2018 Isuzu KB

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Isuzu KB

Isuzu’s KB was always about utility first, not flash, and that’s why it earned its stripes with farmers and contractors before the D-Max badge came along. It’s not trying to out-chrome a Hilux or out-tech a Ranger. Every KB in the classifieds is a diesel, either the 2.5 or 3.0 D-TEQ, paired with manual or auto ‘boxes. The used market here is tight—just 22 on offer, and only one brand new—so you’re not exactly spoilt for choice, but what’s there is focused. Prices kick off at R138,500 and run up to R379,900, with most examples clustering around the R270k mark. That’s telling: you’re mostly looking at midlife KBs, not fresh-faced showroom queens, and that’s the point. If you need a reliable double cab, but don’t want to live at the mercy of balloon payments, this pool makes sense. Most of the action is in the KB 250 D-TEQ HO Hi-Rider double cab, living between R249,900 and R329,900. But let’s not kid ourselves—the odometers tell the real story, with the average car showing over 209,000 km. A proper inspection isn’t just smart, it’s essential. X-Rider trims nudge R354,900, which feels cheeky considering you’re still buying a workhorse with city-bakkie mileage. What keeps the KB relevant, though, is its honest mechanicals and the fact you don’t need a specialist or main dealer to keep it running. Resale isn’t Hilux strong, but if you rate low running costs and the ability to do your own spanner work, on paper at least, the KB still stacks up for South African buyers who just want a bakkie that’ll take the hit and keep going.