Just recently, Isuzu Malaysia launched the all-new 2021 Isuzu D-Max. Prices start from RM 89k for the single cab variants, while double cab variants are priced from RM 100k.

The range-topping X-Terrain variant is priced at RM 142k.

Question is, what’s the minimum salary you need before you can apply for a loan?

How much do I need to make?

For the purpose of this article, we will be focusing on Premium variants of the all-new D-Max, including the 1.9 Premium, 3.0 Premium, and 3.0 X-Terrain.

For the D-Max 1.9 Premium, this variant is priced at RM 121,549. As such, the monthly repayment for this variant is roughly RM 1,220 per month, factoring in a 2.27-percent interest rate with a 9-year loan.

Based on the recommended guideline that you should not be paying more than 20% of your monthly salary on the car's monthly repayment, that's a minimum net salary of around RM 6,100 a month.

As for the D-Max 3.0 Premium, the monthly repayment is roughly RM 1,280 per month and you’ll need a net salary of around RM 6,400 a month.

Last but certainly not the least is the D-Max 3.0 X-Terrain. Retailing at RM 141,938, you’ll need to ensure that you have a net salary of around RM 7,200 to afford the monthly repayment, which comes in at around RM 1,420.

With the cost of insurance, maintenance, tyres, and other associated running costs factored in, your car-related expenses should not exceed 30 percent of your monthly salary.

Below are the monthly installments for the all-new 2021 Isuzu D-Max for 5-, 7-, and 9-year tenures. These rates have already factored in an interest rate of 2.27%.

The shorter 5-year loan tenure is a wiser choice. That being said, interest rates are always changing. Given our current situation, interest rates are very low but do check with your respective banks for the latest rates.

What about other trucks?

Here’s a brief payment comparison comparing the monthly repayment between the D-Max, Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, and Mitsubishi Triton.