Isuzu D-Max vs. Volkswagen Amarok: Complete comparison 2026

Isuzu D-Max, also sold in some overseas markets under the names Chevrolet D-Max, Holden Colorado, or the more luxurious Isuzu V-Cross, is a robust Japanese pick-up that has built a strong global reputation as an indestructible workhorse with excellent off-road capabilities. Standing against it is the Volkswagen Amarok, the European representative of a premium approach to utility vehicles, which, by contrast, has long scored points for its excellent driving comfort approaching that of classic SUVs, powerful engines, and a sophisticated interior. The following comparison will show you in detail which of these two different approaches to a practical utility vehicle represents the best choice for your daily needs on the market for approximately four-year-old used cars.

Exterior Dimensions and Agility

Both vehicles represent classic representatives of the pickup segment, but their exterior dimensions reveal slightly different priorities of the two automakers. If we focus on the models that are currently most relevant on the market for roughly three- to five-year-old used cars (i.e., the 3rd generation Isuzu D-Max from 2020–2024 and the subsequent 2nd generation Volkswagen Amarok from 2023), the German representative makes a more massive overall impression. With a length of 5350 mm, the Amarok is slightly longer than the D-Max (5270–5310 mm depending on the cab type). This fact, combined with a significantly longer wheelbase (3270 mm for the Amarok compared to 3125 mm for the Isuzu), gives the Volkswagen an undeniable advantage in directional stability on the highway and more generous longitudinal space for the crew. The shorter wheelbase and overall slightly shorter length of the D-Max, on the other hand, mean better agility on narrow roads and a better breakover angle when overcoming terrain breaks, making it a more pragmatic choice for demanding work off paved roads.

As for width and height, the Volkswagen Amarok clearly demonstrates its focus on maximum comfort and a representative appearance. With a width of 1910 mm, it surpasses the Isuzu D-Max (1810–1870 mm) by a significant 40 to 100 mm, which in practice results in a noticeably airier cabin space, especially in the shoulder area. The Amarok is also noticeably taller (measuring up to 1884 mm compared to a maximum of 1790 mm for the D-Max), giving the driver a sense of total superiority and the car a more dominant stance on the road. From a user perspective, however, this size advantage means you have to be much more careful with the Amarok when entering older underground garages or parking at shopping centers, while the D-Max's more compact build represents a much smaller compromise when maneuvering in urban areas.

When choosing a roughly four-year-old used off-road pick-up, such as the third-generation Isuzu D-Max (from 2020) and the Volkswagen Amarok (where popular models from the end of the first and the start of the second generation meet on the used car market), the cargo bed volume plays an absolutely crucial role. In these vehicles, the "luggage compartment" (i.e., the open bed) is not only used for transporting pallets or work tools but increasingly serves as a full-fledged family boot. Whether you need to safely store camping gear, sports equipment, or just ensure you have space for a few extra suitcases, the cargo bed capacity of both vehicles is more than sufficient for a weekend grocery run or a longer adventurous holiday.

The base volume differs slightly between these two rivals. The Volkswagen Amarok, in its most popular Double Cab body style, traditionally scores points with a huge bed offering a base volume of a respectable 1,280 litres. Furthermore, it is structurally widened so that a standard Euro pallet fits easily between the rear wheel arches. The third-generation Isuzu D-Max, on the other hand, has a cargo volume of approximately 1,100 litres. Although the space in the Japanese representative is on paper about 180 litres smaller, in practice, it is such a generous volume that you will hardly notice the difference in family use. For tradespeople who don't need to carry more than two passengers, both brands offer Single Cab versions (or Space Cab for Isuzu), where the bed is significantly lengthened at the expense of the cabin, adding tens to hundreds of extra litres of usable space.

Pick-ups differ from conventional passenger cars like estates or SUVs in that their bed is completely physically separated from the passenger compartment. From a structural point of view, it is therefore naturally not possible to simply increase the luggage space by folding down the rear seats. To achieve the absolute maximum capacity of covered transport space, the vast majority of owners opt for the installation of a hardtop. With this, the usable protected volume of both models jumps to around 2,400 to 2,500 litres (for Isuzu, a value of over 2,430 litres is stated with a hardtop), which reliably overshadows even the largest family cars. The Volkswagen Amarok thus offers a slightly wider storage area in absolute numbers, but the Isuzu D-Max remains a rational choice thanks to its deep and easily accessible bed, which will serve most users with an unwavering reserve.

