprinter 3500, dual wheel van yesterday. Should be here next week. It was a tough decision to not go again with the Isuzu NPR, but the creature comforts tipped the scale. We’ll see how it goes. I have those pre-buy jitters like I did almost ten years ago.

The Isuzu has been a great truck, I could do 95% of the work myself and cut the down time. There have not been any major issues except that once a clip in the tranny popped out preventing it from going into reverse. Isuzu picked up the cost. It’s got 165k miles and probably could go that again. But, I feel I need to time things. Hopefully, this will be the last new work truck I will ever buy (I’ll be 52 in November).

Things on the NPR that I’ve replaced include:

Radiator (showing signs of corrosion), Batteries (once, two years ago, just figured it was time), Exhaust Brake, Rotors and Pads (once this spring, it’s easy on brakes), Fuel Tank and Oil Pan (both were seeping, can’t have that in customer’s driveways), Muffler (twice), Valve adjustments, wheel packing and regular 6k oil changes and grease (you really have to keep after the king-pins), Roll-up door springs and cables (one broke, fix ’em all), extra leaf springs in the rear, new air filter canister last week (noticed a rust hole).

The truck is registered for 11k and tips the scales at 11.5k loaded for work. It’s not a speed demon, but gets around town great. Can’t beat the turning radius. Fuel mileage with all that weight is 14mpg. It’s the four cylinder turbo, 5 speed manual. Does not have AC. I have been the only driver since new. Cab is in good condition, no dings, dents or rust holes, but could use some touch-up, mostly the bumper. The box is a Supreme 14′ aluminum with full rear and curbside 3′ roll-up doors. Total height is just under 10′. Box condition is good, no holes, but starting to show it’s age. I had a receiver hitch made for it to tow a trailer, but removed it to replace the fuel tank and never put it back. I still have it. I installed auxiliary back-up lights and a heater in the box. Right now there are two Craftsman tool chests and metal shelving. They can stay for a price. Rubber is good, new last fall and probably have 10k miles on them. There are stainless steel simulator wheel covers also, but are not on because I want to polish them.

Only issues right now are the fuel gage doesn’t work. I think it’s the plug, because it quit before and it worked after I put the new fuel tank w/sending units in. Radio ^ button doesn’t work, so I can’t change the clock or adjust the station up without going all the way around the dial or using one of the set buttons. Hey, the clock will be right again come fall ;).

If you have ever looked under these trucks at the frame and drive train and compared to a Chevy, Dodge or Ford one ton, you will see that the Isuzu is built heavier.

The truck is located in Vermont and asking price is $6500.

I can be reached by e-mail @ [email protected]  Pictures will be posted soon or can be e-mailed.

Thanks

Mike