Holden Jackaroo

A true legend – Purchased my jackaroo brand new back in 2003. It’s now over 15 years old and still runs as good as the day I driove it out of the dealership in Melton. I have 329,000 Kim’s on the clock and always maintained it by the book. The only additional costs I have had besides servicing is replacing the rotors at a jaw dropping 300,000 Kim’s. The… Read more

suspension replaced after 10 years.

A new radiator after 290,000 Kim’s

The only other thing I have done is replace the ignition coils and run denso Ik16 iridium plugs. I have towed boats, trailers and a JetSki with no trouble. Legendary jackaroo driver Bruce garland who won all those safari races in the petrol jackaroo always said the motor was

Quote “ Unburstable “. If they made this car again today I would buy one tomorrow. I doubt many 4 wheel drive owners have had this reliability. I have never broke down.

Always used Mobil 2000 10w 40.

I take my hat off to Isuzu/Holden for building this great vehicle. It’s now 2019 and I’m off in the bush for two weeks in February and the jackaroo is ready for another adventure.

Simply fantastic.

Some mechanical nouse helps a lot! – Bought my 1998 diesel in 2013 with a good track record, manual everything (avoids painful electrical events) and with a few historical problems. Recalls for wiring and injectors had been carried out. The vehicle was used only for towing a caravan around Australia 3 times, with little short run usage and showing 179,000 Kms. My experience has been… Read more

fairly peaceful but I have installed a tissue roll bypass filter to completely remove carbon down to around 2 microns, repaired the two sump pickup seals that are the problem in low oil pressure and flow to the engine and the turbo charger. The turbo blew prior to when I purchased it and the prior owner rebuilt the engine (I presume because the engine bearings were damaged like what had caused the turbo to die. Also he fitted a new clutch.) Engine died for me the day after a local 4x4 club run. Because the main oil pressure runs around 140PSI (double the normal car pressure) it managed to blow the non-return flapper valve - changed the filter - engine started once it refilled on cranking. I forgot that two local filters (R****) are prone to this - fitted the owners spare by mistake. Also had problems with morning starts that I traced back to a dodgy and rusted non-return valved in the fuel filter hand-pump head. Replaced with twin filters (11 and 3 micron) incorporating a water trap and a new after market fuel filter head with primer pump (then it primed solid rather than spongy due to no air leaks) . While I was fitting the bypass oil filter I decided to stop the standard LHS oil leak into the sensor harness and complete a tappet clearance adjustment while I had the top cover off. Made a fitting into the high pressure oil pipe to fit my Oil Rail Pressure Sensor to allow an "outside" job of 5 minutes (Vs several hours) changeover if the dreaded oil pressure sensor stops working (cos the engine wont start without this unit). A cuppa would take longer to make and drink now. Fitted a new electric fuel pump to assist the mechanical pump get the fuel through the finer filter. With the whole unit running like a dream and some electrical work for an on-board fridge-freezer I am ready to fit an ARB bar, electric winch and a full suspension refit of shock absorbers, heavy-duty torsion bars and up-rated 300Kg progressive springs to the rear. Body build shows no rust points so this should last the distance to when I either kill the vehicle with our large 2150KG caravan or I fall off the perch (I turn 73 this year)! This will be setup for our cruizing across Australia and all those side trips along the way. I rated the vehicle 4 rather than 5 because yes, there are some quirky problems but every vehicle has those too and I think I know my way around enough of them to see the mileage get close to the expected million k's that many Isuzu bred trucks experience. There are still thousands of these "Jackaroos" around the world by various names (Trooper, Amigo, and of course Jackaroo and whatever they called the Russian model) so demand and supply of parts is available from a number of sources. The trick is to find a local mechanic who can troubleshoot a partially computerised vehicle. Unfortunately the reliability was too high and the trained mechanics had forgotten what issues there were and the correct procedures. I am no "industry trained qualified" mechanic but there are Forums and experienced people around to get us by and set things right that are more economical faults than unexpected ones.

I also have enough experience and the tools to fix most stuff along the way myself to fit into the cash-restricted lifestyle of being a pensioner.

