Oil consumption on 3.5 V6 Jackaroo

My '99 3.5V6 is currently using Castrol GTX3 mineral oil. Consumption is zero for the 1st 5000km, then about 500mL over next 5000km of 10000km service interval. Has done 80000km now, consumption unchanged from new.

My understanding is that all unleaded petrol engines are supposed to use a small amount of engine oil due to the absence of lead in the fuel. This is to counter the resulting loss of lubrication in the upper cylinder and valve areas. But some of the top-ups being reported are just way out there for a new motor.

I hear that the "hinged Rodeo phenomenon" has now been fixed in the new vehicles.

Have not heard of the "hinged Rodeo phenomenon". What actually happens? Is this a problem in Aus?

I Know of 2 that broke in half on the Canning.

The majority of chassis failures on Rodeo utes that I have seen occur on the crew cab/dual cab/twin cab models where the original styleside rear tray has been replaced with a dropside. The makers of these replacement bodies usually disregard the basic design rule (overhang can not be more than half the wheelbase) and the result is a body that is longer than the original. Then many will also extend the towbar as well! Given that most of the load on these bodies are behind the rear axle - the leverage creates extra stress on the chassis - with disasterous results.

Tuco