98-2001 Jackaroo

Jackaroo that age will be their worst nightmare.
Price and availability of spares from Holden is extortion to no spares available of common needed parts.

Drove a couple for work. Would not have one by choice. A basic vehicle with ordinary 4wd capabilities - even by the standards of the time. Ramp over angle / clearance terrible due to something hanging low - either transfer case or gear box, can not remember which.
But then again - Mother-in-law - why worry ;-)

Had a 99 model SE for 8 years - re clearance, it's the transfer case that is lower than that found on most vehicles in that class - that said, it can still go a lot of awkward places and they are a robust vehicle - I had the 3.0L turbo diesel model - it's a long story, but many (me too) consider that engine to be a failed experiment - I didn't get my fingers burnt (much), but many did I'm told - reports here and there suggest that the majority of longer term happy Jack owners drive the V6 petrol.

Have a 98 V6 SE manual bought in 2001. Great vehicle to drive and capable in most areas. Haven't had trouble with spare parts yet - there are alternatives to Holden, but if the outlaws want to keep it beyond a few years who knows?

Quite a few V6s (including mine) suffered from blown head gaskets /cracked heads - about a $2.5K fix using second hand/non-genuine parts if required. Used to read the USA Trooper (Jackaroo) owners website a few years back - most of the V6s use a little engine oil. Air-con is adequate but not brilliant. Stay clear of the diesel is my advice - no experience with them, just what I have read.

Trooper Forum

The two rear fold down seats are only really suitable for small kids and I wouldn't put them there for any big trips, but fine around town and for shorter trips. Fuel consumption around 8km/l (22mpg) for manual.

Very good value for what you get, depending on your needs of course.

Hope this helps.

I would take little heed of the doomsdayers re Jackaroos. I think you may find those that have actually put some miles on one will come to their defence before
too long. I'm not 100% sure when the 3.5 took over from the 3.2, but I would opt for the 3.5. The "wide body" version came out in 01 to 03. Some changes
there you can check on. I think the 7 seat option was fairly common, &, yes, they
are only suitable for kids,..but so are the dicky seats in any 4WD.
I have an 2000 V6 auto, bought in 06 for $14k...87 k on the clock..now has 137k
on it & have not had one issue with it...faultless. That 50k has been all outback
& long distance touring..towing a C/t with 4 adults aboard. Roads travelled include the Ood,Tanami, Bungles, GRR etc. I have never found clearance an
issue, or approach/departure angle. The car is big,roomy, & the wives say the
rear seat comfort is far better than Prado or Patrol, & we have toured in both.
Engine is strong & auto smooth, we get 15L/100 towing at 90-100kph max.
I have located part sources should I ever need them. If you can find a better
"real 4WD" wagon for the dough...buy it.........oldbaz.

I have driven numerous 4wd's of all makes due to my job. I have had 3 Jack's one petrol & 2 diesels. They were 2001 onwards. The first a V6 was very nice & in SE form. (so were the diesels) For what I was doing travelling long distances & off road mud & sand I found the vehicle more than capable. For heavy work where ground clearance was a priority the Jack was left at base & we used Nissan Patrols & Toyota L/Cruisers. There are many features on the SE Jackaroo that pleased me like electric mirrors that are heated, good comfy seats with arm rests & although some may find these items of no interest I liked them. The diesels were a failure. Relying on oil circulation to start, sometimes in really cold weather they would not. Both diesels failed for no reason, just stopped, overheated engine and catastrophe. Thank goodness I didn't have to pay the $$$$ to have them fixed. These vehicle were serviced regularly & there was no real reason for their explosion. Just like some of our 3 litre diesel Patrols....very disappointing. It depends on what your in-laws want or require from a vehicle. If it is towing a small van or C/trailer,touring & just getting out there then I cannot see them being disappointed in a V6 Jack. But remember they don't make them any more & parts could be a nightmare. If they want a bit of class look at the Jackaroo Monterey but having said that....I would look at a Petrol Patrol & put it on gas a much better vehicle IMHO. Second choice would be a Pajero great value for the dollars & very comfortable being the best touring vehicle around IMHO

I have a 98 manual 3.5L v6 and love it. I have owned it for aprox 18 mths. Google australia 4wd jackaroo and have a look at the jackaroo forum on there. I use mine for towing a 1.6T van, beach driving and outback rd driving and it does all these no problems. If they are into rock hoping then this vehicle probably not suitable. I think for around the 8-10K$ mark you can't go wrong. There is quite a bit reported about troublesome deisels. Expect around 18-19L per 100kms for a 3.5L v6 petrol auto.

wizzer

Hi Don

I have owned 5 Jackaroos over the years, the last one was a 1998 3.0 Diesel.

The 1998 Diesel was a fantastic performer all round. It was an ideal vehicle to pass road trains.

My advice would be to make sure all the recalls have been actioned. The last one was in 2005 to replace some injector seals. one that has been maintained by Holden should be OK. Make sure you use a 10W-40 engine oil and enjoy

Cheers

I'm another happy Jack owner. 2001 TD.

It is a nice comfy 4WD. The inly issue is that the transfer cse hangs a little low but this has not caused any issues.

If you are concerned about the diesels reputation go for the V6.

Cheers

Pete