Mazda BT-50 Problems

There are plenty of reports of the BT50 gearbox jumping out of fifth gear, but we haven’t seen one of it jumping out of first. It could be wear, although it’s very low kays for wear to be showing up. Take it to a gearbox specialist and have it checked.

The fuel consumption figures you have supplied don't seem to be too far off what Mazda claims it should do. Mazda claims an urban fuel consumption of 11.76 L/100 km, which would appear to be in line with your 11.0 L/100 km, and a combined figure of 8.9 L/100 km, which would seem to be in line with your 8.8 L/100 km. The type of driving has an enormous impact on fuel consumption and I suspect that's the main factor in what you are seeing. If you want to have the vehicle checked take it to a diesel mechanic.

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 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.

The claimed fuel consumption for urban driving, which would seem to be what you are doing is 11.8 L/100 km. On that basis your consumption would seem to be too high, but your car is still very new and I would be giving it more time to settle in. You could go for a run out on the highway and see what that produces.

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.