Life is sweet when everything works as it should!

Jackaroo Diesel - the good, the bad and the ugly – I have read the many sad litany of dramas that ppoor, unsuspecting drivers and their families have suffered with the 3.0l diesel. I have been one of them also, having bought my Nullabor 2nd hand in 2005 with 45,000 kms. Had all injectors replaced under recall at about 60,000kms, then mostly good until about 120,000kms. Then 2 injectors went crook,… Read more

were replaced by Holden at no charge (after my representations that the first batch were running fine before the recall). Had a couple of issues with oil pump sensors etc but otherwise the engine ran OK until 180,000 kms when one of the injector ends cracked off and fell into the engine - very ugly, destroyed it. Destroyed me for awhile...but after some great support from Bega Valley Motors, Holden (to my eternal thanks and their credit) agreed to completely rebuild the engine...rebored block, new pistons, new head, new everything inlcuding 4 new injectors. Even BVM were amazed at this, given the age and kms of the car. Been running beautifully since, fingers still crossed though! Maybe diesel Jackaroo's were a prime reason in Holden announcing they are leaving Oz? Great engine when running well. Rest the running gear has given very little trouble. When they go wrong they go terribly and expensively and frustratingly wrong.

Holy heck! What a car. Purchased 1998 v6 3.5l Petrol with 260,000 on the clock. She's got a few rattles. No issue. She's a bit thirsty on the juice - expected. She's way more comfy and refined on the road than she has any right to be. The lights are crap (but that's old cars). The brakes feel like you're in the Titanic and trying to avoid that… Read more

iceberg! Get this thing off road and it has been an absolute joy. I live in Blue Mountains and this thing chuggs, care free, through sections of dirt/mud/rock I've seen dudes in 130K + (with all the you-beaut mods) modern 4WDs struggle in. I paid $2300 for this beast. The Jackaroo has no fear. It has no shame. I love this car more than at least two of my ex wives.

2001 update model, plenty of grunt from the 3.5 v6 ,these engines were sourced from Honda – Used daily, has been reliable, only major issue was heater core let go. Tows my poptop caravan easily. Good a/c, price when new was $46,400. Thirsty when pushed but open road have got 600klm . Show details

Best bang for buck 4x4 – Daily rig, kid drop offs, station car, towing the work trailer. Camping with the family. Just a really great car that is super comfy and will anywhere a new modern IFS 4x4 will go. Reasonably economical considering its a manual v6. Show details

430 000 km still going strong – Only issue is the boot space use it as a daily and a weekend 4wd on hills and mud and beach is my all rounder car haven't had it service yet as just got it a Month ago being staying at collie for the weekend and have climbed a hill made for 4wds on 35" tyres I'm currently running 265/75/16 and I've climbed the hill going to lift her and get her some 33" tyres very impressed with its capabilitie Show details

Great car. Comftorble drive – Have had my jack for 15 years now. It's been a great car for me over these years. Has 228831 kms on the clock. Only had to replace the clutch twice. But it is used off road. What do you expect. Other than that I can't fault it. For a car it's age it's still going strong. Yes it's a little heavy on the fuel. Compared to today's cars. I now own a… Read more

dmax. But I'm keeping my jackaroo since my daughter wants to use it for her driving lessons and loves the car. If you need parts for your no jackaroo google ramin auto spares. They deal in genuine Isuzu parts. Got my new accelerator cable through them. Cheaper than getting a second hand one from the wreckers. Stay away from the diesel ones though. Again it's a great car to drive.

