I drive a JAC. As told by Damo Stuart from QLD.
Damo's joined the hundreds of Aussies with a JAC T9, alongside hundreds of thousands of drivers worldwide who've got behind the wheel of a JAC. What you're about to read is straight from him - no editing, no filter, just his honest words."Firstly, I'm not a pro car buff, just a bloke that needs a reliable, quality, comfortable Ute that may carry the odd pallet when required, is good on diesel but mostly does trips to bunnings and taking my dog to the beach, I do like my vehicles to look aesthetically appealing.
I looked at a lot of different Utes before I settled on a JAC.
I have just sold my 2019 MR Triton and I have a 2024 Ranger work Ute so I know what I’m looking for in a Ute. Practicality, affordability, aesthetically appealing and reliability.
I didn't know anything about JAC, but I saw one on display in our local shopping centre, it had a sticker saying it was under $50K. It drew my attention straight away with the finish, sports bars and in particular the spray on tub liner which I much prefer over the inserted plastic tub. I poked my head inside the display Ute and the internal finish, design and quality just blew me away as it really looks schmick. Having kids, a black interior is a really good idea and anything other than cloth seats are a bonus and much easier to maintain. There was no other information just a QR code, so I scanned it and booked myself a test drive straight away.
The technology onboard the JAC is astounding, from lane guidance, to speed sign recognition, cameras, adaptive cruise control, automatic headlight control and even driver attention alerts, I was super impressed.
The fuel consumption is absolutely outstanding as is the 8 speed gearbox, both were key factors in my final choice, it's added peace of mind knowing that it won't cost the earth to fill, run and maintain the JAC. The 5 star ANCAP safety rating is very impressive for a new comer to the Australian Ute market. Sitting in the cab the driver has many 'on hand' features, there's even a wireless charging mat under the main console for your mobile phone. The car easily connects to Android Auto or Apple Play via a cable and has a huge 10.4 inch screen for maps, operations and entertainment. The seating in the front is electric and super comfy to find just that right position for those long drives. Pretty much everything you can think of and a whole lot more is on board and at the drivers finger tips, there’s even a sensor that puts the windows up if rain is detected. Ambient lighting gives a nice cabin feel when it's dark and suits the interior and chrome finishings. The back seat passengers also have access to charging points with a standard USB-C and USB-A connection points as well, so there's no long charging cables required.
The tub, as mentioned, has a spray on liner including the tub door as standard. The sports bars come on both models standard and really look appealing, I just attach my dog's lead to the sports bar when we go to the beach, it's really handy. The tub will comfortably hold a standard pallet and can take 1045kg of weight, there's tie down points at the front and back making it super handy and very practical for blokes who do carry small to large, light to heavy loads. The tonneau neatly covers the back and gives a good seal against inclement weather, its easily removed or put in as required.
The 18 inch wheels really highlight the great looking rims that come standard. I have a lift kit in my JAC, I will get bigger tyres when they need replacing as the wheel arches have good room for larger tyres but the standard 18 inch tyres give you a good grip on Australia whilst driving.
Bang for buck, you cannot beat a JAC as it's their first Ute made for Australian conditions they will only get better. I'm super impressed with my JAC and look forward to many comfortable kms in it.
The benchmark has really been lifted with this newcomer to the Australian Ute market, for under $50k you get an affordable, great, solid, good looking, practical, durable Ute, that looks the part and which has outstanding fuel economy. It comes with added peace of mind with a 7-year unlimited KM warranty and capped priced servicing. The tech onboard is second to none with options that make owning and driving a JAC a pleasure.
I'm very impressed with my JAC and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for this company in Australia.
I'd suggest if you're in the market for a Ute find a dealer or someone who owns one and have a look for yourself, I'm so glad I did.
I love my JAC and I'm tipping you."
