Before you buy a Isuzu Giga Truck in Uganda

by Edwin

The Isuzu Giga also known as the Isuzu C/E-Series (second generation), is a line of heavy-duty commercial vehicles produced by Isuzu. The Giga's size range is mostly made up of full-size trucks, and was previously known as the 'Isuzu Heavy-Duty Truck'. It was created to succeed the Isuzu 810.
Most full-size models of the truck are distinguishable by a front 'Giga' and 'CXZ' badge, but the common Isuzu badge is usually used on the rear.

Before you buy a Isuzu Giga Truck in Uganda

As the name suggests, the GIGA is a super-sized heavy duty commercial vehicle exclusive to ISUZU but sometimes sold under the CHEVROLET brand depending on the market. Although collectively called the GIGA, the range includes around 18 different models for specific commercial applications. For each type, the axle layout, number of wheels suspension type as well as many other specifications can differ greatly. Accordingly, buyers should purchase the model specific for their particular needs. Engine size can also differ greatly; the most common size is around 14000cc (KL-CYM51V3) with larger engines being offered for higher load capacity models (KC-CYM50V1).

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Buying foreign used Isuzu Giga Truck from a local car bond in Uganda

In case you choose to buy a foreign used truck from a car bond makes life a lot easier to acquire yourself a vehicle. There is basically no need to go to Japan or order for the vehicle from Japan or any other part of the world. In short one just walks to the car bond and arrange for a purchase and within a short time, the car is paid for and handled over to you as the owner.

However, you can also find that some trucks have only cleared the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) fees only. So it would mean that if you want a Isuzu Giga Truck then you will have to clear the rest of the taxes. You can find the CIF of the Isuzu Giga Truck 2005(that’s up Kampala from Japan) to be around $ 45,000 or more for latest models in very good condition.

However, the cost of the CIF can change due to year of manufacture, condition of the car, mileage and the dealer. Now the Isuzu Giga Truck is more expensive as compared to most the cars we have discussed. In general, the Isuzu Giga Truck can cost you around UGX 120,000,000 or even more for a premium class.

Importing a foreign used Isuzu Giga Truck from Japan

Now this is different from buying from car from the car bond here in Kampala. Some people prefer to import their own cars directly from Japan or from any other part of the world. You have to follow a procedure similar to the one stated below.

Search and select vehicle to buy from Japanese Used Car Portal Websites. Send Inquiry for price, condition, etc of the truck. The Japanese Dealers will respond you directly by Email.

Watch out for fake e-mails as many scams may con you for money. After that you negotiate with the Japanese dealer for a conducive price that fits your budget.

Request for a proforma invoice, place your order and make payment which may be either through bank wire or VISA. The seller will inform you about the following things like the Payment Confirmation, Shipping Schedule, B/L copy, Original Document and then you receive the order in this case the truck.

The Isuzu Giga will cost between $20,000 and $40,000. However, some dealer or seller will have higher prices as we have seen above.

Click here to buy a Isuzu Giga Truck or Isuzu Giga Truck spare parts in Uganda

General Isuzu Giga 2010 Truck reviews

The Isuzu Gigamax is the biggest truck built by the Japanese manufacturer and was designed for heavy duty applications. The Gigamax has a cab over engine configuration which is usually typical for the European trucks and comes with a gross combination mass (GCM) of up to 70 tones.

Design
The big bumper has a strong build quality and was engineered to endure harsh working conditions. Continuing the utilitarian look, the front headlights are mounted low into the bumper and feature a rudimentary rectangular design. The truck is also offered with front fog lights which are mounted under the main light clusters.

To enhance the lateral visibility and to add a dose of dynamism to the entire truck, Isuzu designed the big door windows with a sloped bottom line which looks fairly good and gives the truck a modern appearance.

For extra safety, the sides are also fitted with integrated turn signals mounted on top of the access steps.

For periodical technical services the Gigamax’s cab can tilt forward, thus offering easy access to the engine compartment.

Interior
Climb inside and you’ll find a fairly spacious cabin with plenty of head- and leg-room for both driver and passenger. The Isuzu Gigamax’s cabin is by no means luxurious, but provides a no-nonsense environment with an easy to understand design. There are hard plastics on the dash and doors, but they don’t feel offensive to the touch and look at par with what you’ll usually find in this segment.

The air suspended driver seat is made of soft cloth and is comfortable, offering nice back support and a bunch of useful adjustments which permit you to find a proper driving position. The thick steering wheel is comfortable to grab and also comes with tilt and telescopic adjustments. Though, it looks a bit dated compared to other units in the segment and Isuzu should consider a radical upgrade it if it wants to keep up with the times.

Click here to buy a Isuzu Giga Truck or Isuzu Giga Truck spare parts in Uganda

Ride and handling
The rear axle unit of the Isuzu Gigamax provides matching torque capacity for 70t GCM and incorporates fuel-efficient, hypoid-design drive axles.

A unique feature for the Isuzu Gigamax is the inclusion of 3 differential locks – an inter-axle diff-lock plus an inter-wheel diff-lock for each of the two axles. This offers total drive axle traction for extreme slippery conditions.

The truck is also equipped with a capable engine exhaust brake operating complemented by a hydraulic Voith retarder that acts as a second stage powerful driveline speed control device. The retarder develops a 3200Nm retardation force at maximum engine rpm and is able to hold 56t in check on most severe downhill sections.

The vehicle comes with standard all-round ventilated disc brakes combined with ABS (Anti-lock Brake System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) and ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation).

The rear suspension incorporates standard air suspension with four bags per axle and variable height control to facilitate easy trailer coupling. This means that Gigamax is specifically tuned for highway applications only. The suspension offers a pretty comfortable ride which is combined with a sharp and responsive steering helping you to maneuver the truck pretty easy at both low and high speeds.

Click here to buy a Isuzu Giga Truck or Isuzu Giga Truck spare parts in Uganda

Alternatives of Isuzu Giga Truck in Uganda

We have the Mitsubishi Fuso Super Great as the major alternative in Uganda.

Availability of the Isuzu Giga Truck spare parts in Uganda

The Gigamax has its spare parts readily available in Uganda. Should need any spare parts, simply walk into any major truck garage and you will have all the help you need in finding you particular need for your Gigamax.

Reasons why people buy the Isuzu Giga Truck in Uganda

Medium business owners find the Isuzu Gigamax a very conducive solution to the transportation of goods in and outside the country. The Gigamax can be used for importation of goods, transportation of building materials like cement, food in bulk like maize, beans, posho among others.

Our verdict

The Isuzu Gigamax is a fairly strong and reliable workhorse. It has an ergonomic and spacious cabin fitted with a lot of storage spaces and useful technologies designed to make your life on board easier.

The engines are also up to the task and can deal with both city and highway traffic with ease. Moreover, all three diesel units meet the latest Euro V emission requirements, which make them not only strong, but also efficient and environmentally friendly. We also like the truck’s ride which is extremely comfortable thanks to the standard air suspension.

Click here to buy a Isuzu Giga Truck or Isuzu Giga Truck spare parts in Uganda

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