Not bad for a 2000 model 4jx1. Needs oil change every 5 thou ks – So far no serious issues yet. But needs oil change every 5t kms. Oil has to be 5w30 otherwise prone to hard starting. Very strong & capable 4wd. Heard of a lot negative stories but I'm just lucky so far. I've towed 5 metre boats with ease. I've done 4wdriving once with it & seems to be capabe of getting out of trouble in the mud using all terrain… Read more

bridgestone tyres. I might keep this & if engine fails, just got to update with conversion to a better one.

i

Good capable 4wd CRAP engine – Head cracked at 140,000 km, almost impossible to find a mechanic that will work on it. They don't want the dramas that go with the 3 ltr diesel. Car was well looked after and treated well, ended up selling the car for parts. By far the worst car I ever owned, first and last diesel for me.  Show details

Holden Jackaoo review – Just purchased a 2003 V6 auto SE with 175k on the clock. Runs and performs extemely well. Suspect it was privately owned by city folk no sign of abuse anywhere. My main concern otherwise was fuel consumption. Have used three tank fulls and achieving 12.2 lts/100ks which is excellent. Running tyres on 38psi and keeping throttle down to max 2000 rpm where possible  Show details ·  1

tears of farewell – my 1997 Holden Monterey V6 petrol auto has been a fabulous vehicle comfortable easy ride lots of room had regular services only had 97.000 on clock when we aquired it. it now has 255,00 and has stopped working, misfiring missing when driving... mechanic has had it for 4 weeks and cant find out what is causing the trouble what to do now there is… Read more

nothing to dislike its a beautiful looking thing and used to drive great i am so sad i will miss it dearly

awesome 4x4 – They are one of the best value for money 4x4 out there very reliable, cheap to buy compared to other brand's. They are a heavy truck but that doesn't stop these. I have had my 3.2l v6 petrol over the bonnet doing water crossings never once had water in it and I don't have a snorkel. Truely amazing 4x4  Show details

03 3.5ltr Petrol Jackaroo SE – Iam a very happy owner of my 03 SE 3.5ltr petrol.. for the budget price of these 4wd's you cant go wrong as long as they have been maintained to specs.. After reading the reviews comparison to the diesel Iam glad I found a mint petrol previous elderly one owners & what a buy for $5400. The comfort & all the features are there with plenty of torque… Read more

a real pleasure to drive.. Fuel consumption I find mine great for what it is to the Pajero which loves a drink I found after owning one. The good old Jackaroo vs Pajero?? Jackaroo 3.5ltr hands down my choice a winner in every aspect

MONEY PIT ! – I have the misfortune to own a Jackaroo 2002 Turbo Diesel manual it is the WORST car I have ever owned thus far I have replaced the clutch cylinder head injectors. It is a pity cause it is nice to drive ( when it is runningjust a money pit !  Show details

Great car, just very unreliable – everything about this car is good except the issues with the 4jx1 Diesel engine, they perform well until stuff starts to go wrong then its a down hill slope and a steep one at that. Mechanics that know how to fix these engines are few and far between and when you can find one it is expensive as hell to fix, because they know that no one else can.… Read more

I wish i could say other wise because it is a nice car to drive and if you can get past the unreliability of it then its a good car. Unfortunately reliability is important to me so i would advise people against this vehicle as Holden has stopped making the parts too. I hear the petrol ones are good but are BIG petrol guzzlers.

heap of rubbish.deisel motor is a heap of crap – my daughter bought one recently a 1998 jackaroo with the diesel motor. was told it had to have the injectors looked at as was getting diesel mixing with radiator water had new seal on injectors and seal is on the injector guides got it home 2 days later same problem was then told it had a cracked cylinder head had already spent 3200 on repairs we feel we are just chasing bad money would never recommend one of these vehicles to any one barry  Show details

First Car – Bought a 2000 Jack SE 3.5 auto of the neigbour for my son as his first car. Car was bought new by neighbour in 2000 and we are 2nd owner. Car had never, and I mean never been off road nor put in 4x4 and looks it. Great body and good looking all over too. Needed auto replaced and new tyres. All up spent $4500. Well what a great and competent… Read more

little 4x4 it is. Suspension a little soft, but will address that and as previously reported a little hard on fuel. Put it though its paces in Otways and performed extremely well. Very competent 4x4. Son bought a few part from wreckers bullbar, maplights, snorkel, etc. Looks tough now! Id back it against my Patrol for ability off road any day. If you find a good Jack, i say give it a try. You may be surprised.