Towing capacity is an absolutely key parameter for pickup trucks, as these workhorses often have to deal with heavy machinery, construction materials, or large trailers. Both the Isuzu D-Max and the Volkswagen Amarok target customers who need to tow as much as possible, and both excel in this regard. If we focus on models ideal for the market of roughly four-year-old used cars, we come across the third-generation Isuzu D-Max (produced since 2020), which, with the 1.9 Diesel engine in the Double Cab and Space Cab body versions, offers a confident and fully unified braked towing capacity of exactly 3,500 kg. Only the purpose-built Single Cab work version can start at 2,500 kg in some configurations, while still being able to reach the maximum of 3,500 kg. The Volkswagen Amarok requires a bit more attention when choosing a used car. The maximum of 3,500 kg can be reliably achieved with the popular top-of-the-line 3.0 V6 TDI six-cylinder engines (both in models from the end of the first generation until 2020 and in the second generation from 2023). However, if you come across older or less powerful Amarok engines (for example, the earlier 2.0 BiTDI or weaker V6 versions), the towing capacity may be limited to values between 2,800 kg and 3,200 kg. The new generation Amarok from 2023 with the 2.0 TDI engine then offers a range from 3,200 to 3,500 kg.

In practice, this means that both vehicles can easily tow a heavy two-horse trailer, a large yacht, or a low-loader with a construction excavator. The maximum weight of an unbraked trailer is legally limited to the standard 750 kg for both vehicles, which creates generous space for hauling garden waste or a weekend purchase of construction materials on a classic trailer. The battle in this category is very close, but if you are looking for the absolute certainty of 3.5 tonnes on the tow bar in a used car without having to complicatedly research the engine code, the newer Isuzu D-Max is a safe bet thanks to its more uniform parameters. The Volkswagen Amarok, on the other hand, offers these maximum parameters primarily in combination with the popular and powerful six-cylinder engine.

When choosing a roughly four-year-old pick-up on the used car market, the Isuzu D-Max and Volkswagen Amarok represent two completely different approaches to power units, which is often the most important decision-making factor for buyers. While the Isuzu D-Max bets on maximum frugality, low operating costs, and uncompromising reliability with a single efficient engine, the Volkswagen Amarok attracts with highway refinement, premium character, and the immense power of its six-cylinder engines. The choice between these vehicles is therefore largely a choice between purely work-related use, where the durable and lightweight Japanese engine excels, and lifestyle use, where the Amarok confidently crushes most of the competition with its dynamic parameters and towing power. For the recent generations we are considering on the European market, both manufacturers rely exclusively on proven diesel engines, with complex plug-in hybrid powertrains not yet featuring here.

Isuzu D-Max

The engine range for the Isuzu D-Max is extremely simple and purely functional in the context of four-year-old used cars (3rd generation, produced since late 2020). The manufacturer narrowed the range for our market and put its full trust in a single unit – the proven four-cylinder 1.9 Ddi turbodiesel (code name RZ4E). This engine produces a reliable 120 kW (163 hp) and 360 Nm of torque. Although its paper specifications cannot match larger competitors, it scores points with a significantly lighter construction, the absence of complicated technologies, and better fuel consumption, which is particularly appreciated by fleet customers. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual gearbox and a robust six-speed automatic, with selectable four-wheel drive being standard on the vast majority of units sold. Although older generations (until 2017) also offered larger 2.5 and 3.0 Diesel units, you will no longer encounter them in the current search for four-year-old used cars.

*These larger engine options were no longer offered for cars approximately 4 years old (i.e., since the arrival of the 3rd generation in 2020).

