Anybody here own a new Ford Ranger?

[JimO]

took one for a test drive today and was impressed, i have had 7 Hiluxes as work trucks and the time is coming up for a replacement, Ford have offered 3k more than toyota for a trade in as well.........what say you

[huff3r]

AMI Autocar car of the year. That says a lot yeah?

[Crasherfromwayback]

took one for a test drive today and was impressed, i have had 7 Hiluxes as work trucks and the time is coming up for a replacement, Ford have offered 3k more than toyota for a trade in as well.........what say you

We've had two at work for the last year or so...they've been great, no issues and drive really well for what they are.

[slofox]

F.O.R.D. ... Found On Roadside Dead? :whistle:

[JimO]

We've had two at work for the last year or so...they've been great, no issues and drive really well for what they are.

this is the new model, only been out for a few weeks..5 cyl 3.2 diesel i wouldnt change my hilux for a previous model ranger but the new one is way betterer had to laugh at the toyota trade in price when i was parked next to a identical 06 double cab same ks etc without a canopy they were asking 39k for and offered me 25k and mine has a canopy



http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x67/jim157/imgres-2-1.jpg

[unstuck]

The earlier rangers were crap off road and weak in the driveshaft,didnt like them much.Dont know about the newer ones though.

[Madness]

I know of a few loyal Hilux fleet operators who are brand switching after numerous issues with failed injectors that Toyota N.Z don't want to know about. The new Ranger looks the ducks nuts IMHO, the BT-50 on the other hand... :facepalm:

[Laava]

I know of a few loyal Hilux fleet operators who are brand switching after numerous issues with failed injectors that Toyota N.Z don't want to know about. The new Ranger looks the ducks nuts IMHO, the BT-50 on the other hand... :facepalm:

Are they not the same thing anymore then?

[Madness]

Are they not the same thing anymore then?

I've not seen the BT-50 in the flesh, just the ads on telly showing it's new face (think ZX14 when it came out). The Ranger looks like more of a U.S model with very square lines.

[Berries]

Brother in law has a new Ranger. Odd specs though. If you get the higher spec with electric windows you don't get a rail around the bed for tieing things down but you do if you go for the lower spec version with wind up windows. Seems a shame. His previous Courier was far more practical in that sense. Obviously it is better to drive than the Courier but so far it hasn't done many farm miles so not sure what its off road capabilities are. The only 'issue' he has is with the very optimistic tacho which is costing him RUC $$$.

The VW Amarok came out between him confirming his order and taking delivery. He nearly canceled the order.

I have a choice of vehicles at work if I need to go out. Mondeo, Corrola, Rodeo, Ranger, Hilux and some weird hybrid. I always pick the Hilux. Not sure if that helps. The Ford does have a better sound system, but that's probably because our Hilux is a basic lease vehicle.

If you go for the Ford, do ask them about the tacho/speedo issue.

[Crasherfromwayback]

this is the new model, only been out for a few weeks..5 cyl 3.2 diesel i wouldnt change my hilux for a previous model ranger but the new one is way betterer had to laugh at the toyota trade in price when i was parked next to a identical 06 double cab same ks etc without a canopy they were asking 39k for and offered me 25k and mine has a canopy



http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x67/jim157/imgres-2-1.jpg

Noice. Newera than ours for sure!

[Edbear]

Mazda BT50 and Ford Ranger are the last "twins", from now on they go their seperate ways, so really it's down to the difference in price and features along with looks. Both perform pretty much identically. No doubt they do what the hype says and tests are full of praise.

I'd certainly recommend looking at the VW Amorak before making up your mind. The new Hi-Lux is the last iteration of the current model and will be replaced next time with a new one. Consider it a run-out model. All the other brands are also long in the tooth and due for replacement.

May as well go with the latest technology.

[Flip]

I have just handed in my last Hilux, it was a POS. Fucking injectors failed every 50k. If it was my vehicle I would have taken Toyota to court.

I have just done 80k in a newish ranger, its not as nice (car like) to drive as the toyota but so far its been 100% reilyable. The toyota had a variable pitch turbo which was nice espcially at the lower end of the revs. The fords motor is a bit more basic and truck like.

