Ford Ranger Problems

The Holden is cheaper because more people are choosing the Ford. If it's close enough on features, and ahead on value, then park the dream for some reality. But perhaps also cross-shop the Mazda BT-50, which is a clone of the Ranger.

Ford Australia customer service chief Stephen Kruk tells me the transmission has been repaired under warranty. A loan car was supplied while the vehicle was off the road.

I would seek legal advice on the matter. You have signed a contract, and it would seem that the dealer either hasn’t understood the limitations of the offer, or hasn’t bothered to bone up on Ford’s rules. For them to say they will not honour the contract clearly puts them at fault.

Comparing utes and SUVs is tough. I get complaints from Grand Cherokee owners, the HiLux is being replaced soon and the Outlander is nothing special. The Colorado SUV is probably best for you but drive a Hyundai Santa Fe before you commit.

That's a tough one. The Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 are rated to tow 3500kg, but if you tow the full 3500kg, as you want to do, the payload you can also carry is severely reduced. None of the other utes marketed here by the major manufacturers are rated to tow 3500kg, which rules them out. If you want to tow 3500kg and carry a decent load, you're really looking at one of the big brutes from America, like a Ford F-Series, a Dodge Ram, or a Toyota Tundra.

We consulted a couple of paint industry specialists and can report that the accepted range of paint thickness on new cars is between 60 microns and 110 microns.

More expensive, prestigious cars, like a Lexus or BMW, would be expected to have paint thickness at the higher end of the range. More mundane, working class models like the Ranger would be at the lower end. Paint thickness as measured will also vary depending on the location. It will be thicker on upper surfaces, like the roof or bonnet, and thinner on the sides of the car.

Our specialist thought the thickness as measured on your car was well within the accepted range.

Thanks for the tip. We'll add that to our list of things to look out for on the Ranger. Presumably it's the same with the Mazda BT-50.

The Ranger does get a refresh and Ford sources suggest no changes to the running gear but lots of new technology, including driver assistance on the high-series model. It will be on sale in the third quarter. 

The Ranger gets a makeover in the third quarter of the year. Ford has just revealed it at the Bangkok motor show. Most of the work has gone into new technology.