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Holden

Colorado

RG· 2012-2020 ute Caution
Price (AUD)
$12k-$32k
Body styles
Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
Drivetrain
RWD, 4WD part-time
Origin
Japan
Built in
Thailand

Overview

Big platform shift from the Isuzu-derived RC to a GM-engineered platform with VM Motori (Duramax) 2.5L and 2.8L diesels. Pre-MY16 was 3000kg tow only; 3500kg unlocked from MY16. The 2017 facelift fixed many gripes (interior, NVH, calibration) but the VM injector failures and Aisin AW6 torque converter shudder remained throughout production. Holden's 2020 exit smashed residuals — genuine bargain wildcard if you accept the parts/service compromises.

Engines & variants

2.5L LWN / 2.8L LWH (pre-MY16, 3000kg tow)

Engine
VM Motori
Config
I4
Displacement
2.5L / 2.8L
Power
132-147kW
Torque
440Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~10.5s
Economy
~8.7 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
3000kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
6MT, 6AT (Aisin AW6)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Belt-driven, 150,000km / 7.5-year

Pros

  • Cheap on used market
  • Strong torque
  • Holden parts via aftermarket
  • Big cabin

Cons

  • Only 3000kg tow (3500 only from MY16)
  • Alternator cable recall (early units)
  • Injector failures
  • Holden gone = parts via aftermarket

Known problems

high
Alternator cable recall
Pre-MY15 had alternator cable routing issue causing engine bay fires. Recall issued.
Fix: Verify recall completed via VIN check.
From Any · ~Recall fix
high
Fuel injector failure
VM Motori injectors fail around 70-100k. Hard starts, smoke, rough running.
Fix: Injector set replacement.
From 70-100k km · ~$2500-4000 set
high
Torque converter shudder
Aisin AW6 lockup clutch shudder. Transmission overheating when towing.
Fix: External trans cooler. Fresh fluid every 50-60k.
From 100k+ km · ~$2500-4500

2.8L LWH (MY16+, 3500kg tow)

Engine
VM Motori
Config
I4
Displacement
2.8L
Power
147kW
Torque
500Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~10.5s
Economy
~8.7 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
3500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
6MT, 6AT (Aisin AW6)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Belt-driven, 150,000km / 7.5-year

Pros

  • Strong torque (500Nm)
  • Cheap - Holden's exit hammered residuals
  • 2017+ facelift fixed many gripes
  • Big interior
  • Genuine bargain if maintained

Cons

  • Injector failures are the killer
  • Holden gone = parts via aftermarket/grey channels
  • DPF prone to clogging

Known problems

high
Fuel injector failure
VM Motori injectors fail around 70-100k. The #1 killer of these utes.
Fix: Injector set replacement. Quality fuel essential.
From 70-100k km · ~$2500-4000 set
high
Torque converter shudder (Aisin AW6)
Lockup clutch shudder at 60-80km/h. Trans overheating when towing without aux cooler.
Fix: External trans cooler mandatory. Fresh trans fluid every 50-60k.
From 100k+ km, towing · ~$2500-4500
high
DPF blockage
DPF clogs, limp mode, Service Engine Soon.
Fix: Highway runs. Manual regen via scan tool.
From Short-trip use · ~$1500-3500
medium
Crankcase ventilation failure
PCV fails - oil consumption >1L/1000km.
Fix: PCV/breather replacement. Catch can helps.
From 100k+ km · ~$300-600

Common problems (all variants)

medium
Holden parts supply post-2020 exit
Holden formally exited the Australian market in 2020. Genuine parts now sourced through GM Specialty Vehicles / aftermarket / grey channels. Mechanically most parts are available (the Colorado RG shared little with other Holdens), but body trim, electronics and dealer-network items can be slow.
Fix: Before buying, confirm parts availability for any unique trim items. Mechanical specialists familiar with VM Motori (Iveco-related) can handle most service work.
From Any · ~Varies
medium
Body / chassis rust (coastal examples)
Standard pattern for any Thai-built ute used on the coast.
Fix: Pre-purchase underbody inspection essential.
From Any · ~Varies