Ford Ranger 2016 Problems

There is some American-led styling on SUVs but bigger and higher bonnets — even on something as compact as a Mini — are a result of the safety regulations on pedestrian impact protection. The bonnet is now being designed as a "safety net" to cushion a pedestrian bowled over by a vehicle.

The Amarok is rated to tow 3000 kg, which would make it marginal for your needs given that you want to tow around three tonnes. The Ranger and BT-50 are rated at 3500 kg, which would make them more suitable for you. The Ranger and the BT-50 are the same vehicle, it's only the features that separate them. For me, of those you list the Mazda is the best value-for-money.

We have seen sufficient reports of lop-sided Rangers to believe that it is a problem. Some of the reports are of vehicles that are as much as 30 mm lower on one side than the other. Ford might say it is within specification, but I would suggest the specification is rather loose and should be tightened up. I would suggest you take your vehicle to a suspension specialist and have them measure it accurately, and suggest what might be done to correct it. Take that information back to Ford and request that thy take action to fix the car.

You're not alone, there are lots of reports of the Ranger sagging to the left; the springs are clearly not up to the job. Ford's answer in most cases is to stonewall and hope the owner goes away. Keep the pressure up on Ford, but also consider going to Queensland's consumer affairs department. Sad to say, the least painful solution would be to go to a suspension specialist and get the suspension uprated.

There are no major issues with the Ranger engine or gearbox that should rule it out. Around the end of the financial year is often a good time to get a good deal, cars companies and dealers are looking to shift their stock at that time. Change of model is also a good time to swoop.

It sounds as thought the air-conditioning may not be working. Take it back to the dealer and have them check the system for you.

You need to know the all-up weight of the trailer with the three horses all your gear aboard. The horses alone weight 1500 kg, and the float is going to be 1500 to 2000 kg, so you need a vehicle capable of towing 3500 kg. There are a number on the market rated to tow that load, vehicles like the Holden Colorado, Mazda BT-50, Ford Ranger, Land Rover Discovery etc. You also need to be mindful of the Gross Combination Mass of the vehicle when you're going to tow at or near its maximum rating to ensure you don't exceed it.

Orange peel was once considered the sign of poor quality in a paint job, but today it seems that it is ok to serve up. The response you got intimating that it was ok because it was only a ute is a sign of the malaise that's overtaken the car industry today. It's not acceptable, and anyone buying a new car should look closely at the paint job before signing up and handing over their cash.