There would not be much between them 4WD wise, the toyota had very stiff roll bars and it was easy to cross axle, the ford has stiff springs to carry a decient load. Neither are a pinch of shit compared to my 30 year old V8 landrover when it comes to propper 4WDing.

[scott411]

i had the old bt50 and could not fault it, compared to my business partners sdx navara it was a dem, would never own a navara, do a search on hilux injectors and there is a heap of problems in NZ and Aussie with them failing,

the new model has awesome reviews, can't wait to drive one,

[Blackflagged]

Fords and Nissan`s, in the past have had higher tow ratings, than the Hilux. If this is of interest, guess say they still have.

[JimO]

i had the old bt50 and could not fault it, compared to my business partners sdx navara it was a dem, would never own a navara, do a search on hilux injectors and there is a heap of problems in NZ and Aussie with them failing,

the new model has awesome reviews, can't wait to drive one,

my injectors were replaced under warranty its a 5k job apparently, im not worried about "real" 4wheel driving as its a work ute not a farm ute but i do need low range 4x4 for access to some properties with the trailor, try backing a couple o ton up a steep gravel drive with a 2wd, its not going to happen

[Crasherfromwayback]

Seems liked...

http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/motoring/6036074/Ford-Ranger-is-NZ-Autocar-Car-of-the-Year

[XF650]

Based on the reliability of my 2007 XLT 4WD Auto Ranger (now done 205,000+ km's), I ordered a new model in July for Xmas delivery. However with the floods in Thailand effecting some of Ford's suppliers, there may yet be delay's with that shipment.
In the meantime I'v studied reviews, test driven and talked to owners of the first shipment, the outcome being I'm more than happy to wait for my new ute....
And yes, the Ranger fuel injector system seems more tolerant of NZ diesel quality than the Hilux system.

[LankyBastard]

I was just in the market for a new ute too, looked at all the majors, including the new Ranger. Ended up getting the VW Amarok, seemed to do everything I wanted just that little bit better than the rest. The nice solid thunk as you close the doors is a nice touch. Not to mention way better fuel efficiency than the rest.

And I liked the look of it the best too :yes:

[Laava]

I was just in the market for a new ute too, looked at all the majors, including the new Ranger. Ended up getting the VW Amarok, seemed to do everything I wanted just that little bit better than the rest. The nice solid thunk as you close the doors is a nice touch. Not to mention way better fuel efficiency than the rest.

And I liked the look of it the best too :yes:

So how far does it go on a tank? 70l?

[Laava]

Seems liked...

http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/motoring/6036074/Ford-Ranger-is-NZ-Autocar-Car-of-the-Year

Classic! Saun Summerfield says it is "the best looking ute ever sold here"
Is it just me or does it look nearly identical to the 2012 Hilux, in this photo? Apart from the grill thingy at the rear of the front guard.
The shape of the cab doors and windows is so close it isn't funny! Are they in bed with each other on this one?

[Flip]

Based on the reliability of my 2007 XLT 4WD Auto Ranger (now done 205,000+ km's), I ordered a new model in July for Xmas delivery. However with the floods in Thailand effecting some of Ford's suppliers, there may yet be delay's with that shipment.
In the meantime I'v studied reviews, test driven and talked to owners of the first shipment, the outcome being I'm more than happy to wait for my new ute....
And yes, the Ranger fuel injector system seems more tolerant of NZ diesel quality than the Hilux system.

It's not a fuel quality problem.

Toyota blamed contamination and water so I fitted a 0.5 micron coalessor "Velcon aviation spec" filters to all the companies fuel tanks after the first set failed. Guess what the 2nd set failed right on time. We had no problems with either the Nissan or Ford utes just the Toyotas.

[JimO]

It's not a fuel quality problem.

