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    Is a Mazda BT-50 or Ford Ranger better for touring?

    Asked by Steven

    I am looking at either a dual-cab Mazda BT-50 or Ford Ranger with a tray to put a 500kg slide-on camper on to. I plan to put a GVM upgrade on to the vehicle. I intend to use it for some touring with some four-wheel-drive use (nothing too hard-core) over the next 10-15 years. I am looking at cars from about 2015 onwards with less than 150,000km. Is there anything much to differentiate the Mazda or the Ford here? Could I reasonably expect to get 300,000km out of these vehicles assuming I look after them properly? Any other issues to consider? Thanks for your help.

    Answered by CarsGuide

    20 Nov 2020 David Morley

    It’s nice to see somebody taking the long view when it comes to vehicle ownership. Cars have become an increasingly throw-away commodity, and it seems a shame that all that engineering and development doesn’t get a longer lifespan.

    The BT-50 and Ranger you’ve nominated are, fundamentally, the same vehicles under the skin, so the choice will come down to the options fitted and the trim level that combines the features you want in one package. As a rule of thumb, the five-cylinder engine option will do a better job of hauling a slide-on camper into a headwind and will always be worth more as a trade-in (although that’s clearly not a concern for you).

    If you’re planning to keep the vehicle up to 300,000km, there’s a very good chance you’ll need to spend some money on the vehicle’s direct injection system at some point. A set of injectors and filters as well as an injector pump are all likely to need replacement over the distance you’ve nominated. That said, all modern common rail diesels seem to be in the same boat here, but if you’re prepared to service the vehicle religiously, then those expenses should be kept to a minimum. Take it as read, though, that a modern turbo-diesel will not appreciate neglect in this area.

    The other thing to watch out for is a vehicle that has already had a hard working life, as these dual-cabs often have. The tray-back you want also means the vehicle is likely to have been a work truck rather than a lifestyle accessory, so have any prospect checked independently before handing over the money.

    Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

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