Ive owned a 1998 V6 for 5 months now and love it – I bought this car by accident. I was looking at buying a cheap used 4wd, went to a car yard to look at a Pajero they had advertised, it was gone but this had just came in. It looks tough enough for me but pretty enough for the wife, air bags, cruise control, aircon, electric mirrors, nothing a newer and more expensive car has not got. If you are… Read more

in the market for a good vehicle that feels a lot bigger than it is and looks a lot more expensive than they are, I strongly suggest they are worth a look. I have also found a facebook group that are wonderful with all my questions.

Greatest tow vehicle – Had my 1998 v6 jackaroo for 10plus years 210,000km and still running better every day. Towing a heavy old van and never hesitates. May be a bit thirsty but surely fuel and regular servicing are the cheapest part of motoring. Very fussy on tyre type and pressure but experimenting will find u the best option. My paint is now starting to deteriorate due to outside storage. Will keep this one until death of one of us do part.  Show details

The perfect tow vehicle – I have 98 3.5 v6 petrol engine ( a little thirsty) but a great car all round no major issues . I tow a 23ft caravan with no problems as also a tandem trailer! Easy to drive and comfortable for the family With all the power i need.  Show details

Great car – Perfect car for the bush great for a v8 convection drop a 350 chev turbo 700 2 inch lift 33 mud tires and you have your self a unstoppable truck for the bush the jackaroo is very under rated I think great turning circle also. real good comfortable car I have 2002 with a 2inch lift racho 9000sie shocks with 33 muddies just waiting for my motor… Read more

to blow so I can drop this killer 350 in it.

there nothing like a big patrol or a gq mavrik.

best 4x4 for your money these days say right away from the diesels

1998 Jackaroo SE Petrol 3.5ltr Auto – Great car. Comfortable and easy to drive. Loads of power and can go anywhere. Mine had 250,000 on the clock. No major issues, replaced things as per maintenance schedule. The only drama on these is the replacing of the starter motor. In saying that, min lasted for thirteen years before needing replacing. The problem lies in its position.… Read more ·  6

You basically need to take it to an exhaust shop for them to remove the exhaust manifold in order for the auto electrician to get to. All up cost $620.00 (2013) with genuine parts and labour. power, comfort, driving positio, reliability (i have heard the 3.2 ltr and dieseks are terrivle tho) thirsty as. inly get 360kms aroubd town.

Absolutely love it! – I own a 1992 (I know this forum is for 98' onwards, but I couldn't find one for mine!) Jackaroo LS with the 3.2 24-Valve petrol engine, and I absolutely love it!! It's just rolled over to 300,000 k's, but you wouldn't think it to look at it, my wife says she prefers it's looks to her 06 Santa Fe!! It was dirt cheap to buy ($3,200 with 6… Read more

months rego and cold A/C) and hasn't cost me a cent. I'll need some new tyres in the next 10,000 k's but that comes with any car.

The economy is better than I was expecting from a 2.5 tonne truck, returning 15-18 liters/100k's around town and down as low as 12 liters/100k's sitting at 100 on the freeway with the A/C on.

Only problem I have had is one niggly electrical fault... The ignition barrel 'came loose' which caused a break in the alternator circuit... $50 from a wrecker and problem solved!

Other than that, it drives beautifully, has more power than I need, toes our 1 tonne caravan as if there was nothing behind it, has a gearbox (manual) that feels like it left the factory yesterday, and a clutch with plenty of life left it it...

It performs brilliantly and keeps up with all the big boys in their raised Hilux's and Landcruiser's (last weekend it un-bogged a brand new Range Rover!)

Overall, I absolutely love my Jackaroo! It's everything we want in a car, comfortable, practical, cheap to run (for what it is, it's all relative mind you!), tows well and goes off road for a weekend of mud-crawling!

Highly recommended! Comfortable, practical, great off road, economical (for what it is), toes beautifully, silky gearbox (manual) and still looks nice when you park it. Tiny little electrical niggles. It's always going to cost more to run than a sedan/hatchback, but I wouldn't even call it a con, it's just a big car!