Toyota blamed contamination and water so I fitted a 0.5 micron coalessor "Velcon aviation spec" filters to all the companies fuel tanks after the first set failed. Guess what the 2nd set failed right on time. We had no problems with either the Nissan or Ford utes just the Toyotas.

i have a mate with a 09 Navara he has had injector problems as well, and dodgy brakes, the VW i reckon will give problems down the track with a 2l twin turbo diesel with 600kgs on the back every day and a couple of ton on the trailor.......what to do what to do.........you pay the thick end of 60k for these things would it be to much to expect them to get to 100000 ks without needing major repairs

[JimO]

Classic! Saun Summerfield says it is "the best looking ute ever sold here"
Is it just me or does it look nearly identical to the 2012 Hilux, in this photo? Apart from the grill thingy at the rear of the front guard.
The shape of the cab doors and windows is so close it isn't funny! Are they in bed with each other on this one?

put a new model hilux beside one and they are different, the 2012 hilux is the same except it has a different grill and bigger wheels( they needed bigger wheels to fit the bigger brakes cos the old brakes are shite)

[unstuck]

The last of the good hilux's was 94 IMO.:yes:

[Kickaha]

The last of the good hilux's was 94 IMO.:yes:

I had the first of the new shape 3 litre turbos, they are an awesome ute although it did have to have two clutches, one at about 50K and the other at 90k, capable of 160kmh plus with two bikes on the back (closed private road testing of course)

Lowered a couple of inches and 16inch wheels made it handle considerably better to

[Laava]

http://www.automotivecrawler.com/wp-content/uploads/2012-Ford-Ranger-570x355.jpghttp://thecarstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/2012-Toyota-Hilux-Review.jpg
See what I mean?

[XF650]

It's not a fuel quality problem.

Toyota blamed contamination and water so I fitted a 0.5 micron coalessor "Velcon aviation spec" filters to all the companies fuel tanks after the first set failed. Guess what the 2nd set failed right on time. We had no problems with either the Nissan or Ford utes just the Toyotas.

I'v heard it's not an issue with motors fitted with the Bosch inj system. Would this be true?
Also seen comments on the interweb about Toyota blameing the high sulpher level in some countries diesel, the injector wear issue being more widespread than just NZ.

[unstuck]

Prefer the looks of the new triton myself.:yes:

[blackdog]

Prefer the looks of the new triton myself.:yes:

That's fucking hideous.

[unstuck]

That's fucking hideous.

Different strokes an all that.;)

[Laava]

I am waiting for Kia and Hyundai to come along and put things right.
FWIW I have a first shipment 2005 Hilux and it has had a clutch and airbag clockspring replaced under warranty. No probs with injectors so far at 130,000km. It is still going hard. Elite joinery here in Whangarei have Navarra STXs and last time I spoke to the owner his double cab was on it's 6th clutch and his partners xtra cab had had an auto box put in.

[Edbear]

I am waiting for Kia and Hyundai to come along and put things right.
FWIW I have a first shipment 2005 Hilux and it has had a clutch and airbag clockspring replaced under warranty. No probs with injectors so far at 130,000km. It is still going hard. Elite joinery here in Whangarei have Navarra STXs and last time I spoke to the owner his double cab was on it's 6th clutch and his partners xtra cab had had an auto box put in.

Clutches are not usually the vehicle's fault, almost invariably the driver's fault.

[JimO]

Clutches are not usually the vehicle's fault, almost invariably the driver's fault.

na my 02 hilux and 05 hilux all developed a clutch shudder within a couple of thousand ks and on the 05 the replacement clutch did it again

[Edbear]

na my 02 hilux and 05 hilux all developed a clutch shudder within a couple of thousand ks and on the 05 the replacement clutch did it again

I'm not saying it couldn't be a fault with the vehicle, but the only way to really know is if you regularly drive any other manual vehicles, as if you do and have no issues, it then is most likely the vehicle rather than the driver.

[Kickaha]

Clutches are not usually the vehicle's fault, almost invariably the driver's fault.

Toyota did an upgraded clutch for the Hilux, it was a known fault

[Madness]

That's fucking hideous.

I agree and I drive one daily - 40,000km since April. Good mileage but shitty (bouncy as feck) leaf-sprung rear.

