Mazda BT-50 Problems

Your engine will not fail if you use the correct specification of oil, even if it's not synthetic, but Mazda spokesman Tony Mee has the company line: "The specification does not indicate that the oil must be a 'synthetic' product, however . . . the Mazda recommended engine oil for BT-50 is a high quality 'synthetic' product that supports long-term engine durability and performance. The service schedule has been developed to ensure the long term durability and performance of the vehicle including all systems".

The locally developed Ranger gets The Tick and is best in class. Also check pricing on the Mazda BT-50 as it's a clone of the Ford, as well as private pricing for Mitsubishi's Triton.

Jeep is overhauling its customer support systems in Australia and I'm much more confident in recommending the Grand Cherokee. It will also be fine for your towing and any off-road work.

It appears it's still an issue, and not just with the BT-50. Others have the same problem. If you're going to buy a one-tonner and want to work it hard consider having the rear suspension upgraded.

You shouldn’t need to be draining water out of the system every couple of weeks; that says there is something wrong. Your mechanic is right; the dealer should have flushed the fuel system out to make sure there was no water in the system when you drove the car away. I would go back to the dealer and talk to him about some sort of compensation. They haven’t been as diligent as they should have been.

Glad you're going to wet the tinnie. Ford after-sales people Stephen Kruk and Linda Minardo helped speed things up. And if you need advice on BT-50 crank angle sensors, Pete's your man.

That's great news but no surprise on the Mazda front.

There will be no damage. Using the correct gear is about ensuring you have the engine operating efficiently, even in top, and your fuel figures show you did a good job.

It's a diesel, so it's not pinging. I suspect it's the injectors rattling. Have a diesel mechanic check them for you.

The MU-X is rated to tow 3000 kg, which is well above the 2100 kg you say your caravan weighs. On that basis it would seem to be well suited to your towing needs.