Volkswagen Amarok

The Volkswagen Amarok, on the other hand, offers a noticeably more diverse and significantly more powerful range of engines. Among used cars approximately four years old, you will encounter an interesting generational transition and a production hiatus. The final years of the original 1st generation (produced until 2020) became famous for the fantastic 3.0 V6 TDI engine from Audi, with power up to 190 kW (258 hp) and mammoth torque of 580 Nm. These models, almost exclusively paired with 4MOTION permanent all-wheel drive and a lightning-fast eight-speed automatic, are among the most dynamic pick-ups on the secondary market. After a short break, the completely new 2nd generation arrived in 2023, sharing technology with the Ford Ranger. This brought back efficient 2.0 TDI (125 kW) and twin-turbocharged 2.0 BiTDI (154 kW) four-cylinders. However, the true highlight of the modern range is once again the three-litre six-cylinder with 177 to 184 kW and massive torque of 600 Nm, which perfectly utilizes the new ten-speed automatic transmission for smooth power delivery to the wheels.

*1st generation four-cylinders were withdrawn from sale in 2016 (replaced by the six-cylinder), so they practically do not appear among newer used cars.

Choosing the right engine is absolutely crucial for long-term satisfaction with a vehicle, especially for workhorses like pickups, because the engine determines daily performance, real-world fuel consumption, and mechanical reliability. While older Isuzu D-Max models offered larger 2.5 Diesel and 3.0 Diesel engines (which are no longer available for our market in the current third generation since 2020 and thus do not appear on the market for younger used cars), today, for four-year-old vehicles, you must rely on a smaller but extremely efficient four-cylinder. In contrast, the Volkswagen Amarok went through an unusual production hiatus – its first generation ended in 2020, and the second generation, developed in cooperation with Ford, arrived in 2023. Nevertheless, both of these recent generations have retained the iconic and powerful V6 diesel in their lineup, which plays by far the most important role when choosing a used Amarok.

For the Isuzu D-Max, we recommend: 1.9 Ddi (120 kW / 163 hp)

For the third-generation D-Max on the European market, Isuzu has bet exclusively on the reliable 1.9 Ddi (code RZ4E) diesel four-cylinder with 120 kW and 360 Nm of torque. Although the displacement on paper might seem modest for a heavy pickup, as a mechanic, I can confirm that this engine is designed for the toughest work with a huge mechanical reserve.

• Why it's the best choice: In the context of approximately 4-year-old vehicles, it is practically the only, but also a very cleverly designed choice on our market. The engine boasts a durable timing chain and, for a heavy 4x4 pickup, a very reasonable real-world fuel consumption of around 8 to 9 liters per 100 km. It is an engine for pragmatic users and fleets who don't mind the unit "roaring" a bit more at higher RPMs when towing heavier trailers, but who greatly appreciate the overall low operating costs and honest off-road durability.
• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) clogging:
• Turbocharger wear on work vehicles:

For the Volkswagen Amarok, we recommend: 3.0 V6 TDI (177 kW – 190 kW)

Whether you are looking for late examples from the end of the first generation or lightly used models from the succeeding second generation (from 2023), the large-displacement 3.0 V6 TDI is an absolute must for the Amarok and the main reason to want this car at all. Among used cars around 4 years old, you will most often encounter the popular top-of-the-line 190 kW (258 hp) and 580 Nm version from the first generation, or the more modern 177 kW (240 hp) and massive 600 Nm tuning in vehicles from 2023 onwards.

• Why it's the best choice: The engine completely changes the characteristics of the entire vehicle. This V6 offers incredibly smooth and quiet operation, an immediate surge of power from the lowest RPMs, and gives the Amarok the dynamics of a premium luxury SUV. It works perfectly with the automatic transmission and doesn't lose breath on inclines even with a heavy 3.5-ton trailer behind it. It is the ideal choice for driving enthusiasts, "highway flyers," and owners looking for a combination of heavy-duty work power and maximum comfort – although they must accept a real-world fuel consumption of around 10 liters.
• Timing chain stretching:
• Problems with the EGR valve and deposits:

Official fuel consumption figures provided by manufacturers often differ from reality in actual operation, especially for large and heavy pickup trucks. Their real-world consumption increases significantly depending on the load, aerodynamics, and route profile. To get a more accurate picture, it is therefore best to look at data from the owners themselves. The values listed below are based on long-term records from real users on the popular German portal Spritmonitor.de, where drivers diligently record their refueling. To ensure the comparison matches the market for roughly four-year-old used cars, we focused primarily on third-generation Isuzu D-Max models and representatives of the first and second-generation Volkswagen Amarok, which you would most often choose in this age and price category.