[JimO]

I agree and I drive one daily - 40,000km since April. Good mileage but shitty (bouncy as feck) leaf-sprung rear.

chuck a bag of sand in the back it will settle down

[Laava]

chuck a bag of sand in the back shocks it will settle down

I fixed it for you

[Kickaha]

chuck a bag of sand in the back it will settle down

We used to remove a leaf out of the Hilux

[JimO]

We used to remove a leaf out of the Hilux

i carry about 500kgs in the back of mine daily it doesnt bounce about

[santhrun]

Hi guys. Do you know anyone (preferably a company) who can tune the ECU of these trucks? Not interested in piggyback, only in genuine ECU remap. Thanks

[Laava]

No doubt you are going to come back on here under a different username and offer up a remedy now.

[AllanB]

Best looking ute in NZ? It was a Ford. ;)

[Laava]

Au series has to be the biggest styling fail since the first shape ford taurus.
Holden a close second. Thank fuck for the koreans eh?

[scumdog]

Best looking ute in NZ? It was a Ford. ;)

I dunno - my Marina ute looks pretty sharp!;)

[Kickaha]

I dunno - my Marina ute looks pretty sharp!;)

There isn't a Marina in the world that looks good Ute or otherwise

[SVboy]

There isn't a Marina in the world that looks good Ute or otherwise

The marina that TOPGEAR dropped a caravan on looked pretty good once they were done!

[Madness]

That's fucking hideous.


I agree and I drive one daily - 40,000km since April. Good mileage but shitty (bouncy as feck) leaf-sprung rear.

Ha! I'm now on my second one from new. Done 85,000 in this one in 18 months, quite like it actually.

:yawn:

[Laava]

The marina that TOPGEAR dropped a caravan on looked pretty good once they were done!

Haha, yeah I was gonna say, piano cushion, but meh.
Tbh, in it's day they would have been close to cutting edge I guess

[AllanB]

Au series has to be the biggest styling fail since the first shape ford taurus.
Holden a close second. Thank fuck for the koreans eh?

XR versions of the AU thank you. Amazing what a new nose, spoiler, Tickford lowering kit and wheels did to the standard unit.



The Taurus was hideous - always reminded me of a slug.

[unstuck]

I dunno - my Marina ute looks pretty sharp!;)

Marina vans can look pretty sharp too.:blip:

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/8248/marinaps.jpg

[scumdog]

There isn't a Marina in the world that looks good Ute or otherwise

Your jealousy is showing, just because YOU missed the chance to buy it doesn't mean you have to be so mean about it!:killingme

[santhrun]

No doubt you are going to come back on here under a different username and offer up a remedy now.

Thanks for the useful comment. Anyone else? Thanks in advance

[98tls]

I dunno - my Marina ute looks pretty sharp!;)

My old lady had a Marina coupe in the worst shade of brown when i was about 12 years old,was talking to her earlier after i saw this thread and asked her about the thing,she owned it for 5 years and the bloody thing never missed a beat she reckons,strange but if ma says so then its true.

[98tls]

Best looking ute in NZ? It was a Ford. ;)

BA was a better looker i reckon...

[98tls]

chuck a bag of sand in the back it will settle down

Back on topic did you end up buying a Ranger mate?I want another ute but buggered if i know whats next.

[Gremlin]

Back on topic did you end up buying a Ranger mate?I want another ute but buggered if i know whats next.
Upgrade. Get a Holden.

:dodge:

[JimO]

Back on topic did you end up buying a Ranger mate?I want another ute but buggered if i know whats next.
no i bought another hilux, i will look at the ranger again when its time to move this one on

[Laava]

Upgrade. Get a Holden.

:dodge:

Yeah, you better dodge!:msn-wink:

[98tls]

Upgrade. Get a Holden.

:dodge:

No dont think i will thanks,Holdens/Fords blah blah blah its all much of a muchness eh cept Holdens always seem to look like the ugly sister...matter of opinion i guess but thats mine and i could give a fuck about anyone elses.:niceone:

[98tls]

no i bought another hilux, i will look at the ranger again when its time to move this one on

Fair enough,one of the contracters at work has a bloody nice Ranger in black with Crown canopy etc,good looking wagon,things starting to annoy me really as i look at it lustfully :love:and am not a big fan of 4wds.

