1999 Holden Rodeo 2wd Spacecab LX review from Australia and New Zealand

Petrol consumption was a bit startling after a small hatchback on LPG. I consistently got 15 litres per 100km for about 6 tanks around Sydney, down the coast and around Melbourne. On LPG I am getting about 21 to 22 litres per 100km. I recently spoke to a couple of tradesmen with two Rodeo dual cabs the same model, one petrol, one LPG, and their figures around Melbourne were identical to mine above.

I have a Flexiglas Challenge brand canopy which was fitted to the car when new. The gas struts on the rear tailgate have faded and need replacing. Flexiglass quote $43 each for new ones - hardly a disaster! The side lift windows' struts are fine.

The wiring for the interior light and brake light in the canopy is downright amateurish. If you have a canopy fitted to any ute, have a good look at the wiring before you pay for it!

**DISCLOSURE**

I am a mechanical engineer.

I was employed by Holden as a student in 1993-4.

I have not worked in the car industry since 1997.

I have no financial interest in the car industry.

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The seats are excellent. Dashboard and interior generally is much more car like than the alternative Japanese utes of the same age.

The steering and general feel is far superior to the equivalent Hilux, but it's not a Falcon or Commodore. Manual models have a very light clutch and a reasonable gearbox (I drove a lot of Rodeos looking for this one).

The standard headlights (rectangular, not the flush fitting ones) were pretty miserable, but I am fussy about lights and was coming from a car with twin headlights and two sets of driving lights, so 120 Watts after 800 Watts. Most if not all the Japanese utes have single headlights.

High power globes, relays and 2 pairs of driving lights have resolved this issue to my complete satisfaction.

The heater produces useful heat within 1km on frosty mornings.

The V6 auto is extraordinarily quick; it's certainly got more power than tyres or handling when empty! It's great with a load and a heavy trailer.

When the motor is stone cold, the auto gearbox changes up very late. This nearly put me off automatic Rodeos before I finally drove one far enough to warm it up properly, when it promptly started changing smoothly and sensibly. It's all part of the engine management warming the motor quickly for reduced emissions. Don't be put off by it.

The Manchester brand bracketed LPG tank which fits under the rear of the car is only 64 litres. I believe the APA brand bracket tank is smaller.

It is not enough. I am looking at fitting a second tank, either a 900 x 330 (56l LPG, 70l water) or 900 x 285 APA tank behind it.

Needless to say I had it converted about 5 minutes before Little Johnny announced his $2000 LPG subsidy.