Ford Ranger Problems

I would suggest you start with Vicroads, but if that doesn't work try companies producing accessories for the Ranger, companies like Pedders or ARB.

Car makers will sometimes reset the idle speed to compensate for the increased load on the engine from the air-conditioning so the engine doesn’t become unstable at higher temperatures. But a 1000 rpm idle would be annoying.

The Ranger gets The Tick and is a clear winner from the Amarok. The all-new Navara is not even close. But we're expecting a new Mitsubishi Triton and Toyota HiLux in the first half of 2015, so check back nearer then.

The new HiLux and Triton will arrive in the first half of next year. If you're planning a five-year run for your new ute it would be worth waiting to see how the pecking order changes once they're in place.

It's too early for a reliability read on classy utes such as the Ford Ranger/Mazda BT50 and VW Amarok, which with their lusty turbo diesels are great for heavy work.

Good news from Stephen Kruk, general manager of Ford Australia's customer service division, who says: "We will have a service fix released before the year's end." I've been agitating and yours will be one of the first Rangers to get the fix.

It's OK but the Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 are better. The Mazda gets The Tick based on lower prices for better value.

The Ranger is the winner, ahead of the Colorado and the HiLux (which gets replaced in the first half of next year). But don't forget to cross-shop the Ranger's Mazda BT-50 twin.

Right now, with the HiLux set for a total replacement in the first half of next year, the Ford and Mazda are the better choices and get The Tick. Ford developed the car but shoppers report better deals on the BT-50.