[Gremlin]

One thing I should probably mention, my Dad has gone from his own Merc station wagon to a company supplied 08 Navara, double cab etc.

He's hating it initially. Massive blind spots, huge bugger (5.3m) for moving in and out of parks and he's learnt that the smaller parks actually need to be avoided, because by the time you've backed out, you're up against the other row of vehicles. Reversing around at night with the tinted canopy (especially with the typical pouring rain we've had recently), he can't really see shit. Mirrors are big, which are pretty much the saving grace, but agrees a reversing camera should almost be required. In Oamaru you're probably a bit better off than middle of Auckland type parking...

For it's huge size, it's still only a 2WD, so still about as much chance of getting out of shit as my Commodore ute...

[98tls]

One thing I should probably mention, my Dad has gone from his own Merc station wagon to a company supplied 08 Navara, double cab etc.

He's hating it initially. Massive blind spots, huge bugger (5.3m) for moving in and out of parks and he's learnt that the smaller parks actually need to be avoided, because by the time you've backed out, you're up against the other row of vehicles. Reversing around at night with the tinted canopy (especially with the typical pouring rain we've had recently), he can't really see shit. Mirrors are big, which are pretty much the saving grace, but agrees a reversing camera should almost be required. In Oamaru you're probably a bit better off than middle of Auckland type parking...

For it's huge size, it's still only a 2WD, so still about as much chance of getting out of shit as my Commodore ute...

All good,if its a company vehicle then should be coverd by company insurance eh:msn-wink:Agree on the tinted canopys they suck even without rain.Oamarus full of retired people in Corrollas and Tongans in troop carriers neither group can drive worth shite only safe place to park is the center plots.

[JimO]

i have a reversing camera, its great

[pzkpfw]

One thing I should probably mention, my Dad has gone from his own Merc station wagon to a company supplied 08 Navara, double cab etc.

He's hating it initially. Massive blind spots, huge bugger (5.3m) for moving in and out of parks and he's learnt that the smaller parks actually need to be avoided, because by the time you've backed out, you're up against the other row of vehicles. Reversing around at night with the tinted canopy (especially with the typical pouring rain we've had recently), he can't really see shit. Mirrors are big, which are pretty much the saving grace, but agrees a reversing camera should almost be required. In Oamaru you're probably a bit better off than middle of Auckland type parking...

For it's huge size, it's still only a 2WD, so still about as much chance of getting out of shit as my Commodore ute...

I wonder about the trays on those double cab utes. I've had some huge (longish) loads in my Toyota station wagon. Fold the back seats down and I get a long, totally flat load space. Stuff that wouldn't fit on the tray of one of those utes.

On the other hand, I couldn't carry around a statue of SpankMe upright. And wouldn't want to fill the wagon with sacks of builders mix and cement (unless maybe LOTS of tarp used).

I park in a building down town. Hard not to laugh watching a guy two weeks ago, grinding the right hand mirror off his double-cab Triton on the concrete walls.

Horses for courses.

[Gremlin]

I wonder about the trays on those double cab utes. I've had some huge (longish) loads in my Toyota station wagon. Fold the back seats down and I get a long, totally flat load space. Stuff that wouldn't fit on the tray of one of those utes.
Yeah, horses for courses. Trays on the double cab utes are around 1.5m. Long loads, with such a short tray would simply stick up too high, so the best solution there is racks and a canopy and then you're good for 6 odd metres easy. Your load height is also a little higher, not a very often quoted spec.