Looking at the table, it is clear that all the most common engine options for both pickups rely exclusively on diesel, as the presence of petrol versions for these work vehicles on the European market is practically non-existent. The downsizing trend is most evident in the Isuzu, whose small 1.9 Ddi engine shows the best average consumption; however, it may come as a surprise that the savings compared to the larger 2.0-liter TDI engine in the Amarok are negligible in the real world. Physics simply cannot be cheated, and moving a vehicle weighing over two tons with air resistance resembling a flying brick requires roughly the same amount of fuel regardless of the paper displacement of the smaller four-cylinder. Conversely, the powerful 3.0 V6 TDI six-cylinder in the Volkswagen, which is highly sought after for its effortless dynamics and velvety refinement, logically demands an average of over 10 liters for its services.

For typical users, this means a clear division of roles. If you are budget-conscious buyers and use the car for frequent shorter trips around town and the surrounding area or to construction sites without constantly hauling maximum loads, smaller four-cylinder engines like the 1.9 Ddi or 2.0 TDI will serve you well and keep operating costs in check. However, drivers traveling long distances on the highway or those who regularly tow heavy trailers with horses or construction equipment should definitely consider the more powerful six-cylinder in the Amarok. Although it has a higher average consumption, its appetite does not increase as dramatically when towing excessive loads as that of a "struggling" small engine.

In conclusion, fuel consumption itself is unlikely to be the main and only deciding factor between these two vehicles. Customers will ultimately choose between the austere Japanese utility and renowned reliability of the Isuzu D-Max on one hand, and the much more premium performance and comfort of the Amarok on the other.

Used Car Price Overview and Market Trends

If you are looking for a reliable pick-up with a production year around 2021 to 2022 (i.e., cars roughly 4 years old), you will encounter very different market realities for these two models. While the third-generation Isuzu D-Max was in full swing as an affordable newcomer at that time, the Volkswagen Amarok was experiencing a forced hiatus in Europe. Production of the highly successful first generation ended in 2020, and the brand-new second generation (sharing a platform with the Ford Ranger) did not arrive until the turn of 2022 and 2023.

Availability and Price Ranges

• Isuzu D-Max (3rd generation, 2021–2022): These vehicles represent a very pragmatic and widely available choice on the used car market. For your money, you get a modern pick-up packed with safety systems and a proper body-on-frame construction. Prices most often range within favorable levels depending on whether you choose the spartan work version or the stylish V-Cross trim.
• Volkswagen Amarok (1st generation V6 / start of 2nd generation): Those interested in a roughly four-year-old Amarok face a bit of a compromise on the market. They either reach for older units from the end of the first generation's production (2019–2020), which hold their value fantastically thanks to the legendary 3.0 V6 TDI engine, or they must pay significantly more for nearly new second-generation units from 2023 onwards.

Comparison of Average Market Prices

For better orientation in the used car market, we have compared the real price levels you will most often encounter in European and Czech dealerships today:

Depreciation and Investment Potential

The Isuzu D-Max scores with an excellent price-to-utility ratio. With a four-year-old vehicle, the most significant initial drop in value is behind you, while the robust technology and durable, economical diesel engine (1.9 turbodiesel) guarantee that hundreds of thousands of kilometers of trouble-free work lie ahead. Depreciation after the fourth year of operation is very gradual.

Conversely, the Volkswagen Amarok functions partly as a luxury item in the pick-up segment. Especially models from the end of the first generation's production in top trims like Aventura suffer minimal depreciation. There are very few six-cylinder pick-ups on the market, which drives their prices up. If you decide on an Amarok, expect to pay more upfront, but in return, you get a vehicle whose residual value is almost unbeatable within the European market.

