Gerhard owns a courier business based in Oudtshoorn also called Roadrunner and uses the Isuzu KB to do trips in between George and Oudtshoorn twice a day. “You have to understand that I treat my bakkie very well and talk to my bakkie every day. I ask the bakkie to drive nicely and tell the bakkie that I rely on it, to get me where I need to be,” Gerhard du Toit, owner.
Although Roadrunner travels less than 300 km a day, it has to take on the Outeniqua Pass which has several sharp corners and inclines. In addition to the abovementioned, Du Toit has to stop and collect and deliver parcels along the route which add to wear and tear. “I stop and start the bakkie between 80 to 100 times per day. This is as I drop off the parcels or pick up parcels at my various clients in the two towns. I have had to replace my front seat covers twice already, but I think Roadrunner may still outlive me one day,” said Du Toit.
Adding to reliability and reputation of the KB is both Du Toit’s careful driving manners and religiously servicing the vehicle every 10 000 km. “That is a given; you do not miss that 10 000 km service for anything. Other than the oil and filter changes, wheel alignment and so on, there is never any major problems when I take the bakkie for its service,” he said.
The Isuzu was first acquired by his brother in 1997 with 7000 kilometres on the clock and subsequently was taken over by Gerhard du Toit when he started his courier business 15 years ago. Gerhard, now 74 years old, says he believes the bakkie will go strong long after he is gone.