For me, I primarily use bikes, so the number one requirement for 4 wheels was transporting bikes. Double cabs with 1.5m trays, the rear wheel definitely sits on the tail, and that's if you're lucky. I went for a sports ute (falcon or commodore style). Better road manners, long tray and also a low load height means I can actually handle bikes solo. Maximum length for the VY I have is around 2.1m as the tray tucks under the cab, but rim level is more like 1.8m. Width is still good, at just over 1.2m between the arches so you can get a pallet in. You don't get the extra seats or extra space in the cab for equipment, bugger all behind the seats really. Double cabs can take 1 ton+, the VY spec I have tops out at 735kg (inc passengers and fuel). Been over that a few times, but I have airbags inside the rear springs so I can increase the pressure within a range to help it handle it better.

Other option was a van, but with the big GSA I need 1.6m vertically. I'd only get that with high roof vans, even worse in the wind, can't get into car park buildings (ever)... yeah, didn't work for me. Better security for anything inside than my ute tho... I'd really fancy something like the Ford F250, space cab would give you back seats and the long tray would get bikes in with the tail up... except that they're 6m+ long... which is enormous for NZ parks...

Oh, and now mtb'ing, I can chuck the bikes in the back, tie them to the sides (or strap them nose and tail for carrying even more) and no need for the racks, unless I'm transporting a pile of them...

[Berries]

I wonder about the trays on those double cab utes. I've had some huge (longish) loads in my Toyota station wagon. Fold the back seats down and I get a long, totally flat load space. Stuff that wouldn't fit on the tray of one of those utes.
You're not wrong. The wife got a double cab Ranger a few months back. Fuck all room in the back, not even a parcel shelf to put your jacket on, and then the tray is too short to be useful. Fold down the seats in a VW Golf and you get more room on the way back from Mitre 10. She thought it was the best of all worlds, I actually think it is shithouse. Until it comes to parking. Now that makes me laugh because you can't see sod all. You might as well be trying to parallel park the Costa Concordia.

[awayatc]

Thanks for the useful comment. Anyone else? Thanks in advance

Yeah ...... I think you are not a biker
I think you dont own a bike
I also believe you are just trying to flog your wares
try a different forum
Or trade me
no takers here
Would it hurt your feelings if I were to ask you to bugger off?

[unstuck]

Yeah ...... I think you are not a biker
I think you dont own a bike
I also believe you are just trying to flog your wares
try a different forum
Or trade me
no takers here
Would it hurt your feelings if I were to ask you to bugger off?

I think that is one of the politest fuck off speeches I have ever heard.:Punk::Punk:

[awayatc]

Yeah I know.....
I am a soft touch...

So soft that some people never figure out what knocked them out..

[BMWST?]

Double cab utes,full of compromise,i ended up with a compromised 4wd wagon instead ya gotta look catefully and weigh up what you want.
If the actual drive is important all of the utes,and ute based wagons are compromised

[Laava]

If the actual drive is important all of the utes,and ute based wagons are compromised

true. My Hilux handles really well until it all of a sudden is anything but, with not much transition between. Esp in the rain with nothing on the back. Nothing new here but much more pronounced than older models.

[unstuck]

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/ford_ranger.html

[pipe]

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/ford_ranger.html

Not really applicable to the NZ model.

New ranger turns up end of month.

There is some very good pricing out there on most utes at the moment.

[BMWST?]

true. My Hilux handles really well until it all of a sudden is anything but, with not much transition between. Esp in the rain with nothing on the back. Nothing new here but much more pronounced than older models.
Thats part of the compromise of the ute,and part of the reason I didnt want one

[unstuck]

Not really applicable to the NZ model.

New ranger turns up end of month.

There is some very good pricing out there on most utes at the moment.

Whats the difference? Apart from the obvious ones:rolleyes: Are they a completely different truck?

[scumdog]

true. My Hilux handles really well until it all of a sudden is anything but, with not much transition between. Esp in the rain with nothing on the back. Nothing new here but much more pronounced than older models.

Never had that problem with my Marina ute!:laugh:

[Kickaha]

Never had that problem with my Marina ute!:laugh:

Of course not, he used the words ""Handles well" so that counts the Marina out for a start

[98tls]

Of course not, he used the words ""Handles well" so that counts the Marina out for a start

Only reason you dont like Marina utes is theres no chance of fitting a broken bevel drive on the back of one.