Both models, the Isuzu D-Max and the Volkswagen Amarok, boast a maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests. However, when comparing the safety of used cars, it is crucial to consider the context and the year of testing. Euro NCAP protocols are constantly evolving and becoming more stringent over time, meaning that percentage results from different years cannot always be compared directly. Modern tests place much greater emphasis on active safety assistants, the ability to prevent accidents at intersections, or the early detection of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. Both vehicles, however, were tested according to very strict modern standards.

Isuzu D-Max: Robust Protection and a Center Airbag

The Isuzu D-Max first underwent Euro NCAP testing in 2020, with the rating being updated and confirmed in 2022 based on improvements to the knee airbag. The vehicle earned a full five stars. A significant safety feature of this generation is the deployment of a center airbag, which prevents dangerous collisions between the driver and passenger during a side impact. The D-Max offers a highly stable cabin with excellent structural rigidity. However, due to its robust construction and high weight, test commissioners noted the vehicle as a somewhat more aggressive partner in the event of a frontal collision with a smaller passenger car. Active safety systems, such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection or lane-keeping assist, function at a very high level.

Volkswagen Amarok: Modern Architecture and Advanced Assistants

The new generation of the Volkswagen Amarok, developed in close cooperation with Ford (technically and structurally based on the Ranger model), underwent rigorous testing in 2022. This vehicle also achieved the highest five-star rating without hesitation. The Amarok benefits from a very modern architecture and offers an exceptionally wide range of active assistance systems even in the base trim. It achieved particularly strong results in child occupant protection, where it surpassed the Isuzu by several percentage points. As with the D-Max, the Amarok has certain limitations in protecting vulnerable road users (e.g., in the area of the front edge of the hood) due to its large proportions and front-end design, although it offers highly reliable predictive systems to prevent collisions.

Final Safety Summary

In terms of both passive and active safety, both vehicles represent the absolute top of the pickup segment in the market for roughly four-year-old used cars. The Volkswagen Amarok leads slightly in child occupant and vulnerable road user protection, making it a slightly better and safer choice for those who often use a pickup as a family car. The Isuzu D-Max, on the other hand, offers a slightly better score in adult protection, features an innovative center airbag, and demonstrates excellent cabin strength. A buyer certainly won't make a mistake with either model in terms of safety.

In addition to standard equipment, each of the models offers several unique features that can be decisive for the customer. Both vehicles have long since left the category of austere work tools and bring a specific approach to added value to the world of pick-ups.

Isuzu D-Max: An Asian Tank in a Business Suit

In the generation sold around 2021, Isuzu made a massive leap towards a more premium interior concept and technological maturity, while maintaining its renowned off-road durability.

• Off-road and Chassis: A significant new feature is the electronic rear differential lock and the Rough Terrain assistance mode. This intelligently adjusts throttle response and traction control operation to maximize grip on very slippery or loose surfaces. Furthermore, engineers have increased the wading depth to a class-leading 800 mm.
• Safety and Electronics (ADAS): The D-Max is among the pioneers in work vehicle safety. It received a comprehensive suite of assistants including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and autonomous braking. Thanks to this, it was one of the first pick-ups to earn a full 5 stars in the stricter Euro NCAP tests.
• Infotainment: In higher trim levels, such as the sportily styled V-Cross version, a 9-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard. It offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interfaces, complemented by a high-quality 8-speaker audio system (including those integrated into the ceiling) for excellent surround sound.
• Smart Details: Everyday life with a pick-up is made easier by a practical integrated step in the rear bumper and a gas strut for the tailgate. The heavy bed lid thus opens smoothly, and you can close it with a light movement of one hand.

Volkswagen Amarok: A Highway Cruiser with a Powerful V6

For four-year-old used cars, the late phase of the first-generation Amarok is typical on the market. In this era, Volkswagen established itself as the king of dynamics and highway comfort, appealing to buyers looking for an alternative to large luxury SUVs.

