Readers’ Rides

Been going your own way? Tell us about it—and win.

PAUL & MAUREEN COLTHURST:

LIVE: BRIGHTON, QLD DRIVE: 2021 D-MAX 4X4 X-TERRAIN

“I was keen on a 2019 D-MAX, and then a friend of mine told me the new model was coming out, so I took a look at it online and I just loved it straightaway. Our X-TERRAIN is our first new car—and what an adventure we’ve had with it. Over a four-week desert adventure we travelled more than 6000km. The tarmac ended in Innamincka, and then we headed down the Strzelecki Track, up the Oodnadatta Track, then along the Old Ghan Track into Mount Dare. Then the fun really started, crossing the French Line via Dalhousie Springs into Poeppel Corner and onto Birdsville via the QAA Line. Crossing the Simpson’s 1100 sand dunes, we thought Big Red would be a challenge—not so once I actually picked the right line (the centre line looked so tempting!). Up and over no worries. Since this trip we have also done another 4000km up to the Boulia Camel Races. What a blast!”

RILEY CARROLL

LIVES: KEILOR, VIC DRIVES: 2016 D-MAX 4X4 LS-M

“As a former diesel mechanic, I know that the D-MAX has always had an excellent reputation for being a reliable, capable vehicle with a great engine. I bought mine back when I was still living in Brisbane, and I have been exploring new places with it ever since, including camping trips to Moreton, Bribie and North Stradbroke Island and the forests of the Sunshine Coast. Then after moving to Melbourne the adventures continued, with a four-day trip to the Victorian High Country, even with a bit of snow thrown in! I’m looking forward to many more years of trouble-free adventure ‘going my own way’ in the mighty D-MAX.”

AARON AND CARLY DUNCAN

LIVE: TINGALPA, QLD / DRIVE: 2021 MU-X 4X4 LS-U

“Our MU-X has become the perfect family car. We welcomed our second baby into the world in October, meaning we now travel with a baby capsule and toddler car seat everywhere we go, but the MU-X still feels really comfortable and spacious—even when the dog comes along, too. We love to take our young boys to some of our favourite spots, from beautiful Queensland countryside to local coffee haunts, and we look forward to every drive, long or short. Our three-year-old now points out Isuzus on the road everywhere we go. He doesn’t know how to read yet, so technically the first word he learned was ‘Isuzu’!”

GARY SMITH

LIVES: BEMBOKA, NSW / DRIVES: 1965 ISUZU WASP

“My Isuzu Wasp is a 1965 model. No need to replace it yet as it just keeps on going! I purchased it 12 years ago from Caboolture in Queensland and brought it home, and even found an original set of wheels and hubcaps. Our Isuzu car club has regular outings and a national display every year; this year the nationals were held in Adelaide. I take one of my old Isuzus for a drive—I’ve got about 15 in the shed. It’s a big shed! And the Wasp attracts a lot of attention. Only one shipment of 122 Wasps came to Australia, in late 1964. There were 30 utes and 92 cab chassis; traybacks for the cab chassis were built here. I actually purchased a new Isuzu Wasp trayback in January 1965. I’ve been an Isuzu enthusiast ever since!”

SALLY MIERS

LIVES: THORNLANDS, QLD DRIVES: 2019 MU-X 4X2 LS-U

“Our Isuzu MU-X really has become our dream car since our little family has grown to three. There is so much room in the boot for all of our baby stuff, and I promise you we don’t travel lightly. It’s a good feeling knowing we can easily throw everything in the car and drive to our favourite spots on the coast for a spontaneous weekend away. We go our own way in making family memories that we will cherish for a long time!”

WIN 1 OF 5 AMPOL GIFT CARDS

We are giving away 5 x $100 Ampol gift cards thanks to our good friends at Ampol

Featured Readers’ Rides will each receive a gift card.

Simply send us a high-resolution image of your D-MAX or MU-X and a 100-word blurb, along with your VIN, name, contact details, suburb and model of your Isuzu to maxd@iua.net.au