Mazda BT-50 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.

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.

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.

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 clutch might be smelly, but is it slipping or doing anything else untoward. Clutches are a regularly reported problem on one-tonne utes, which suggests most are borderline in capacity. If there is a problem with the functioning of the clutch, approach Mazda again about replacing it. If there isn't a problem think about replacing the clutch with a heavy-duty one that's more capable of handling your towing needs.

We have had one or two other complaints about the rear springs on the Ranger, which presumably is the same as the BT-50. Like you I would be concerned if the springs on my vehicle were inverted, and I would not be happy about them riding on the bump stops, and I too would question the vehicle's ability to do what it is claimed to be capable of. I would take it to a suspension specialist and have it uprated to do what you want to do with it.

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.

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.

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.