• Engine and Drivetrain: The absolute dominant feature of this model is the three-liter V6 TDI diesel engine. Top versions provided a brutal output of 190 kW (up to 200 kW temporarily with the Overboost function) and 580 Nm of torque. Thanks to this, this heavy pick-up can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in times comparable to sports hatchbacks.
• On-board Comfort: A legendary feature of the Amarok is the ergoComfort seats with AGR orthopedic certification. They provide up to 14-way electrical adjustment, including seat cushion length extension and excellent lateral support. Especially in combination with fine Nappa leather, they transform the vehicle's interior into a luxury lounge.
• Transmission and Tuning: Volkswagen opted for an 8-speed automatic transmission from ZF paired with 4Motion permanent all-wheel drive (utilizing a Torsen center differential). This combination eliminates the "bounciness" known from other pick-ups and ensures a velvety smooth and stable ride on asphalt.
• Premium Details: The top-of-the-line, lifestyle-oriented Aventura trim is visually distinguished by attractive 20-inch polished wheels and a designer aerodynamic sports bar (Sportsbar) painted in body color. Furthermore, the Amarok was one of the first pick-ups to boast a loading area with sufficient width between the wheel arches to accommodate a Euro pallet crosswise.

The Isuzu D-Max is an uncompromising work tool aimed at farmers, foresters, and builders for whom reliability is more important than luxury. Its main strengths are off-road toughness and low operating costs, for which users are happy to forgive its less refined driving behavior on the highway.

The Volkswagen Amarok represents the ideal choice for drivers looking for a representative, powerful, and exceptionally comfortable pick-up. It is perfect for an active lifestyle and towing heavy trailers over long distances, offering the crew comfort and equipment comparable to classic high-end passenger cars.

Based on our own CarAudit inspections, breakdown statistics, service reports, and long-term user experience, we have compiled an overview of the most common problems that buyers of roughly four-year-old used cars should watch out for.

Isuzu D-Max

The Japanese workhorse is famous for its mechanical durability, but even roughly four-year-old examples of the current generation have not escaped certain ailments, especially in combination with strict emission systems and heavy-duty work use.

• Engine and exhaust system: A major problem with frequent short trips is the rapid clogging of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and carbon buildup on the EGR valve. If the DPF doesn't have time to regenerate regularly during highway trips, the car can unexpectedly go into limp mode. Four-year-old vehicles (manufactured since 2020) were also part of a recall due to a software error in the engine control unit (ECM), which could cause a drop in RPM and engine stalling – when buying, always verify if the used car has undergone this update.
• Transmission: Six-speed automatic transmissions work reliably, but when frequently towing extremely heavy trailers in hilly terrain, they tend to overheat the oil. During a physical inspection of a used car, it is absolutely essential to check the color and any burnt smell of the transmission fluid.
• Chassis and body: In heavy off-road use, especially if the car is retrofitted with heavy steel bumpers and winches, small hairline cracks occasionally appear due to material fatigue in the engine compartment and inner fenders. A disadvantage is also the unprotected rear differential lock actuator, which requires increased caution when overcoming sharp rocks.
• Electronics and interior: Especially earlier models of the current generation suffered from slow or completely freezing infotainment. In most cases, only a software reflash at the dealer helped. During axle articulation off-road, light creaks may also be heard from the interior plastics.

Volkswagen Amarok

The Amarok, which most commonly appears on the used car market at this age with the popular 3.0 V6 TDI engine, is considered a very sturdy vehicle, yet it hides several expensive traps stemming from the complexity of the group's technology.

• Engine: The most critical element of the diesel six-cylinders is the timing chain tensioners. Significant engine rattling immediately after a cold start is a warning sign that requires a financially demanding timing chain replacement; otherwise, there is a risk of fatal engine damage. Also watch out for a failing water pump, which can cause an unnoticed coolant leak and overheating, and the obligatory complications with the DPF for cars used exclusively for shopping trips.
• Fuel system: If the vehicle has not had quality service and a conscientious owner, there is a risk of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) seizing. This part is critically sensitive to diesel quality, and metal shavings from a damaged pump will subsequently irreversibly destroy the entire fuel system.
• Transmission and drivetrain: The eight-speed torque converter automatic from ZF is an excellent choice, but regular oil changes (ideally every 60,000 km) must not be forgotten. Conversely, in the rarer manual versions, the clutch assembly wears out relatively early if the owner frequently towed a braked trailer. Robust torque can also accelerate the wear of the drive shafts.
• Body: Due to the significant height of the vehicle, many owners do not even notice damaged paint or corrosion on the roof and in the roof gutters. Any independent inspection of the vehicle's technical condition should therefore not neglect checking the otherwise inaccessible upper part of the body.
• Electronics: More complex diagnostics can occasionally show malfunctioning sensors associated with emissions (EGR valve) or overheating control modules under the hood.