Dr Jeckal and Mr Hyde – We have 2 Jackaroos, one brand new (2000 Se, 3.5 V6) and one from Manhiem (never again!) which is a 2001 SE with the 3.0 Diesel. We love the V6 one: powerful, reliable, well built and very good off road. We replaced the rather poor stereo earlier this year and added a rear seat DVD in 2002, which caused some problems with the stereo system and… Read more

associated electrics but those were (eventually) fixed by City Holden. Other than that, very few gripes.

The diesel on the other hand is nearly the opposite. Whilst the upgrades made it a better car, the engine let it down (execpt when it's working) These engines were the first of their kind and it shows, not very reliable and quite problematic. It's had 2 turbo replacements and some of the other bits too. Aside from that, it hasn't aged well mechanically, needs new boots and suspension as well as a new clutch.

Exterior wise it's in good condition but the newer rear was always a bit odd looking and lacks the rear step of the pre-facelift model.

Other than that it's a good car, comfortable, pulls hard when the turbo kicks in and handles quite well for a vehicle this size.

If you're going to buy one, get the petrol and avoid the diesel, unless you've got plenty of patience, money and know a good mechanic. Power, reliability, off-road and on-road abilities, looks and design, features, off-road tech, comfort and value for money. Facelifted models rear, slightly plain interior (it's a 4WD not a show pony), Diesels questionable reliablity. Petrol can be thristy if you're heavy with the foot. No proper Holden replacement, yet.

1998 Jackaroo Diesel – I have recently taken ownership of my Jackaroo, Tested it at two holden dealerships in SA and both came back with results that the motor has in the past had new injectors which come with a 50.000km warranty and has only done 2000km since the replacement. My wife followed me home a few times and said that the vehicle blows out a lot of black smoke… Read more

mainly when I take off which I do very slowly as I know theres a problem as I can see the smoke myself. Also it idles fast sometime up around 1000 revs then just under at the next set of lights. But holden said theres no problem twice ?? Is this natural for this model or does holden not want to replace the injectors. Your feedback would be appreciated Great car to drive Very thirsty, should have got V8 be cheaper to run

Absolute piece of junk! – Since the moment we brought the car it was nothing but problems!! we've had all the injectors replaced 3 were covered by warranty but other things that went in the car due to the injectors such as seals ect and you have to pay for the labour as well. the injectors had faulty sleeves. Each time it was put in it took at least a week to get fixed… Read more

and was over $1000 each visit. It had another recall for a faulty wiring issue then the turbo went, all this within 4 yrs of owning the car. Holdens quote on a new turbo $4475.000!!!! so now my family has no car, defiantly not worth fixing any way. Cheers holden what a waste of $18000!!!

Bad quality, expensive waste of money

Fantastic 4x4 The late Peter Brock had great success – Have had my Jacky since 2001. It is a 1998 3.5 SE Auto it has 225500ks only had one major service at 160000..the other services are done at 10000 ks I have a 6.53 m caravan and have towed approx 25000 k with no problems , even with 45 temp and air con on ..I have climbed unused roads up mountains without an issue .. Reliability, power and torque. Not very fuel efficient  Show details ·  4

Good – I have had 2 Jackeroos and loved both of them. They both did give me a bit of trouble mechanically but it was worth it! So comfortable, affordable, pleasure to drive. Good clearance. When things to do go wrong the are pricey.

Love my Jackaroo – My husband bought this car for me about 8 years ago. It`s good for taking the kids to school and for around town and we towed a camper up to the Kimberley 3 years ago with no problems (just 2 flat tyres!). Its a bit bumpy to drive but I like being able to see over most of the other cars. Pretty cheap to run for a big car as I only fill it up with diesel about every 2 weeks. Never broken down, fuel efficient. Ride is a bit bumpy Show details ·  1

A good car with problems with reliability as it ages – Wonderful engine when its working. In the last 4 years we have had problems with the alternator, thermostat, consumption of coolant, and drive belts, and more recently with loss of power and blowing smoke, which I imagine might be terminal. Its only done 220000 km, which shouldn't be much for a diesel. Its so good when running properly that its… Read more ·  7

easy to forgive its reliability faults. However, as it gets older there must come a time when its not worth spending money on. If I was in the market for an old car on the second hand market, I believe I would walk past this one to a Nissan or Toyota. Beautiful diesel engine, plenty of power, excellent highway behaviour and still competent on rough bush tracks. tracks. Suspect reliability above 200000 kms.

