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Holden

Rodeo

RA· 2003-2008 ute Value
Price (AUD)
$4k-$12k
Body styles
Single Cab, Space Cab, Crew Cab
Drivetrain
RWD, 4WD part-time
Origin
Japan
Built in
Thailand

Overview

The RA generation featured a much larger, more modern cab and chassis design compared to its predecessor. In mid-2008 the model line was rebadged as the Holden Colorado RC when Isuzu reclaimed the Rodeo name globally - direct platform continuity, no model gap.

Engines & variants

3.0L 4JH1-TC turbo diesel

Engine
Direct injection common-rail turbo diesel (Denso)
Config
I4 turbo
Displacement
2999cc
Power
96kW @ 3800rpm
Torque
280Nm @ 2000rpm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~14.5s
Economy
8.8 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
2500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
5MT, 4AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Gear-driven (no service interval)

Pros

  • Gear-driven timing - zero belt service
  • Tough engine block carried over from late TF
  • Strong regional parts/repair network
  • Pre-DPF - no regen drama

Cons

  • Noisy, agricultural
  • Less power than later 4JJ1 engines
  • Most examples have high km

Known problems

high
Denso EDU module failure
The Denso electronic diesel control unit mounted near the pump suffers heat-cracked solder joints, causing intermittent stalling or a sudden no-start. Same fault as on late-TF 4JH1-TC.
Fix: Replace or rebuild the EDU module through an auto electrical specialist. Solder reflow can be a cheaper short-term fix.
From 180k+ km · ~$1000-1800
medium
Suction control valve wear
Worn suction control valve causes fuel delivery fluctuations - rough idle, surging, sudden cut-out under load.
Fix: Replace the suction control valve (Denso part) and clear fault codes.
From 150k+ km · ~$300-500
low
Injector return line leaks
Plastic injector return lines harden and crack, allowing air into the fuel system. Symptoms: hard hot-starts, rough idle, fuel weep visible on top of engine.
Fix: Replace the injector return line kit. Cheap DIY job.
From 150k+ km · ~$150-300

2.4L C24SE petrol

Engine
SOHC 8V GM Family II
Config
I4 NA
Displacement
2405cc
Power
92kW @ 5200rpm
Torque
207Nm @ 3200rpm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~13.0s
Economy
10.5 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
2000kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
5MT, 4AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Belt-driven (60,000km / 4-year interval)

Pros

  • Simple SOHC 8V layout
  • Cheap to maintain
  • Available with 4AT and 4WD in AU
  • Family II is a well-known unit

Cons

  • Underpowered for the body
  • Short 60k belt interval - must be observed
  • Slow when loaded or towing

Known problems

high
Timing belt snap (interference engine)
Missing the strict 60,000km / 4-year belt interval results in belt failure and bent valves. The C24SE is an interference engine - belt snap usually means head-off repair.
Fix: Strictly observe the 60k / 4-year interval. If snapped, full top-end rebuild required including valve replacement.
From 60k+ km · ~$1200-2500
low
Thermostat housing coolant leak
Plastic thermostat housing or its rubber seals degrade, causing slow coolant loss and overheating risk.
Fix: Replace the thermostat housing and gaskets with updated parts.
From 100k+ km · ~$150-300

2.4L Y24SE petrol

Engine
SOHC GM Family II (revised)
Config
I4 NA
Displacement
2405cc
Power
92kW @ 5200rpm
Torque
207Nm @ 3200rpm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~13.0s
Economy
10.2 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
2000kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
5MT, 4AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Belt-driven (60,000km / 4-year interval)

Pros

  • Robust block, handles heat
  • Cheap parts
  • Available with 4AT and 4WD in AU

Cons

  • Sluggish loaded or uphill
  • 60k belt interval
  • Same Family II base as C24SE - no real gain

Known problems

medium
Crankshaft position sensor failure
CKP sensor fails from thermal cycling, causing stalling, intermittent misfires, or a no-start when hot. Common GM Family II failure mode.
Fix: Replace the crankshaft position sensor with a quality OEM unit.
From 120k+ km · ~$250-450
low
EGR valve carbon blockage
Carbon buildup jams the EGR valve, causing rough idle and a check engine light.
Fix: Remove and clean the EGR valve, or replace if the electronic actuator has failed.
From 100k+ km · ~$200-400

3.5L 6VE1 V6 petrol

Engine
DOHC 24V V6 petrol
Config
V6 NA
Displacement
3494cc
Power
147kW @ 5400rpm
Torque
280Nm @ 3000rpm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~9.5s
Economy
14.0 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
2500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
5MT, 4AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Belt-driven (100,000km / 5-year interval)

Pros

  • Strong, smooth power
  • Best tow capacity of the RA range
  • Tough block

Cons

  • Very thirsty under load
  • Belt-driven - 100k interval mandatory
  • Lower used demand than the diesel

Known problems

medium
High oil consumption via piston rings
Clogged oil control ring lands cause progressive oil consumption with no obvious tailpipe smoke. Skipping service intervals accelerates the wear.
Fix: Aggressive engine flushes can stabilise it. Ring replacement for severe cases.
From 150k+ km · ~$800-1800
medium
Intake manifold gasket air leak
Factory intake gaskets degrade, drawing unmetered air. Symptoms: lean fuel trim codes, rough idle, hesitation.
Fix: Replace upper and lower intake manifold gaskets with updated multi-layer steel versions.
From 120k+ km · ~$400-700

Common problems (all variants)

medium
Push-button 4WD actuator failure
The RA uses electronic push-button 4WD engagement. The transfer case actuator or front axle actuator can fail or suffer water ingress, preventing 4WD engagement.
Fix: Replace the faulty actuator. Clean connectors and apply dielectric grease as preventive.
From 120k+ km · ~$400-900
low
Front wheel bearing wear
Front wheel bearings develop play or growling noises early, especially on examples with oversized aftermarket wheels or heavy tyres.
Fix: Replace the front hub bearing assemblies. Use quality synthetic grease.
From 100k+ km · ~$300-500
low
HVAC blower motor resistor
Cabin blower resistor fails, leaving the fan working only on the highest speed setting.
Fix: Replace the blower motor resistor (under the passenger side dash). DIY-friendly.
From 80k+ km · ~$100-250
low
Leaf spring bush degradation
Factory rubber leaf spring shackle bushes wear out under heavy commercial payload use, causing rear-end clunking and uneven tyre wear.
Fix: Replace with polyurethane bushes from Pedders, Superpro, or Whiteline.
From 120k+ km · ~$200-400
medium
Rust on coastal examples
Chassis rails, body mounts, and cab corners rust on coastal or QLD-used examples. Less common on dry-state cars.
Fix: Pre-purchase underbody inspection essential. Treat dry-state examples preventively with cavity wax.
From Any · ~$500-1500