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is key. Here are some specific points to focus on for these two models to avoid unpleasant and expensive surprises.

When choosing an Isuzu D-Max:

• Condition of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and EGR valve: These vehicles are sometimes used for short-distance trips or slow driving on farms, which is not ideal for the DPF and EGR valve. During the test drive, watch for any warning lights on the dashboard. Be sure to test the car at highway speeds to see if a potentially clogged filter results in reduced performance.
• Automatic transmission condition under load: The Isuzu is popular as a workhorse. However, frequent towing of heavy trailers in challenging terrain or hills can lead to transmission oil overheating. Check if the transmission reports any errors and if it shifts smoothly. Any jerking, slipping during gear changes, or a burning smell are warning signs.
• Turbocharger sound: On both available diesel engines (1.9 and 3.0 litres), listen carefully to the turbo sound during sharp acceleration. A loud whistle or a sound resembling a distant ambulance can signal a worn turbocharger. Ignoring this problem usually leads to the engine going into limp mode.
• Cracks on inner fenders and chassis wear: Models fitted with heavy front bullbars or winches, which have also frequently been driven on unpaved, corrugated roads, can suffer from hairline cracks in the engine compartment and on the inner fenders. In these cases, a thorough physical inspection of the used car on a lift is absolutely essential to reveal both hidden cracks and play in the chassis.
• Software glitches and assistance systems (ADAS): The current generation of the D-Max is generously equipped with modern safety assistants. Test the responsiveness of the infotainment system and ensure that systems like lane-keeping assist or pre-collision assist do not report sensor or windshield camera errors. Their replacement or complex recalibration can be very costly.

When choosing a Volkswagen Amarok:

• Cold start and V6 TDI timing chain: The three-litre V6 is at the top of its segment but requires specific care. Request a completely cold start from the seller. Any rattling, metallic clanking, or knocking from the top and rear of the engine after starting indicates a worn timing chain tensioner – and that represents an extremely expensive repair requiring engine removal.
• Coolant leaks and EGR cooler leaks: Amaroks with V6 engines often suffer from minor but dangerous coolant leaks. Typically, it leaks from the water pump or from the EGR cooler valves located in the "valley" between the cylinders. After a long test drive, open the hood, look for traces of pink crystals from evaporated coolant, and be alert if you notice a specific sweet smell. Only a detailed technical inspection of the car can reliably detect these hidden spots.
• Eight-speed automatic behavior and 4x4 engagement: The ZF gearbox and 4Motion system are generally very robust, but with neglected maintenance (unchanged oil), they can show delayed reactions or kicking when downshifting. During the test drive, try engaging the all-wheel drive and low range (if equipped). If the system refuses to engage 4x4, it is often a control unit failure or a neglected mechanical fault.
• Clutch and dual-mass flywheel wear (manual): If you come across a four-cylinder version or a rare V6 version with a manual transmission, check the clutch engagement point when pulling away. The Amarok is prone to premature wear of the friction plate when towing heavy trailers. Jerking when starting or pulsing in the clutch pedal at idle reveals the need for an early flywheel replacement.
• Hidden roof corrosion and play in universal joints: Due to the height of the pickup, the condition of the roof is often forgotten during a standard inspection, where hidden rust can occur on the Amarok (especially around the seals). For work-used vehicles, also carefully check for excessive play in the drive shafts and universal joints, which take a real beating when towing heavy equipment.

Sources: ADAC, auto.cz, forbes.cz, autoweb.cz, hybrid.cz, autoemotion.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.