Skip's 4x4

Feasibility study of changing to a different 4x4.
(Conducted Early 2000)

Maybe a Holden Rodeo 2.8Litre Turbo Diesel Double Cab Utility?

Reasons for choosing this vehicle:

• A bit smaller and lighter than my Landcruiser, so more suitable for driving to and from work
• More economical 4cylinder 2.8litre turbo diesel engine, giving a slightly higher power to weight ratio to the Landcruiser
• It is recognised as a commercial vehicle and so is more tax effective
• Rear cargo area has greater carrying capacity than Landcruiser
• Rear cargo area is separate from cab, making it safer to carry cargo including tools and fuel etc.
• The Rodeo is less expensive than Hilux, and still has more after market 4WD accessories available than Courier, Bravo, Narvara or Triton
• Holden (Isuzu's) reputation for strength and reliability

RRP: $36500 on road including air (after fleet discount)

Accessories that need to be added to the vehicle:

• ARB Bull bar ($806 - all these prices include fitting)
• ARB Heavy duty Tow bar ($384)
• ARB Air locker (rear), compressor & hose ($1843)
• ARB High Roof Canopy ($1779)
• Safari Snorkle ($496)
• BF Goodrich 235/75R16 All Terrain KO tyres (only $300 after trade on new 205R16's that come on Rodeo)

Essential accessory cost = $ 5608 (fitted)

Accessories to add later:

• ARB Long Ranger 112Litre fuel tank ($995)
• ARB Old Man Emu springs and Nitrocharger shockys ($1317)
• IPF Lights ($406)
• Safari Intercooler ($1983)

Extras cost = $ 4701 (fitted)

Cost of brand new vehicle with air and 12 months rego, after fleet discount = $38000 approx.

Estimated vehicle range calculations with long range tank: Assume 26Mpg = 41.6K/gal = 9.16K/L * 112L = 1025K. I have been told that I can expect 28+Mpg if I drive it easy!

Estimated vehicle range calculations with standard 63L tank: Assume 26Mpg = 41.6K/gal = 9.16K/L * 63L = 577K.

Holden's web site does not mention Rodeo. Weird! Even though on their commercial vehicle's web page, the animated picture briefly shows a rodeo (bright blue)  

Links to Rodeo Sights:

http://coming.to/holden/rodeo/4x4.htm
http://coming.to/holden/rodeo/mechanical.htm
http://coming.to/holden/rodeo/range.htm
http://www.4wdonline.com/GM/Rodeo.html
http://fastlane.com.au/Reviews/rodeo.htm
http://www.lightcomworld.com.au/rodeo.htm
http://coming.to/holden/rodeo/crewcab.htm
http://www.4wdonline.com/GM/Rodeo.html
http://www.4wdworld.com.au/rodeo.htm
http://www.safari4x4.com.au/docs/rev3c.htm

PS: Click on pictures for larger ones!