My 2000 Jackaroo SE 3.5L Auto is by far the best vehicle i have owned in the last 25 years.! – Top vehicle if you can find the right mechanic to properly service and repair your vehicle when needed. Mine has 280000 + K's on it. The only problem i have ever had with it [on my 4th year of ownership] is the useless Holden trained mechanic with his own business trying to repair a leaky rear diff for the last 8 months. He never replaced the… Read more ·  1

'once-use' pinion nut when doing the seals..so the pinion falls into my diff and bang..you can guess the rest.!

Now the rear diff has been replaced with a 2003 wide body diff [disc to disc] and she rides nice again.! I bought a rolled wreck for parts and have made back more than this whole ordeal has cost me selling parts and i have well over 2/3rds of it still to sell.!

Mine is stock standard apart from the new tyres i had fitted. More aggressive tread has cut out the bad road noise and very rarely do i need to lock in the front wheels when off roading, because it just doesn't get bogged.

Just as usual, Holden always gets rid of anything they have built that's any good. I figure, you should be able to buy these Jackaroo's, alias Trooper of Bighorn as they are referred to overseas, through any Isuzu dealer.

I just love my 'Jack'.! Power, comfort, reliability, will climb any mountain or cross any stream Heavy on the fuel if you are heavy on the pedal, should have come out in V8 option & LPG fitted

Good – It's a good car, feels very comfortable & strong, i just wish i could get it working properly so i can enjoy driving it, i know not everyone would have the same problem i have. I have a 1998 Jackaroo SE 3.5 ltr, & i have replaced the engine in it as the old one was dead, but i am having a problem getting it running properly, when i drive it there… Read more ·  1

seems to be nothing wrong, but seems to be lacking power, i have had holden look at it, they told me at first it was the timming on the left hand bank, then $360.00 later they told me that there was nothing wrong with the timming that it was the computer, i got a loan computer but it won't even start the car, so i called an auto electrician, he said he don't think it's the computer so i got a mechanic to look at it, & he said he can't find anything wrong that could be causing the problem,

What i want to know is if anyone out there have ever had the same problem & if so what you did to fix it ?

Thank you. can't get it working properly

Excellent – 1990 5sp manual very compfy to drive and excellent to go 4x4 driveing with cause that is what a 4x4 is designed for but in my opinion if you are buying a four wheel drive and take it four wheel driveing (bush bashing) and want to complain about it getting scratched and dented then you shouldnt own a four wheel drive because that is the… Read more

maint reason it is called 4x4 is it an off road vechile not a town car if you dont want that from your 4x4 go buy a car i bought this vechile about 2 months ago, from a second hand dealer for 3490 i had to get two tyres for it and panel beat the back door, as it looked like someone had hit it from behind so the door was not closeing properly, so i got that done by ourselves, then fixed a couple rust spots and had to replace the bushes in the whish bone on the front suspension of the car, that was a pain in the arse trying to get the new bushes in but we got it done, then two days later i took it 4x4 driving in northcliff over rocky terrain and up and down sandunes you have to take a run up to get through the deep sand on hills but all other terrain it was good, that was fun i love it, it is very good on fuel better than i expected being a 4x4 i drove from rockingham to northcliff wa and i only used 1/2 a tank of fuel, it has a very good turning circle being power steering compaired to a landrover series 2a with out power steering mine is a 5sp manual im quite pleased with it myself the kids love it well i cant think of anything that i dont like about it at this present moment but if i find problems with it at a later date i will write another coment

This 1998 is very reliable, I love mine for sure – I have had mine for 5 years and it's not given me a days worry. I am going to keep it as long as I can.