Holden Rodeo Problems

Holden's service people say the problem was fixed with the introduction of a new seal last year. Holden's response was: "Vehicles undergo a continuous cycle of product development." To this end, the O-ring on the Jackaroo Turbo Diesel model was revised, and last year a procedure was developed in order to allow fitting of such by Holden retailers, as required. "To our knowledge completion of this replacement has resolved any issue." If you have had the new seal fitted and are not satisfied it has fixed the problem I recommend you return to the dealer and register your complaint.

The trade holds the Hilux up as the best of those you've mentioned. The Toyota turbo diesel is easily the best, but the downside is that you'll have to pay up to $3000 more to get behind the wheel of a Hilux. The others are OK, and all rated equally, but there are plenty of reports from the trade about problems with the Nissan turbo diesel so I'd recommend caution. If you were to consider a Navara, make sure it has an extended warranty for peace of mind.

No doubt the Rodeo delivers adequate brake performance -- it has to, to meet ADRs and customer expectations. But I'm sure you'd agree it doesn't brake as effectively as your BMW. The Rodeo doesn't have the high performance of the BMW so it doesn't need the same level of braking performance. German cars (including the Opel-sourced Holden) do tend to use a pad/rotor combination that gives good pedal feel and stopping performance, but higher wear. But all car companies are striving for greater braking performance and even homegrown models now chew up pads and discs in less than 60,000km.

I don't want to doubt your claims, Robert, but it is hard to believe you've done almost a quarter of a million kilometres on the original pads and shoes and they are only a quarter worn. If you're correct I'd say you're on track to set a world record. I'd be phoning the Guinness Book of Records and getting them prepared for a new entry. Seriously though, commercials do have different braking requirements from passenger cars. They have to carry loads and they are not expected to stop on a 5c piece, as we expect our passenger cars to do today. Also, commercial vehicle operators would not tolerate the wear rates of some passenger cars and there would be an outcry if their utes and vans chewed up brake linings like some passenger cars do.