FG best value truck?

[DontPanic42]

No comma.
Western part of the state (where it Sticks, Stings, Scratches, or Bites) on the edge of what is not technically a desert but sure seems like one. More and more desert dwelling critters are showing up every year.

 

[CF-Transplant]

I read the DTR site (Diesel Truck Resource - the free answer to TDR) very regularly and have NOT heard of 2005 engine (5.9L) problems. Do you mean the new 6.7L engine (2006-2008)?
Thanks.

The TDR web site is nolonger usable (older format worked well). The 2005 and 06 have less fuel mileage than the 03-04 HO engine. Plus the 05 had two intercoolers for the year (one plastic?), the 05 also had many tranny issues. My mechanic (just talked to him) does not like the 05 and some have had issues with the 06.

The FG is a commercial truck, not a light duty pickup.

 

[Mit Fuso]

Why was the smaller FG unsatisfactory and converted to a stakebed?

Does the larger FG have a bigger engine? Would that larger engine fit into the smaller FG?

 

[FG Surfari]

Hey Gold Boy

This thread has gone off the rail a bit, but I myself cannot think of a vehicle that has given me more enjoyment per mile than my 2004 Mitsubishi Fuso FG.
Sure (stock) they ride like a horse and are (stock) a bit slow, but after 4 years of having an FG as my daily driver, I would not trade it for anything, irregardless of price point. Period.
I cannot imagine driving any thing else.
But, that's me.

 

[SkiFreak]

Would that larger engine fit into the smaller FG?

From what I have seen over the years, if you have enough money or skills, pretty anything is possible...

 

[FusoFG]

Why was the smaller FG unsatisfactory and converted to a stakebed?

Does the larger FG have a bigger engine? Would that larger engine fit into the smaller FG?

Nothing unsatisfactory about the short wheelbase FG, the camper box had started to leak because of twisting caused by mounting the camper directly to the FG frame without a flexible mount.

And my retirement seemed like a good reason to get a new FG with a longer wheelbase for a longer camper box with more room (same overall length as first camper).

The long wheelbase has the same engine displacement but a little more torque and horsepower.

They made / imported both the short and long wheelbase through 2007, then just the long wheelbase. There have changes in engine size, torque and hp through the years.

Specs for years 1998 - present are at http://www.mitfuso.com

 

[kerry]

I've put about 20k miles on my FG now. Bought it with about 175k on the clock. I really like it. A lot.

 

[Mit Fuso]

I've put about 20k miles on my FG now. Bought it with about 175k on the clock. I really like it. A lot.

What kind of kilometers? Was it a work truck or RV?

 

[kerry]

It was a work truck prior to my purchase. It has a service body into which I installed a pop up camper. The combination is ideal for us. Voluminous storage and comfortable living arrangements. There are pictures on here. It was a service truck for Sunbelt Rental. I got complete maintenance records from the company after I bought it. Engine had been replaced with a factory rebuilt at some point. I had the transmission rebuilt due to worn syncros.

 

[kerry]

Drove the FG from the storage lot to a hitch installer today to get a measurement for a heavy duty receiver hitch to be installed. I was reminded of how much fun it is to drive the FG. I swear I haven't enjoyed driving a vehicle as much since I had an MG Midget as a teenager. I recently sold my Bluebird Wanderlodge. Driving that bus was work. Driving the FG isn't.

 

[sprucemonster]

new to the forum and was wondering if i could get some opinions on purchasing an older FG. We have started casually looking for trucks online. Are there and caveats we should be worried about in purchasing an out of warranty Fuso (2005 to 2007 models)? We live in Fairbanks, AK and to my knowledge there isn't an Fuso dealer or shop up here, so all parts would have to be ordered by anyone that would service the truck for us. Out of warranty parts pricing? We unfortunately had a 2004 6L F350 which ate up more money in service than it was ever worth. So we are a bit gun shy in picking up an older truck again. Any thoughts you guys may have would be greatly appreciated. Also, any thoughts on going through a dealership or private seller for one of these trucks?

 

[SkiFreak]

I do not think that going through a dealership guarantees that you get a good vehicle, no matter what that vehicle may be. A dealer should guarantee that the vehicle has a clear title, which is one plus for using a dealer.
If you have the technical ability to assess the mechanical state of a vehicle yourself, then I think you would likely save money buying a one privately.
On your side of the pond salt is the biggest killer of these trucks. A thorough inspection of the chassis is highly recommended.

If you read through this forum I think you will find that the majority of Fuso owners would agree that these trucks are generally very reliable. In my opinion, vehicles that are built for commercial use are normally built well. If they aren't businesses that rely on this just stop buying that brand.

Where you want to travel can be a determining factor too, as some of the newer engines require low sulphur diesel, which is not readily available everywhere in the world.

 

[blueridge]

Like the concept of a cabover, but have questions about cost of operation

I like the cabover concept with a camper mounted to the chassis.

But I don't have any experience operating a commercial vehicle. What will my maintenance costs be, relative to say a 1 ton diesel pickup truck?

Oil changes, routine maintenance what I've seen of the Fuso is the cycles are 10-18,000 mile between, but how much do these scheduled mx cost?

Are parts 50% 100% more than a 1 ton pickup? Starter, alternators, tires, etc.?

If it's privately owned, not used for commercial operations, is registration and insurance much more expensive?

Thanks ...

 

[kerry]

Mine is registered as an RV so not expensive. Fuso parts aren't cheap but I don't know how they compare to 1 ton trucks. My impression after owning one for about 5 yrs is that the costs are roughly the same as a pickup truck.