Who loves/hates their Jackaroo 3l TD?

Hi
Oldbaz
Had a Jackaroo 3lt auto from new, till 38000km no problem's at 38600 started using oil and would go off the dipstick in 600kms. Still under new car warranty when sold Holden wasn't convinced it was using oil. Spots all over back of wagon and no oil leaks under car. Took a loss and sold it and got a new 3lt Prado auto. Chalk and cheese for comfort and driving. prado sits on the road and just drive like a car, Jackaroo was always needing to be steered as it moved around on the road all the time. As towing it was great, plenty of power for both tandem caravan and camper trailer. Had a long range tank fitted to it and that gave it a great range when towing. If it had not used oil would probably still have it.
Cheers
Charlie

I have a 2000 Jack 3.0 Auto.
Have had it since 38,000 km/2001 and would not recommend them to anyone.
It has been the most unreliable vehicle I have ever owned. My 63 Kombi was more reliable. Unfortunately I didn't dispose of it earlier and with depreciation being very severe it is more economical for me to run it into the ground than try to update now.
Parts and servicing are expensive requiring synthetic or synthetic blend oil, two oil filters. Repair and fault finding of the motors is not common knowledge mostly held by experienced Holden Dealers (not all Holden dealers have 4JX1 experienced mechanics) and some of the major 4X4 diesel repairers who from experience try to avoid getting involved in fault diagnosis.
I know of one Jackaroo being towed over 500km because a trailer plug fault blew the brake light fuse and it wouldn't start.
With all the work our Jack has had done we still have problems with it overheating when towing or when it gets reasonably hot.
Regards Craig

Hi oldbaz,

I have owned 5 Jackaroos since 1982 the last one being a 1998 3l Turbo Diesel. I have had no trouble to speak of with any of them.

I think the price you are looking at for that vehicle is probably a bit high. Check out the money on the "Red Book" site.

My main advice would be check that the recalls have been done the last one in about May 2006, new O rings.

It would be a bonus if it was privately owned and Serviced by a Holden dealer. Not that I have any love of Holden Dealers but at least they have experience with the Injection System.

I used BP Vellanus Global Plus 10w-40 CG spec I did not experience starting problems at -6c

I would have bought an other one if they were still made. In the meanwhile I am very happy with my Nissan Patrol

Cheers

Do a search of the forum:
Posts 22252, 20967, 37927, 14837, 29032 may give you some clues about what forum users have had with their 3 litre Jacks.

Oldbaz

I've got a 99 TD Manual Jackaroo. They are a bit finnicky, a few issues to watch out for like oils, but with the right advice and a bit of research you can have a vehicle with a better power/weight ration than the new 4 cyl patrol, one that would use 15L/100km towing at the most, good 4wd capabilities, plenty of after market accessories if that's what you want, all for a very decent price for what you get.

Yes, there have been problems. I have sorted all mine out now, and in the process had 4 new injectors installed free of charge (at vehicle at 90K). On sand/dirt/light mud etc excellent. Great rear LSD. Haven't tried in any hardcore situations.

If you want some excellent advice, go to www.forum.australia4wd.com where there is an excellent Australia based Jackaroo specific forum, heaps of specific information and great people (like here!)

I am so happy and confident in my TD Jack now I have just purchased a 133L long range tank, front Auto Locker, and plan on having LPG added to it when they have time to fit it!

D-Jack.

I have a 2002 TD auto & I am very pleased with it. Ok I AM NOT PLEASED with the General & his minions but I have the manuals on CD, I have found non genuine filters available & I do my own serviceing, in a few words I'd say ecconomical & gutsy, just what I need as a tow vehicle, handles the 2400kg Gin Palace with ease....
Maybe not as capable off road in the rock climbing sense, but no probs with roads classified as 4X4 only....
Nothing wrong with the vehicle but the dealer service leaves a lot to be desired....