When you are on the search for a different vehicle, it's essential to choose one that has everything you need. Whether you want the ute for play, work, family holidays, or with towing in mind, there are a few top choices from your Australian car yard. While the Volkswagen Amarok and Toyota Hilux are all great vehicles for particular activities, they aren't as versatile as the Ford Ranger.
A used Ford Ranger is a popular ute for riding around work sites, pulling your boat, getting muddy off-road, and filling up with luggage for holidays up the coast. In fact, the Ford Ranger is well-built, reliable, and stylish. Plus, they're readily available throughout Australia.
They're selling like hotcakes because they have the speed you crave, many engine choices available, and are highly reliable. Buying one in Australia requires you to do more than just go to a car yard or shop online and putting up the money. You've got to make sure it's reliable with no issues with financials and odometer tampering. On top of that, the market is full of reports of Rangers being stolen. Therefore, you should make sure that you get a comprehensive report about them first.
Why Should You Be Careful When Buying a Used Ford Ranger in Australia?
Utes are common vehicles for work. They can get thrown around the mine or building site because they handle themselves well. However, they can run into disrepair if they're neglected with time. It's easy for people to be fooled during inspections because of cosmetic changes, such as cleaning the car. Under that surface, though, there could be serious damage that could cost you a lot of money. If you buy a second hand ute at Westside Auto Wholesale don't be concerned with this point as all our vehicles have to pass a vigorous safety check before sale.
You should always get a report about the vehicle you plan to buy. Rangers have various models and options. The four-wheel-drive variant is sure to be exciting. However, you should always inspect the undercarriage and bodywork of these cars thoroughly before you buy. Many times they have been driven off-road, so they can see harsher road conditions. In some cases, they were never driven on the regular road. That means axle and suspension damage may be present but not obvious.
Utes like the PJ and PK options ran between 2007 and 2012 and are the most common out there right now. They are highly sturdy vehicles with plenty of street style for the weekends with enough grunt to take to work. There were four- and two-door options and each one had different tray styles based on what the buyer wanted.
The engines were pretty decent, too. Four-wheel-drive was the best choice because it let you get going without any problems. On top of that, the dual-cab vehicle was a top contender. However, there are a number of reasons to be careful when buying a used Ford Ranger. This ute could be much better than the Mitsubishi Triton, but it's not perfect.
Possible Problems You May Have with Used Ford Rangers in Australia
If a car just isn't enough for you, it might be time to consider a used Ford Ranger. In fact, Rangers are brilliant vehicles on all accounts and handle themselves well regardless of where they're driven (including off-road). However, these vehicles did have a number of problems relating to safety and other issues that popped up with each generation. Find out more about this ute and what to look for.
What to Look for During the Test Drive and Inspection
During your test drive, it is essential to pay attention to these concerns:
Faulty Turn Signal or Multi-Switch Signal
The horn on your car could honk intermittently and without warning. On top of that, the headlights go off when high beams are activated, and the windscreen wipers could come on by themselves or not work at all.
Recalls from 2010
30,000 Rangers were recalled by Ford in 2010 to replace the bonnet lock, which was faulty. Then, 8,000 more Ford Ranger products were recalled to replace the faulty cruise control part. It's a good idea to check the service history for any evidence that there was a problem. You should also ensure that 2010 models were checked by Ford mechanics.
Rust
A Ranger that was used to tow a boat and put it in the water might not have been cleaned thoroughly. Therefore, water and salt might have corroded the underbody of this car. That might affect its structure with time. When purchasing a used Ranger, thoroughly check its body, rear, and cab corners for signs of rust. If you're not sure, take it to a mechanic for service.
Faulty Airbags
During the years of 1995 and 2008, The Ford Ranger suffered from airbag deployment problems, so many were recalled. You can check the service history to make sure your model was serviced by a Ford mechanic. You may also consult a Ford workshop to see if the airbags are safe.
Limp Mode
Diesel-powered Rangers with a 2.2-litre engine or 3.2-litre engine could drop into 'limp' mode without warning. Sometimes, the 2.2-litre system can become reset by stopping and waiting for the unit to cool before restarting. However, if you're travelling long distances or going to tow 100km, this may not be ideal. The only fix on these used car models is to upgrade the management system or replace the control module.
Oil Issues
Ford has admitted that it replaced a large number of 3.2-litre five-cylinder diesel options under warranty, so check the history of the vehicles. You should also check the hose connections for any leaks and the bay for signs that oil or coolant was sprayed around in the used car. Some of the all-wheel-drive diesel engines also had oil concerns.
Flywheel
Problems have been reported by owners about the dual-mass flywheel, which had been developed to reduce vibration. From 2012 onward, the Ranger went back to the conventional flywheel. Gear selection challenges, shudders, and vibrations are signs that the clutch unit on the used car is about to fail.
Choosing Your Ford Ranger
The model you choose is based on your specific needs. Things to pay attention to include:
- Two or four-door versions
- Mileage on the odometer
- Four-wheel-drive or AWD
- Manual or auto transmission
- Speed
The top choice for most people buying a Ranger is the 3.2-litre engine dual-cab, which is not a four-cylinder. This vehicle is easy on the eyes but can cost more money for fuel.
If you don't want to use diesel, petrol is a great choice, and you can find vehicle options to meet your needs. Those who prefer petrol should consider the PX Ranger (4x2 single cab chassis), as it is your only option. The rest of the vehicle variants were diesel, with a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder engine.
We do have to point out that the Wildtrak was a great option, too, based on the reviews. The 6-speed automatic Wildtrak was a low-cost option and had the basic setup of other vehicles in the Ranger family. In fact, the Wildtrak rode on 18-inch alloy wheels with flared arches. Though it didn't come as manual, most people didn't mind.
Conclusion
If you keep up with the news, you're sure to hear about Rangers being a top choice when compared to buying Toyota or other brands. A ute is something you're bound to need, but you want it to have low mileage, no mechanical faults, no underbody damage, and a decent interior. These vehicles are workhorses and are much better than cars when you have a lot to move in Australia.
Buying used is a great option because you get a quality vehicle for a lower price. There are plenty of them for sale, but make sure that you check the car report when you browse for them.
If you are in the market for a used Ford Ranger in Perth, please reach out to us today and our team will help you find the perfect vehicle for your needs.
